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Kowalik MA, Taguchi K, Serra M, Caddeo A, Puliga E, Bacci M, Koshiba S, Inoue J, Hishinuma E, Morandi A, Giordano S, Perra A, Yamamoto M, Columbano A. Metabolic reprogramming in Nrf2-driven proliferation of normal rat hepatocytes. Hepatology 2024; 79:829-843. [PMID: 37603610 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cancer cells reprogram their metabolic pathways to support bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs and to maintain their redox balance. In several human tumors, the Keap1-Nrf2 system controls proliferation and metabolic reprogramming by regulating the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). However, whether this metabolic reprogramming also occurs in normal proliferating cells is unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS To define the metabolic phenotype in normal proliferating hepatocytes, we induced cell proliferation in the liver by 3 distinct stimuli: liver regeneration by partial hepatectomy and hepatic hyperplasia induced by 2 direct mitogens: lead nitrate (LN) or triiodothyronine. Following LN treatment, well-established features of cancer metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced glycolysis, oxidative PPP, nucleic acid synthesis, NAD + /NADH synthesis, and altered amino acid content, as well as downregulated oxidative phosphorylation, occurred in normal proliferating hepatocytes displaying Nrf2 activation. Genetic deletion of Nrf2 blunted LN-induced PPP activation and suppressed hepatocyte proliferation. Moreover, Nrf2 activation and following metabolic reprogramming did not occur when hepatocyte proliferation was induced by partial hepatectomy or triiodothyronine. CONCLUSIONS Many metabolic changes in cancer cells are shared by proliferating normal hepatocytes in response to a hostile environment. Nrf2 activation is essential for bridging metabolic changes with crucial components of cancer metabolic reprogramming, including the activation of oxidative PPP. Our study demonstrates that matured hepatocytes exposed to LN undergo cancer-like metabolic reprogramming and offers a rapid and useful in vivo model to study the molecular alterations underpinning the differences/similarities of metabolic changes in normal and neoplastic hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Caddeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Marina Bacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Seizo Koshiba
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jin Inoue
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Eiji Hishinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Caddeo A, Serra M, Sedda F, Bacci A, Manera C, Rapposelli S, Columbano A, Perra A, Kowalik MA. Potential use of TG68 - A novel thyromimetic - for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD)-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1127517. [PMID: 36910628 PMCID: PMC9996294 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1127517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several lines of evidence suggest that the thyroid hormone signaling pathway is altered in patients with NAFLD and that pharmacological strategies to target the thyroid hormone/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor axis (TH/THR) in the liver may exert beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of TG68, a novel THRβ agonist, on rat hepatic fat accumulation and NAFLD-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods Male rats given a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and fed a high fat diet (HFD) were co-treated with different doses of TG68. Systemic and hepatic metabolic parameters, immunohistochemistry and hepatic gene expression were determined to assess the effect of TG68 on THRβ activation. Results Irrespectively of the dose, treatment with TG68 led to a significant reduction in liver weight, hepatic steatosis, circulating triglycerides, cholesterol and blood glucose. Importantly, a short exposure to TG68 caused regression of DEN-induced preneoplastic lesions associated with a differentiation program, as evidenced by a loss of neoplastic markers and reacquisition of markers of differentiated hepatocytes. Finally, while an equimolar dose of the THRβ agonist Resmetirom reduced hepatic fat accumulation, it did not exert any antitumorigenic effect. Discussion The use of this novel thyromimetic represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NAFLD-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caddeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sedda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Bacci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Serra M, Pal R, Puliga E, Sulas P, Cabras L, Cusano R, Giordano S, Perra A, Columbano A, Kowalik MA. mRNA-miRNA networks identify metabolic pathways associated to the anti-tumorigenic effect of thyroid hormone on preneoplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941552. [PMID: 36203462 PMCID: PMC9530455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid hormones (THs) inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through different mechanisms. However, whether microRNAs play a role in the antitumorigenic effect of THs remains unknown. Methods By next generation sequencing (NGS) we performed a comprehensive comparative miRNomic and transcriptomic analysis of rat hepatic preneoplastic lesions exposed or not to a short-term treatment with triiodothyronine (T3). The expression of the most deregulated miRs was also investigated in rat HCCs, and in human hepatoma cell lines, treated or not with T3. Results Among miRs down-regulated in preneoplastic nodules following T3, co-expression networks revealed those targeting thyroid hormone receptor-β (Thrβ) and deiodinase1, and Oxidative Phosphorylation. On the other hand, miRs targeting members of the Nrf2 Oxidative Pathway, Glycolysis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Proline biosynthesis – all involved in the metabolic reprogramming displayed by preneoplastic lesions– were up-regulated. Notably, while the expression of most miRs deregulated in preneoplastic lesions was not altered in HCC or in hepatoma cells, miR-182, a miR known to target Dio1 and mitochondrial complexes, was down-deregulated by T3 treatment at all stages of hepatocarcinogenesis and in hepatocarcinoma cell lines. In support to the possible critical role of miR-182 in hepatocarcinogenesis, exogenous expression of this miR significantly impaired the inhibitory effect of T3 on the clonogenic growth capacity of human HCC cells. Conclusions This work identified several miRNAs, so far never associated to T3. In addition, the precise definition of the miRNA-mRNA networks elicited by T3 treatment gained in this study may provide a better understanding of the key regulatory events underlying the inhibitory effect of T3 on HCC development. In this context, T3-induced down-regulation of miR-182 appears as a promising tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Candiolo, Italy
| | - Pia Sulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Cusano
- Centro di Ricerca, Sviluppo e Studi Superiori in Sardegna (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Amedeo Columbano, ; Marta Anna Kowalik,
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Amedeo Columbano, ; Marta Anna Kowalik,
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Serra M, Di Matteo M, Serneels J, Pal R, Cafarello ST, Lanza M, Sanchez-Martin C, Evert M, Castegna A, Calvisi DF, Mazzone M, Columbano A. Deletion of Lactate Dehydrogenase-A Impairs Oncogene-Induced Mouse Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:609-624. [PMID: 35714859 PMCID: PMC9307943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multistep process whereby abnormally proliferating cancer cells undergo extensive metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic alterations in hepatocarcinogenesis depend on the activation of specific oncogenes, thus partially explaining HCC heterogeneity. c-Myc oncogene overexpression, frequently observed in human HCCs, leads to a metabolic rewiring toward a Warburg phenotype and production of lactate, resulting in the acidification of the extracellular space, favoring the emergence of an immune-permissive tumor microenvironment. Here, we investigated whether Ldha genetic ablation interferes with metabolic reprogramming and HCC development in the mouse. METHODS We characterized the metabolic reprogramming in tumors induced in C57BL/6J mice hydrodynamically cotransfected with c-Myc and h-Ras. Using the same experimental model, we investigated the effect of Ldha inhibition-gained through the inducible and hepatocyte-specific Ldha knockout-on cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, number and size of HCC lesions, and tumor microenvironment alterations. RESULTS c-Myc/h-Ras-driven tumors display a striking glycolytic metabolism, suggesting a switch to a Warburg phenotype. The tumors also exhibited enhanced pentose phosphate pathway activity, the switch of glutamine to sustain glutathione synthesis instead of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the impairment of oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, Ldha abrogation significantly hampered tumor number and size together with an evident inhibition of the Warburg-like metabolic feature and a remarkable increase of CD4+ lymphocytes compared with Ldha wild-type livers. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that Ldha deletion significantly impairs mouse HCC development and suggest lactate dehydrogenase as a potential target to enhance the efficacy of the current therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Di Matteo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium,Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jens Serneels
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium,Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sarah Trusso Cafarello
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium,Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Lanza
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlos Sanchez-Martin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alessandra Castegna
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium,Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Amedeo Columbano, PhD, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SP 8, Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy. fax: 070 666062.
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Pal R, Kowalik MA, Serra M, Migliore C, Giordano S, Columbano A, Perra A. Diverse MicroRNAs-mRNA networks regulate the priming phase of mouse liver regeneration and of direct hyperplasia. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13199. [PMID: 35174557 PMCID: PMC9055901 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Adult hepatocytes are quiescent cells that can be induced to proliferate in response to a reduction in liver mass (liver regeneration) or by agents endowed with mitogenic potency (primary hyperplasia). The latter condition is characterized by a more rapid entry of hepatocytes into the cell cycle, but the mechanisms responsible for the accelerated entry into the S phase are unknown. Materials and methods Next generation sequencing and Illumina microarray were used to profile microRNA and mRNA expression in CD‐1 mice livers 1, 3 and 6 h after 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) or a single dose of TCPOBOP, a ligand of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Ingenuity pathway and DAVID analyses were performed to identify deregulated pathways. MultiMiR analysis was used to construct microRNA‐mRNA networks. Results Following PH or TCPOBOP we identified 810 and 527 genes, and 102 and 10 miRNAs, respectively, differentially expressed. Only 20 genes and 8 microRNAs were shared by the two conditions. Many miRNAs targeting negative regulators of cell cycle were downregulated early after PH, concomitantly with increased expression of their target genes. On the contrary, negative regulators were not modified after TCPOBOP, but Ccnd1 targeting miRNAs, such as miR‐106b‐5p, were downregulated. Conclusions While miRNAs targeting negative regulators of the cell cycle are downregulated after PH, TCPOBOP caused downregulation of miRNAs targeting genes required for cell cycle entry. The enhanced Ccnd1 expression may explain the more rapid entry into the S phase of mouse hepatocytes following TCPOBOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Pal
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marina Serra
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Migliore
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Mattu S, Zavattari P, Kowalik MA, Serra M, Sulas P, Pal R, Puliga E, Sutti S, Foglia B, Parola M, Albano E, Giordano S, Perra A, Columbano A. Nrf2 Mutation/Activation Is Dispensable for the Development of Chemically Induced Mouse HCC. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:113-127. [PMID: 34530178 PMCID: PMC8593617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Activation of the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway has been associated with metabolic reprogramming in many tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the contribution of Nrf2 mutations in this process remains elusive. Here, we investigated the occurrence of Nrf2 mutations in distinct models of mouse hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS HCCs were generated by experimental protocols consisting of the following: (1) a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (DEN), followed by repeated treatments with the nuclear-receptor agonist 1,4-bis-[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene; (2) repeated treatments with 1,4-bis-[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene alone; (3) a single dose of DEN followed by exposure to a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined diet; and (4) a single dose of DEN with no further treatment. All of these protocols led to HCC development within 28-42 weeks. Activation of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway was investigated by analyzing the presence of Nrf2 gene mutations, and the expression of Nrf2 target genes. Metabolic reprogramming was assessed by evaluating the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and glutaminolysis. RESULTS No Nrf2 mutations were found in any of the models of hepatocarcinogenesis analyzed. Intriguingly, despite the described cooperation between β-catenin and the Nrf2 pathway, we found no evidence of Nrf2 activation in both early dysplastic nodules and HCCs, characterized by the presence of up to 80%-90% β-catenin mutations. No HCC metabolic reprogramming was observed either. CONCLUSIONS These results show that, unlike rat hepatocarcinogenesis, Nrf2 mutations do not occur in 4 distinct models of chemically induced mouse HCC. Interestingly, in the same models, metabolic reprogramming also was minimal or absent, supporting the concept that Nrf2 activation is critical for the switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mattu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pia Sulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, Candiolo, Italy,Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione Piemonte per l'Oncologia -Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Foglia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental and Clinical Pathology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental and Clinical Pathology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Albano
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, Candiolo, Italy,Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione Piemonte per l'Oncologia -Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Cagliari, Italy,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Amedeo Columbano, PhD, or Andrea Perra, MD, PhD, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SP 8, Km 0.700-09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.fax: (39) 070-666062.
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Cagliari, Italy,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Amedeo Columbano, PhD, or Andrea Perra, MD, PhD, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SP 8, Km 0.700-09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.fax: (39) 070-666062.
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Orrù C, Perra A, Kowalik MA, Rizzolio S, Puliga E, Cabras L, Giordano S, Columbano A. Distinct Mechanisms Are Responsible for Nrf2-Keap1 Pathway Activation at Different Stages of Rat Hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082305. [PMID: 32824383 PMCID: PMC7463589 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, the main intracellular defense against environmental stress, has been observed in several human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we assessed whether distinct mechanisms of activation may be involved at different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. We adopted an experimental model consisting of treatment with diethylnitrosamine (DENA) followed by a choline-devoid methionine-deficient (CMD) diet for 4 months. The CMD diet was then replaced with a basal diet, and the animals were killed at 6, 10 or 13 months after DENA injection. Nrf2 activation occurred at early steps of hepatocarcinogenesis and persisted throughout the tumorigenic process. While Nrf2 mutations were extremely frequent at early steps (90%), their incidence diminished with the progression to malignancy (25%). Conversely, while p62 was almost undetectable in early nodules, its accumulation occurred in HCCs, suggesting that Nrf2 pathway activation at late stages is mainly due to Keap1 sequestration by p62. We demonstrate that, in a model of hepatocarcinogenesis resembling human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Nrf2 mutations are the earliest molecular changes responsible for the activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. The progressive loss of mutations associated with a concomitant p62 accumulation implies that distinct mechanisms are responsible for Nrf2-Keap1 pathway activation at different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Orrù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-070-6758292 (A.P.); +39-011-9933233 (S.G.); +39-070-6758345 (A.C.); Fax: +39-011-9933225 (S.G.)
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
| | - Sabrina Rizzolio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (S.R.); (E.P.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-070-6758292 (A.P.); +39-011-9933233 (S.G.); +39-070-6758345 (A.C.); Fax: +39-011-9933225 (S.G.)
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (C.O.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (S.G.); (A.C.); Tel.: +39-070-6758292 (A.P.); +39-011-9933233 (S.G.); +39-070-6758345 (A.C.); Fax: +39-011-9933225 (S.G.)
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Kowalik MA, Puliga E, Cabras L, Sulas P, Petrelli A, Perra A, Ledda-Columbano GM, Morandi A, Merlin S, Orrù C, Sanchez-Martin C, Fornari F, Gramantieri L, Parri M, Rasola A, Bellomo SE, Sebastian C, Follenzi A, Giordano S, Columbano A. Thyroid hormone inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via induction of differentiation and metabolic reprogramming. J Hepatol 2020; 72:1159-1169. [PMID: 31954205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Only limited therapeutic options are currently available for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), making the development of effective alternatives essential. Based on the recent finding that systemic or local hypothyroidism is associated with HCC development in humans and rodents, we investigated whether the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) could inhibit the progression of HCCs. METHODS Different rat and mouse models of hepatocarcinogenesis were investigated. The effect of T3 on tumorigenesis and metabolism/differentiation was evaluated by transcriptomic analysis, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, immunohistochemistry, and enzymatic assay. RESULTS A short treatment with T3 caused a shift in the global expression profile of the most aggressive preneoplastic nodules towards that of normal liver. This genomic reprogramming preceded the disappearance of nodules and involved reprogramming of metabolic genes, as well as pro-differentiating transcription factors, including Kruppel-like factor 9, a target of the thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Treatment of HCC-bearing rats with T3 strongly reduced the number and burden of HCCs. Reactivation of a local T3/TRβ axis, a switch from Warburg to oxidative metabolism and loss of markers of poorly differentiated hepatocytes accompanied the reduced burden of HCC. This effect persisted 1 month after T3 withdrawal, suggesting a long-lasting effect of the hormone. The antitumorigenic effect of T3 was further supported by its inhibitory activity on cell growth and the tumorigenic ability of human HCC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings suggest that reactivation of the T3/TRβ axis induces differentiation of neoplastic cells towards a more benign phenotype and that T3 or its analogs, particularly agonists of TRβ, could be useful tools in HCC therapy. LAY SUMMARY Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents an important challenge for global health. Recent findings showed that systemic or local hypothyroidism is associated with HCC development. In rat models, we showed that administration of the thyroid hormone T3 impaired HCC progression, even when given at late stages. This is relevant from a translational point of view as HCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when it is no longer amenable to curative treatments. Thyroid hormones and/or thyromimetics could be useful for the treatment of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Italy; Present address: Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pia Sulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Claudia Orrù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Italy; Present address: Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Fornari
- CRBA Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- CRBA Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Parri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Rasola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute -FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Italy.
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Serra M, Columbano A, Ammarah U, Mazzone M, Menga A. Understanding Metal Dynamics Between Cancer Cells and Macrophages: Competition or Synergism? Front Oncol 2020; 10:646. [PMID: 32426284 PMCID: PMC7203474 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal ions, such as selenium, copper, zinc, and iron are naturally present in the environment (air, drinking water, and food) and are vital for cellular functions at chemical, molecular, and biological levels. These trace elements are involved in various biochemical reactions by acting as cofactors for many enzymes and control important biological processes by binding to the receptors and transcription factors. Moreover, they are essential for the stabilization of the cellular structures and for the maintenance of genome stability. A body of preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that dysregulation of metal homeostasis, both at intracellular and tissue level, contributes to the pathogenesis of many different types of cancer. These trace minerals play a crucial role in preventing or accelerating neoplastic cell transformation and in modulating the inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic response in immune cells, such as macrophages, by controlling a plethora of metabolic reactions. In this context, macrophages and cancer cells interact in different manners and some of these interactions are modulated by availability of metals. The current review discusses the new findings and focuses on the involvement of these micronutrients in metabolic and cellular signaling mechanisms that influence macrophage functions, onset of cancer and its progression. An improved understanding of "metallic" cross-talk between macrophages and cancer cells may pave the way for innovative pharmaceutical or dietary interventions in order to restore the balance of these trace elements and also strengthen the chemotherapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ummi Ammarah
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center – MBC, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center – MBC, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Menga
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center – MBC, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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10
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Perra A, Kowalik MA, Cabras L, Runfola M, Sestito S, Migliore C, Giordano S, Chiellini G, Rapposelli S, Columbano A. Potential role of two novel agonists of thyroid hormone receptor-β on liver regeneration. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12808. [PMID: 32347601 PMCID: PMC7260063 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the hepatomitogenic activity of triiodothyronine (T3) is well established, the wide range of harmful effects exerted by this hormone precludes its use in liver regenerative therapy. Selective agonists of the beta isoform of thyroid hormone receptor (TRβ) do not exhibit T3-induced cardiotoxicity and show a good safety profile in patients with NASH. The aim of this study was to investigate whether two novel TRβ agonists, the prodrug TG68 and the active compound IS25 could stimulate hepatocyte proliferation without T3/TRα-dependent side effects. METHODS Rats were treated with three different doses (12.5, 25 and 50 μg/100 g body weight) for one week. Hepatocyte proliferation, liver injury and serum biochemical parameters were measured by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Both drugs increased hepatocyte proliferation as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation (from 14% to 28% vs 5% of controls) and mitotic activity. Enhanced proliferation occurred in the absence of significant signs of liver injury as shown by lack of increased serum transaminase levels or of apoptosis. No cardiac or renal hypertrophy typically associated with treatment with T3 was observed. Importantly, no proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells, such as that seen after administration of T3 or the TRβ agonist GC1 was detected following either TG68 or IS25, demonstrating the hepato-specificity of these novel TRβ agonists. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that TG68 and IS25 induce massive hepatocyte proliferation without overt toxicity. Hence, these agents may have a significant clinical application for regenerative therapies in liver transplantation or other surgical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lavinia Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Simona Sestito
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Migliore
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Italy
| | | | | | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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11
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Vega-Benedetti AF, Loi E, Moi L, Blois S, Fadda A, Antonelli M, Arcella A, Badiali M, Giangaspero F, Morra I, Columbano A, Restivo A, Zorcolo L, Gismondi V, Varesco L, Bellomo SE, Giordano S, Canale M, Casadei-Gardini A, Faloppi L, Puzzoni M, Scartozzi M, Ziranu P, Cabras G, Cocco P, Ennas MG, Satta G, Zucca M, Canzio D, Zavattari P. Clustered protocadherins methylation alterations in cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:100. [PMID: 31288858 PMCID: PMC6617643 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clustered protocadherins (PCDHs) map in tandem at human chromosome 5q31 and comprise three multi-genes clusters: α-, β- and γ-PCDH. The expression of this cluster consists of a complex mechanism involving DNA hub formation through DNA-CCTC binding factor (CTCF) interaction. Methylation alterations can affect this interaction, leading to transcriptional dysregulation. In cancer, clustered PCDHs undergo a mechanism of long-range epigenetic silencing by hypermethylation. Results In this study, we detected frequent methylation alterations at CpG islands associated to these clustered PCDHs in all the solid tumours analysed (colorectal, gastric and biliary tract cancers, pilocytic astrocytoma), but not hematologic neoplasms such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Importantly, several altered CpG islands were associated with CTCF binding sites. Interestingly, our analysis revealed a hypomethylation event in pilocytic astrocytoma, suggesting that in neuronal tissue, where PCDHs are highly expressed, these genes become hypomethylated in this type of cancer. On the other hand, in tissues where PCDHs are lowly expressed, these CpG islands are targeted by DNA methylation. In fact, PCDH-associated CpG islands resulted hypermethylated in gastrointestinal tumours. Conclusions Our study highlighted a strong alteration of the clustered PCDHs methylation pattern in the analysed solid cancers and suggested these methylation aberrations in the CpG islands associated with PCDH genes as powerful diagnostic biomarkers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0695-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Loredana Moi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sylvain Blois
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manila Antonelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Badiali
- Genetic and Genomic Laboratory, Microcitemico Children's Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Isabella Morra
- Department of Pathology OIRM-S, Anna Hospital, A.O.U. City of Health and Science, Turin, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Viviana Gismondi
- Unit of Hereditary Cancer, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Liliana Varesco
- Unit of Hereditary Cancer, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Matteo Canale
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei-Gardini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico di Modena Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Faloppi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Macerata General Hospital, ASUR Marche AV3, Macerata, Italy
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Pierluigi Cocco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Health Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giannina Satta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Health Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Zucca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniele Canzio
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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12
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Tschuor C, Kachaylo E, Ungethüm U, Song Z, Lehmann K, Sánchez-Velázquez P, Linecker M, Kambakamba P, Raptis DA, Limani P, Eshmuminov D, Graf R, Columbano A, Humar B, Clavien PA. Yes-associated protein promotes early hepatocyte cell cycle progression in regenerating liver after tissue loss. FASEB Bioadv 2018; 1:51-61. [PMID: 30740593 PMCID: PMC6351850 DOI: 10.1096/fba.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the liver to restore its original volume following tissue loss has been associated with the Hippo‐YAP1 pathway, a key controller of organ size. Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1)—a growth effector usually restrained by Hippo signaling—is believed to be of particular importance; however, its role in liver regeneration remains ill‐defined. To explore its function, we knocked down YAP1 prior to standard 70%‐hepatectomy (sHx) using a hepatocyte‐specific nanoformulation. Knockdown was effective during the major parenchymal growth phase (S‐phase/M‐phase peaks at 32 hours/48 hours post‐sHx). Liver weight gain was completely suppressed by the knockdown at 32 hours, but was reaccelerated toward 48 hours. Likewise, proliferative markers, Ccna2/b2 and YAP1 target gene expression were downregulated at 32 hours, but re‐elevated at 48 hours post‐sHx. Nonetheless, knockdown slightly compromised survival after sHx. When assessing a model of resection‐induced liver failure (extended 86%‐hepatectomy, eHx) featuring deficient S‐ and M‐phase progression, YAP1 was not induced at 32 hours, but upregulated at 48 hours post‐eHx, confirming its dissociation from M‐phase regulation. Therefore, YAP1 is vital to push hepatocytes into cycle and through the S‐phase, but is not required for further cell cycle progression during liver regeneration. The examination of YAP1 in human livers suggested its function is conserved in the regenerating mammalian liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Tschuor
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Ekaterina Kachaylo
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Udo Ungethüm
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Kuno Lehmann
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Patricia Sánchez-Velázquez
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Michael Linecker
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Patryk Kambakamba
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Dimitri A Raptis
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Përparim Limani
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Dilmurodjon Eshmuminov
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Rolf Graf
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Sardinia Italy
| | - Bostjan Humar
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Alain Clavien
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery University Hospital Zürich Zürich Switzerland
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13
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Mattu S, Saliba C, Sulas P, Zavattari P, Perra A, Kowalik MA, Monga SP, Columbano A. High Frequency of β-Catenin Mutations in Mouse Hepatocellular Carcinomas Induced by a Nongenotoxic Constitutive Androstane Receptor Agonist. The American Journal of Pathology 2018; 188:2497-2507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Migliore C, Morando E, Ghiso E, Anastasi S, Leoni VP, Apicella M, Cora' D, Sapino A, Pietrantonio F, De Braud F, Columbano A, Segatto O, Giordano S. miR-205 mediates adaptive resistance to MET inhibition via ERRFI1 targeting and raised EGFR signaling. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 10:e8746. [PMID: 30021798 PMCID: PMC6127885 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of secondary resistance represents a major limitation to long-term efficacy of target therapies in cancer patients. Thus, the identification of mechanisms mediating secondary resistance is the key to the rational design of therapeutic strategies for resistant patients. MiRNA profiling combined with RNA-Seq in MET-addicted cancer cell lines led us to identify the miR-205/ERRFI1 (ERBB receptor feedback inhibitor-1) axis as a novel mediator of resistance to MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In cells resistant to MET-TKIs, epigenetically induced miR-205 expression determined the downregulation of ERRFI1 which, in turn, caused EGFR activation, sustaining resistance to MET-TKIs. Anti-miR-205 transduction reverted crizotinib resistance in vivo, while miR-205 over-expression rendered wt cells refractory to TKI treatment. Importantly, in the absence of EGFR genetic alterations, miR-205/ERRFI1-driven EGFR activation rendered MET-TKI-resistant cells sensitive to combined MET/EGFR inhibition. As a proof of concept of the clinical relevance of this new mechanism of adaptive resistance, we report that a patient with a MET-amplified lung adenocarcinoma displayed deregulation of the miR-205/ERRFI1 axis in concomitance with onset of clinical resistance to anti-MET therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Migliore
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Morando
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Ghiso
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Sergio Anastasi
- Unit of Oncogenomics and Epigenetics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Vera P Leoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Davide Cora'
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Piemonte Orientale University "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Medical Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo De Braud
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Oreste Segatto
- Unit of Oncogenomics and Epigenetics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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15
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Fadda A, Gentilini D, Moi L, Barault L, Leoni VP, Sulas P, Zorcolo L, Restivo A, Cabras F, Fortunato F, Zavattari C, Varesco L, Gismondi V, De Miglio MR, Scanu AM, Colombi F, Lombardi P, Sarotto I, Loi E, Leone F, Giordano S, Di Nicolantonio F, Columbano A, Zavattari P. Colorectal cancer early methylation alterations affect the crosstalk between cell and surrounding environment, tracing a biomarker signature specific for this tumor. Int J Cancer 2018. [PMID: 29542109 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops through the accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic alterations. However, while the former are already used as prognostic and predictive biomarkers, the latter are less well characterized. Here, performing global methylation analysis on both CRCs and adenomas by Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Bead Chips, we identified a panel of 74 altered CpG islands, demonstrating that the earliest methylation alterations affect genes coding for proteins involved in the crosstalk between cell and surrounding environment. The panel discriminates CRCs and adenomas from peritumoral and normal mucosa with very high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (99.9%). Interestingly, over 70% of the hypermethylated islands resulted in downregulation of gene expression. To establish the possible usefulness of these non-invasive markers for detection of colon cancer, we selected three biomarkers and identified the presence of altered methylation in stool DNA and plasma cell-free circulating DNA from CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fadda
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Loredana Moi
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ludovic Barault
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Vera Piera Leoni
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pia Sulas
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Cabras
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Fortunato
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Varesco
- Unit of Hereditary Cancer, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Viviana Gismondi
- Unit of Hereditary Cancer, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Mario Scanu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | - Ivana Sarotto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Leone
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federica Di Nicolantonio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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16
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Saffari A, Silver MJ, Zavattari P, Moi L, Columbano A, Meaburn EL, Dudbridge F. Estimation of a significance threshold for epigenome-wide association studies. Genet Epidemiol 2018; 42:20-33. [PMID: 29034560 PMCID: PMC5813244 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.22086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) are designed to characterise population-level epigenetic differences across the genome and link them to disease. Most commonly, they assess DNA-methylation status at cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) sites, using platforms such as the Illumina 450k array that profile a subset of CpGs genome wide. An important challenge in the context of EWAS is determining a significance threshold for declaring a CpG site as differentially methylated, taking multiple testing into account. We used a permutation method to estimate a significance threshold specifically for the 450k array and a simulation extrapolation approach to estimate a genome-wide threshold. These methods were applied to five different EWAS datasets derived from a variety of populations and tissue types. We obtained an estimate of α=2.4×10-7 for the 450k array, and a genome-wide estimate of α=3.6×10-8. We further demonstrate the importance of these results by showing that previously recommended sample sizes for EWAS should be adjusted upwards, requiring samples between ∼10% and ∼20% larger in order to maintain type-1 errors at the desired level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayden Saffari
- Department of Non‐Communicable Disease EpidemiologyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- MRC Unit, The Gambia and MRC International Nutrition GroupLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Psychological Sciences, BirkbeckUniversity of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Matt J. Silver
- MRC Unit, The Gambia and MRC International Nutrition GroupLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariSardiniaItaly
| | - Loredana Moi
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariSardiniaItaly
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariSardiniaItaly
| | - Emma L. Meaburn
- Department of Psychological Sciences, BirkbeckUniversity of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Frank Dudbridge
- Department of Non‐Communicable Disease EpidemiologyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUnited Kingdom
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17
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Kowalik MA, Columbano A, Perra A. Thyroid Hormones, Thyromimetics and Their Metabolites in the Treatment of Liver Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:382. [PMID: 30042736 PMCID: PMC6048875 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The signaling pathways activated by thyroid hormone receptors (THR) are of fundamental importance for organogenesis, growth and differentiation, and significantly influence energy metabolism, lipid utilization and glucose homeostasis. Pharmacological control of these pathways would likely impact the treatment of several human diseases characterized by altered metabolism, growth or differentiation. Not surprisingly, biomedical research has been trying for the past decades to pharmacologically target the 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3)/THR axis. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence of the potential utility of the activation of the T3-dependent pathways in metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, supra-physiological doses of the THR agonist T3 cause severe thyrotoxicosis thus hampering its therapeutic use. However, the observation that most of the desired beneficial effects of T3 are mediated by the activation of the beta isoform of THR (THRβ) in metabolically active organs has led to the synthesis of a number of THRβ-selective thyromimetics. Among these drugs, GC-1, GC-24, KB141, KB2115, and MB07344 displayed a promising therapeutic strategy for liver diseases. However, although these drugs exhibited encouraging results when tested in the treatment of experimentally-induced obesity, dyslipidemia, and HCC, significant adverse effects limited their use in clinical trials. More recently, evidence has been provided that some metabolites of thyroid hormones (TH), mono and diiodothyronines, could also play a role in the treatment of liver disease. These molecules, for a long time considered inactive byproducts of the metabolism of thyroid hormones, have now been proposed to be able to modulate and control lipid and cell energy metabolism. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding T3, its metabolites and analogs with reference to their possible clinical application in the treatment of liver disease. In particular, we will focus our attention on NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and HCC. In addition, the possible therapeutic use of mono- and diiodothyronines in metabolic and/or neoplastic liver disease will be discussed.
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18
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Kowalik MA, Guzzo G, Morandi A, Perra A, Menegon S, Masgras I, Trevisan E, Angioni MM, Fornari F, Quagliata L, Ledda-Columbano GM, Gramantieri L, Terracciano L, Giordano S, Chiarugi P, Rasola A, Columbano A. Metabolic reprogramming identifies the most aggressive lesions at early phases of hepatic carcinogenesis. Oncotarget 2017; 7:32375-93. [PMID: 27070090 PMCID: PMC5078020 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic changes are associated with cancer, but whether they are just bystander effects of deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways or characterize early phases of tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here we show in a rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis that early preneoplastic foci and nodules that progress towards hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are characterized both by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and by enhanced glucose utilization to fuel the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). These changes respectively require increased expression of the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 and of the transcription factor NRF2 that induces the expression of the rate-limiting PPP enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), following miR-1 inhibition. Such metabolic rewiring exclusively identifies a subset of aggressive cytokeratin-19 positive preneoplastic hepatocytes and not slowly growing lesions. No such metabolic changes were observed during non-neoplastic liver regeneration occurring after two/third partial hepatectomy. TRAP1 silencing inhibited the colony forming ability of HCC cells while NRF2 silencing decreased G6PD expression and concomitantly increased miR-1; conversely, transfection with miR-1 mimic abolished G6PD expression. Finally, in human HCC patients increased G6PD expression levels correlates with grading, metastasis and poor prognosis. Our results demonstrate that the metabolic deregulation orchestrated by TRAP1 and NRF2 is an early event restricted to the more aggressive preneoplastic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Guzzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze and Tuscan Tumor Institute, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Menegon
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ionica Masgras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Trevisan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Fornari
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Quagliata
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Gramantieri
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paola Chiarugi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze and Tuscan Tumor Institute, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Rasola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122, Padova, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
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19
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Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs), namely, 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) and 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodo-l-thyronine (thyroxine or T4), influence a variety of physiological processes that have important implications in fetal development, metabolism, cell growth, and proliferation. While THs elicit several beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and improve myocardial contractility, these therapeutically desirable effects are associated to a thyrotoxic state that severely limits the possible use of THs as therapeutic agents. Therefore, several efforts have been made to develop T3 analogs that could retain the beneficial actions (triglyceride, cholesterol, obesity, and body mass lowering) without the adverse TH-dependent side effects. This goal was achieved by the synthesis of TRβ-selective agonists. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the effects of one of the best characterized TH analogs, the TRβ1-selective thyromimetic, GC-1. In particular, we review some of the effects of GC-1 on different liver disorders, with reference to its possible clinical application. A brief comment on the possible therapeutic use of GC-1 in extrahepatic disorders is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Columbano
- *Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Grazia Chiellini
- †Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- *Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Columbano
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, Università di Torino, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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21
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Angioni MM, Bellofatto K, Merlin S, Menegon S, Perra A, Petrelli A, Sulas P, Giordano S, Columbano A, Follenzi A. A long term, non-tumorigenic rat hepatocyte cell line and its malignant counterpart, as tools to study hepatocarcinogenesis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:15716-15731. [PMID: 28157710 PMCID: PMC5362518 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the second cause of cancer-related death. Search for genes/proteins whose expression can discriminate between normal and neoplastic liver is fundamental for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. Currently, the most used in vitro hepatocyte models to study molecular alterations underlying transformation include primary hepatocytes and transformed cell lines. However, each of these models presents limitations. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of two rat hepatocyte cell lines as tools to study liver carcinogenesis. Long-term stable cell lines were obtained from a HCC-bearing rat exposed to the Resistant-Hepatocyte protocol (RH cells) and from a rat subjected to the same model in the absence of carcinogenic treatment, thus not developing HCCs (RNT cells). The presence of several markers identified the hepatocytic origin of both cell lines and confirmed their purity. Although morphologically similar to normal primary hepatocytes, RNT cells were able to survive and grow in monolayer culture for months and were not tumorigenic in vivo. On the contrary, RH cells displayed tumor-initiating cell markers, formed numerous colonies in soft agar and spheroids when grown in 3D and were highly tumorigenic and metastatic after injection into syngeneic rats and immunocompromised mice. Moreover, RNT gene expression profile was similar to normal liver, while that of RH resembled HCC. In conclusion, the two cell lines here described represent a useful tool to investigate the molecular changes underlying hepatocyte transformation and to experimentally demonstrate their role in HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Bellofatto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Menegon
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Petrelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Pia Sulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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22
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Puliga E, Min Q, Tao J, Zhang R, Pradhan-Sundd T, Poddar M, Singh S, Columbano A, Yu J, Monga SP. Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β Agonist GC-1 Inhibits Met-β-Catenin-Driven Hepatocellular Cancer. Am J Pathol 2017; 187:2473-2485. [PMID: 28807594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The thyromimetic agent GC-1 induces hepatocyte proliferation via Wnt/β-catenin signaling and may promote regeneration in both acute and chronic liver insufficiencies. However, β-catenin activation due to mutations in CTNNB1 is seen in a subset of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Thus, it is critical to address any effect of GC-1 on HCC growth and development before its use can be advocated to stimulate regeneration in chronic liver diseases. In this study, we first examined the effect of GC-1 on β-catenin-T cell factor 4 activity in HCC cell lines harboring wild-type or mutated-CTNNB1. Next, we assessed the effect of GC-1 on HCC in FVB mice generated by hydrodynamic tail vein injection of hMet-S45Y-β-catenin, using the sleeping beauty transposon-transposase. Four weeks following injection, mice were fed 5 mg/kg GC-1 or basal diet for 10 or 21 days. GC-1 treatment showed no effect on β-catenin-T cell factor 4 activity in HCC cells, irrespective of CTNNB1 mutations. Treatment with GC-1 for 10 or 21 days led to a significant reduction in tumor burden, associated with decreased tumor cell proliferation and dramatic decreases in phospho-(p-)Met (Y1234/1235), p-extracellular signal-related kinase, and p-STAT3 without affecting β-catenin and its downstream targets. GC-1 exerts a notable antitumoral effect on hMet-S45Y-β-catenin HCC by inactivating Met signaling. GC-1 does not promote β-catenin activation in HCC. Thus, GC-1 may be safe for use in inducing regeneration during chronic hepatic insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Qian Min
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China.
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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23
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Szydlowska M, Pibiri M, Perra A, Puliga E, Mattu S, Ledda-Columbano GM, Columbano A, Leoni VP. The Thyromimetic KB2115 (Eprotirome) Induces Rat Hepatocyte Proliferation. Gene Expr 2017; 17:207-218. [PMID: 28409553 PMCID: PMC5896737 DOI: 10.3727/105221617x695438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the hepatomitogenic activity of T3 is well established, the wide range of harmful effects exerted by this hormone precludes its use in regenerative therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an agonist of TRβ, KB2115 (Eprotirome), could exert a mitogenic effect in the liver, without most of the adverse T3/TRα-dependent side effects. F-344 rats treated with KB2115 for 1 week displayed a massive increase in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation (from 20% to 40% vs. 5% of controls), which was associated with increased mitotic activity in the absence of significant signs of liver toxicity. Noteworthy, while cardiac hypertrophy typical of T3 was not observed, beneficial effects, such as lowering blood cholesterol levels, were associated to KB2115 administration. Following a single dose of KB2115, hepatocyte proliferation was evident as early as 18 h, demonstrating its direct mitogenic effect. No increase in serum transaminase levels or apoptosis was observed prior to or concomitantly with the S phase. While KB2115-induced mitogenesis was not associated to enhance expression of c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc, cyclin D1 levels rapidly increased. In conclusion, KB2115 induces hepatocyte proliferation without overt toxicity. Hence, this agent may be useful for regenerative therapies in liver transplantation or other surgical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Szydlowska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Pibiri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sandra Mattu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna M. Ledda-Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vera P. Leoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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24
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Kowalik MA, Columbano A, Perra A. Emerging Role of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2017; 7:87. [PMID: 28553614 PMCID: PMC5425478 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in metabolic changes of cancer cells as it has been noticed that malignant transformation and metabolic reprogramming are closely intertwined. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is one of the fundamental components of cellular metabolism crucial for cancer cells. This review will discuss recent findings regarding the involvement of PPP enzymes in several types of cancer, with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We will pay considerable attention to the involvement of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the PPP. Subsequently, we discuss the inhibition of the PPP as a potential therapeutic strategy against cancer, in particular, HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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25
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Kowalik MA, Perra A, Ledda-Columbano GM, Ippolito G, Piacentini M, Columbano A, Falasca L. Induction of autophagy promotes the growth of early preneoplastic rat liver nodules. Oncotarget 2016; 7:5788-99. [PMID: 26735341 PMCID: PMC4868721 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although inhibition of autophagy has been implicated in the onset and progression of cancer cells, it is still unclear whether its dysregulation at early stages of tumorigenesis plays an oncogenic or a tumor suppressor role. To address this question, we employed the Resistant-Hepatocyte rat model to study the very early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We detected a different autophagy-related gene expression and changes in the ultrastructural profile comparing the most aggressive preneoplastic lesions, namely those positive for the putative progenitor cell marker cytokeratin-19 (KRT-19) with the negative ones. The ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses of KRT-19-positive preneoplastic hepatocytes showed the presence of autophagic vacuoles which was associated with p62, Ambra1 and Beclin1 protein accumulation suggesting that a differential modulation of autophagy occurs at early stages of the oncogenesis in KRT-19-positive vs negative lesions. We observed an overall decrease of the autophagy-related genes transcripts and a strong up-regulation of miR-224 in the KRT-19-positive nodules. Interestingly, the treatment with the autophagy inducer, Amiodarone, caused a marked increase in the proliferation of KRT-19 positive preneoplastic lesions associated with a strong increase of their size; by contrast, Chloroquine, an inhibitor of the autophagic process, led to their reduction. These results show that autophagy modulation is a very early event in hepatocarcinogenesis and is restricted to a hepatocytes subset in the most aggressive preneoplastic lesions. Our findings highlight the induction of autophagy as a permissive condition favouring cancer progression indicating in its inhibition a therapeutic goal to interfere with the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Disease, IRCCS "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,National Institute for Infectious Disease, IRCCS "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Falasca
- National Institute for Infectious Disease, IRCCS "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
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26
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Kowalik MA, Sulas P, Ledda-Columbano GM, Giordano S, Columbano A, Perra A. Cytokeratin-19 positivity is acquired along cancer progression and does not predict cell origin in rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Oncotarget 2016; 6:38749-63. [PMID: 26452031 PMCID: PMC4770734 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the expression of the stem/progenitor cell marker cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) has been associated with the worst clinical prognosis among all HCC subclasses, it is yet unknown whether its presence in HCC is the result of clonal expansion of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) or of de-differentiation of mature hepatocytes towards a progenitor-like cell phenotype. We addressed this question by using two rat models of hepatocarcinogenesis: the Resistant-Hepatocyte (R-H) and the Choline-methionine deficient (CMD) models. Our data indicate that the expression of CK-19 is not the result of a clonal expansion of HPCs (oval cells in rodents), but rather of a further step of preneoplastic hepatocytes towards a less differentiated phenotype and a more aggressive behavior. Indeed, although HCCs were positive for CK-19, very early preneoplastic foci (EPFs) were completely negative for this marker. While a few weeks later the vast majority of preneoplastic nodules remained CK-19 negative, a minority became positive, suggesting that CK-19 expression is the result of de-differentiation of a subset of EPFs, rather than a marker of stem/progenitor cells. Moreover, the gene expression profile of CK-19-negative EPFs clustered together with CK-19-positive nodules, but was clearly distinct from CK-19 negative nodules and oval cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pia Sulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Giordano
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its burden is expected to further increase in the next years. Chronic inflammation, induced by multiple viruses or metabolic alterations, and epigenetic and genetic modifications, cooperate in cancer development via a combination of common and distinct aetiology-specific pathways. In spite of the advances of classical therapies, the prognosis of this neoplasm has not considerably improved over the past few years. The advent of targeted therapies and the approval of the systemic treatment of advanced HCC with the kinase inhibitor sorafenib have provided some hope for the future. However, the benefits obtained from this treatment are still disappointing, as it extends the median life expectancy of patients by only few months. It is thus mandatory to find alternative effective treatments. Although the role played by thyroid hormones (THs) and their nuclear receptors (TRs) in human cancer is still unclear, mounting evidence indicates that they behave as oncosuppressors in HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms by which they exert this effect and the consequence of their activation following ligand binding on HCC progression remain elusive. In this review, we re-evaluate the existing evidence of the role of TH/TRs in HCC development; we will also discuss how TR alterations could affect fundamental biological processes, such as hepatocyte proliferation and differentiation, and consequently HCC progression. Finally, we will discuss if and how TRs can be foreseen as therapeutic targets in HCC and whether selective TR modulation by TH analogues may hold promise for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michelina Plateroti
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, Département de la Recherche, Lyon, France
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Kowalik MA, Guzzo G, Morandi A, Perra A, Menegon S, Masgras I, Trevisan E, Angioni MM, Fornari F, Quagliata L, Ledda-Columbano GM, Gramantieri L, Terracciano L, Giordano S, Chiarugi P, Rasola A, Columbano A. Abstract 1009: Metabolic reprogramming discriminates aggressive vs. slowly growing preneoplastic lesions at early stages of HCC development. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction and aim: Among the several changes underlying metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, increased glucose utilization and its uncoupling from oxygen availability is a well-established phenomenon and has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. To what extent these metabolic changes are important for the progression of slow growing tumors and whether a metabolic rewiring occurs in the very early stages of neoplastic progression represent key questions on the significance of these metabolic alterations in cancer. Here, we compared the metabolic features of preneoplastic hepatic lesions with those of advanced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and of proliferating liver, following partial hepatectomy (PH).
Materials and Methods: Expression levels, activity and modulation of several enzymes with key roles in glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were assessed in preneoplastic hepatic lesions and HCC, induced in rats exposed to the Resistant-Hepatocyte (R-H) model. In vitro experiments were performed on HCC cells obtained by perfusion of HCC-bearing rats. Expression of metabolic genes was also investigated in two different cohorts of human patients carrying HCC.
Results and discussion: A switch from OXPHOS to PPP was observed in very early preneoplastic lesions generated 10 weeks after the treatment with DENA. Notably, this metabolic reprogramming was observed only in the most aggressive preneoplastic lesions, characterized by positivity for cytokeratin 19 (CK-19+). PPP induction, shown by a strong increase in the expression and activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was supported both by inhibition of pyruvate kinase activity and by TP53-inducible glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) induction. Importantly, such metabolic rewiring was not observed in normal hepatocytes, undergoing proliferation following 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH). Activation of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway and down-regulation of miR-1 accompanied the metabolic reprogramming in CK-19+ preneoplastic lesions. Accordingly, NRF2 silencing decreased G6PD and increased miR-1 expression, consequently inhibiting PPP, while forced expression of miR-1 downregulated G6PD expression in HCC cells. Finally, an inverse correlation between miR-1 and its target gene G6PD was found in human HCC patients.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that metabolic reprogramming takes place at early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis and is likely the consequence of the concomitant activation of the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway.
Citation Format: Marta A. Kowalik, Giulia Guzzo, Andrea Morandi, Andrea Perra, Silvia Menegon, Ionica Masgras, Elena Trevisan, Maria M. Angioni, Francesca Fornari, Luca Quagliata, Giovanna M. Ledda-Columbano, Laura Gramantieri, Luigi Terracciano, Silvia Giordano, Paola Chiarugi, Andrea Rasola, Amedeo Columbano. Metabolic reprogramming discriminates aggressive vs. slowly growing preneoplastic lesions at early stages of HCC development. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A. Kowalik
- 1University of Cagliari, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Guzzo
- 2University of Padova, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- 3University of Florence, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- 1University of Cagliari, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Menegon
- 4University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ionica Masgras
- 2University of Padova, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Trevisan
- 2University of Padova, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria M. Angioni
- 1University of Cagliari, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luca Quagliata
- 6Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Giordano
- 4University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paola Chiarugi
- 3University of Florence, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Rasola
- 2University of Padova, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padova, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- 1University of Cagliari, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari, Italy
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Tschuor C, Kachaylo E, Limani P, Raptis DA, Linecker M, Tian Y, Herrmann U, Grabliauskaite K, Weber A, Columbano A, Graf R, Humar B, Clavien PA. Constitutive androstane receptor (Car)-driven regeneration protects liver from failure following tissue loss. J Hepatol 2016; 65:66-74. [PMID: 26948495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver can recover following resection. If tissue loss is too excessive, however, liver failure will develop as is known from the small-for-size-syndrome (SFSS). The molecular processes underlying liver failure are ill-understood. Here, we explored the role and the clinical potential of Nr1i3 (constitutive androstane receptor, Car) in liver failure following hepatectomy. METHODS Activators of Car, various hepatectomies, Car(-/-) mice, humanized CAR mice, human tissue and ex vivo liver slice cultures were used to study Car in the SFSS. Pathways downstream of Car were investigated by in vivo siRNA knockdown. RESULTS Excessive tissue loss causing liver failure is associated with deficient induction of Car. Reactivation of Car by an agonist normalizes all features associated with experimental SFSS. The beneficial effects of Car activation are relayed through Foxm1, an essential promoter of the hepatocyte cell cycle. Deficiency in the CAR-FOXM1 axis likewise is evident in human SFSS. Activation of human CAR mitigates SFSS in humanized CAR mice and improves the culture of human liver slices. CONCLUSIONS Impaired hepatic Car-Foxm1 signaling provides a first molecular characterization of liver that fails to recover after tissue loss. Our findings place deficient regeneration as a principal cause behind the SFSS and suggest CAR agonists may bear clinical potential against liver failure. LAY SUMMARY The unique regenerative capacity of liver has its natural limits. Following tissue loss that is too excessive, such as through extended resection in the clinic, liver failure may develop. This is known as small-for-size-syndrome (SFSS) and represents the most frequent cause of death due to liver surgery. Here we show that deficient induction of the protein Car, a central regulator of liver function and growth, is a cause of liver failure following extended resection; reactivation of Car through pharmacological means is sufficient to prevent or rescue the SFSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Tschuor
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ekaterina Kachaylo
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Përparim Limani
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri A Raptis
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Linecker
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Yinghua Tian
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Uli Herrmann
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hopital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kamile Grabliauskaite
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Achim Weber
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hopital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rolf Graf
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bostjan Humar
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre-Alain Clavien
- Laboratory of the Swiss HPB and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
NRF2 has been traditionally considered as a tumor suppressor because its cytoprotective functions are deemed to be the main cellular defense mechanism against exogenous and endogenous insults, including xenobiotics and oxidative stress. However, several recent studies demonstrate that hyperactivation of the NRF2 pathway creates an environment that favors the survival of normal as well as malignant cells, protecting them against oxidative stress, chemotherapeutic agents, and radiotherapy. In a rapidly advancing field, this review summarizes some of the known mechanisms by which NRF2 can exert its oncogenic functions, and describes the current status of NRF2 inhibitors, providing a clear rationale for the consideration of NRF2 as a powerful putative therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Menegon
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Porcell 4, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Silvia Giordano
- University of Torino, Department of Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
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Mattu S, Fornari F, Quagliata L, Perra A, Angioni MM, Petrelli A, Menegon S, Morandi A, Chiarugi P, Ledda-Columbano GM, Gramantieri L, Terracciano L, Giordano S, Columbano A. The metabolic gene HAO2 is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and predicts metastasis and poor survival. J Hepatol 2016; 64:891-8. [PMID: 26658681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS l-2-Hydroxy acid oxidases are flavin mononucleotide-dependent peroxisomal enzymes, responsible for the oxidation of l-2-hydroxy acids to ketoacids, resulting in the formation of hydrogen peroxide. We investigated the role of HAO2, a member of this family, in rat, mouse and human hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS We evaluated Hao2 expression by qRT-PCR in the following rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis: the Resistant-Hepatocyte, the CMD and the chronic DENA rat models, and the TCPOBOP/DENA and TCPOBOP only mouse models. Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses were performed on two cohorts of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Rat HCC cells were transduced by a Hao2 encoding lentiviral vector and grafted in mice. RESULTS Downregulation of Hao2 was observed in all investigated rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis. Interestingly, Hao2 mRNA levels were also profoundly downregulated in early preneoplastic lesions. Moreover, HAO2 mRNA levels were strongly downregulated in two distinct series of human HCCs, when compared to both normal and cirrhotic peri-tumoral liver. HAO2 levels were inversely correlated with grading, overall survival and metastatic ability. Finally, exogenous expression of Hao2 in rat cells impaired their tumorigenic ability. CONCLUSION Our work identifies for the first time the oncosuppressive role of the metabolic gene Hao2. Indeed, its expression is severely decreased in HCC of different species and etiology, and its reintroduction in HCC cells profoundly impairs tumorigenesis. We also demonstrate that dysregulation of HAO2 is a very early event in the development of HCC and it may represent a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mattu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luca Quagliata
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Petrelli
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | - Silvia Menegon
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paola Chiarugi
- Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Giordano
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS Candiolo (Torino), Italy.
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Kowalik MA, Guzzo G, Morandi A, Perra A, Menegon S, Angioni MM, Giordano S, Chiarugi P, Rasola A, Columbano A. Abstract A02: OXPHOS inhibition and pentose phosphate pathway induction are early events priming preneoplastic lesions toward HCC development. Mol Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3125.metca15-a02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: A shift towards a Warburg metabolism in which aerobic glycolysis is increased has long been associated to cancer cell transformation. However, whether the switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis can occur at early stages of cancer development, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains elusive.
Materials and Methods: Preneoplastic hepatic lesions and Hepatocellular carcinomas were induced in rats subjected to the Resistant-Hepatocyte (RH) model, consisting of a single dose of dietthylnitrosamine (DENA) and a 2-week feeding a diet supplemented with 2-acetylaminoaminofluorene (2-AAF). In vitro experiments were performed in HCC cells obtained by perfusion of HCC-bearing rats or immortalized rat hepatocytes.
Results and discussion: Using the Resistant-Hepatocyte (R-H) model, we show that the acquisition of the Warburg phenotype is a very early event in rat HCC development as demonstrated by concomitant MCT4 expression and oxidation/inhibition of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). In keeping with this, we also observed inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) by the chaperone tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) and an increase in the expression and activity of citrate synthase (CS). In these preneoplastic lesions, metabolic reprogramming towards the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) was indicated by a strong increase in the expression and activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). G6PD increased expression was observed exclusively in the highly proliferating KRT-19 positive preneoplastic lesions, considered the HCC precursor lesions in the R-H model, and was associated with low levels of miR-1, a miRNA known to target G6PD. Accordingly, forced expression of miR-1 down-regulated G6PD expression in HCC cells. PPP induction has been suggested to be one of the mechanisms by which deregulated NRF2-KEAP1 signaling promotes cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis. Since in the R-H rat model a sustained activation of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway occurs in KRT-19+ nodules, we investigated the effect of impairing NRF2 in cells derived from R-H rat HCC. Notably, NRF2 silencing decreases G6PD and increases miR-1 expression, consequently inhibiting PPP and PKM2 oxidation. Finally, an inverse correlation between miR-1 and its target gene G6PD was found in human HCC patients.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that Warburg metabolic deregulation and PPP induction are early events in HCC development. Crucially, TRAP1 and NRF2 are key regulators of this metabolic reprogramming in preneoplastic hepatocytes
Citation Format: Marta A. Kowalik, Giulia Guzzo, Andrea Morandi, Andrea Perra, Silvia Menegon, Maria M. Angioni, Silvia Giordano, Paola Chiarugi, Andrea Rasola, Amedeo Columbano. OXPHOS inhibition and pentose phosphate pathway induction are early events priming preneoplastic lesions toward HCC development. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Metabolism and Cancer; Jun 7-10, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(1_Suppl):Abstract nr A02.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Morandi
- 3Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Firenze, Italy,
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Chiarugi
- 3Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Firenze, Italy,
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Alvarado TF, Puliga E, Preziosi M, Poddar M, Singh S, Columbano A, Nejak-Bowen K, Monga SPS. Thyroid Hormone Receptor β Agonist Induces β-Catenin-Dependent Hepatocyte Proliferation in Mice: Implications in Hepatic Regeneration. Gene Expr 2016; 17:19-34. [PMID: 27226410 PMCID: PMC5215473 DOI: 10.3727/105221616x691631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triiodothyronine (T3) induces hepatocyte proliferation in rodents. Recent work has shown molecular mechanism for T3's mitogenic effect to be through activation of β-catenin signaling. Since systemic side effects of T3 may preclude its clinical use, and hepatocytes mostly express T3 hormone receptor β (TRβ), we investigated if selective TRβ agonists like GC-1 may also have β-catenin-dependent hepatocyte mitogenic effects. Here we studied the effect of GC-1 and T3 in conditional knockouts of various Wnt pathway components. We also assessed any regenerative advantage of T3 or GC-1 when given prior to partial hepatectomy in mice. Mice administered GC-1 showed increased pSer675-β-catenin, cyclin D1, BrdU incorporation, and PCNA. No abnormalities in liver function tests were noted. GC-1-injected liver-specific β-catenin knockouts (β-catenin LKO) showed decreased proliferation when compared to wild-type littermates. To address if Wnt signaling was required for T3- or GC-1-mediated hepatocyte proliferation, we used LRP5-6-LKO, which lacks the two redundant Wnt coreceptors. Surprisingly, decreased hepatocyte proliferation was also evident in LRP5-6-LKO in response to T3 and GC-1, despite increased pSer675-β-catenin. Further, increased levels of active β-catenin (hypophosphorylated at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41) were evident after T3 and GC-1 treatment. Finally, mice pretreated with T3 or GC-1 for 7 days followed by partial hepatectomy showed a significant increase in hepatocyte proliferation both at the time (T0) and 24 h after surgery. In conclusion, like T3, TRβ-selective agonists induce hepatocyte proliferation through β-catenin activation via both PKA- and Wnt-dependent mechanisms and confer a regenerative advantage following surgical resection. Hence, these agents may be useful regenerative therapies in liver transplantation or other surgical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Feliciano Alvarado
- *Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Morgan Preziosi
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- ‡Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. S. Monga
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- §Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Zavattari P, Perra A, Menegon S, Kowalik MA, Petrelli A, Angioni MM, Follenzi A, Quagliata L, Ledda-Columbano GM, Terracciano L, Giordano S, Columbano A. Nrf2, but not β-catenin, mutation represents an early event in rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2015; 62:851-62. [PMID: 25783764 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops through a multistage process, but the nature of the molecular changes associated with the different steps, the very early ones in particular, is largely unknown. Recently, dysregulation of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway and mutations of these genes have been observed in experimental and human tumors, suggesting their possible role in cancer development. To assess whether Nrf2/Keap1 mutations are early or late events in HCC development, we investigated their frequency in the rat Resistant Hepatocyte model, consisting of the administration of diethylnitrosamine followed by a brief exposure to 2-acetylaminofluorene. This model enables the dissection of all stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. We found that Nrf2/Keap1 mutations were present in 71% of early preneoplastic lesions and in 78.6% and 59.3% of early and advanced HCCs, respectively. Mutations of Nrf2 were more frequent, missense, and located in the Nrf2-Keap1 binding region. Mutations of Keap1 occurred at a much lower frequency in both preneoplastic lesions and HCCs and were mutually exclusive with those of Nrf2. Functional in vitro and in vivo studies showed that Nrf2 silencing inhibited the ability of tumorigenic rat cells to grow in soft agar and to form tumors. Unlike Nrf2 mutations, those of Ctnnb1, which are frequent in human HCC, were a later event as they appeared only in fully advanced HCCs (18.5%). CONCLUSION In the Resistant Hepatocyte model of hepatocarcinogenesis the onset of Nrf2 mutations is a very early event, likely essential for the clonal expansion of preneoplastic hepatocytes to HCC, while Ctnnb1 mutations occur only at very late stages. Moreover, functional experiments demonstrate that Nrf2 is an oncogene critical for HCC progression and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Menegon
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Petrelli
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Quagliata
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Silvia Giordano
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Columbano A, Giordano S, Perra A, Kowalik M, Ledda‐Columbano G, Petrelli A, Menegon S, Quagliata L, Terracciano L, Zavattari P. Mutations of
Nrf2 are
an early and frequent event in the development of rat hepatocellular carcinoma. FASEB J 2015. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.147.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Frau C, Loi R, Petrelli A, Perra A, Menegon S, Kowalik MA, Pinna S, Leoni VP, Fornari F, Gramantieri L, Ledda-Columbano GM, Giordano S, Columbano A. Local hypothyroidism favors the progression of preneoplastic lesions to hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Hepatology 2015; 61:249-59. [PMID: 25156012 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that mediate most of the effects elicited by the thyroid hormone, 3,5,3'-L-triiodothyronine (T3). TRs have been implicated in tumorigenesis, although it is unclear whether they act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, and at which stage of tumorigenesis their dysregulation occurs. Using the resistant-hepatocyte rat model (R-H model), we found down-regulation of TRβ1 and TRα1 and their target genes in early preneoplastic lesions and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs), suggesting that a hypothyroid status favors the onset and progression of preneoplastic lesions to HCC. Notably, TRβ1 and, to a lesser extent, TRα1 down-regulation was observed only in preneoplastic lesions positive for the progenitor cell marker, cytokeratin-19 (Krt-19) and characterized by a higher proliferative activity, compared to the Krt-19 negative ones. TRβ1 down-regulation was observed also in the vast majority of the analyzed human HCCs, compared to the matched peritumorous liver or to normal liver. Hyperthyroidism induced by T3 treatment caused up-regulation of TRβ1 and of its target genes in Krt-19(+) preneoplastic rat lesions and was associated with nodule regression. In HCC, TRβ1 down-regulation was not the result of hypermethylation of its promoter, but was associated with an increased expression of TRβ1-targeting microRNAs ([miR]-27a, -181a, and -204). An inverse correlation between TRβ1 and miR-181a was also found in human cirrhotic peritumoral tissue, compared to normal liver. CONCLUSION Down-regulation of TRs, especially TRβ1, is an early and relevant event in liver cancer development and is species and etiology independent. The results also suggest that a hypothyroid status of preneoplastic lesions may contribute to their progression to HCC and that the reversion of this condition may represent a possible therapeutic goal to interfere with the development of this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Perra A, Kowalik MA, Ghiso E, Ledda-Columbano GM, Di Tommaso L, Angioni MM, Raschioni C, Testore E, Roncalli M, Giordano S, Columbano A. YAP activation is an early event and a potential therapeutic target in liver cancer development. J Hepatol 2014; 61:1088-96. [PMID: 25010260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although the growth suppressing Hippo pathway has been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis, it is unknown at which stage of hepatocarcinogenesis its dysregulation occurs. We investigated in rat and human preneoplastic lesions whether overexpression of the transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an early event. METHODS The experimental model used is the resistant-hepatocyte (R-H) rat model. Gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR or immunohistochemistry. Forward genetic experiments were performed in human HCC cells and in murine oval cells. RESULTS All foci of preneoplastic hepatocytes, generated in rats 4weeks after diethylnitrosamine (DENA) treatment, displayed YAP accumulation. This was associated with down-regulation of the β-TRCP ligase, known to mediate YAP degradation, and of microRNA-375, targeting YAP. YAP accumulation was paralleled by the up-regulation of its target genes. Increased YAP expression was also observed in human early dysplastic nodules and adenomas. Animal treatment with verteporfin (VP), which disrupts the formation of the YAP-TEAD complex, significantly reduced preneoplastic foci and oval cell proliferation. In vitro experiments confirmed that VP-mediated YAP inhibition impaired cell growth in HCC and oval cells; notably, oval cell transduction with wild type or active YAP conferred tumorigenic properties in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that (i) YAP overexpression is an early event in rat and human liver tumourigenesis; (ii) it is critical for the clonal expansion of carcinogen-initiated hepatocytes and oval cells, and (iii) VP-induced disruption of the YAP-TEAD interaction may provide an important approach for the treatment of YAP-overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Ghiso
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | | | - Luca Di Tommaso
- University of Milano and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Angioni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlotta Raschioni
- University of Milano and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Testore
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- University of Milano and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy.
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Rizzo F, Hashim A, Marchese G, Ravo M, Tarallo R, Nassa G, Giurato G, Rinaldi A, Cordella A, Persico M, Sulas P, Perra A, Ledda-Columbano GM, Columbano A, Weisz A. Timed regulation of P-element-induced wimpy testis-interacting RNA expression during rat liver regeneration. Hepatology 2014; 60:798-806. [PMID: 24930433 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Small noncoding RNAs comprise a growing family of molecules that regulate key cellular processes, including messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation, translational repression, and transcriptional gene silencing. P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) represent a class of small RNAs initially identified in the germline of a variety of species, where they contribute to maintenance of genome stability, and recently found expressed also in stem and somatic cells, where their role and responsiveness to physiopathological signals remain elusive. Here, we investigated piRNA expression in rat liver and its response to the stimuli exerted by regenerative proliferation of this organ. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis identify in the liver the RNAs encoding PIWIL2/HILI, PIWIL4/HIWI2, and other components of the piRNA biogenesis pathways, suggesting that this is indeed functional. RNA sequencing before, during, and after the wave of cell proliferation that follows partial hepatectomy (PH) identified ∼1,400 mammalian germline piRNAs expressed in rat liver, including 72 showing timed changes in expression 24-48 hours post-PH, a timing that corresponds to cell transition through the S phase, returning to basal levels by 168 hours, when organ regeneration is completed and hepatocytes reach quiescence. CONCLUSION The piRNA pathway is active in somatic cells of the liver and is subject to regulation during the pathophysiological process of organ regeneration, when these molecules are available to exert their regulatory functions on the cell genome and transcriptome, as demonstrated by the identification of several liver mRNAs representing candidate targets of these regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
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Fanti M, Singh S, Ledda-Columbano GM, Columbano A, Monga SP. Tri-iodothyronine induces hepatocyte proliferation by protein kinase A-dependent β-catenin activation in rodents. Hepatology 2014; 59:2309-20. [PMID: 24122933 PMCID: PMC3979513 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Thyroid hormone (T3), like many other ligands of the steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily, is a strong inducer of liver cell proliferation in rats and mice. However, the molecular basis of its mitogenic activity, which is currently unknown, must be elucidated if its use in hepatic regenerative medicine is to be considered. F-344 rats or C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet containing T3 for 2-7 days. In rats, administration of T3 led to an increased cytoplasmic stabilization and nuclear translocation of β-catenin in pericentral hepatocytes with a concomitant increase in cyclin-D1 expression. T3 administration to wild-type (WT) mice resulted in increased hepatocyte proliferation; however, no mitogenic response in hepatocytes to T3 was evident in the hepatocyte-specific β-catenin knockout mice (KO). In fact, T3 induced β-catenin-TCF4 reporter activity both in vitro and in vivo. Livers from T3-treated mice demonstrated no changes in Ctnnb1 expression, activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, known to phosphorylate and eventually promote β-catenin degradation, or E-cadherin-β-catenin association. However, T3 treatment increased β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser675, an event downstream of protein kinase A (PKA). Administration of PKA inhibitor during T3 treatment of mice and rats as well as in cell culture abrogated Ser675-β-catenin and simultaneously decreased cyclin-D1 expression to block hepatocyte proliferation. CONCLUSION We have identified T3-induced hepatocyte mitogenic response to be mediated by PKA-dependent β-catenin activation. Thus, T3 may be of therapeutic relevance to stimulate β-catenin signaling to in turn induce regeneration in selected cases of hepatic insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Fanti
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, USA,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy,Address correspondence to: Satdarshan Pal Singh Monga, MD, Endowed Chair, Vice Chair and Division Director of Experimental Pathology (EP), Professor of Pathology (EP) & Medicine (GI, Hepatology & Nutrition), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street S-422 BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15261; Tel: (412) 648-9966; Fax: (412) 648-1916; ; Amedeo Columbano, PhD, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Via Porcell 4, 09124 Cagliari, Italy, Tel: +39-070-6758345; Fax: +39-070-666062;
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, USA,Address correspondence to: Satdarshan Pal Singh Monga, MD, Endowed Chair, Vice Chair and Division Director of Experimental Pathology (EP), Professor of Pathology (EP) & Medicine (GI, Hepatology & Nutrition), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street S-422 BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15261; Tel: (412) 648-9966; Fax: (412) 648-1916; ; Amedeo Columbano, PhD, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Via Porcell 4, 09124 Cagliari, Italy, Tel: +39-070-6758345; Fax: +39-070-666062;
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its burden is expected to increase further in the next years. In spite of the advances of classical therapies, such as surgery, transplantation, use of radiofrequency and transarterial embolization, the prognosis of this neoplasm has not considerably improved over the past few years. The advent of targeted therapies and the approval of the systemic treatment of advanced HCC with the kinase inhibitor sorafenib have provided some hope for the future. Even if the molecular mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of HCC are still largely unknown, new therapeutic targets have recently come to the spotlight. One of these targets is the tyrosine kinase receptor for the Hepatocyte Growth Factor, encoded by the MET gene, known to promote tumor growth and metastasis in many human organs. In this review we will summarize the contrasting results obtained in vitro (in HCC cell lines) and in animal experimental models and we will also try to analyze the reasons for the opposite findings, suggesting that the HGF/MET axis can have either a promoting or a suppressive role in the development of HCC. We will also reconsider the evidence of activation of this pathway in human HCCs and discuss the results of the clinical trials performed with MET inhibitors. The final purpose is to better clarify which can be the role of MET as a therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy.
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Petrelli A, Perra A, Cora D, Sulas P, Menegon S, Manca C, Migliore C, Kowalik MA, Ledda-Columbano GM, Giordano S, Columbano A. MicroRNA/gene profiling unveils early molecular changes and nuclear factor erythroid related factor 2 (NRF2) activation in a rat model recapitulating human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatology 2014; 59:228-41. [PMID: 23857252 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Studies on gene and/or microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation in the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis are hampered by the difficulty of diagnosing early lesions in humans. Experimental models recapitulating human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are then used to perform this analysis. We performed miRNA and gene expression profiling to characterize the molecular events involved in the multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis in the resistant-hepatocyte rat model. A high percentage of dysregulated miRNAs/genes in HCC were similarly altered in early preneoplastic lesions positive for the stem/progenitor cell marker cytokeratin-19, indicating that several HCC-associated alterations occur from the very beginning of the carcinogenic process. Our analysis also identified miRNA/gene-target networks aberrantly activated at the initial stage of hepatocarcinogenesis. Activation of the nuclear factor erythroid related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway and up-regulation of the miR-200 family were among the most prominent changes. The relevance of these alterations in the development of HCC was confirmed by the observation that NRF2 silencing impaired while miR-200a overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, T3-induced in vivo inhibition of the NRF2 pathway accompanied the regression of cytokeratin-19-positive nodules, suggesting that activation of this transcription factor contributes to the onset and progression of preneoplastic lesions towards malignancy. The finding that 78% of genes and 57% of dysregulated miRNAs in rat HCC have been previously associated with human HCC as well underlines the translational value of our results. CONCLUSION This study indicates that most of the molecular changes found in HCC occur in the very early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. Among these, the NRF2 pathway plays a relevant role and may represent a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Petrelli
- IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Torino School of Medicine, Torino, Italy
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Fanti M, Singh S, Stoops J, Columbano A, Monga SP. Triiodothyronine‐Induced Hepatocyte Proliferation Requires β‐Catenin. FASEB J 2013. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.257.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maura Fanti
- Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular PathologyUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
| | - Sucha Singh
- PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
| | - Jhon Stoops
- PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular PathologyUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
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Giordano S, Columbano A. MicroRNAs: new tools for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma? Hepatology 2013; 57:840-7. [PMID: 23081718 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small noncoding RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression and protein translation. Many studies have shown that they play a crucial role in driving organ and tissue differentiation during embryogenesis and in the fine-tuning of fundamental biological processes, such as proliferation and apoptosis. Growing evidence indicates that their deregulation plays an important role in cancer onset and progression as well, where they act as oncogenes or oncosuppressors. In this review, we highlight the most recent findings regarding the role of miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by analyzing the possible mechanisms by which they contribute to this neoplasm. Moreover, we discuss the possible role of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers, a field that needs urgent improvement in the clinical surveillance of HCC, and the fascinating possibility of using them as therapeutic targets or drugs themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giordano
- Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy.
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Petrelli A, Perra A, Schernhuber K, Cargnelutti M, Salvi A, Migliore C, Ghiso E, Benetti A, Barlati S, Ledda-Columbano GM, Portolani N, De Petro G, Columbano A, Giordano S. Sequential analysis of multistage hepatocarcinogenesis reveals that miR-100 and PLK1 dysregulation is an early event maintained along tumor progression. Oncogene 2012; 31:4517-26. [PMID: 22249248 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, and their dysregulation has been reported to affect the development and progression of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in the plethora of dysregulated miRNAs, it is largely unknown which of them have a causative role in the hepatocarcinogenic process. In the present study, we first aimed to determine changes in the expression profile of miRNAs in human HCCs and to compare them with liver tumors generated in a rat model of chemically induced HCC. We found that members of the miR-100 family (miR-100, miR-99a) were downregulated in human HCCs; a similar downregulation was also observed in rat HCCs. Their reduction was paralleled by an increased expression of polo like kinase 1 (PLK1), a target of these miRNAs. The introduction of miR-100 in HCC cells impaired their growth ability and their capability to form colonies in soft agar. Next, we aimed at investigating, in the same animal model, if dysregulation of miR-100 and PLK1 is an early or late event along the multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis. The obtained results showed that miR-100 downregulation (i) is already evident in very early preneoplastic lesions generated 9 weeks after carcinogenic treatment; (ii) is also observed in adenomas and early HCCs; and (iii) is not simply a marker of proliferating hepatocytes. To our knowledge, this is the first work unveiling the role of a miRNA family along HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Petrelli
- IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Torino School of Medicine, Torino, Italy.
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Fanti M, Perra A, Pibiri M, Schwartz M, Monga SP, Ledda-Columbano GM, Columbano A. Wnt/β‐catenin pathway is activated by thyroid hormone and is required for its hepatomitogenic activity. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.134.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maura Fanti
- Department of Toxicology, Oncology and Molecular UnitUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Toxicology, Oncology and Molecular UnitUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Monica Pibiri
- Department of Toxicology, Oncology and Molecular UnitUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Michael Schwartz
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | | | - GM Ledda-Columbano
- Department of Toxicology, Oncology and Molecular UnitUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Toxicology, Oncology and Molecular UnitUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
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Migliore C, Martin V, Leoni VP, Restivo A, Atzori L, Petrelli A, Isella C, Zorcolo L, Sarotto I, Casula G, Comoglio PM, Columbano A, Giordano S. MiR-1 downregulation cooperates with MACC1 in promoting MET overexpression in human colon cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 18:737-47. [PMID: 22179665 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE MET, the tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor, is frequently overexpressed in colon cancers with high metastatic tendency. We aimed to evaluate the role of its negative regulators, miR-1 and miR-199a*, and its transcriptional activator, the metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1), in controlling MET expression in human colon cancer samples. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The expression of MET, miR-1, miR-199a*, and MACC1 was evaluated by real-time PCR in 52 matched pairs of colorectal cancers and nontumoral surrounding tissues. The biological role of miR-1 in controlling MET expression and biological activity was assessed in colon cancer cells either by its forced expression or by AntagomiR-mediated inhibition. RESULTS MiR-1 was downregulated in 84.6% of the tumors and its decrease significantly correlated with MET overexpression, particularly in metastatic tumors. We found that concurrent MACC1 upregulation and miR-1 downregulation are required to elicit the highest increase of MET expression. Consistent with a suppressive role of miR-1, its forced in vitro expression in colon cancer cells reduced MET levels and impaired MET-induced invasive growth. Finally, we identified a feedback loop between miR-1 and MET, resulting in their mutual regulation. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies an oncosuppressive role of miR-1 in colorectal cancer in which it acts by controlling MET expression through a feedback loop. Concomitant downregulation of miR-1 and increase of MACC1 can thus contribute to MET overexpression and to the metastatic behavior of colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Migliore
- IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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Tian J, Huang H, Hoffman B, Liebermann DA, Ledda-Columbano GM, Columbano A, Locker J. Gadd45β is an inducible coactivator of transcription that facilitates rapid liver growth in mice. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:4491-502. [PMID: 21965327 DOI: 10.1172/jci38760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 (Gadd45) proteins act in many cellular processes. In the liver, Gadd45b (encoding Gadd45β) is the gene most strongly induced early during both compensatory regeneration and drug-induced hyperplasia. The latter response is associated with the dramatic and rapid hepatocyte growth that follows administration of the xenobiotic TCPOBOP (1,4-bis[2-(3,5)-dichoropyridyloxy] benzene), a ligand of the nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Here, we have shown that Gadd45b-/- mice have intact proliferative responses following administration of a single dose of TCPOBOP, but marked growth delays. Moreover, early transcriptional stimulation of CAR target genes was weaker in Gadd45b-/- mice than in wild-type animals, and more genes were downregulated. Gadd45β was then found to have a direct role in transcription by physically binding to CAR, and TCPOBOP treatment caused both proteins to localize to a regulatory element for the CAR target gene cytochrome P450 2b10 (Cyp2b10). Further analysis defined separate Gadd45β domains that mediated binding to CAR and transcriptional activation. Although baseline hepatic expression of Gadd45b was broadly comparable to that of other coactivators, its 140-fold stimulation by TCPOBOP was striking and unique. The induction of Gadd45β is therefore a response that facilitates increased transcription, allowing rapid expansion of liver mass for protection against xenobiotic insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Tian
- Department of Pathology and Marion Bessin Liver Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Braeuning A, Heubach Y, Knorpp T, Kowalik MA, Templin M, Columbano A, Schwarz M. Gender-specific interplay of signaling through β-catenin and CAR in the regulation of xenobiotic-induced hepatocyte proliferation. Toxicol Sci 2011; 123:113-22. [PMID: 21705713 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant signaling through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a critical determinant in human and rodent liver carcinogenesis and generally accepted to be a potent driver of proliferation. Xenobiotic agonists of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) induce massive acute hyperplasia of mouse liver and facilitate the outgrowth of hepatocellular carcinomas with activated β-catenin. In the present study, the interplay of β-catenin-dependent and CAR-dependent signaling in the liver and its effect on hepatocyte proliferation were analyzed in transgenic mice with hepatocyte-specific knockout of Ctnnb1 (encoding β-catenin) following treatment with two CAR agonists, 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]-benzene (TCPOBOP) and phenobarbital. Hepatocyte-specific knockout of β-catenin inhibited CAR agonists-induced hepatocyte proliferation in male mice. By contrast, the proliferative effect of CAR agonists was strongly augmented in female β-catenin knockout animals. This was due to prolonged proliferation of the knockout hepatocytes. CAR-mediated hepatocyte proliferation was, at least in part, dependent on estrogen signaling and was associated with enhanced expression of FoxM1 and elevated activity of the PDK1/p90RSK pathway. In conclusion, our study shows that gender-specific factors determine whether β-catenin signaling plays a pro- or an antiproliferative role in the regulation of mouse hepatocyte proliferation induced by CAR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Braeuning
- Department of Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Severino V, Locker J, Ledda-Columbano GM, Columbano A, Parente A, Chambery A. Proteomic characterization of early changes induced by triiodothyronine in rat liver. J Proteome Res 2011; 10:3212-24. [PMID: 21563808 DOI: 10.1021/pr200244f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
High doses of T3 are mitogenic in liver, causing hyperplasia that has numerous differences from the compensatory regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy (PH). T3 binds to the thyroid hormone receptor (TR), which directly regulates transcription, while PH acts indirectly through signal transduction pathways. We therefore carried out a proteomic analysis to compare early effects of the two treatments. Transcriptome analysis by DNA microarray also confirmed the observed proteomic changes, demonstrating that they were caused by transcriptional regulation. Among the differentially expressed proteins, many are directly or indirectly involved in energy metabolism and response to oxidative stress. Several enzymes of lipid metabolism (e.g., Acaa2, Acads, Hadh, and Echs1) were differentially regulated by T3. In addition, altered expression levels of several mitochondrial proteins (e.g., Hspa9, Atp5b, Cps1, Glud1, Aldh2, Ak2, Acads) demonstrated the known increase of mitochondrial biogenesis mediated by T3. The present results provide insights in changes in metabolic balance occurring following T3-stimulation and define a basis for dissecting the molecular pathways of hepatocyte hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Severino
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy
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Kowalik MA, Saliba C, Pibiri M, Perra A, Ledda-Columbano GM, Sarotto I, Ghiso E, Giordano S, Columbano A. Yes-associated protein regulation of adaptive liver enlargement and hepatocellular carcinoma development in mice. Hepatology 2011; 53:2086-96. [PMID: 21391223 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Hippo kinase cascade, a growth-suppressive pathway that ultimately antagonizes the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP), has been shown in transgenic animals to orchestrate organ size regulation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether in non-genetically modified mice (1) the Hippo pathway is involved in the regulation of adaptive liver enlargement caused by the mitogen 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP), an agonist of constitutive androstane receptor and (2) a dysregulation of this pathway occurs during the development of chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We show that liver enlargement caused by TCPOBOP was associated with an increase of YAP protein levels that paralleled the increase in 2-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Interestingly, when a second dose of TCPOBOP was given to mice with enlarged livers, no further increases in liver mass or YAP protein levels were observed, suggesting that the Hippo pathway prevents further growth of the hyperplastic liver. Viral-mediated exogenous expression of active YAP in mouse livers was able to partially overcome the block of hepatocyte proliferation. We also show that HCCs developed in mice given diethylnitrosamine and then subjected to repeated treatments with TCPOBOP had increased levels of YAP that were associated with down-regulation of microRNA 375, which is known to control YAP expression, and with enhanced levels of alpha-fetoprotein and connective tissue growth factor, two target genes of YAP. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the Hippo pathway regulates adaptive liver enlargement and is probably inactivated in initiated cells that escape the suppressive constrain exerted on the surrounding normal tissue, thus allowing clonal expansion to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Kowalik
- Department of Toxicology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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