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Liu J, Park K, Shen Z, Lee H, Geetha P, Pakyari M, Chai L. Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and their cross talks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285370. [PMID: 38173713 PMCID: PMC10762788 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging malignancy with limited treatment options beyond surgery and chemotherapy. Recent advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, including PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, have shown promise, but their efficacy has not met expectations. Biomarker testing and personalized medicine based on genetic mutations and other biomarkers represent the future direction for HCC treatment. To address these challenges and opportunities, this comprehensive review discusses the progress made in targeted therapies and immunotherapies for HCC, focusing on dissecting the rationales, opportunities, and challenges for combining these modalities. The liver's unique physiology and the presence of fibrosis in many HCC patients pose additional challenges to drug delivery and efficacy. Ongoing efforts in biomarker development and combination therapy design, especially in the context of immunotherapies, hold promise for improving outcomes in advanced HCC. Through exploring the advancements in biomarkers and targeted therapies, this review provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field and proposes strategies for rational combination therapy design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Park
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ziyang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hannah Lee
- University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Mohammadreza Pakyari
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Li Chai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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2
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Dong SY, Sun W, Xu B, Wang WT, Yang YT, Chen XS, Zeng MS, Rao SX. Quantitative image features of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for predicting glypican-3 expression of small hepatocellular carcinoma ≤3 cm. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:e764-e772. [PMID: 37500336 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the value of quantitative image features of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting Gglypican-3 (GPC3) expression of single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤3 cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and forty-nine patients with histopathologically confirmed HCC were included retrospectively. Quantitative image features and clinicopathological parameters were analysed. The significant predictors for GPC3 expression were identified using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Nomograms were constructed from the prediction model and the progression-free survival (PFS) rate was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The tumour-to-liver signal intensity (SI) ratio on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP; odds ratio [OR] = 0.004; p=0.001), serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/ml (OR=6.175; p<0.001), and non-smooth tumour margin (OR=4.866; p=0.002) were independent significant factors for GPC3 expression. When the three factors were combined, the diagnostic specificity was 97.7% (42/43). The nomogram based on the predictive model performed satisfactorily (C-index: 0.852). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with GPC3-positive HCCs have lower PFS rates than patients with GPC3-negative HCCs (Log-rank test, p=0.006). CONCLUSION The tumour-to-liver SI ratio on the HBP combined with serum AFP >20 ng/ml and non-smooth tumour margin are potential predictive factors for GPC3 expression of small HCC ≤3cm. GPC3 expression is correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-Y Dong
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - W Sun
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - B Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - W-T Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Y-T Yang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - X-S Chen
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - M-S Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - S-X Rao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Egbuna C, Patrick‐Iwuanyanwu KC, Onyeike EN, Uche CZ, Ogoke UP, Riaz M, Ibezim EN, Khan J, Adedokun KA, Imodoye SO, Bello IO, Awuchi CG. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitors, glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, and rutin in medicinal plants have better binding affinities and anticancer properties: Molecular docking and ADMET study. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:4155-4169. [PMID: 37457177 PMCID: PMC10345731 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in cancer development, organogenesis, and embryogenesis. The abnormal activation promotes cancer stem cell renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. In the present study, molecular docking simulation and ADMET studies were carried out on selected bioactive compounds in search of β-catenin protein inhibitors for drug discovery against cancer. Blind docking simulation was performed using PyRx software on Autodock Vina. β-catenin protein (PDB ID: 1jdh) and 313 bioactive compounds (from PubChem database) with selected standard anticancer drugs were used for molecular docking. The ADMET properties of the best-performing compounds were calculated using SwissADME and pkCMS web servers. The results obtained from the molecular docking study showed that glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, and rutin had the best binding interactions with β-catenin protein based on their binding affinities. Glycyrrhizic acid and solanine had the same and lowest binding energy of -8.5 kcal/mol. This was followed by polyphyllin I with -8.4 kcal/mol, and crocin, hypericin, and tubeimoside-1 which all had a binding energy of 8.1 kcal/mol. Other top-performing compounds include diosmin and rutin with binding energy of -8.0 kcal/mol. The ADMET study revealed that the following compounds glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, rutin, and baicalin all violated Lipinski's rule of 5 which implies poor oral bioavailability. However, based on the binding energy score, it was suggested that these pharmacologically active compounds are potential molecules to be tested against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuebuka Egbuna
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port‐HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu UniversityUliNigeria
| | - Kingsley C. Patrick‐Iwuanyanwu
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port‐HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Eugene N. Onyeike
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port‐HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Chukwuemelie Zedech Uche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of NigeriaNsukkaNigeria
| | - Uchenna Petronilla Ogoke
- Biostatistics and Computation Unit, Department of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Muhammad Riaz
- Department of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of SargodhaSargodhaPakistan
| | - Ebube Nnamdi Ibezim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu UniversityUliNigeria
| | - Johra Khan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesMajmaah UniversityAl MajmaahSaudi Arabia
- Health and Basic Sciences Research CenterMajmaah UniversityAl MajmaahSaudi Arabia
| | - Kamoru A. Adedokun
- Department of ImmunologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Sikiru O. Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Ibrahim O. Bello
- Department of Biological SciencesSouthern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsvilleIllinoisUSA
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Mauro M, Ugo P, Walton Z, Ali S, Rastellini C, Cicalese L. Glypican-3 (GPC-3) Structural Analysis and Cargo in Serum Small Extracellular Vesicles of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10922. [PMID: 37446098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC-3) is a heparin sulfate proteoglycan located extracellularly and anchored to the cell membrane of transformed hepatocytes. GPC-3 is not expressed in normal or cirrhotic liver tissue but is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of this, GPC-3 is one of the most important emerging immunotargets for treatment and as an early detection marker of HCC. To determine if GPC-3 domains associated with serum small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) could be used as an HCC diagnostic marker, we predicted in silico GPC-3 structural properties and tested for the presence of its full-length form and/or cleaved domains in serum sEVs isolated from patients with HCC. Structural analysis revealed that the Furin cleavage site of GPC-3 is exposed and readily accessible, suggesting the facilitation of GPC-3 cleavage events. Upon isolation of sEVs from both hepatocytes, culture media and serum of patients with HCC were studied for GPC-3 content. This data suggests that Furin-dependent GPC-3 cleaved domains could be a powerful tool for detection of initial stages of HCC and serve as a predictor for disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montalbano Mauro
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
| | - Perricone Ugo
- Molecular Informatics Group, Fondazione Ri.MED., 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Zachary Walton
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
| | - Shirafkan Ali
- Rutgers Health, Department of Cardiac Surgery, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Cristiana Rastellini
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
| | - Luca Cicalese
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-5302, USA
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Qin XY, Furutani Y, Yonezawa K, Shimizu N, Kato-Murayama M, Shirouzu M, Xu Y, Yamano Y, Wada A, Gailhouste L, Shrestha R, Takahashi M, Keillor JW, Su T, Yu W, Fujii S, Kagechika H, Dohmae N, Shirakami Y, Shimizu M, Masaki T, Matsuura T, Suzuki H, Kojima S. Targeting transglutaminase 2 mediated exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 signaling in liver cancer stem cells with acyclic retinoid. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:358. [PMID: 37308486 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05847-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional protein that promotes or suppresses tumorigenesis, depending on intracellular location and conformational structure. Acyclic retinoid (ACR) is an orally administered vitamin A derivative that prevents hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence by targeting liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we examined the subcellular location-dependent effects of ACR on TG2 activity at a structural level and characterized the functional role of TG2 and its downstream molecular mechanism in the selective depletion of liver CSCs. A binding assay with high-performance magnetic nanobeads and structural dynamic analysis with native gel electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography-coupled multi-angle light scattering or small-angle X-ray scattering showed that ACR binds directly to TG2, induces oligomer formation of TG2, and inhibits the transamidase activity of cytoplasmic TG2 in HCC cells. The loss-of-function of TG2 suppressed the expression of stemness-related genes, spheroid proliferation and selectively induced cell death in an EpCAM+ liver CSC subpopulation in HCC cells. Proteome analysis revealed that TG2 inhibition suppressed the gene and protein expression of exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 (EXT1) and heparan sulfate biosynthesis in HCC cells. In contrast, high levels of ACR increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations along with an increase in apoptotic cells, which probably contributed to the enhanced transamidase activity of nuclear TG2. This study demonstrates that ACR could act as a novel TG2 inhibitor; TG2-mediated EXT1 signaling is a promising therapeutic target in the prevention of HCC by disrupting liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Yang Qin
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Furutani
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kento Yonezawa
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Center for Digital Green-innovation, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Shimizu
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kato-Murayama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yali Xu
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumiko Yamano
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry for Life Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akimori Wada
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry for Life Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Luc Gailhouste
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Laboratory for Brain Development and Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rajan Shrestha
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Masataka Takahashi
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ting Su
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenkui Yu
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shinya Fujii
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kagechika
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yohei Shirakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahiro Masaki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Matsuura
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harukazu Suzuki
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Soichi Kojima
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
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Khilji SK, Op 't Hoog C, Warschkau D, Lühle J, Goerdeler F, Freitag A, Seeberger PH, Moscovitz O. Smaller size packs a stronger punch - Recent advances in small antibody fragments targeting tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens. Theranostics 2023; 13:3041-3063. [PMID: 37284439 PMCID: PMC10240822 DOI: 10.7150/thno.80901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Attached to proteins, lipids, or forming long, complex chains, glycans represent the most versatile post-translational modification in nature and surround all human cells. Unique glycan structures are monitored by the immune system and differentiate self from non-self and healthy from malignant cells. Aberrant glycosylations, termed tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), are a hallmark of cancer and are correlated with all aspects of cancer biology. Therefore, TACAs represent attractive targets for monoclonal antibodies for cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, due to the thick and dense glycocalyx as well as the tumour micro-environment, conventional antibodies often suffer from restricted access and limited effectiveness in vivo. To overcome this issue, many small antibody fragments have come forth, showing similar affinity with better efficiency than their full-length counterparts. Here we review small antibody fragments against specific glycans on tumour cells and highlight their advantages over conventional antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Khan Khilji
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlotte Op 't Hoog
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - David Warschkau
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jost Lühle
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Goerdeler
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Freitag
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Peter H. Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oren Moscovitz
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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Li D, Qin J, Zhou T, Li Y, Cheng X, Chen Z, Chen J, Zheng WV. Bispecific GPC3/PD‑1 CAR‑T cells for the treatment of HCC. Int J Oncol 2023; 62:53. [PMID: 36896779 PMCID: PMC10019756 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Constantly stimulated by the tumor microenvironment (TME), programmed death 1 (PD‑1) is elevated, and it interacts with PD ligand 1 (PD‑L1), rendering chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‑T cells dysfunctional. Hence, CAR‑T cells immune to PD‑1‑induced immunosuppression were constructed to improve the function of CAR‑T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Double‑target CAR‑T cells, targeting glypican‑3 (GPC3) [a tumour-associated antigen (TAA)] and hindering PD‑1‑PD‑L1 binding, were established. The expression of GPC3, PD‑L1, and inhibitory receptors was measured using flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity, cytokine release, and differentiation level of CAR‑T cells were determined using lactate dehydrogenase release assay, enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. HCC cells were targeted and eliminated by double‑target CAR‑T cells. These double‑target CAR‑T cells limit PD‑1‑PD‑L1 binding and sustain cytotoxicity to PD‑L1+ HCC cells. The relatively low IR expression and differentiation level in double‑target CAR‑T cells in tumour tissues induced tumour‑suppression and extended survival in PD‑L1+ HCC TX models, as opposed to their single‑target counterparts. The results of the present study suggested that the newly constructed double‑target CAR‑T cells exhibit stronger tumour‑suppressing effects in HCC than their single‑target counterparts, which are common, suggesting the potential of strengthening CAR‑T cell activity in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Li
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Jie Qin
- Department of Scientific and Research, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Yaqin Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Xianyi Cheng
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Zaizhong Chen
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Junhui Chen
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Junhui Chen or Dr Wei V. Zheng, Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Wei V. Zheng
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Junhui Chen or Dr Wei V. Zheng, Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
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8
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Kolluri A, Li D, Li N, Duan Z, Roberts LR, Ho M. Human VH-based chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting glypican 3 eliminate tumors in preclinical models of HCC. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0022. [PMID: 36691969 PMCID: PMC9851680 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for treating solid tumors, including HCC, remains a challenge. Nanobodies are emerging building blocks of CAR T cells due to their small size and high expression. Membrane proximal sites have been shown as attractive epitopes of CAR T cells. However, current CAR formats are not tailored toward nanobodies or targeting membrane distal epitopes. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using hYP7 Fv (membrane proximal) and HN3 VH nanobody (membrane distal) as GPC3 targeting elements, we sought to determine how hinges and transmembrane portions of varying structures and sizes affect CAR T-cell function. We generated multiple permutations of CAR T cells containing CD8, CD28, IgG4, and Fc domains. We show that engineered HN3 CAR T cells can be improved by 2 independent, synergistic changes in the hinge and transmembrane domains. The T cells expressing the HN3 CAR which contains the hinge region of IgG4 and the CD28 transmembrane domain (HN3-IgG4H-CD28TM) exhibited high cytotoxic activity and caused complete HCC tumor eradication in immunodeficient mice. HN3-IgG4H-CD28TM CAR T cells were enriched for cytotoxic-memory CD8+ T cells and NFAT signals, and reduced β catenin levels in HCC cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that altering the hinge and transmembrane domains of a nanobody-based CAR targeting a distal GPC3 epitope, in contrast to a membrane proximal epitope, lead to robust T-cell signaling and induce swift and durable eradication of HCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Kolluri
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nan Li
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhijian Duan
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lewis R. Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Schepers EJ, Lake C, Glaser K, Bondoc AJ. Inhibition of Glypican-3 Cleavage Results in Reduced Cell Proliferation in a Liver Cancer Cell Line. J Surg Res 2023; 282:118-128. [PMID: 36272230 PMCID: PMC10893758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a surface-bound proteoglycan overexpressed in pediatric liver cancer and utilized clinically as an immunohistochemical tumor marker. Furin is a proprotein convertase that is ubiquitously expressed and shown to modify GPC3 post-translationally. In experimental models of epithelial-based cancers, furin inhibition decreased tumor cell migration and proliferation representing a potential therapeutic target. METHODS Using a synthetic furin inhibitor, we evaluated proliferation, migration, protein, and RNA expression in two liver cancer cell lines, HepG2 (GPC3-positive) and SKHep1 cells (GPC3-negative). Total furin protein and GPC3 protein expression were assessed to evaluate functional levels of furin. RESULTS There was a reduction in HepG2 proliferation with addition of furin inhibitor at the 48-h timepoint, however there was an increase in HepG2 migration. CONCLUSIONS GPC3 cleavage in hepatoblastoma (HB) has a role in cell proliferation with therapeutic potential, however furin inhibition is not an appropriate target for GPC3-expressing HB due to increased migration which may enhance metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Schepers
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Charissa Lake
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kathryn Glaser
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alexander J Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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10
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Alvarez-Rodrigo I, Willnow D, Vincent JP. The logistics of Wnt production and delivery. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:1-60. [PMID: 36967191 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Wnts are secreted proteins that control stem cell maintenance, cell fate decisions, and growth during development and adult homeostasis. Wnts carry a post-translational modification not seen in any other secreted protein: during biosynthesis, they are appended with a palmitoleoyl moiety that is required for signaling but also impairs solubility and hence diffusion in the extracellular space. In some contexts, Wnts act only in a juxtacrine manner but there are also instances of long range action. Several proteins and processes ensure that active Wnts reach the appropriate target cells. Some, like Porcupine, Wntless, and Notum are dedicated to Wnt function; we describe their activities in molecular detail. We also outline how the cell infrastructure (secretory, endocytic, and retromer pathways) contribute to the progression of Wnts from production to delivery. We then address how Wnts spread in the extracellular space and form a signaling gradient despite carrying a hydrophobic moiety. We highlight particularly the role of lipid-binding Wnt interactors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Finally, we briefly discuss how evolution might have led to the emergence of this unusual signaling pathway.
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11
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Zou G, Park JI. Wnt signaling in liver regeneration, disease, and cancer. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:33-50. [PMID: 35785913 PMCID: PMC9845677 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver exhibits the highest recovery rate from acute injuries. However, in chronic liver disease, the long-term loss of hepatocytes often leads to adverse consequences such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The Wnt signaling plays a pivotal role in both liver regeneration and tumorigenesis. Therefore, manipulating the Wnt signaling has become an attractive approach to treating liver disease, including cancer. Nonetheless, given the crucial roles of Wnt signaling in physiological processes, blocking Wnt signaling can also cause several adverse effects. Recent studies have identified cancer-specific regulators of Wnt signaling, which would overcome the limitation of Wnt signaling target approaches. In this review, we discussed the role of Wnt signaling in liver regeneration, precancerous lesion, and liver cancer. Furthermore, we summarized the basic and clinical approaches of Wnt signaling blockade and proposed the therapeutic prospects of cancer-specific Wnt signaling blockade for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengyi Zou
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,Corresponding author : Gengyi Zou Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd Unit 1054, Houston, TX 77030, USA Tel: +1-713-792-3659, Fax: +1-713-794-5369, E-mail:
| | - Jae-Il Park
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,Genetics and Epigenetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA,Jae-Il Park Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd. Unit 1052, Houston, TX 77030, USA Tel: +1-713-792-3659, Fax: +1-713-794-5369, E-mail:
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12
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Li N, Dong T, Wang P, Li Q, Nie F. Predicting glypican-3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive analysis using combined contrast-enhanced ultrasound and clinical factors. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2023; 85:407-420. [PMID: 37638421 DOI: 10.3233/ch-231912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glypican-3 (GPC3) has emerged as a significant marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and has garnered considerable attention as an immunotherapeutic target. In this study, we propose a combination of preoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging features and clinical factors to predict the positive expression of GPC3 in HCC patients. METHODS We retrospectively included 30 cases of GPC3-negative HCC and 115 cases of GPC3-positive HCC patients who underwent conventional ultrasound and CEUS evaluation. We assessed and compared the clinical characteristics, conventional ultrasound features, and CEUS features between the two groups of HCC patients. Based on the clinical and ultrasound features between the two groups, we developed a binary logistic regression model for predicting GPC3-positive HCC. RESULTS A total of 145 HCC patients were included in this study. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that AFP > 20 ng/mL (OR = 4.047; 95% CI: 1.467-11.16; p = 0.007), arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) (OR = 12.557; 95% CI: 3.608-43.706; p < 0.001), and asynchronous perfusion (OR = 4.209; 95% CI: 1.206-14.691; p = 0.024) were predictive factors for GPC3-positive HCC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to predict GPC3-positive expression. The model combining the three independent predictive factors showed good predictive performance (AUC 0.817, 95% CI: 0.731-0.902, sensitivity: 91.3%, specificity: 60.0%). This combined model demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability to predict GPC3-positive HCC. CONCLUSION Preoperative integration of CEUS features and clinical factors can non-invasively and effectively identify GPC3-positive HCC patients, providing valuable assistance in making personalized treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Li
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tiantian Dong
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Peihua Wang
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qi Li
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fang Nie
- Ultrasound Medical Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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13
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Wu T, Song Z, Huang H, Jakos T, Jiang H, Xie Y, Zhu J. Construction and evaluation of GPC3-targeted immunotoxins as a novel therapeutic modality for hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109393. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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A mutated glycosaminoglycan-binding domain functions as a novel probe to selectively target heparin-like epitopes on tumor cells. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102609. [PMID: 36265583 PMCID: PMC9672413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The high heterogeneity and mutation rate of cancer cells often lead to the failure of targeted therapy, and therefore, new targets for multitarget therapy of tumors are urgently needed. Aberrantly expressed glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis and are promising new targets. Recently, the GAG-binding domain rVAR2 of the Plasmodium falciparum VAR2CSA protein was identified as a probe targeting cancer-associated chondroitin sulfate A-like epitopes. In this study, we found that rVAR2 could also bind to heparin (Hep) and chondroitin sulfate E. Therefore, we used rVAR2 as a model to establish a method based on random mutagenesis of the GAG-binding protein and phage display to identify and optimize probes targeting tumor GAGs. We identified a new probe, VAR2HP, which selectively recognized Hep by interacting with unique epitopes consisting of a decasaccharide structure that contains at least three HexA2S(1-4)GlcNS6S disaccharides. Moreover, we found that these Hep-like epitopes were overexpressed in various cancer cells. Most importantly, our in vivo experiments showed that VAR2HP had good biocompatibility and preferentially localizes to tumors, which indicates that VAR2HP has great application potential in tumor diagnosis and targeted therapy. In conclusion, this study provides a strategy for the discovery of novel tumor-associated GAG epitopes and their specific probes.
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15
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Chen Y, Qin Y, Wu Y, Wei H, Wei Y, Zhang Z, Duan T, Jiang H, Song B. Preoperative prediction of glypican-3 positive expression in solitary hepatocellular carcinoma on gadoxetate-disodium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Front Immunol 2022; 13:973153. [PMID: 36091074 PMCID: PMC9453305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.973153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose As a coreceptor in Wnt and HGF signaling, glypican-3 (GPC-3) promotes the progression of tumor and is associated with a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). GPC-3 has evolved as a target molecule in various immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor T cell. However, its evaluation still relies on invasive histopathologic examination. Therefore, we aimed to develop an easy-to-use and noninvasive risk score integrating preoperative gadoxetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) and clinical indicators to predict positive GPC-3 expression in HCC. Methods and materials Consecutive patients with surgically-confirmed solitary HCC who underwent preoperative EOB-MRI between January 2016 and November 2021 were retrospectively included. EOB-MRI features were independently evaluated by two masked abdominal radiologists and the expression of GPC-3 was determined by two liver pathologists. On the training dataset, a predictive scoring system for GPC-3 was developed against pathology via logistical regression analysis. Model performances were characterized by computing areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs). Results A total of 278 patients (training set, n=156; internal validation set, n=39; external validation set, n=83) with solitary HCC (208 [75%] with positive GPC-3 expression) were included. Serum alpha-fetoprotein >10 ng/ml (AFP, odds ratio [OR]=2.3, four points) and five EOB-MR imaging features, including tumor size >3.0cm (OR=0.5, -3 points), nonperipheral “washout” (OR=3.0, five points), infiltrative appearance (OR=9.3, 10 points), marked diffusion restriction (OR=3.3, five points), and iron sparing in solid mass (OR=0.2, -7 points) were significantly associated with positive GPC-3 expression. The optimal threshold of scoring system for predicting GPC-3 positive expression was 5.5 points, with AUC 0.726 and 0.681 on the internal and external validation sets, respectively. Conclusion Based on serum AFP and five EOB-MRI features, we developed an easy-to-use and noninvasive risk score which could accurately predict positive GPC-3 HCC, which may help identify potential responders for GPC-3-targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidi Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Qin
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanan Wu
- Big Data Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Duan
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Hanyu Jiang, ; Bin Song,
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiology, Sanya People’s Hospital, Sanya, China
- *Correspondence: Hanyu Jiang, ; Bin Song,
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16
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Hashemi Yeganeh H, Heiat M, Alavian SM, Rezaei E. A New Combination: Anti Glypican-3 scFv and Diphtheria Toxin with the Best Flexible Linker. Protein J 2022; 41:527-542. [PMID: 36001255 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-022-10074-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Along with all cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, targeting therapy is a new treatment manner. Immunotoxins are new recombinant structures that kill cancer cells by targeting specific antigens. Immunotoxins are composed of two parts: toxin moiety, which disrupts protein synthesis process, and antigen binding moiety that bind to antigens on the surface of cancer cells. Glypican 3 (GPC3) is an oncofetal antigen on the surface of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In this study, truncated Diphtheria toxin (DT389) was fused to humanized scFv YP7 by one, two and three repeats of GGGGS linkers (DT389-(GGGGS)1-3YP7). In-silico and experimental investigation were performed to find out how many repeats of linker between toxin and scFv moieties are sufficient. Results of in-silico investigations revealed that the difference in the number of linkers does not have a significant effect on the main structures of the immunotoxin; however, the three-dimensional structure of two repeats of linker had a more appropriate structure compared to others with one and three linker replications. In addition, with enhancing the number of linkers, the probability of protein solubility has increased. Generally, the bioinformatics results of DT389-(GGGGS)2-YP7 structure showed that expression and folding is suitable; and YP7 scFv has appropriate orientation to bind GPC3. The experimental investigations indicated that the fusion protein was expressed as near to 50% soluble. Due to the high binding affinity of YP7 scFv and the proven potency of diphtheria in inhibiting protein synthesis, the proposed DT389-(GGGGS)2-YP7 immunotoxin is expected to function well in inhibiting HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hashemi Yeganeh
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, P.O. Box 19395-5487, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Heiat
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Rezaei
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, P.O. Box 19395-5487, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Grega SD, Zheng DX, Zheng QH. Imaging ligands targeting glypican-3 receptor expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 12:113-121. [PMID: 36072763 PMCID: PMC9441927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality. Early detection of HCC is important since potentially curative therapies exist in the initial stages of HCC; no curative therapies exist for late-stage HCC. However, the initial detection of HCC remains challenging due to the lack of symptoms during the early stage of the disease. Other methods of screening and detecting HCC, including blood serum tests and conventional imaging methods, remain inadequate due to genetic differences between patients and the high background activity of liver tissues. Thus, there is a need for an accurate imaging agent for the diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of HCC. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an oncofetal receptor responsible for regulating cell division, growth, and survival. GPC3 is a clinically relevant biomarker for imaging and therapeutics, as its expression is HCC tumor-specific and absent from normal and other pathological liver tissues. The development of novel GPC3-targeting imaging agents has encompassed three classes of biomolecules: peptides, antibodies, and aptamers. These biomolecules serve as constructs for diagnostic imaging (demonstrating potential as positron emission tomography [PET], single-photon emission tomography [SPECT], and optical imaging agents) and HCC treatment delivery. More than 20 unique ligands have been identified in the literature as showing specificity for the GPC3 receptor. Although several ligands are currently under clinical investigation as therapies for HCC, clinical translation of GPC3-targeting ligands as imaging agents is lacking. This review highlights the current landscape of ligands targeting GPC3 and describes their promising possibilities as imaging agents for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun D Grega
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David X Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University School of MedicineCleveland, OH, USA
| | - Qi-Huang Zheng
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolis, IN, USA
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18
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Nie JH, Yang T, Li H, Li S, Li TT, Ye HS, Lu MD, Chu X, Zhong GQ, Zhou JL, Wu ML, Zhang Y, Liu J. Frequently Expressed Glypican-3 As A Promising Novel Therapeutic Target for Osteosarcomas. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:3618-3632. [PMID: 35946078 PMCID: PMC9530858 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone malignancy without a reliable therapeutic target. Glypican-3 (GPC3) mutation and upregulation have been detected in multi-drug resistant OS, and anti-GPC3 immunotherapy can effectively suppress the growth of organoids. Further profiling of GPC3 mutations and expression patterns in OS is of clinical significance. To address these issues, fresh OS specimens were collected from 24 patients for cancer-targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and three-dimensional patient-derived organoid (PDO) culture. A tumor microarray was prepared using 37 archived OS specimens. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on OS specimens and microarrays to profile GPC3 and CD133 expression as well as intratumoral distribution patterns. RT-PCR was conducted to semi-quantify GPC3 and CD133 expression levels in the OS tissues. Anti-GPC3 immunotherapy was performed on OS organoids with or without GPC3 expression and its efficacy was analyzed using multiple experimental approaches. No OS cases with GPC3 mutations were found, except for the positive control (OS-08). IHC staining revealed GPC3 expression in 73.77% (45/61) of OSs in weak (+; 29/45), moderate (++; 8/45), and strong (+++; 8/45) immunolabeling densities. The intratumoral distribution of GPC3-positive cells was variable in the focal (+; 10-30%; 8/45), partial (++; 31-70%; 22/45), and the most positive patterns (+++; > 71%; 15/45), which coincided with CD133 immunolabeling (P = 9.89×10-10 ). The anti-GPC3 antibody efficiently inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and induces apoptosis in GPC3-positive PDOs and PDXs, as opposed to GPC3-negative PDOs and PDXs. The high frequency of GPC3 and CD133 co-expression and the effectiveness of anti-wildtype GPC3-ab therapy in GPC3-positive OS models suggest that GPC3 is a novel prognostic parameter and a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hua Nie
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- BioMed Laboratory, Guangzhou Jingke Biotech Group, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- BioMed Laboratory, Guangzhou Jingke Biotech Group, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- BioMed Laboratory, Guangzhou Jingke Biotech Group, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Shan Ye
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Di Lu
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Chu
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zhong
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Long Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mo-Li Wu
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Liu
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Zheng X, Liu X, Lei Y, Wang G, Liu M. Glypican-3: A Novel and Promising Target for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:824208. [PMID: 35251989 PMCID: PMC8889910 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.824208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane-associated proteoglycan that is specifically up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) although rarely or not expressed in normal liver tissues, making it a perfect diagnostic and treatment target for HCC. Several GPC3-based clinical trials are ongoing and recently several innovative GPC3-targeted therapeutic methods have emerged with exciting results, including GPC3 vaccine, anti-GPC3 immunotoxin, combined therapy with immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T or NK cells. Here, we review the value of GPC3 in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, together with its signaling pathways, with a specific focus on GPC3-targeted treatments of HCC and some prospects for the future GPC3-based therapeutic strategies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xun Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanna Lei
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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20
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Hu X, Chen R, Wei Q, Xu X. The Landscape Of Alpha Fetoprotein In Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Are We? Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:536-551. [PMID: 35002508 PMCID: PMC8741863 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.64537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and has been acknowledged as a leading cause of death among cirrhosis patients. Difficulties in early diagnosis and heterogeneity are obstacles to effective treatment, especially for advanced HCC. Liver transplantation (LT) is considered the best therapy for HCC. Although many biomarkers are being proposed, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which was identified over 60 years ago, remains the most utilized. Recently, much hope has been placed in the immunogenicity of AFP to develop novel therapies, such as AFP vaccines and AFP-specific adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT). This review summarizes the performance of AFP as a biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as its correlation with molecular classes. In addition, the role of AFP in LT is also described. Finally, we highlight the mechanism and application prospects of two immune therapies (AFP vaccine and ACT) for HCC. In general, our review points out the prevalence of AFP in HCC, accompanied by some controversies and novel directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Ronggao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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21
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Li D, Lin S, Hong J, Ho M. Immunotherapy for hepatobiliary cancers: Emerging targets and translational advances. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:415-449. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Htun MW, Shibata Y, Soe K, Koji T. Nuclear Expression of Pygo2 Correlates with Poorly Differentiated State Involving c-Myc, PCNA and Bcl9 in Myanmar Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2021; 54:195-206. [PMID: 35023882 PMCID: PMC8727843 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.21-00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In Myanmar, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is commonly seen in young adult and associated with poor prognosis, while the molecular mechanisms that characterize HCC in Myanmar are unknown. As co-activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and c-Myc (Myc) are reported to associate with malignancy of HCC, we immunohistochemically investigated the expression of Pygo2 and Bcl9, the co-activators of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Myc and PCNA in 60 cases of Myanmar HCC. Pygo2 expression was confirmed by in situ hybridization. The signal intensity was measured by image analyzer and then statistically analyzed. As a result, the expression of Pygo2 was significantly higher in HCC compared to normal liver tissue and the nuclear signal was the most intense in poorly differentiated HCC. Cytoplasmic Bcl9 was expressed in the normal liver tissue but decreased in HCC with the progression of histopathological grade. Myc was significantly higher in poorly differentiated HCC, whereas PCNA labeling index increased with the progression of histopathological grade. Nuclear Pygo2 showed strong correlation with nuclear Myc (P < 0.01) and PCNA (P < 0.001), and inversely correlated with cytoplasmic Bcl9 (P < 0.01). Our results suggested Wnt/β-catenin and Myc signaling is commonly activated in Myanmar HCC and that the correlative upregulation of nuclear Pygo2 and Myc characterizes the malignant features of HCC in Myanmar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myo Win Htun
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
| | - Yasuaki Shibata
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
| | | | - Takehiko Koji
- Office for Research Initiative and Development, Nagasaki University
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23
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Griffiths SC, Schwab RA, El Omari K, Bishop B, Iverson EJ, Malinauskas T, Dubey R, Qian M, Covey DF, Gilbert RJC, Rohatgi R, Siebold C. Hedgehog-Interacting Protein is a multimodal antagonist of Hedgehog signalling. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7171. [PMID: 34887403 PMCID: PMC8660895 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) morphogen signalling, crucial for cell growth and tissue patterning in animals, is initiated by the binding of dually lipidated HH ligands to cell surface receptors. Hedgehog-Interacting Protein (HHIP), the only reported secreted inhibitor of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signalling, binds directly to SHH with high nanomolar affinity, sequestering SHH. Here, we report the structure of the HHIP N-terminal domain (HHIP-N) in complex with a glycosaminoglycan (GAG). HHIP-N displays a unique bipartite fold with a GAG-binding domain alongside a Cysteine Rich Domain (CRD). We show that HHIP-N is required to convey full HHIP inhibitory function, likely by interacting with the cholesterol moiety covalently linked to HH ligands, thereby preventing this SHH-attached cholesterol from binding to the HH receptor Patched (PTCH1). We also present the structure of the HHIP C-terminal domain in complex with the GAG heparin. Heparin can bind to both HHIP-N and HHIP-C, thereby inducing clustering at the cell surface and generating a high-avidity platform for SHH sequestration and inhibition. Our data suggest a multimodal mechanism, in which HHIP can bind two specific sites on the SHH morphogen, alongside multiple GAG interactions, to inhibit SHH signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Griffiths
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Evotec (UK) Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, UK
| | - Rebekka A Schwab
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kamel El Omari
- Science Division, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Benjamin Bishop
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ellen J Iverson
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tomas Malinauskas
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ramin Dubey
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mingxing Qian
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MI, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MI, USA
| | - Robert J C Gilbert
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rajat Rohatgi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christian Siebold
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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24
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Feng S, Meng X, Li Z, Chang TS, Wu X, Zhou J, Joshi B, Choi EY, Zhao L, Zhu J, Wang TD. Multi-Modal Imaging Probe for Glypican-3 Overexpressed in Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15639-15650. [PMID: 34590489 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rising steadily in incidence, and more effective methods are needed for early detection and image-guided surgery. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a cell surface biomarker that is overexpressed in early-stage cancer but not in cirrhosis. An IRDye800-labeled 12-mer amino acid sequence was identified, and specific binding to GPC3 was validated in vitro and in orthotopically implanted HCC tumors in vivo. Over 4-fold greater binding affinity and 2-fold faster kinetics were measured by comparison with previous GPC3 peptides. Photoacoustic images showed peak tumor uptake at 1.5 h post-injection and clearance within ∼24 h. Laparoscopic and whole-body fluorescence images showed strong intensity from tumor versus adjacent liver with about a 2-fold increase. Immunofluorescence staining of human liver specimens demonstrated specific binding to HCC versus cirrhosis with 79% sensitivity and 79% specificity, and normal liver with 81% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The near-infrared peptide is promising for early HCC detection in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Feng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Xiaoqing Meng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Tse-Shao Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bishnu Joshi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Eun-Young Choi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jiye Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Thomas D Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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25
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Jin X, Liu X, Zhou Z, Ding Y, Wu Y, Qiu J, Shen C. Identification of HLA-A2 restricted epitopes of glypican-3 and induction of CTL responses in HLA-A2 transgenic mice. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1569-1582. [PMID: 34724090 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high mortality, but lacks effective treatments. Carcinoembryonic antigen glypican-3 (GPC3) is a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in HCC but rarely expressed in healthy individuals and thus is one of the most promising therapeutic targets. T cell epitope-based vaccines may bring light to HCC patients, especially to the patients at a late stage. However, few epitopes from GPC3 were identified to date, which limited the application of GPC3-derived epitopes in immunotherapy and T cell function detection. In this study, a total of 25 HLA-A0201 restricted GPC3 epitopes were in silico predicted and selected as candidate epitopes. Then, HLA-A0201+/GPC3+ HCC patients' PBMCs were collected and co-stimulated with the candidate epitope peptides in ex vivo IFN-γ Elispot assay, by which five epitopes were identified as real-world epitopes. Their capacity to elicit specific CD8+ T cells activation and proliferation was further confirmed by in vitro co-cultures of patients' PBMCs with peptide, in vitro co-cultures of healthy donors' PBLs with DCs and peptide, T2 cell binding assay as well as HLA-A2 molecule stability assay. Moreover, the in vivo immunogenicity of the five validated epitopes was confirmed by peptides cocktail/poly(I:C) vaccination in HLA-A0201/DR1 transgenic mice. Robust epitope-specific CD8+ T cell responses and cytotoxicity targeting HepG2 cells were observed as detected by IFN-γ Elispot, intracellular IFN-γ staining and cytolysis assay. This study provided novel GPC3 CTL epitopes for the development of T cell epitope vaccines and evaluation of GPC3 specific T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaotao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zining Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yandan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, The Second Hospital of Nanjing Affiliated To Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chuanlai Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China. .,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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26
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Pan J, Ho M. Role of glypican-1 in regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C846-C858. [PMID: 34550795 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00290.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glypican-1 (GPC1) is one of the six glypican family members in humans. It is composed of a core protein with three heparan sulfate chains and attached to the cell membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor. GPC1 modulates various signaling pathways including fibroblast growth factors (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), and bone morphogenic protein (BMP) through specific interactions with pathway ligands and receptors. The impact of these interactions on signaling pathways, activating or inhibitory, is dependent upon specific GPC1 domain interaction with pathway components, as well as cell surface context. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure of GPC1, as well as its role in regulating multiple signaling pathways. We focus on the functions of GPC1 in cancer cells and how new insights into these signaling processes can inform its translational potential as a therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Pan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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27
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DT389-YP7, a Recombinant Immunotoxin against Glypican-3 That Inhibits Hepatocellular Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110749. [PMID: 34822533 PMCID: PMC8617615 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the high-metastatic types of cancer, and metastasis occurs in one-third of patients with HCC. To maintain the effectiveness of drug compounds on cancer cells and minimize their side effects on normal cells, it is important to use new approaches for overcoming malignancies. Immunotoxins (ITs), an example of such a new approach, are protein-structured compounds consisting of toxic and binding moieties which can specifically bind to cancer cells and efficiently induce cell death. Here, we design and scrutinize a novel immunotoxin against an oncofetal marker on HCC cells. We applied a truncated diphtheria toxin (DT389) without binding domain as a toxin moiety to be fused with a humanized YP7 scFv against a high-expressed Glypican-3 (GPC3) antigen on the surface of HCC cells. Cytotoxic effects of this IT were investigated on HepG2 (GPC3+) and SkBr3 (GPC3−) cell lines as positive- and negative-expressed GPC3 antigens. The dissociation constant (Kd) was calculated 11.39 nM and 18.02 nM for IT and YP7 scfv, respectively, whereas only IT showed toxic effects on the HepG2 cell line, and decreased cell viability (IC50 = 848.2 ng/mL). Changing morphology (up to 85%), cell cycle arrest at G2 phase (up to 13%), increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROSs) (up to 50%), inducing apoptosis (up to 38% for apoptosis and 23% for necrosis), and an almost complete inhibition of cell movement were other effects of immunotoxin treatment on HepG2 cells, not on SkBr3 cell line. These promising results reveal that this new recombinant immunotoxin can be considered as an option as an HCC inhibitor. However, more extensive studies are needed to accomplish this concept.
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28
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Kerdput V, Nilbu-Nga C, Kaewnoonual N, Itharat A, Pongsawat S, Pradidarcheep W. Therapeutic efficacy of a Dioscorea membranacea extract in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma: Histopathological aspects. J Tradit Complement Med 2021; 11:400-408. [PMID: 34522634 PMCID: PMC8427478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most common in adults and has a high mortality rate because of a lack of effective treatment options. We investigated the effect of a medicinal plant as a potential source of drugs against HCC. The rhizomes of Dioscorea membranacea Pierre (DM), Hua-Khao-Yen in Thai, are commonly used as ingredients for alternative treatment of cancer in Thailand. In this study, the anticancer effects of DM extract in HCC-bearing rats were evaluated with respect to gross morphology, histopathology, and leakage of liver enzymes. In untreated HCCs, typical features of liver cancer, including hepatic nodules, thick-cell cords, and pseudoglandular cell arrangements, were observed. In addition, the HCCs showed abnormal reticulin patterns and a high glypican3 expression. In HCC-bearing rats treated with DM the cancer areas and reticulin expression were significantly reduced compared to the untreated group (p < 0.01). Sorafenib, the standard drug to treat HCC, reduced the cancer area further, but increased leakage of liver enzymes and decreased serum albumin concentration, indicating liver toxicity. These findings suggest that DM has an anticancer effect on HCCs in an animal model in vivo with potentially less severe side effects than sorafenib. Therefore, further studies of DM’s mechanism of action in HCC should be carried out. DM exerted a mitigating effect on histopathology and membrane damage of HCC in rats. Its effect was similar to that of the standard drug sorafenib. It reduced the volume of cancer nodules without the serious hepatotoxic side effects seen after SF treatment.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- DEN, diethylnitrosamine
- DM, Dioscorea membranacea
- GGT, γ-glutamyltransferase
- GPC3, glypican3
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- Hua-Khao-Yen
- Liver cancer
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- Reticulin
- SF, sorafenib
- TAA, thioacetamide
- TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling
- Traditional medicine
- glypican3
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Affiliation(s)
- Vichununt Kerdput
- Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Cheng Nilbu-Nga
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattpawit Kaewnoonual
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Arunporn Itharat
- Center of Excellence in Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Research, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Suriya Pongsawat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wisuit Pradidarcheep
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
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29
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Wu F, Wu B, Zhang X, Yang C, Zhou C, Ren S, Wang J, Yang Y, Wang G. Screening of MicroRNA Related to Irradiation Response and the Regulation Mechanism of miRNA-96-5p in Rectal Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:699475. [PMID: 34458143 PMCID: PMC8386172 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.699475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been widely used in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer due to the excellent advantages of irradiation in cancer therapy. Unfortunately, not every patient can benefit from this treatment, therefore, it is of great significance to explore biomarkers that can predict irradiation sensitivity. In this study, we screened microRNAs (miRNAs) which were positively correlated with irradiation resistance and found that miRNA-552 and miRNA-183 families were positively correlated with the irradiation resistance of rectal cancer, and found that high expression of miRNA-96-5p enhanced the irradiation resistance of rectal cancer cells through direct regulation of the GPC3 gene and abnormal activation of the canonical Wnt signal transduction pathway. Based on the radioreactivity results of patient-derived xenograft models, this is the first screening report for radio-resistant biomarkers in rectal cancer. Our results suggest that miRNA-96-5p expression is an important factor affecting the radiation response of colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengpeng Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bingyue Wu
- Department of Oncology, Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Congrong Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chaoxi Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuguang Ren
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yafan Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guiying Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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30
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Raman S, Buongervino SN, Lane MV, Zhelev DV, Zhu Z, Cui H, Martinez B, Martinez D, Wang Y, Upton K, Patel K, Rathi KS, Navia CT, Harmon DB, Li Y, Pawel B, Dimitrov DS, Maris JM, Julien JP, Bosse KR. A GPC2 antibody-drug conjugate is efficacious against neuroblastoma and small-cell lung cancer via binding a conformational epitope. Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100344. [PMID: 34337560 PMCID: PMC8324494 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Glypican 2 (GPC2) is a MYCN-regulated, differentially expressed cell-surface oncoprotein and target for immune-based therapies in neuroblastoma. Here, we build on GPC2's immunotherapeutic attributes by finding that it is also a highly expressed, MYCN-driven oncoprotein on small-cell lung cancers (SCLCs), with significantly enriched expression in both the SCLC and neuroblastoma stem cell compartment.By solving the crystal structure of the D3-GPC2-Fab/GPC2 complex at 3.3 Å resolution, we further illustrate that the GPC2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC; D3-GPC2-PBD), that links a human GPC2 antibody (D3) to DNA-damaging pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimers, binds a tumor-specific, conformation-dependent epitope of the core GPC2 extracellular domain. We then show that this ADC induces durable neuroblastoma and SCLC tumor regression via induction of DNA damage, apoptosis, and bystander cell killing, notably with no signs of ADC-induced in vivo toxicity. These studies provide preclinical data to support the clinical translation of ADCs targeting GPC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Raman
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Samantha N. Buongervino
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria V. Lane
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Doncho V. Zhelev
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Zhongyu Zhu
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Hong Cui
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Martinez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Daniel Martinez
- Department of Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yanping Wang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Kristen Upton
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Khushbu Patel
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Komal S. Rathi
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics and Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Yimei Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bruce Pawel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Dimiter S. Dimitrov
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John M. Maris
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kristopher R. Bosse
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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31
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de Moraes GFA, Listik E, Justo GZ, Vicente CM, Toma L. The Glypican proteoglycans show intrinsic interactions with Wnt-3a in human prostate cancer cells that are not always associated with cascade activation. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:26. [PMID: 33947326 PMCID: PMC8097805 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer occurs through multiple steps until advanced metastasis. Signaling pathways studies can result in the identification of targets to interrupt cancer progression. Glypicans are cell surface proteoglycans linked to the membrane through glycosylphosphatidylinositol. Their interaction with specific ligands has been reported to trigger diverse signaling, including Wnt. In this study, prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, DU-145, and LNCaP were compared to normal prostate RWPE-1 cell line to investigate glypican family members and the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Results Glypican-1 (GPC1) was highly expressed in all the examined cell lines, except for LNCaP, which expressed glypican-5 (GPC5). The subcellular localization of GPC1 was detected on the cell surface of RWPE-1, PC-3, and DU-145 cell lines, while GPC5 suggested cytoplasm localization in LNCaP cells. Besides glypican, flow cytometry analysis in these prostate cell lines confirmed the expression of Wnt-3a and unphosphorylated β-catenin. The co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed increased levels of binding between Wnt-3a and glypicans in cancer cells, suggesting a relationship between these proteoglycans in this pathway. A marked increase in nuclear β-catenin was observed in tumor cells. However, only PC-3 cells demonstrated activation of canonical Wnt signaling, according to the TOPFLASH assay. Conclusions GPC1 was the majorly expressed gene in all the studied cell lines, except for LNCaP, which expressed GPC5. We assessed by co-immunoprecipitation that these GPCs could interact with Wnt-3a. However, even though nuclear β-catenin was found increased in the prostate cancer cells (i.e., PC-3, DU-145 and LNCaP), activation of Wnt pathway was only found in PC-3 cells. In these PC-3 cells, GPC1 and Wnt-3a revealed high levels of colocalization, as assessed by confocal microscopy studies. This suggests a localization at the cellular surface, where Frizzled receptor is required for downstream activation. The interaction of Wnt-3a with GPCs in DU-145 and LNCaP cells, which occurs in absence of Wnt signaling activation, requires further studies. Once non-TCF-LEF proteins can also bind β-catenin, another signaling pathway may be involved in these cells with regulatory function. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-021-00361-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Ferrante Alves de Moraes
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Listik
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Giselle Zenker Justo
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (Campus Diadema), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Carolina Meloni Vicente
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Leny Toma
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil.
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32
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Tan H, Tian Y, Yang H, Liu Z, Liang X, Li B, Cheng W. Oxygen-sufficient lipid nanobubbles combined with UTMD for enhanced sonodynamic therapy of Hep-G2 cells. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2021; 109:1796-1806. [PMID: 33838006 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging noninvasive therapeutic approach, which could penetrate deep-seated tissues and activate sonosensitizer to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, the hypoxic tumor microenvironment significantly limits the efficiency of SDT due to its oxygen-consumption treatment principle. To break hypoxia-induced resistance and improve the efficacy of SDT, we developed shell-core structured oxygen-sufficient nanobubbles(NBs), which were designed with a lipid shell loaded the sonosensitizer IR780 and a gas core loaded with oxygen. With the aid of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), IR780@O2 NBs not only make sonosensitizers more effectively enriched at the tumor site in a controlled manner, but also directly mediate oxygen release and provide sufficient oxygen for producing more ROS to induce cell apoptosis. Thus, IR780@O2 NBs can efficiently inhibit the proliferation of Hep-G2 cells under ultrasound exposure. What is more, IR780@O2 NBs have a potential for contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. We believe that our oxygen-sufficient NBs trigged by UTMD could be an ideal therapeutic and imaging system for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyan Tan
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yuhang Tian
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Huajing Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xitian Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
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33
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Gerlza T, Trojacher C, Kitic N, Adage T, Kungl AJ. Development of Molecules Antagonizing Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans. Semin Thromb Hemost 2021; 47:316-332. [PMID: 33794555 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) occur in almost every tissue of the human body and consist of a protein core, with covalently attached glycosaminoglycan polysaccharide chains. These glycosaminoglycans are characterized by their polyanionic nature, due to sulfate and carboxyl groups, which are distributed along the chain. These chains can be modified by different enzymes at varying positions, which leads to huge diversity of possible structures with the complexity further increased by varying chain lengths. According to their location, HSPGs are divided into different families, the membrane bound, the secreted extracellular matrix, and the secretory vesicle family. As members of the extracellular matrix, they take part in cell-cell communication processes on many levels and with different degrees of involvement. Of particular therapeutic interest is their role in cancer and inflammation as well as in infectious diseases. In this review, we give an overview of the current status of medical approaches to antagonize HSPG function in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Gerlza
- Karl-Franzens University Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Trojacher
- Karl-Franzens University Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | - Nikola Kitic
- Karl-Franzens University Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Andreas J Kungl
- Karl-Franzens University Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graz, Austria.,Antagonis Biotherapeutics GmbH, Graz, Austria
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Prognostic value of aberrantly expressed methylation genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:226463. [PMID: 32955083 PMCID: PMC7536330 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To identify the prognostic value of aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Methods: Gene expression profiles (GSE65372 and GSE37988) were analyzed using GEO2R to obtain aberrantly methylated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis of screened genes was performed by the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Cytoscape software was used to analyze the PPI network and to select hub genes. Transcriptional and proteinic expression data of hub genes were obtained through UALCAN and the Human Protein Reference Database. Finally, we analyzed the prognostic value of hub genes with the Kaplan–Meier Plotter and MethSurv database. Results: In total, 24 up-hypomethylated oncogenes and 37 down-hypermethylated tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) were identified, and 8 hub genes, including 4 up-hypomethylated oncogenes (CDC5L, MERTK, RHOA and YBX1) and 4 down-hypermethylated TSGs (BCR, DFFA, SCUBE2 and TP63), were selected by PPI. Higher expression of methylated CDC5L-cg05671347, MERTK-cg08279316, RHOA-cg05657651 and YBX1-cg16306148, and lower expression of methylated BCR-cg25410636, DFFA-cg20696875, SCUBE2-cg19000089 and TP63-cg06520450, were associated with better overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. Multivariate analysis also showed they were independent prognostic factors for OS of HCC patients. Conclusions: In summary, different expression of methylated genes above mentioned were associated with better prognosis in HCC patients. Altering the methylation status of these genes may be a therapeutic target for HCC, but it should be further evaluated in clinical studies.
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35
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Cui XY, Tjønnfjord GE, Kanse SM, Dahm AEA, Iversen N, Myklebust CF, Sun L, Jiang ZX, Ueland T, Campbell JJ, Ho M, Sandset PM. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor upregulates CXCR7 expression and enhances CXCL12-mediated migration in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5127. [PMID: 33664415 PMCID: PMC7933411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84695-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The infiltration of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells into lymphoid organs correlates with disease severity. CXCL12 is a key chemotactic factor for the trafficking of CLL. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a serine protease inhibitor and plays a role in CXCL12-mediated hematopoietic stem cell homing. We aim to explore the role of TFPI in CXCL12-mediated migration of CLL cells. In this study, plasma TFPI concentrations were measured by ELISA. CLL cells were isolated from patients and used for trans-endothelial migration (TEM) assays. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of CXCR7, CXCR4 and β-catenin. Immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the binding of TFPI and glypican-3 (GPC3). We found that plasma TFPI levels in CLL patients were higher than in healthy controls, particularly in the patients with advanced disease. TFPI enhanced CXCL12-mediated TEM of CLL cells by increasing the expression of the CXCL12 receptor CXCR7, but not of the CXCL12 receptor CXCR4. The effect of TFPI on TEM was abolished by the CXCR7 inhibitor, CCX771, while the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 strongly increased TEM. TFPI co-localized with GPC3 on the cell surface. An antibody to GPC3, HS20, decreased CXCR7 expression and abolished the effect of TFPI on TEM. TFPI activated β-catenin and the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor IWP4 repressed the effect of TFPI on CXCR7 expression and TEM. We conclude that TFPI may contribute to organ infiltration in CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yan Cui
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Geir Erland Tjønnfjord
- Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for B-Cell Malignancies, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandip M Kanse
- Institute of Basal Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Erik Astrup Dahm
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Haematology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Nina Iversen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christiane Filion Myklebust
- Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ling Sun
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Zhong Xing Jiang
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Per Morten Sandset
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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36
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Liao WY, Hsu CC, Chan TS, Yen CJ, Chen WY, Pan HW, Tsai KK. Dishevelled 1-Regulated Superpotent Cancer Stem Cells Mediate Wnt Heterogeneity and Tumor Progression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 14:462-477. [PMID: 32160521 PMCID: PMC7066362 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Various populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Wnt signaling is variably activated in HCC and regulates CSCs and tumorigenesis. We explored cell-to-cell Wnt and stemness heterogeneity in HCC by labeling freshly isolated cancer cells with a Wnt-specific reporter, thereby identifying a small subset (0.4%–8.9%) of Wnt-activityhigh cells. Further cellular subset analysis identified a refined subset of Wnt-activityhighALDH1+EpCAM+ triple-positive (TP) cells as the most stem-like, phenotypically plastic, and tumorigenic among all putative CSC populations. These TP “superpotent CSCs” (spCSCs) specifically upregulate the expression of dishevelled 1 (DVL1) through the antagonism between abnormal spindle-like microcephaly-associated (ASPM) and the ubiquitin ligase complex Cullin-3/KLHL-12. Subsequent functional and molecular studies revealed the role of DVL1 in controlling spCSCs and their tumorigenic potential. These findings provide the mechanistic basis of the Wnt and stemness heterogeneity in HCC and highlight the important role of DVL1high spCSCs in tumor progression. Wnt activity displays a high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity in HCC Wnt-activityhighALDH1+EPCAM+ cells are identified as superpotent CSCs in HCC The proportion of superpotent CSCs correlates with poor patient prognosis in HCC Superpotent CSCs are regulated by the Wnt-ASPM-DVL1 signaling axis
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ying Liao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 84001, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Sian Chan
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Division of Hemato-oncology, Department of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Pan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 84001, Taiwan
| | - Kelvin K Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes (NHRIs), Zhunan 35053, Taiwan.
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37
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Cao R, Liu H, Cheng Z. Radiolabeled Peptide Probes for Liver Cancer Imaging. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6968-6986. [PMID: 32196443 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200320153837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death and represents an important cause of mortality worldwide. Several biomarkers are overexpressed in liver cancer, such as Glypican 3 (GPC3) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). These biomarkers play important roles in the progression of tumors and could serve as imaging and therapeutic targets for this disease. Peptides with adequate stability, receptor binding properties, and biokinetic behavior have been intensively studied for liver cancer imaging. A great variety of them have been radiolabeled with clinically relevant radionuclides for liver cancer diagnosis, and many are promising imaging and therapeutic candidates for clinical translation. Herein, we summarize the advancement of radiolabeled peptides for the targeted imaging of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110000, China
| | - Hongguang Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110000, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Bio-X Program and Stanford Cancer Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
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38
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Chen C, Gu Y, Wang R, Chai X, Jiang S, Wang S, Zhu Z, Chen X, Yuan Y. Comparative two-dimensional GPC3 overexpressing SK-Hep1 cell membrane chromatography /C18/ time-of-flight mass spectrometry for screening selective GPC3 inhibitor components from Scutellariae Radix. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1163:122492. [PMID: 33418242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Screening active components targeting membrane proteins is important for drug discovery from traditional Chinese medicine. Cell membrane chromatography (CMC) has achieved a wide application in screening active components on pathological cells due to its high sensitivity and effectiveness. However, it is hard to clarify the specific target protein through simply using pathological and normal cells. In this study, a novel comparative two-dimensional (2D) cell membrane chromatography system was established. Based on the construction of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SK-Hep1-GPC3 with high expression of protein Glypican-3 (GPC3), SK-Hep1-GPC3/CMC column was loaded to screen selective antitumor components from Scutellariae Radix according to the retention behaviors on column. Viscidulin I was retained on SK-Hep1-GPC3/CMC column, and showed 4.33 μM affinity to GPC3 according to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The IC50 of viscidulin I on SK-Hep1-GPC3 cells was 18.01 μM in cell proliferation assay. Thus, this method can be applied to screen complex herbal medicines for ligands bound to specific target protein receptor related to hepatic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Yanqiu Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Xinyi Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuya Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shaozhan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yongfang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China.
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39
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Wang W, Xu C, Wang H, Jiang C. Identification of nanobodies against hepatocellular carcinoma marker glypican-3. Mol Immunol 2021; 131:13-22. [PMID: 33453658 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a highly specific diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis and a potential target in HCC therapy. Nanobodies (Nbs) are promising targeting molecules due to their high specificity and strong affinities to antigens, high stability, deep tissue penetration, and low immunogenicity. In this study, we isolated Nbs against GPC3 marker protein from a synthetic Nb library by phage display. To characterize these Nbs, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoprecipitation assay, and immunofluorescent assay to demonstrate that four (G8, G10, G11, and G64) of them bound specifically to recombinant as well as endogenous GPC3, and epitope mapping showed they all bound to N-terminal subunit of GPC3. Furthermore, we found that G64 exhibited high protein stability and GPC3 binding activity in serum at 37℃ for at least 96 h, and G64 did not affect the proliferation of HEK293T cells and HCC cell line HepG2. Our study provides four anti-GPC3 Nbs as promising targeting molecules for HCC diagnostic and therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wang
- Institute for Medical Biology and Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China; Precision Medicine R&D Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519080, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
| | - Chang Xu
- Precision Medicine R&D Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519080, China
| | - Huanan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The 990th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Xinyang, Henan, 464000, China
| | - Changan Jiang
- Precision Medicine R&D Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519080, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
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40
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Meng P, Zhang YF, Zhang W, Chen X, Xu T, Hu S, Liang X, Feng M, Yang X, Ho M. Identification of the atypical cadherin FAT1 as a novel glypican-3 interacting protein in liver cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:40. [PMID: 33420124 PMCID: PMC7794441 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is being evaluated as an emerging therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). GPC3 has been shown to interact with several extracellular signaling molecules, including Wnt, HGF, and Hedgehog. Here, we reported a cell surface transmembrane protein (FAT1) as a new GPC3 interacting protein. The GPC3 binding region on FAT1 was initially mapped to the C-terminal region (Q14517, residues 3662-4181), which covered a putative receptor tyrosine phosphatase (RTP)-like domain, a Laminin G-like domain, and five EGF-like domains. Fine mapping by ELISA and flow cytometry showed that the last four EGF-like domains (residues 4013-4181) contained a specific GPC3 binding site, whereas the RTP domain (residues 3662-3788) and the downstream Laminin G-2nd EGF-like region (residues 3829-4050) had non-specific GPC3 binding. In support of their interaction, GPC3 and FAT1 behaved concomitantly or at a similar pattern, e.g. having elevated expression in HCC cells, being up-regulated under hypoxia conditions, and being able to regulate the expression of EMT-related genes Snail, Vimentin, and E-Cadherin and promoting HCC cell migration. Taken together, our study provides the initial evidence for the novel mechanism of GPC3 and FAT1 in promoting HCC cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Meng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Wangli Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tong Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Xinjun Liang
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Hospital of Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Shih TC, Wang L, Wang HC, Wan YJY. Glypican-3: A molecular marker for the detection and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma ☆. LIVER RESEARCH 2020; 4:168-172. [PMID: 33384879 PMCID: PMC7771890 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with a fairly poor prognosis (5-year survival of less than 50%). Using sorafenib, the only food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drug, HCC cannot be effectively treated; it can only be controlled at most for a couple of months. There is a great need to develop efficacious treatment against this debilitating disease. Glypican-3 (GPC3), a member of the glypican family that attaches to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor, is overexpressed in HCC cases and is elevated in the serum of a large proportion of patients with HCC. GPC3 expression contributes to HCC growth and metastasis. Furthermore, several different types of antibodies targeting GPC3 have been developed. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literatures on the GPC3 expression in human HCC, molecular mechanisms of GPC3 regulation and antibodies targeting GPC3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Chieh Shih
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Hsiao-Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA. (Y.-J.Y. Wan)
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42
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Sun Y, Ho M. Emerging antibody-based therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 during the global pandemic. Antib Ther 2020; 3:246-256. [PMID: 33912795 PMCID: PMC7717131 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 antibody therapeutics are being evaluated in clinical and preclinical stages. As of 11 October 2020, 13 human monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have entered clinical trials with three (REGN-COV2, LY3819253/LY-CoV555, and VIR-7831/VIR-7832) in phase 3. On 9 November 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for bamlanivimab (LY3819253/LY-CoV555) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. This review outlines the development of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, with a focus on discussing various antibody discovery strategies (animal immunization, phage display and B cell cloning), describing binding epitopes and comparing neutralizing activities. Broad-neutralizing antibodies targeting the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV might be helpful for treating COVID-19 and future infections. VIR-7831/7832 based on S309 is the only antibody in late clinical development, which can neutralize both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV although it does not directly block virus receptor binding. Thus far, the only cross-neutralizing antibody that is also a receptor binding blocker is nanobody VHH-72. The feasibility of developing nanobodies as inhaled drugs for treating COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is an attractive idea that is worth exploring and testing. A cocktail strategy such as REGN-COV2, or engineered multivalent and multispecific molecules, combining two or more antibodies might improve the efficacy and protect against resistance due to virus escape mutants. Besides the receptor-binding domain, other viral antigens such as the S2 subunit of the spike protein and the viral attachment sites such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans that are on the host cells are worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Sun
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: The impact of epigenetic drugs and the gut microbiome. LIVER RESEARCH 2020; 4:191-198. [PMID: 33343967 PMCID: PMC7746137 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing for decades. This disease has now risen to become the sixth most common malignancy overall, while ranking as the third most frequent cause of cancer mortality. While several surgical interventions and loco-regional treatment options are available, up to 80% of patients present with advanced disease not amenable to standard therapies. Indeed, traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents are notoriously ineffective and essentially play no role in the management of affected patients. This has led to an enormous need for more effective systemic therapeutic options. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a potentially viable and exciting new alternative for the treatment of HCC. Although the current immunotherapeutic options remain imperfect, various strategies can be employed to further improve their efficacy. New findings have revealed epigenetic modulation can be effective as a new approach for improving HCC immunotherapy. Studying the gut microbiome (gut-liver axis) can also be an interesting subject in this regard. Here, we explore the latest insights into the role of immunotherapy treatmenting HCC, both mono and in combination with other agents. We also focus on the impact of epigenetic drugs and the microbiome in the overall effectiveness of HCC immunotherapy.
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Shen J, Cai W, Ma Y, Xu R, Huo Z, Song L, Qiu X, Zhang Y, Li A, Cao W, Zhou S, Tang X. hGC33-Modified and Sorafenib-Loaded Nanoparticles have a Synergistic Anti-Hepatoma Effect by Inhibiting Wnt Signaling Pathway. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2020; 15:220. [PMID: 33242103 PMCID: PMC7691417 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-020-03451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of tumor-specific inhibitors is a challenge in cancer treatment. Antibody-modified nanoparticles can deliver their loaded drugs to tumor cells that overexpress specific tumor-associated antigens. Here, we constructed sorafenib-loaded polyethylene glycol-b-PLGA polymer nanoparticles modified with antibody hGC33 to glypican-3 (GPC3 +), a membrane protein overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that hGC33-modified NPs (hGC33-SFB-NP) targeted GPC3+ hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by specifically binding to GPC3 on the surface of HCC cells, inhibited Wnt-induced signal transduction, and inhibited HCC cells in G0/1 by down-regulating cyclin D1 expression, thus attenuating HCC cell migration by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. hGC33-SFB-NP inhibited the migration, cycle progression, and proliferation of HCC cells by inhibiting the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway and the Wnt pathway in tandem with GPC3 molecules, respectively. hGC33-SFB-NP inhibited the growth of liver cancer in vivo and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice. We conclude that hGC33 increases the targeting of SFB-NP to HCC cells. hGC33-SFB-NP synergistically inhibits the progression of HCC by blocking the Wnt pathway and the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shen
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Wenpeng Cai
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Ruyue Xu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Zhen Huo
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Li Song
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Xinyin Qiu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Yinci Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Amin Li
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Weiya Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Shuping Zhou
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Wuhu Research Institute, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China.
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Wang W, Han N, Xu Y, Zhao Y, Shi L, Filmus J, Li F. Assembling custom side chains on proteoglycans to interrogate their function in living cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5915. [PMID: 33219207 PMCID: PMC7679400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans (PGs) are composed of a core protein and one or more chains of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The highly heterogeneous GAG chains play an irreplaceable role in the functions of PGs. However, the lack of an approach to control the exact structure of GAG chains conjugated to PGs tremendously hinders functional studies of PGs. Herein, by using glypican-3 as a model, we establish an aldehyde tag-based approach to assemble PGs with specific GAG chains on the surface of living cells. We show that the engineered glypican-3 can regulate Wnt and Hedgehog signaling like the wild type. Furthermore, we also present a method for studying the interaction of PGs with their target glycoproteins by combining the assembly of PGs carrying specific GAG chains with metabolic glycan labeling, and most importantly, we obtain evidence of GPC3 directly interacting with Frizzled. In conclusion, this study provides a very useful platform for structural and functional studies of PGs with specific GAG chains. Currently, it is not possible to generate proteoglycans displaying glycosaminoglycan chains with specific structures. Here the authors show that by using an aldehyde tag-based methodology it is possible to insert these specific chains onto proteoglycans expressed on the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuang Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Naihan Han
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong Police College, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Xu
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunxue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liran Shi
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jorge Filmus
- Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fuchuan Li
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
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Chandrasekhar G, Rajasekaran R. Investigating the pernicious effects of heparan sulfate in serum amyloid A1 protein aggregation: a structural bioinformatics approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:1776-1790. [PMID: 33050843 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1833756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-A mediated (AA) amyloidosis is the pathogenic byproduct of body's prolonged exposure to inflammatory conditions. It is described by the aggregation of mutated/misfolded serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) protein in various tissues and organs. Genetic polymorphism G90D is suspected to cause AA amyloidosis, although the causal mechanism remains cryptic. Recent experimental findings insinuate that heparan sulphate (HS), a glycosaminoglycans, exhibits binding with SAA1 to promote its aggregation. To foster the enhanced binding of HS, we computationally determined the pernicious modifications in G90D mutant SAA1 protein. Also, we examined the influence of HS on the dynamic conformation of mutant SAA1 that could potentially succor amyloidosis. Accordingly, the protein-ligand binding studies indicate that upon SNP G90D, SAA1 protein exhibited an augmented association with HS. Further, the simulation of HS bound mutant SAA1 complex delineates an increase in RMSD, Rg, and RMSF. Also, both RMSD and Rg evinced a fluctuating trajectory. Further, the complex showed increase of beta turn in its secondary structural composition. Additionally, the free energy landscape of mutant SAA1-HS complex posits the occurrence of multiple global minima conformers as opposed to the presence of a single global energy minima conformation in native SAA1 protein. In conclusion, the aforementioned conformational ramifications induced by HS on SAA1 could potentially be the proteopathic incendiary behind AA amyloidosis; this incendiary will need to be considered in future studies for developing effective therapeutics against AA amyloidosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Chandrasekhar
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Rajasekaran
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Patel K, Lamm R, Altshuler P, Dang H, Shah AP. Hepatocellular Carcinoma-The Influence of Immunoanatomy and the Role of Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186757. [PMID: 32942580 PMCID: PMC7555667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, limiting their options for treatment. While current treatments are adequate for lower staged disease, available systemic treatments are limited, with marginal benefit at best. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, effective in treating liquid tumors such as B-cell lymphoma, presents a potentially promising treatment option for advanced HCC. However, new challenges specific to solid tumors, such as tumor immunoanatomy or the immune cell presence and position anatomically and the tumor microenvironment, need to be defined and overcome. Immunotherapy currently in use must be re-engineered and re-envisioned to treat HCC with the hopes of ushering in an answer to advanced stage solid tumor disease processes. Future therapy options must address the uniqueness of the tumors under the umbrella of HCC. This review strives to summarize HCC, its staging system, current therapy and immunotherapy medications currently being utilized or studied in the treatment of HCC with the hopes of highlighting what is being done and suggesting what needs to be done in the future to champion this therapy as an effective option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyur Patel
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
| | - Ryan Lamm
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
| | - Peter Altshuler
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
| | - Hien Dang
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Correspondence: (H.D.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Ashesh P. Shah
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA; (K.P.); (R.L.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: (H.D.); (A.P.S.)
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Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Signaling in Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186588. [PMID: 32916872 PMCID: PMC7554799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been an intriguing subject of study for their complex structural characteristics, their finely regulated biosynthetic machinery, and the wide range of functions they perform in living organisms from development to adulthood. From these studies, key roles of HSPGs in tumor initiation and progression have emerged, so that they are currently being explored as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancers. The multifaceted nature of HSPG structure/activity translates in their capacity to act either as inhibitors or promoters of tumor growth and invasion depending on the tumor type. Deregulation of HSPGs resulting in malignancy may be due to either their abnormal expression levels or changes in their structure and functions as a result of the altered activity of their biosynthetic or remodeling enzymes. Indeed, in the tumor microenvironment, HSPGs undergo structural alterations, through the shedding of proteoglycan ectodomain from the cell surface or the fragmentation and/or desulfation of HS chains, affecting HSPG function with significant impact on the molecular interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, and tumor cell behavior. Here, we overview the structural and functional features of HSPGs and their signaling in the tumor environment which contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
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Ahrens TD, Bang-Christensen SR, Jørgensen AM, Løppke C, Spliid CB, Sand NT, Clausen TM, Salanti A, Agerbæk MØ. The Role of Proteoglycans in Cancer Metastasis and Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:749. [PMID: 32984308 PMCID: PMC7479181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are accessible by liquid biopsies via an easy blood draw. They represent not only the primary tumor site, but also potential metastatic lesions, and could thus be an attractive supplement for cancer diagnostics. However, the analysis of rare CTCs in billions of normal blood cells is still technically challenging and novel specific CTC markers are needed. The formation of metastasis is a complex process supported by numerous molecular alterations, and thus novel CTC markers might be found by focusing on this process. One example of this is specific changes in the cancer cell glycocalyx, which is a network on the cell surface composed of carbohydrate structures. Proteoglycans are important glycocalyx components and consist of a protein core and covalently attached long glycosaminoglycan chains. A few CTC assays have already utilized proteoglycans for both enrichment and analysis of CTCs. Nonetheless, the biological function of proteoglycans on clinical CTCs has not been studied in detail so far. Therefore, the present review describes proteoglycan functions during the metastatic cascade to highlight their importance to CTCs. We also outline current approaches for CTC assays based on targeting proteoglycans by their protein cores or their glycosaminoglycan chains. Lastly, we briefly discuss important technical aspects, which should be considered for studying proteoglycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa D Ahrens
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara R Bang-Christensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VarCT Diagnostics, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Caroline Løppke
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte B Spliid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicolai T Sand
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas M Clausen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Ø Agerbæk
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VarCT Diagnostics, Copenhagen, Denmark
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32A9, a novel human antibody for designing an immunotoxin and CAR-T cells against glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2020; 18:295. [PMID: 32746924 PMCID: PMC7398316 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02462-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using antibody-based targeted therapies, such as antibody conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, shows potent antitumor efficacy. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an emerging HCC therapeutic target; therefore, antibodies against GPC3 would be useful tools for developing immunotherapies for HCC. Methods We isolated a novel human monoclonal antibody, 32A9, by phage display technology. We determined specificity, affinity, epitope and anti-tumor activity of 32A9, and developed 32A9-based immunotherapy technologies for evaluating the potency of HCC treatment in vitro or in vivo. Results 32A9 recognized human GPC3 with potent affinity and specificity. The epitope of 32A9 was located in the region of the GPC3 protein core close to the modification sites of the HS chain and outside of the Wnt-binding site of GPC3. The 32A9 antibody significantly inhibited HCC xenograft tumor growth in vivo. We then pursued two 32A9-based immunotherapeutic strategies by constructing an immunotoxin and CAR-T cells. The 32A9 immunotoxin exhibited specific cytotoxicity to GPC3-positive cancer cells, while 32A9 CAR-T cells efficiently eliminated GPC3-positive HCC cells in vitro and caused HCC xenograft tumor regressions in vivo. Conclusions Our study provides a rationale for 32A9 as a promising GPC3-specific antibody candidate for HCC immunotherapy.
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