1
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Han J, Lyu L. Identification of the biological functions and chemo-therapeutic responses of ITGB superfamily in ovarian cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:198. [PMID: 38814534 PMCID: PMC11139846 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01047-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with ovarian cancer (OC) tend to face a poor prognosis due to a lack of typical symptoms and a high rate of recurrence and chemo-resistance. Therefore, identifying representative and reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of chemo-therapeutic responses is vital for improving the prognosis of OC. METHODS Expression levels, IHC staining, and subcellular distribution of eight ITGBs were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma (OV) database, GEO DataSets, and the HPA website. PrognoScan and Univariate Cox were used for prognostic analysis. TIDE database, TIMER database, and GSCA database were used to analyze the correlation between immune functions and ITGBs. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to subtype OC patients in the TCGA database. LASSO regression was used to construct the predictive model. The Cytoscape software was used for identifying hub genes. The 'pRRophetic' R package was applied to predict chemo-therapeutic responses of ITGBs. RESULTS ITGBs were upregulated in OC tissues except ITGB1 and ITGB3. High expression of ITGBs correlated with an unfavorable prognosis of OC except ITGB2. In OC, there was a strong correlation between immune responses and ITGB2, 6, and 7. In addition, the expression matrix of eight ITGBs divided the TCGA-OV database into two subgroups. Subgroup A showed upregulation of eight ITGBs. The predictive model distinguishes OC patients from favorable prognosis to poor prognosis. Chemo-therapeutic responses showed that ITGBs were able to predict responses of common chemo-therapeutic drugs for patients with OC. CONCLUSIONS This article provides evidence for predicting prognosis, immuno-, and chemo-therapeutic responses of ITGBs in OC and reveals related biological functions of ITGBs in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Han
- Department of Nutrition, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 1508 Longhang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Lin Lyu
- Department of Nutrition, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 1508 Longhang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China.
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2
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Liu X, Gao X, Yang Y, Yang D, Guo Q, Li L, Liu S, Cong W, Lu S, Hou L, Wang B, Li N. EVA1A reverses lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating PI3K/AKT/p53 signaling axis. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01967-0. [PMID: 38743191 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01967-0] [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: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a commonly used first-line drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its clinical efficacy is limited due to the drug resistance. EVA1A was a newly identified tumor suppressor, nevertheless, the impact of EVA1A on resistance to lenvatinib treatment in HCC and the potential molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the expression of EVA1A in HCC lenvatinib-resistant cells is decreased and its low expression was associated with a poor prognosis of HCC. Overexpression of EVA1A reversed lenvatinib resistance in vitro and in vivo, as demonstrated by its ability to promote cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT, and tumor growth. Silencing EVA1A in lenvatinib-sensitive parental HCC cells exerted the opposite effect and induced resistance to lenvatinib. Mechanistically, upregulated EVA1A inhibited the PI3K/AKT/MDM2 signaling pathway, resulting in a reduced interaction between MDM2 and p53, thereby stabilizing p53 and enhancing its antitumor activity. In addition, upregulated EVA1A suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and promoted autophagy, leading to the degradation of mutant p53 and attenuating its oncogenic impact. On the contrary, loss of EVA1A activated the PI3K/AKT/MDM2 signaling pathway and inhibited autophagy, promoting p53 proteasomal degradation and mutant p53 accumulation respectively. These findings establish a crucial role of EVA1A loss in driving lenvatinib resistance involving a mechanism of modulating PI3K/AKT/p53 signaling axis and suggest that upregulating EVA1A is a promising therapeutic strategy for alleviating resistance to lenvatinib, thereby improving the efficacy of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Electronic Information, Micro-Nano Technology College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Gao
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Electronic Information, Micro-Nano Technology College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuling Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Di Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Electronic Information, Micro-Nano Technology College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingming Guo
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Lianhui Li
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Electronic Information, Micro-Nano Technology College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shunlong Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wanxin Cong
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sen Lu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Hou
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Electronic Information, Micro-Nano Technology College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Electronic Information, Micro-Nano Technology College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Li
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Electronic Information, Micro-Nano Technology College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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3
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Qin Y, Han S, Yu Y, Qi D, Ran M, Yang M, Liu Y, Li Y, Lu L, Liu Y, Li Y. Lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma: Resistance mechanisms and strategies for improved efficacy. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38700443 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent and destructive causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, approximately 70% of patients with HCC exhibit advanced disease at diagnosis, limiting the potential for radical treatment. For such patients, lenvatinib, a long-awaited alternative to sorafenib for first-line targeted therapy, has become a key treatment. Unfortunately, despite some progress, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor because of drug resistance development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lenvatinib resistance and ways to relief drug resistance in HCC are largely unknown and lack of systematic summary; thus, this review not only aims to explore factors contributing to lenvatinib resistance in HCC, but more importantly, summary potential methods to conquer or mitigate the resistance. The results suggest that abnormal activation of pathways, drug transport, epigenetics, tumour microenvironment, cancer stem cells, regulated cell death, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and other mechanisms are involved in the development of lenvatinib resistance in HCC and subsequent HCC progression. To improve the therapeutic outcomes of lenvatinib, inhibiting acquired resistance, combined therapies, and nano-delivery carriers may be possible approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqing Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shisong Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yahan Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ding Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengnan Ran
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingqi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunyi Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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4
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Ladd AD, Duarte S, Sahin I, Zarrinpar A. Mechanisms of drug resistance in HCC. Hepatology 2024; 79:926-940. [PMID: 36680397 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
HCC comprises ∼80% of primary liver cancer. HCC is the only major cancer for which death rates have not improved over the last 10 years. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease when surgical and locoregional treatments are not feasible or effective. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor targeting cell growth and angiogenesis, was approved for advanced unresectable HCC in 2007. Since then, other multikinase inhibitors have been approved. Lenvatinib was found to be noninferior to sorafenib as a first-line agent. Regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab were shown to prolong survival as second-line agents. Advances in immunotherapy for HCC have also added hope for patients, but their efficacy remains limited. A large proportion of patients with advanced HCC gain no long-term benefit from systemic therapy due to primary and acquired drug resistance, which, combined with its rising incidence, keeps HCC a highly fatal disease. This review summarizes mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to therapy and includes methods for bypassing resistance. It addresses recent advancements in immunotherapy, provides new perspectives on the linkage between drug resistance and molecular etiology of HCC, and evaluates the role of the microbiome in drug resistance. It also discusses alterations in signaling pathways, dysregulation of apoptosis, modulations in the tumor microenvironment, involvement of cancer stem cells, changes in drug metabolism/transport, tumor hypoxia, DNA repair, and the role of microRNAs in drug resistance. Understanding the interplay among these factors will provide guidance on the development of new therapeutic strategies capable of improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Ladd
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sergio Duarte
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ilyas Sahin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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5
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Huang Y, Wang S, Zhang X, Yang C, Wang S, Cheng H, Ke A, Gao C, Guo K. Identification of Fasudil as a collaborator to promote the anti-tumor effect of lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting GLI2-mediated hedgehog signaling pathway. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107082. [PMID: 38280440 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a frontline tyrosine kinase inhibitor for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, just 25% of patients benefit from the treatment, and acquired resistance always develops. To date, there are neither effective medications to combat lenvatinib resistance nor accurate markers that might predict how well a patient would respond to the lenvatinib treatment. Thus, novel strategies to recognize and deal with lenvatinib resistance are desperately needed. In the current study, a robust Lenvatinib Resistance index (LRi) model to predict lenvatinib response status in HCC was first established. Subsequently, five candidate drugs (Mercaptopurine, AACOCF3, NU1025, Fasudil, and Exisulind) that were capable of reversing lenvatinib resistance signature were initially selected by performing the connectivity map (CMap) analysis, and fasudil finally stood out by conducting a series of cellular functional assays in vitro and xenograft mouse model. Transcriptomics revealed that the co-administration of lenvatinib and fasudil overcame lenvatinib resistance by remodeling the hedgehog signaling pathway. Mechanistically, the feedback activation of EGFR by lenvatinib led to the activation of the GLI2-ABCC1 pathway, which supported the HCC cell's survival and proliferation. Notably, co-administration of lenvatinib and fasudil significantly inhibited IHH, the upstream switch of the hedgehog pathway, to counteract GLI2 activation and finally enhance the effectiveness of lenvatinib. These findings elucidated a novel EGFR-mediated mechanism of lenvatinib resistance and provided a practical approach to overcoming drug resistance in HCC through meaningful drug repurposing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilan Huang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Siwei Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sikai Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxia Cheng
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiwu Ke
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chao Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kun Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Hou W, Gad SA, Ding X, Dhanarajan A, Qiu W. Focal adhesion kinase confers lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via the regulation of lysine-deficient kinase 1. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:173-189. [PMID: 37787401 PMCID: PMC10842616 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a clinically effective multikinase inhibitor approved for first-line therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although resistance against lenvatinib often emerges and limits its antitumor activity, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in endogenous and acquired resistance remain elusive. In this study, we identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a critical contributor to lenvatinib resistance in HCC. The elevated expression and phosphorylation of FAK were observed in both acquired and endogenous lenvatinib-resistant (LR) HCC cells. Furthermore, inhibition of FAK reversed lenvatinib resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FAK promoted lenvatinib resistance through regulating lysine-deficient kinase 1 (WNK1). Phosphorylation of WNK1 was significantly increased in LR-HCC cells. Further, WNK1 inhibitor WNK463 resensitized either established or endogenous LR-HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. In addition, overexpression of WNK1 desensitized parental HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. Conclusively, our results establish a crucial role and novel mechanism of FAK in lenvatinib resistance and suggest that targeting the FAK/WNK1 axis is a promising therapeutic strategy in HCC patients showing lenvatinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hou
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Shaimaa A Gad
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Center, Egypt
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Department of Pathology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Asha Dhanarajan
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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7
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Guo C, Zhou N, Lu Y, Mu M, Li Z, Zhang X, Tu L, Du J, Li X, Huang D, Xu Q, Zheng X. FGF19/FGFR4 signaling contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma survival and immune escape by regulating IGF2BP1-mediated expression of PD-L1. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115955. [PMID: 38048735 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have been widely used in clinical treatment of cancer patients, but only 20-30% of patients benefit from immunotherapy. Therefore, it is important to decipher the molecular mechanism of resistance to ICB and develop new combined treatment strategies. PD-L1 up-regulation in tumor cells contributes to the occurrence of immune escape. Increasing evidence shows that its transcription level is affected by multiple factors, which limits the objective response rate of ICB. Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, is widely involved in the malignant progression of many tumors by binding to fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4). In this study, we confirmed that FGF19 acts as a driver gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by binding to FGFR4. The up-regulation of FGF19 and FGFR4 in HCC is associated with poor prognosis. We found that FGF19/FGFR4 promoted the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by driving IGF2BP1 to promote PD-L1 expression. Knockdown of FGFR4 significantly reduced the expression of IGF2BP1/PD-L1 and inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. These biological effects are achieved by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. The combination of FGFR4 knockdown and anti-PD-1 antibody greatly suppressed tumor growth and enhanced the sensitivity of immunotherapy, highlighting the clinical significance of FGF19/FGFR4 activation in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqin Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Nana Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yisong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Mingshan Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zilin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Linglan Tu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jingyang Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiangyu Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Xiaoliang Zheng
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Buttell A, Qiu W. The action and resistance mechanisms of Lenvatinib in liver cancer. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1918-1934. [PMID: 37671815 PMCID: PMC10840925 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that prevents the formation of new blood vessels namely by inhibiting tyrosine kinase enzymes as the name suggests. Specifically, Lenvatinib acts on vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1-3 (VEGFR1-3), fibroblast growth factor receptors 1-4 (FGFR1-4), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRα), tyrosine-kinase receptor (KIT), and rearranged during transfection receptor (RET). Inhibition of these receptors works to inhibit tumor proliferation. It is through these inhibition mechanisms that Lenvatinib was tested to be noninferior to Sorafenib. However, resistance to Lenvatinib is common, making the positive effects of Lenvatinib on a patient's survival null after resistance is acquired. Therefore, it is crucial to understand mechanisms related to Lenvatinib resistance. This review aims to piece together various mechanisms involved in Lenvatinib resistance and summarizes the research done so far investigating it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Buttell
- Departments of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Qiu
- Departments of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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9
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Bai W. The combined characteristics of cholesterol metabolism and the immune microenvironment may serve as valuable biomarkers for both the prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22885. [PMID: 38125426 PMCID: PMC10730758 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being a complex disease, commonly exhibits multifaceted presentations, rendering its treatment challenging and necessitating specific approaches. The tumor immune microenvironment is crucial in cancer treatment, and cholesterol metabolism is a key component that helps cells grow and produce vital metabolites. However, the reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can promote HCC development, and cancer classifiers relating to cholesterol metabolism are currently limited. Despite significant progress, further research is needed to improve early detection, liver function, and treatment options to improve patient outcomes. Methods To evaluate the expression abundance of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and cholesterol metabolism in 8 types of liver cancer cells, we comprehensively evaluated the immune cell composition, extracellular matrix alterations, and activity of relevant signaling pathways in the TIME through nine liver cancer patients, stromal scoring, immune scoring, tumor purity scoring, immune infiltration analysis, and pathway enrichment. Subsequently, we utilized machine learning techniques to construct prognostic models for both cholesterol metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment, further exploring the tumor mutation burden, immune infiltration levels, and drug sensitivity in different subtypes of HCC patients. Results Our study constructed three cancer screening models to identify HCC patients with high cholesterol metabolism and low TIME, who have a poorer prognosis. On the contrary, patients with low cholesterol metabolism and high TIME often have better prognosis. Furthermore, we identified chemical compounds, such as BPD-00008900, ML323, Doramapimod, and AZD2014, which display better chemotherapy results for high-risk patients in specific sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Bai
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
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10
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Chen PD, Liao YY, Cheng YC, Wu HY, Wu YM, Huang MC. Decreased B4GALT1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell invasiveness by regulating the laminin-integrin pathway. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:49. [PMID: 37907465 PMCID: PMC10618527 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00494-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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta1,4-galactosyltransferases (B4GALTs) play a crucial role in several diseases, including cancer. B4GALT1 is highly expressed in the liver, and patients with mutations in B4GALT1 exhibit hepatopathy. However, the role of B4GALT1 in liver cancer remains unclear. Here, we found that B4GALT1 was significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue compared with the adjacent liver tissue, and low B4GALT1 expression was associated with vascular invasion and poor overall survival in patients with HCC. Additionally, silencing or loss of B4GALT1 enhanced HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and promoted lung metastasis of HCC in NOD/SCID mice. Moreover, B4GALT1 knockdown or knockout increased cell adhesion to laminin, whereas B4GALT1 overexpression decreased the adhesion. Through a mass spectrometry-based approach and Griffonia simplicifolia lectin II (GSL-II) pull-down assays, we identified integrins α6 and β1 as the main protein substrates of B4GALT1 and their N-glycans were modified by B4GALT1. Further, the increased cell migration and invasion induced by B4GALT1 knockdown or knockout were significantly reversed using a blocking antibody against integrin α6 or integrin β1. These results suggest that B4GALT1 downregulation alters N-glycosylation and enhances the laminin-binding activity of integrin α6 and integrin β1 to promote invasiveness of HCC cells. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of B4GALT1 in HCC metastasis and highlight targeting the laminin-integrin axis as a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC with low B4GALT1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Da Chen
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yu Liao
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Wu
- Instrumentation center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ming Wu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Min-Chuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Leung CON, Yang Y, Leung RWH, So KKH, Guo HJ, Lei MML, Muliawan GK, Gao Y, Yu QQ, Yun JP, Ma S, Zhao Q, Lee TKW. Broad-spectrum kinome profiling identifies CDK6 upregulation as a driver of lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6699. [PMID: 37872167 PMCID: PMC10593849 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that drug resistance can be acquired in cancer cells by kinase rewiring, which is an obstacle for efficient cancer therapy. However, it is technically challenging to measure the expression of protein kinases on large scale due to their dynamic range in human proteome. We employ a lysine-targeted sulfonyl fluoride probe, named XO44, which binds to 133 endogenous kinases in intact lenvatinib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This analysis reveals cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) upregulation, which is mediated by ERK/YAP1 signaling cascade. Functional analyses show that CDK6 is crucial in regulation of acquired lenvatinib resistance in HCC via augmentation of liver cancer stem cells with clinical significance. We identify a noncanonical pathway of CDK6 in which it binds and regulates the activity of GSK3β, leading to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Consistently, CDK6 inhibition by palbociclib or degradation by proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is highly synergistic with lenvatinib in vitro. Interestingly, palbociclib not only exerts maximal growth suppressive effect with lenvatinib in lenvatinib-resistant HCC models but also reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment. Together, we unveil CDK6 as a druggable target in lenvatinib-resistant HCC and highlight the use of a chemical biology approach to understand nongenetic resistance mechanisms in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Oi Ning Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rainbow Wing Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl Kam Hei So
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hai Jun Guo
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martina Mang Leng Lei
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gregory Kenneth Muliawan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, China
| | - Qian Qian Yu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Ping Yun
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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12
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Yang D, Han F, Cai J, Sun H, Wang F, Jiang M, Zhang M, Yuan M, Zhou W, Li H, Yang L, Bai Y, Xiao L, Dong H, Cheng Q, Mao H, Zhou L, Wang R, Li Y, Nie H. N-glycosylation by N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase IVa enhances the interaction of integrin β1 with vimentin and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell motility. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119513. [PMID: 37295747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
N-glycosylation has been revealed to be tightly associated with cancer metastasis. As a key transferase that catalyzes the formation of β1,4 N-acetylglucosamine (β1,4GlcNAc) branches on the mannose core of N-glycans, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase IVa (GnT-IVa) has been reported to be involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis by forming N-glycans; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In the current study, we found that GnT-IVa was upregulated in HCC tissues and positively correlated with worse outcomes in HCC patients. We found that GnT-IVa could promote tumor growth in mice; notably, this effect was attenuated after mutating the enzymatic site (D445A) of GnT-IVa, suggesting that GnT-IVa regulated HCC progression by forming β1,4GlcNAc branches. To mechanistically investigate the role of GnT-IVa in HCC, we conducted GSEA and GO functional analysis as well as in vitro experiments. The results showed that GnT-IVa could enhance HCC cell migration, invasion and adhesion ability and increase β1,4GlcNAc branch glycans on integrin β1 (ITGB1), a tumor-associated glycoprotein that is closely involved in cell motility by interacting with vimentin. Interruption of β1,4GlcNAc branch glycan modification on ITGB1 could suppress the interaction of ITGB1 with vimentin and inhibit cell motility. These results revealed that GnT-IVa could promote HCC cell motility by affecting the biological functions of ITGB1 through N-glycosylation. In summary, our results revealed that GnT-IVa is highly expressed in HCC and can form β1,4GlcNAc branches on ITGB1, which are essential for interactions with vimentin to promote HCC cell motility. These findings not only proposed a novel mechanism for GnT-IVa in HCC progression but also revealed the significance of N-glycosylation on ITGB1 during the process, which may provide a novel target for future HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Depeng Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Fang Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Jialing Cai
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Handi Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Fengyou Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Meiyi Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Mengfan Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Wenyang Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Huaxin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Yan Bai
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Lixing Xiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Qixiang Cheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Haoyu Mao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Ruonan Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.
| | - Huan Nie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.
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13
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Shimose S, Iwamoto H, Niizeki T, Tanaka M, Shirono T, Moriyama E, Noda Y, Nakano M, Suga H, Kuromatsu R, Torimura T, Koga H, Kawaguchi T. Efficacy of Lenvatinib Combined with Transcatheter Intra-Arterial Therapies for Patients with Advanced-Stage of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13715. [PMID: 37762018 PMCID: PMC10530984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lenvatinib (LEN) combined with transcatheter intra-arterial therapy (TIT) for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after propensity score matching (PSM). This retrospective study enrolled 115 patients with advanced-stage HCC who received LEN treatment. The patients were categorized into the LEN combined with TIT group (n = 30) or the LEN monotherapy group (n = 85). After PSM, 38 patients (LEN + TIT group, n = 19; LEN monotherapy group, n = 19) were analyzed. The median overall survival (OS) in the LEN + TIT group was significantly higher than that in the LEN monotherapy group (median survival time (MST): 28.1 months vs. 11.6 months, p = 0.014). The OS in the LEN combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and LEN combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy groups was significantly higher than that in the LEN monotherapy group (MST 20.0 vs. 11.6 months, 30.2 vs. 11.6 months, p = 0.048, and p = 0.029, respectively). Independent factors associated with OS were alpha-fetoprotein and LEN combined with TIT. The indications for LEN combined with TIT were age <75 years and modified albumin bilirubin (m-ALBI) grade 1. We concluded that LEN combined with TIT may improve prognosis compared with LEN monotherapy in patients with advanced-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Shimose
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Hideki Iwamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
- Iwamoto Internal Medical Clinic, Kitakyusyu 802-0832, Japan
| | - Takashi Niizeki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Masatoshi Tanaka
- Clinical Research Center, Yokokura Hospital, Miyama 839-0295, Japan;
| | - Tomotake Shirono
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Etsuko Moriyama
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Yu Noda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Masahito Nakano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Hideya Suga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yanagawa Hospital, Yanagawa 832-0077, Japan;
| | - Ryoko Kuromatsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Omuta City Hospital, Omuta 836-8567, Japan;
| | - Hironori Koga
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (H.I.); (T.N.); (T.S.); (E.M.); (Y.N.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (H.K.); (T.K.)
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14
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Cao M, Ren Y, Li Y, Deng J, Su X, Tang Y, Yuan F, Deng H, Yang G, He Z, Liu B, Yao Z, Deng M. Lnc-ZEB2-19 Inhibits the Progression and Lenvatinib Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Attenuating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway through the TRA2A/RSPH14 Axis. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3678-3693. [PMID: 37564197 PMCID: PMC10411463 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs have been reported to play a crucial role in tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lnc-ZEB2-19 has been validated to be deficiently expressed in HCC. However, the capabilities and underlying mechanisms of lnc-ZEB2-19 remain uncertain. In this study, we verified that the downregulation of lnc-ZEB2-19 was prevalent in HCC and significantly correlated with the unfavorable prognosis. Further in vitro and in vivo verified that lnc-ZEB2-19 notably inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, stemness, and lenvatinib resistance (LR) of HCC cells. Mechanistically, lnc-ZEB2-19 inhibited HCC progression and LR by specifically binding to transformer 2α (TRA2A) and promoting its degradation, which resulted in the instability of RSPH14 mRNA, leading to the downregulation of Rela(p65) and p-Rela(p-p65). Furthermore, rescue assays showed that silencing RSPH14 partially restrained the effect of knockdown expression of lnc-ZEB2-19 on HCC cell metastatic ability and stemness. The findings describe a novel regulatory axis, lnc-ZEB2-19/TRA2A/RSPH14, downregulating the nuclear factor kappa B to inhibit HCC progression and LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingbo Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yupeng Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Junfeng Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiaorui Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yongchang Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Haixia Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Gaoyuan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhiwei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhicheng Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Meihai Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
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15
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Malnassy G, Keating CR, Gad S, Bridgeman B, Perera A, Hou W, Cotler SJ, Ding X, Choudhry M, Sun Z, Koleske AJ, Qiu W. Inhibition of Abelson Tyrosine-Protein Kinase 2 Suppresses the Development of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease by Decreasing PPARgamma Expression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:685-709. [PMID: 37460041 PMCID: PMC10520367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents a spectrum of alcohol use-related liver diseases. Outside of alcohol abstinence, there are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for advanced ALD, necessitating a greater understanding of ALD pathogenesis and potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. The ABL-family proteins, including ABL1 and ABL2, are non-receptor tyrosine kinases that participate in a diverse set of cellular functions. We investigated the role of the ABL kinases in alcohol-associated liver disease. METHODS We used samples from patients with ALD compared with healthy controls to elucidate a clinical phenotype. We established strains of liver-specific Abl1 and Abl2 knockout mice and subjected them to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism acute-on-chronic alcohol feeding regimen. Murine samples were subjected to RNA sequencing, AST, Oil Red O staining, H&E staining, Western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to assess phenotypic changes after alcohol feeding. In vitro modeling in HepG2 cells as well as primary hepatocytes from C57BL6/J mice was used to establish this mechanistic link of ALD pathogenesis. RESULTS We demonstrate that the ABL kinases are highly activated in ALD patient liver samples as well as in liver tissues from mice subjected to an alcohol feeding regimen. We found that the liver-specific knockout of Abl2, but not Abl1, attenuated alcohol-induced steatosis, liver injury, and inflammation. Subsequent RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analyses of mouse liver tissues revealed that relative to wild-type alcohol-fed mice, Abl2 knockout alcohol-fed mice exhibited numerous pathway changes, including significantly decreased peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) signaling. Further examination revealed that PPARγ, a previously identified regulator of ALD pathogenesis, was induced upon alcohol feeding in wild-type mice, but not in Abl2 knockout mice. In vitro analyses revealed that shRNA-mediated knockdown of ABL2 abolished the alcohol-induced accumulation of PPARγ as well as subsequent lipid accumulation. Conversely, forced overexpression of ABL2 resulted in increased PPARγ protein expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the regulation of hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α) by ABL2 is required for alcohol-induced PPARγ expression. Furthermore, treatment with ABL kinase inhibitors attenuated alcohol-induced PPARγ expression, lipid droplet formation, and liver injury. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of our current evidence, we propose that alcohol-induced ABL2 activation promotes ALD through increasing HIF1α and the subsequent PPARγ expression, and ABL2 inhibition may serve as a promising target for the treatment of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Malnassy
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Claudia R Keating
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Shaimaa Gad
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bryan Bridgeman
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Aldeb Perera
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Scott J Cotler
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Department of Pathology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Mashkoor Choudhry
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Zhaoli Sun
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anthony J Koleske
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois; Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois.
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16
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Tao M, Han J, Shi J, Liao H, Wen K, Wang W, Mui S, Li H, Yan Y, Xiao Z. Application and Resistance Mechanisms of Lenvatinib in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1069-1083. [PMID: 37457652 PMCID: PMC10348321 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s411806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lenvatinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is one of the preferred targeted drugs for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). Since the REFLECT study showed that lenvatinib was noninferior to sorafenib in overall survival (OS), lenvatinib monotherapy has been widely used for aHCC. Moreover, lenvatinib combination therapy, especially lenvatinib combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown more encouraging clinical results. However, drug development and comprehensive treatment have not significantly improved the prognosis, and lenvatinib resistance is often encountered in treatment. The underlying molecular mechanism of lenvatinib resistance is still unclear, and studies to solve drug resistance are ongoing. The molecular mechanisms of lenvatinib resistance in patients with aHCC include the regulation of signaling pathways, the regulation of noncoding RNAs, the impact of the immune microenvironment, tumor stem cell activation and other mechanisms. This review aims to (1) summarize the progress of lenvatinib in treating aHCC, (2) delineate the known lenvatinib resistance mechanisms of current therapy, and (3) describe the development of therapeutic methods intended to overcome these resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Han
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanyi Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sintim Mui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huoming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongcong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Huang PS, Wang LY, Wang YW, Tsai MM, Lin TK, Liao CJ, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Evaluation and Application of Drug Resistance by Biomarkers in the Clinical Treatment of Liver Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060869. [PMID: 36980210 PMCID: PMC10047572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060869] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, mainly owing to the lack of effective means for early monitoring and treatment. Accordingly, there is considerable research interest in various clinically applicable methods for addressing these unmet needs. At present, the most commonly used biomarker for the early diagnosis of liver cancer is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), but AFP is sensitive to interference from other factors and cannot really be used as the basis for determining liver cancer. Treatment options in addition to liver surgery (resection, transplantation) include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, even more expensive targeted drug therapies have a limited impact on the clinical outcome of liver cancer. One of the big reasons is the rapid emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, in addition to finding effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, an important focus of current discussions is on how to effectively adjust and select drug strategies and guidelines for the treatment of liver cancer patients. In this review, we bring this thought process to the drug resistance problem faced by different treatment strategies, approaching it from the perspective of gene expression and molecular biology and the possibility of finding effective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Shuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ming Tsai
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, New Taipei Municipal Tu Cheng Hospital, New Taipei 236, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Kang Lin
- Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan;
- Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-2118263
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Bo W, Chen Y. Lenvatinib resistance mechanism and potential ways to conquer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1153991. [PMID: 37153782 PMCID: PMC10157404 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1153991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lenvatinib (LVN) has been appoved to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma, differentiated thyroid carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma. Further other cancer types also have been tried in pre-clinic and clinic without approvation by FDA. The extensive use of lenvastinib in clinical practice is sufficient to illustrate its important therapeutic role. Although the drug resistance has not arised largely in clinical, the studies focusing on the resistance of LVN increasingly. In order to keep up with the latest progress of resistance caused by LVN, we summerized the latest studies from identify published reports. In this review, we found the latest report about resistance caused by lenvatinib, which were contained the hotspot mechanism such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ferroptosis, RNA modification and so on. The potential ways to conquer the resistance of LVN were embraced by nanotechnology, CRISPR technology and traditional combined strategy. The latest literature review of LVN caused resistance would bring some ways for further study of LVN. We call for more attention to the pharmacological parameters of LVN in clinic, which was rarely and would supply key elements for drug itself in human beings and help to find the resistance target or idea for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Bo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Chen,
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