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Zheng J, Wang S, Xia L, Sun Z, Chan KM, Bernards R, Qin W, Chen J, Xia Q, Jin H. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways and therapeutic advances. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2025; 10:35. [PMID: 39915447 PMCID: PMC11802921 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-02075-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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major global health concern, with projections indicating that the number of new cases could surpass 1 million annually by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes around 90% of liver cancer cases and is primarily linked to factors incluidng aflatoxin, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), and metabolic disorders. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Therefore, HCC patients usually present with tumors in advanced and incurable stages. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of HCC. Beyond the frequently altered and therapeutically targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways in HCC, pathways involved in cell differentiation, telomere regulation, epigenetic modification and stress response also provide therapeutic potential. Investigating the key signaling pathways and their inhibitors is pivotal for achieving therapeutic advancements in the management of HCC. At present, the primary therapeutic approaches for advanced HCC are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and combination regimens. New trials are investigating combination therapies involving ICIs and TKIs or anti-VEGF (endothelial growth factor) therapies, as well as combinations of two immunotherapy regimens. The outcomes of these trials are expected to revolutionize HCC management across all stages. Here, we provide here a comprehensive review of cellular signaling pathways, their therapeutic potential, evidence derived from late-stage clinical trials in HCC and discuss the concepts underlying earlier clinical trials, biomarker identification, and the development of more effective therapeutics for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Siying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - René Bernards
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Haojie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.
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Dantzer C, Dif L, Vaché J, Basbous S, Billottet C, Moreau V. Specific features of ß-catenin-mutated hepatocellular carcinomas. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:1871-1880. [PMID: 39261716 PMCID: PMC11628615 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02849-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CTNNB1, encoding the ß-catenin protein, is a key oncogene contributing to liver carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer in adult, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, mainly due to mutations of the CTNNB1 gene, is observed in a significant subset of HCC. In this review, we first resume the major recent advances in HCC classification with a focus on CTNNB1-mutated HCC subclass. We present the regulatory mechanisms involved in β-catenin stabilisation, transcriptional activity and binding to partner proteins. We then describe specific phenotypic characteristics of CTNNB1-mutated HCC thanks to their unique gene expression patterns. CTNNB1-mutated HCC constitute a full-fledged subclass of HCC with distinct pathological features such as well-differentiated cells with low proliferation rate, association to cholestasis, metabolic alterations, immune exclusion and invasion. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to target ß-catenin-mutated liver tumours and innovative perspectives for future drug developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lydia Dif
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Justine Vaché
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sara Basbous
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
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Zhao W, Wang X, Han L, Zhang C, Wang C, Kong D, Zhang M, Xu T, Li G, Hu G, Luo J, Yee SW, Yang J, Stahl A, Chen X, Zhang Y. SLC13A3 is a major effector downstream of activated β-catenin in liver cancer pathogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7522. [PMID: 39215042 PMCID: PMC11364541 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a key genetic event in liver cancer development. Solute carrier (SLC) transporters are promising drug targets. Here, we identify SLC13A3 as a drug-targetable effector downstream of β-catenin in liver cancer. SLC13A3 expression is elevated in human liver cancer samples with gain of function (GOF) mutant CTNNB1, the gene encoding β-catenin. Activation of β-catenin up-regulates SLC13A3, leading to intracellular accumulation of endogenous SLC13A3 substrates. SLC13A3 is identified as a low-affinity transporter for glutathione (GSH). Silencing of SLC13A3 downregulates the leucine transporter SLC7A5 via c-MYC signaling, leading to leucine depletion and mTOR inactivation. Furthermore, silencing of SLC13A3 depletes GSH and induces autophagic ferroptosis in β-catenin-activated liver cancer cells. Importantly, both genetic inhibition of SLC13A3 and a small molecule SLC13A3 inhibitor suppress β-catenin-driven hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Altogether, our study suggests that SLC13A3 could be a promising therapeutic target for treating human liver cancers with GOF CTNNB1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wennan Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Lifeng Han
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunze Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxi Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingzhe Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tong Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gen Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ge Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiahua Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sook Wah Yee
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Youcai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
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Li Y, Fang Y, Li D, Wu J, Huang Z, Liao X, Liu X, Wei C, Huang Z. Constructing a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis of inflammation-related genes. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1420353. [PMID: 39055701 PMCID: PMC11269197 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1420353] [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: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to screen inflammation-related genes closely associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to accurately forecast the prognosis of HCC patients. Methods Gene expression matrices and clinical information for liver cancer samples were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). An intersection of differentially expressed genes of HCC and normal and GeneCards yielded inflammation-related genes associated with HCC. Cox regression and the minor absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis to filter genes associated with HCC prognosis. The prognostic value of the model was confirmed by drawing Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves. Select differentially expressed genes between the high-risk and low-risk groups and perform GO and KEGG pathways analyses. CIBERSORT analysis was conducted to assess associations of risk models with immune cells and verified using real-time qPCR. Results A total of six hub genes (C3, CTNNB1, CYBC1, DNASE1L3, IRAK1, and SERPINE1) were selected using multivariate Cox regression to construct a prognostic model. The validation evaluation of the prognostic model showed that it has an excellent ability to predict prognosis. A line plot was drawn to indicate the HCC patients' survival, and the calibration curve revealed satisfactory predictability. Among the six hub genes, C3 and DNASE1L3 are relatively low expressed in HCCLM3 and 97H liver cancer cell lines, while CTNNB1, CYBC1, IRAK1, and SERPINE1 are relatively overexpressed in liver cancer cell lines. Conclusion One new inflammatory factor-associated prognostic model was constructed in this study. The risk score can be an independent predictor for judging the prognosis of HCC patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglian Li
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - DongLi Li
- Radiology Department, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jiangtao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zichong Huang
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xueyin Liao
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chunxiao Wei
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhong Huang
- Department of Oncology, Kaiyuan Langdong Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Song P, Gao Z, Bao Y, Chen L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Dong Q, Wei X. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:46. [PMID: 38886806 PMCID: PMC11184729 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, encompassing development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation. Under normal physiological conditions, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is meticulously regulated. However, aberrant activation of this pathway and downstream target genes can occur due to mutations in key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, epigenetic modifications, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Consequently, these dysregulations contribute significantly to tumor initiation and progression. Therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling transduction have exhibited promising prospects and potential for tumor treatment. An increasing number of medications targeting this pathway are continuously being developed and validated. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the role played by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and targeted therapy, providing valuable insights into acknowledging current opportunities and challenges associated with targeting this signaling pathway in cancer research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Song
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Zirui Gao
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yige Bao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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Wang Y, Liu J, Zheng S, Cao L, Li Y, Sheng R. The deubiquitinase USP10 mediates crosstalk between the LKB1/AMPK axis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:3061-3071. [PMID: 37873736 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14763] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) axis pivotally controls cell metabolism and suppresses abnormal growth in various cancers. Wnt/β-catenin is a frequently dysregulated signaling pathway that drives oncogenesis. Here, we discovered a crosstalk mechanism between the LKB1/AMPK axis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Activated AMPK phosphorylates the deubiquitinase USP10 to potentiate the deubiquitination and stabilization of the key scaffold protein Axin1. This phosphorylation also strengthens the binding between USP10 and β-catenin and supports the phase transition of β-catenin. Both processes suppress Wnt/β-catenin amplitude in parallel and inhibit colorectal cancer growth in a clinically relevant manner. Collectively, we established a crosstalk route by which LKB1/AMPK regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer. USP10 acts as the hub in this process, thus enabling LKB1/AMPK to suppress tumor growth via regulation of both metabolism and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wang
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingwei Liu
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shaoqin Zheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liu Cao
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ren Sheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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Wei X, Michelakos T, He Q, Wang X, Chen Y, Kontos F, Wang H, Liu X, Liu H, Zheng W, Ferrone S, Zhang Y, Ferrone CR, Li X, Cai L. Association of Tumor Cell Metabolic Subtype and Immune Response With the Clinical Course of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncologist 2023; 28:e1031-e1042. [PMID: 37159555 PMCID: PMC10628596 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad113] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Tumor metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. This study evaluated the potential association of tumor cell metabolism and immune cell tumor infiltration with the clinical course of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Gene-wise normalization and principal component analysis were performed to evaluate the metabolic system. A tumor microenvironment score system of tumor immune cell infiltration was constructed to evaluate its association with metabolic subtypes. Finally, we analyzed the impact of metabolism and immune cell infiltration on the clinical course of HCC. RESULTS A total of 673 HCC patients were categorized into cholesterogenic (25.3%), glycolytic (14.6%), mixed (10.4%), and quiescent (49.8%) types based on glycolysis and cholesterol biosynthesis gene expression. The subgroups including the glycolytic genotyping expression (glycolytic and mixed types) showed a higher mortality rate. The glycolytic, cholesterogenic, and mixed types were positively correlated with M0 macrophage, resting mast cell, and naïve B-cell infiltration (P = .013, P = .019, and P = .006, respectively). In TCGA database, high CD8+ T cell and low M0 macrophage infiltration were associated with prolonged overall survival (OS, P = .0017 and P < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, in glycolytic and mixed types, patients with high M0 macrophage infiltration had a shorter OS (P = .03 and P = .013, respectively), and in quiescent type, patients with low naïve B-cell infiltration had a longer OS (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS Tumor metabolism plays a prognostic role and correlates with immune cell infiltration in HCC. M0 macrophage and CD8+ T cell appear to be promising prognostic biomarker for HCC. Finally, M0 macrophages may represent a useful immunotherapeutic target in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases and Carson International Cancer Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qian He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases and Carson International Cancer Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianxing Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Filippos Kontos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Huaizhi Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangde Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases and Carson International Cancer Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases and Carson International Cancer Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases and Carson International Cancer Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Foreign Languages, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cristina R Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedar-Sinai Health System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaowu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases and Carson International Cancer Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Cai
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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Bakrania A, To J, Zheng G, Bhat M. Targeting Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Nanomedicine. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2023; 2:948-963. [PMID: 39130774 PMCID: PMC11307499 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a high-fatality cancer with a 5-year survival of 22%. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway presents as one of the most upregulated pathways in HCC. However, it has so far not been targetable in the clinical setting. Therefore, studying new targets of this signaling cascade from a therapeutic aspect could enable reversal, delay, or prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis. Although enormous advancement has been achieved in HCC research and its therapeutic management, since HCC often occurs in the context of other liver diseases such as cirrhosis leading to liver dysfunction and/or impaired drug metabolism, the current therapies face the challenge of safely and effectively delivering drugs to the HCC tumor site. In this review, we discuss how a targeted nano drug delivery system could help minimize the off-target toxicities of conventional HCC therapies as well as enhance treatment efficacy. We also put forward the current challenges in HCC nanomedicine along with some potential therapeutic targets from the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that could be used for HCC therapy. Overall, this review will provide an insight to the current advances, limitations and how HCC nanomedicine could change the landscape of some of the undruggable targets in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey To
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Acevedo‐Acevedo S, Stefkovich ML, Kang SWS, Cunningham RP, Cultraro CM, Porat‐Shliom N. LKB1 acts as a critical brake for the glucagon-mediated fasting response. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1949-1961. [PMID: 35357082 PMCID: PMC9315124 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As important as the fasting response is for survival, an inability to shut it down once nutrients become available can lead to exacerbated disease and severe wasting. The liver is central to transitions between feeding and fasting states, with glucagon being a key initiator of the hepatic fasting response. However, the precise mechanisms controlling fasting are not well defined. One potential mediator of these transitions is liver kinase B1 (LKB1), given its role in nutrient sensing. Here, we show LKB1 knockout mice have a severe wasting and prolonged fasting phenotype despite increased food intake. By applying RNA sequencing and intravital microscopy, we show that loss of LKB1 leads to a dramatic reprogramming of the hepatic lobule through robust up-regulation of periportal genes and functions. This is likely mediated through the opposing effect that LKB1 has on glucagon pathways and gene expression. Conclusion: Our findings show that LKB1 acts as a brake to the glucagon-mediated fasting response, resulting in "periportalization" of the hepatic lobule and whole-body metabolic inefficiency. These findings reveal a mechanism by which hepatic metabolic compartmentalization is regulated by nutrient-sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suehelay Acevedo‐Acevedo
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies BranchCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Megan L. Stefkovich
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies BranchCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Sun Woo Sophie Kang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies BranchCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Rory P. Cunningham
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies BranchCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Constance M. Cultraro
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies BranchCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Natalie Porat‐Shliom
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies BranchCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
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10
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Liu X, Gao J, Sun Y, Zhang F, Guo W, Zhang S. Clotrimazole Inhibits HCC Migration and Invasion by Modulating the ERK-p65 Signaling Pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:863-871. [PMID: 35378926 PMCID: PMC8976522 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s354205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has a very high mortality rate and is the most common type of liver cancer. Clotrimazole, a traditional antifungal drug, has garnered considerable attention as a therapeutic strategy for HCC. However, its effects against the migration and invasion of HCC cells as well as the associated underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated its effects on HCC and attempted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods CCK-8 was used to investigate the inhibitory effect of clotrimazole on the proliferation of different types of HCC cells, and wound healing and transwell assays were performed to investigate its inhibitory effect on the invasion and migration of the HCC cells. Further, western blotting was employed to detect changes in the expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, extracellular-regulated protein kinases (ERK), p-ERK, p65, and p-p65. We also used ERK activators in combination with clotrimazole to treat the HCC cell lines. Results Clotrimazole inhibited the invasion and migration of HCC cells, and mechanistically, it exerted these anti-tumor effects via EMT by repressing ERK phosphorylation. Conclusion These findings suggest that clotrimazole inhibits HCC metastasis by repressing EMT in an ERK dephosphorylation-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Henan Research & Development International Joint Laboratory for Organ Transplantation Immunomodulation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Henan Research & Development International Joint Laboratory for Organ Transplantation Immunomodulation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaohui Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Henan Research & Development International Joint Laboratory for Organ Transplantation Immunomodulation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Henan Research & Development International Joint Laboratory for Organ Transplantation Immunomodulation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Henan Research & Development International Joint Laboratory for Organ Transplantation Immunomodulation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Henan Research & Development International Joint Laboratory for Organ Transplantation Immunomodulation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- National Regional Medical Treatment Centre of Henan Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Shuijun Zhang, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, East Jian She Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +8637166913032, Email
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11
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Loss of LKB1-NUAK1 signalling enhances NF-κB activity in a spheroid model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3011. [PMID: 35194062 PMCID: PMC8863794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is an aggressive malignancy often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Although most HGSOC patients respond initially to debulking surgery combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy, many ultimately relapse with platinum-resistant disease. Thus, improving outcomes requires new ways of limiting metastasis and eradicating residual disease. We identified previously that Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and its substrate NUAK1 are implicated in EOC spheroid cell viability and are required for efficient metastasis in orthotopic mouse models. Here, we sought to identify additional signalling pathways altered in EOC cells due to LKB1 or NUAK1 loss-of-function. Transcriptome analysis revealed that inflammatory signalling mediated by NF-κB transcription factors is hyperactive due to LKB1-NUAK1 loss in HGSOC cells and spheroids. Upregulated NF-κB signalling due to NUAK1 loss suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and sustains cell survival in spheroids. NF-κB signalling is also activated in HGSOC precursor fallopian tube secretory epithelial cell spheroids, and is further enhanced by NUAK1 loss. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis of OVCAR8 xenograft tumors lacking NUAK1 displayed increased RelB expression and nuclear staining. Our results support the idea that NUAK1 and NF-κB signalling pathways together regulate ROS and inflammatory signalling, supporting cell survival during each step of HGSOC pathogenesis. We propose that their combined inhibition may be efficacious as a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced HGSOC.
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12
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Abstract
Deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is one of the main genetic alterations in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprehensive genomic analyses have revealed that gain-of-function mutation of CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin, and loss-of-function mutation of AXIN1 occur in approximately 35% of human HCC samples. Human HCCs with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway demonstrate unique gene expression patterns and pathological features. Activated Wnt/β-catenin synergizes with multiple signaling cascades to drive HCC formation, and it functions through its downstream effectors. Therefore, strategies targeting Wnt/β-catenin have been pursued as possible therapeutics against HCC. Here, we review the genetic alterations and oncogenic roles of aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling during hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the implication of this pathway in HCC diagnosis, classification, and personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanrui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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13
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Well-differentiated liver cancers reveal the potential link between ACE2 dysfunction and metabolic breakdown. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1859. [PMID: 35115564 PMCID: PMC8814043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is a coreceptor. Abnormal hepatic function in COVID-19 suggests specific or bystander liver disease. Because liver cancer cells express the ACE2 viral receptor, they are widely used as models of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression and localization in human liver cancers and in non-tumor livers. We studied ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in transcriptomic datasets totaling 1503 liver cancers, followed by high-resolution confocal multiplex immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis of a 41-HCC tissue microarray. In cancers, we detected ACE2 and TMPRSS2 at the biliary pole of tumor hepatocytes. In whole mount sections of five normal liver samples, we identified ACE2 in hepatocyte’s bile canaliculi, biliary epithelium, sinusoidal and capillary endothelial cells. Tumors carrying mutated β-catenin showed ACE2 DNA hypomethylation and higher mRNA and protein expression, consistently with predicted β-catenin response sites in the ACE2 promoter. Finally, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 co-expression networks highlighted hepatocyte-specific functions, oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting a link between inflammation, ACE2 dysfunction and metabolic breakdown.
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14
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Bagchi DP, Nishii A, Li Z, DelProposto JB, Corsa CA, Mori H, Hardij J, Learman BS, Lumeng CN, MacDougald OA. Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates adipose tissue lipogenesis and adipocyte-specific loss is rigorously defended by neighboring stromal-vascular cells. Mol Metab 2020; 42:101078. [PMID: 32919095 PMCID: PMC7554252 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a well-studied endogenous regulator of mesenchymal cell fate determination, promoting osteoblastogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis. However, emerging genetic evidence in humans links a number of Wnt pathway members to body fat distribution, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction, suggesting that this pathway also functions in adipocytes. Recent studies in mice have uncovered compelling evidence that the Wnt signaling pathway plays important roles in adipocyte metabolism, particularly under obesogenic conditions. However, complexities in Wnt signaling and differences in experimental models and approaches have thus far limited our understanding of its specific roles in this context. METHODS To investigate roles of the canonical Wnt pathway in the regulation of adipocyte metabolism, we generated adipocyte-specific β-catenin (β-cat) knockout mouse and cultured cell models. We used RNA sequencing, ChIP sequencing, and molecular approaches to assess expression of Wnt targets and lipogenic genes. We then used functional assays to evaluate effects of β-catenin deficiency on adipocyte metabolism, including lipid and carbohydrate handling. In mice maintained on normal chow and high-fat diets, we assessed the cellular and functional consequences of adipocyte-specific β-catenin deletion on adipose tissues and systemic metabolism. RESULTS We report that in adipocytes, the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and fatty acid monounsaturation. Further, β-catenin mediates effects of Wnt signaling on lipid metabolism in part by transcriptional regulation of Mlxipl and Srebf1. Intriguingly, adipocyte-specific loss of β-catenin is sensed and defended by CD45-/CD31- stromal cells to maintain tissue-wide Wnt signaling homeostasis in chow-fed mice. With long-term high-fat diet, this compensatory mechanism is overridden, revealing that β-catenin deletion promotes resistance to diet-induced obesity and adipocyte hypertrophy and subsequent protection from metabolic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our studies demonstrate that Wnt signaling in adipocytes is required for lipogenic gene expression, de novo lipogenesis, and lipid desaturation. In addition, adipose tissues rigorously defend Wnt signaling homeostasis under standard nutritional conditions, such that stromal-vascular cells sense and compensate for adipocyte-specific loss. These findings underscore the critical importance of this pathway in adipocyte lipid metabolism and adipose tissue function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika P Bagchi
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Akira Nishii
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ziru Li
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Jennifer B DelProposto
- Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Callie A Corsa
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Hiroyuki Mori
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Julie Hardij
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Brian S Learman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Carey N Lumeng
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ormond A MacDougald
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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15
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Xiao J, Li F, Yang Q, Zeng X, Ke Z. Co‐expression analysis provides important module and pathways of human dilated cardiomyopathy. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:494-503. [PMID: 31236962 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Huadu District People's Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Huadu District People's Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Qianzhao Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Huadu District People's Hospital Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | | | - Zun‐Ping Ke
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai Fudan University Shanghai China
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