Impairment of the Pin1/E2F1 axis in the anti-proliferative effect of bortezomib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The role of proteasomes in tumorigenesis

Protein homeostasis is the basis of normal life activities, and the proteasome family plays an extremely important function in this process. The proteasome 20S is a concentric circle structure with two α rings and two β rings overlapped. The proteasome 20S can perform both ATP-dependent and non-ATP-dependent ubiquitination proteasome degradation by binding to various subunits (such as 19S, 11S, and 200 PA), which is performed by its active subunit β1, β2, and β5. The proteasome can degrade misfolded, excess proteins to maintain homeostasis. At the same time, it can be utilized by tumors to degrade over-proliferate and unwanted proteins to support their growth. Proteasomes can affect the development of tumors from several aspects including tumor signaling pathways such as NF-κB and p53, cell cycle, immune regulation, and drug resistance. Proteasome-encoding genes have been found to be overexpressed in a variety of tumors, providing a potential novel target for cancer therapy. In addition, proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib have been put into clinical application as the first-line treatment of multiple myeloma. More and more studies have shown that it also has different therapeutic effects in other tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma. However, proteasome inhibitors are not much effective due to their tolerance and singleness in other tumors. Therefore, further studies on their mechanisms of action and drug interactions are needed to investigate their therapeutic potential.

Pyrrole: A Decisive Scaffold for the Development of Therapeutic Agents and Structure-Activity Relationship

An overview of pyrroles as distinct scaffolds with therapeutic potential and the significance of pyrrole derivatives for drug development are provided in this article. It lists instances of naturally occurring pyrrole-containing compounds and describes the sources of pyrroles in nature, including plants and microbes. It also explains the many conventional and modern synthetic methods used to produce pyrroles. The key topics are the biological characteristics, pharmacological behavior, and functional alterations displayed by pyrrole derivatives. It also details how pyrroles are used to treat infectious diseases. It describes infectious disorders resistant to standard treatments and discusses the function of compounds containing pyrroles in combating infectious diseases. Furthermore, the review covers the uses of pyrrole derivatives in treating non-infectious diseases and resistance mechanisms in non-infectious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The important discoveries and probable avenues for pyrrole research are finally summarized, along with their significance for medicinal chemists and drug development. A reference from the last two decades is included in this review.

Bortezomib inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma via the Hippo-Yes-associated protein signalling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the principle causes of cancer-associated death throughout the world. However, the patients with HCC are insensitive to traditional drugs and lack effective therapeutic drugs. Dysregulation of Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) signalling is closely associated with HCC. Bortezomib (BTZ) is mainly used in clinical multiple myeloma. It has recently been confirmed that BTZ could suppress cell proliferation in many different types of cancer. Nevertheless, the precise effects of BTZ on HCC and its possible interactions with the Hippo-YAP signalling pathway in HCC cells remain largely unknown. In this study, HCC cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) and nude mice with xenograft tumours were used to evaluate the influences of BTZ. Furthermore, we focused on exploring whether BTZ exerts its anti-HCC effect through the Hippo-YAP signalling pathway and aimed to lay a theoretical foundation for BTZ as a potential therapeutic drug for HCC. Herein, our results disclose a new mechanism of BTZ in controlling the cell growth of HCC. BTZ downregulates the level of YAP by promoting LATS1 expression to inhibit the growth of HCC cells, which leads to the phosphorylation of YAP and limits YAP nuclear translocation. In sum, our data confirmed that the Hippo-YAP signalling pathway mediates the anti-HCC effects of BTZ.

5-Azacytidine Downregulates the Proliferation and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo by Targeting miR-139-5p/ROCK2 Pathway

BACKGROUND

For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), effective therapeutic approaches are lacking. As aberrant gene methylation is a major contributor to HCC development, demethylating drugs such as 5-azacytidine (5-Aza) have been proposed. As most 5-Aza mechanisms of action are unknown, we investigated its phenotypic/molecular effects.

METHODS

5-Aza effects were examined in the human HCC cell lines JHH-6/HuH-7 and in the rat cell-line N1-S1. We also employed a xenograft mouse model (HuH-7), a zebrafish model (JHH-6), and an orthotopic syngeneic rat model (N1-S1) of HCC.

RESULTS

5-Aza downregulated cell viability/growth/migration/adhesion by upregulating miR-139-5p, which in turn downregulated ROCK2/cyclin D1/E2F1 and increased p27kip1, resulting in G1/G0 cell accumulation. Moreover, a decrease in cyclin B1 and an increase in p27kip1 led to G2/M accumulation. Finally, we observed a decrease in MMP-2 levels, a stimulator of HCC cell migration. Aza effects were confirmed in the mouse model; in the zebrafish model, we also demonstrated the downregulation of tumor neo-angiogenesis, and in the orthotopic rat model, we observed impaired N1-S1 grafting in a healthy liver.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate for the first time that 5-Aza can impair HCC development via upregulation of miR-139-5p, which in turn impairs the ROCK2/cyclin D1/E2F1/cyclin B1 pro-proliferative pathway and the ROCK2/MMP-2 pro-migratory pathway. Thus, we provide novel information about 5-Aza mechanisms of action and deepen the knowledge about the crosstalk among ROCK2/cyclin D1/E2F1/cyclin B1/p27kip1/MMP-2 in HCC.

Xenograft Zebrafish Models for the Development of Novel Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Molecules

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of tumor and the second leading cause of tumor-related death worldwide. Liver cirrhosis is the most important predisposing factor for HCC. Available therapeutic approaches are not very effective, especially for advanced HCC, which is the most common form of the disease at diagnosis. New therapeutic strategies are therefore urgently needed. The use of animal models represents a relevant tool for preclinical screening of new molecules/strategies against HCC. However, several issues, including animal husbandry, limit the use of current models (rodent/pig). One animal model that has attracted the attention of the scientific community in the last 15 years is the zebrafish. This freshwater fish has several attractive features, such as short reproductive time, limited space and cost requirements for husbandry, body transparency and the fact that embryos do not show immune response to transplanted cells. To date, two different types of zebrafish models for HCC have been developed: the transgenic zebrafish and the zebrafish xenograft models. Since transgenic zebrafish models for HCC have been described elsewhere, in this review, we focus on the description of zebrafish xenograft models that have been used in the last five years to test new molecules/strategies against HCC.

LncRNA SNHG6 promotes G1/S-phase transition in hepatocellular carcinoma by impairing miR-204-5p-mediated inhibition of E2F1

Emerging evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) targeting proteins and genes; however, the role of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well understood. We investigated the mechanism by which lncRNA SNHG6 promotes the development of HCC. RT-qPCR revealed upregulated lncRNA SNHG6 in the HCC setting. Elevated SNHG6 expression was indicative of poor prognosis in patients with HCC. SNHG6 overexpression resulted in increased cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and E2F1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. SNHG6 also promoted HCC cell proliferation by enhancing G1-S phase transition in vitro. Dual luciferase reporter assays, RIP, and RNA pull-down assays demonstrated SNHG6 competitively bound to miR-204-5p and inhibited its expression preventing miR-204-5p from targeting E2F1. Overexpression of miR-204-5p abolished the effect of SNHG6. Our data suggest that SNHG6 functions as a ceRNA that targets miR-204-5p resulting in an increased E2F1 expression and enhanced G1-S phase transition, thereby promoting the tumorigenesis of HCC.

Pin1 promotes pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis by activation of NF-κB-IL-18 feedback loop

OBJECTIVES

Accumulated evidence suggests that Pin1 contributes to oncogenesis of diverse cancers. However, the underlying mechanism of oncogenic function of Pin1 in PDAC requires further exploration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IHC was performed using PDAC tissues. Western blot, PCR, immunofluorescence and transwell were performed using cell lines. GSEA were applied for possible downstream pathways. ChIP assay and dual luciferase were used for assessment of transcriptional activity.

RESULTS

Both Pin1 and IL-18 levels are increased in primary PDAC tissues and that their levels are positively correlated. High expression of IL-18 is a predictor of poor prognoses. Pin1 promoted pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and motility by increasing IL-18 expression, while Pin1 knockdown also inhibited the tumour-promoting effect of IL-18. Both Pin1 and IL-18 could enhance the NFκB activity in pancreatic cancer cells. When bound to the p65 protein, Pin1 promoted p65 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. In the nucleus, Pin1 and p65 simultaneously bound to the IL-18 promoter and enhanced IL-18 transcription. In addition, recruitment of p65 to the IL-18 promoter was decreased in Pin1-silenced cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study improves the understanding of Pin1 in tumour-promoting inflammation in PDAC, which is a hallmark of cancer; Pin1 interacted with p65 in PDAC and enhanced NF-κB signalling and downstream transcriptional activation of IL-18, with increased IL-18 continuously activating NF-κB signalling, which then forms a positive feedback loop.

RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling in three liver regeneration models in rats: comparative analysis of partial hepatectomy, ALLPS, and PVL

The liver is a unique organ that has a phenomenal capacity to regenerate after injury. Different surgical procedures, including partial hepatectomy (PH), intraoperative portal vein ligation (PVL), and associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) show clinically distinct recovery patterns and regeneration. The observable clinical differences likely mirror some underlying variations in the patterns of gene activation and regeneration pathways. In this study, we provided a comprehensive comparative transcriptomic analysis of gene regulation in regenerating rat livers temporally spaced at 24 h and 96 h after PH, PVL, and ALPPS. The time-dependent factors appear to be the most important determinant of post-injury alterations of gene expression in liver regeneration. Gene expression profile after ALPPS showed more similar expression pattern to the PH than the PVL at the early phase of the regeneration. Early transcriptomic changes and predicted upstream regulators that were found in all three procedures included cell cycle associated genes (E2F1, CCND1, FOXM1, TP53, and RB1), transcription factors (Myc, E2F1, TBX2, FOXM1), DNA replication regulators (CDKN1A, EZH2, RRM2), G1/S-transition regulators (CCNB1, CCND1, RABL6), cytokines and growth factors (CSF2, IL-6, TNF, HGF, VEGF, and EGF), ATM and p53 signaling pathways. The functional pathway, upstream, and network analyses revealed both unique and overlapping molecular mechanisms and pathways for each surgical procedure. Identification of molecular signatures and regenerative signaling pathways for each surgical procedure further our understanding of key regulators of liver regeneration as well as patient populations that are likely to benefit from each procedure.

Integrative analysis of dysregulated lncRNA-associated ceRNA network reveals potential lncRNA biomarkers for human hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis and a high incidence. The molecular changes and novel biomarkers of HCC need to be identified to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. We investigated the current research concentrations of HCC and identified the transcriptomics-related biomarkers of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) database.

Methods

We investigated the current research concentrations of HCC using literature metrology analysis for studies conducted from 2008 to 2018. We identified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that correlated with the clinical features and survival prognoses of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) database. Differentially expressed genes (lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs) were also identified by TCGA datasets in HCC tumor tissues. A lncRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed from lncRNAs based on intersected lncRNAs. Survival times and the association between the expression levels of the key lncRNAs of the ceRNA network and the clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients were analyzed using TCGA. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the reliability of the results in tissue samples from 20 newly-diagnosed HCC patients.

Results

Analysis of the literature pertaining to HCC research revealed that current research is focused on lncRNA functions in tumorigenesis and tumor development. A total of 128 HCC dysregulated lncRNAs were identified; 66 were included in the co-expressed ceRNA network. We analyzed survival times and the associations between the expression of 66 key lncRNAs and the clinicopathological features of the HCC patients identified from TCGA. Twenty-six lncRNAs were associated with clinical features of HCC (P < 0.05) and six key lncRNAs were associated with survival time (log-rank test P < 0.05). Six key lncRNAs were selected for the validation of their expression levels in 20 patients with newly diagnosed HCC using qRT-PCR. Consistent fold changes in the trends of up and down regulation between qRT-PCR validation and TCGA proved the reliability of our bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusions

We used integrative bioinformatics analysis of the TCGA datasets to improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved with the functional features of lncRNAs in HCC. The results revealed that lncRNAs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of HCC.

Proteasome Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy and their Relation to Redox Regulation

Redox homeostasis is important for the maintenance of cell survival. Under physiological conditions, redox system works in a balance and involves activation of many signaling molecules. Regulation of redox balance via signaling molecules is achieved by different pathways and proteasomal system is a key pathway in this process. Importance of proteasomal system on signaling pathways has been investigated for many years. In this direction, many proteasome targeting molecules have been developed. Some of them are already in the clinic for cancer treatment and some are still under investigation to highlight underlying mechanisms. Although there are many studies done, molecular mechanisms of proteasome inhibitors and related signaling pathways need more detailed explanations. This review aims to discuss redox status and proteasomal system related signaling pathways. In addition, cancer therapies targeting proteasomal system and their effects on redox-related pathways have been summarized.

Inhibitory effects of bortezomib in a subcutaneous tumor model of H22 mouse hepatocarcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the inhibition effects and mechanism of bortezomib in a subcutaneous H22 mouse hepatocarcinoma model.

METHODS

A subcutaneous xenograft model was constructed by subcutaneous injection of H22 cells in mice. The xenograft mice was randomly divided into bortezomib and control groups (n = 8 each). The bortezomib group was injected with 0.5 mg/kg bortezomib in saline via tail vein once every four days for a total of 4 times. The control group was intravenously given an equal volume of saline. The tumor size was measured every four days. At day 19, subcutaneous xenografts were obtained and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in tumor was detected by immunochemical staining.

RESULTS

The tumor volume of H22 xenografts in bortezomib group was significantly smaller than that in control group on day 19 (p =  0.004). The tumor volume/mouse weight ratio in bortezomib group was significantly lower compared with control group on day 13, 16 and 19 (all p <  0.05). The bortezomib group exhibited significantly higher expression of pro-apoptotic protein TNF-α (p =  0.032), and lower expression of anti-apoptotic protein XIAP, Stat3, and Survivin (p =  0.024, 0.016, and 0.039, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Bortezomib effectively inhibited the growth of H22 xenografts without affecting the mouse weight. The anti-tumor effects of bortezomib is associated with its stimulation on tumor cell apoptosis.

Spotlight on Bortezomib: potential in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

This study reviews the evidence for the use of Bortezomib (BZB), a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor in advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review aims to delineate the role of BZB within the management of non-surgical and metastatic HCC, either as an alternative or as an adjunct to the current treatment paradigm.

AREAS COVERED

In addition to BZB pharmacology and mechanism of action, safety and tolerance profiles of the drug obtained from clinical trials are explored. The utility of BZB as a therapeutic agent either alone or in combination with other therapies against HCC, including its application in both preclinical and clinical settings has been reviewed. In particular, we highlight the importance of preclinical evaluation of BZB as a combinatorial agent in synergism with other therapies for the use in the management of HCC.

EXPERT OPINION

There has been much interest surrounding the use of BZB, a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor for HCC therapy. The discernment of outcomes of BZB clinical trials for HCC need to take into consideration the disease-specific factors that can affect survival outcomes including patient selection and aetiological differences. Further preclinical testing of BZB in combination with other therapeutic modalities can be important for eliciting enhanced anti-HCC effects.

Targeting Pin1 by inhibitor API-1 regulates microRNA biogenesis and suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma development

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but there are few effective treatments. Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is correlated with HCC development. We previously demonstrated that peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1) participates in miRNA biogenesis and is a potential HCC treatment target. However, how Pin1 modulates miRNA biogenesis remains obscure. Here, we present in vivo evidence that Pin1 overexpression is directly linked to the development of HCC. Administration with the Pin1 inhibitor (API-1), a specific small molecule targeting Pin1 peptidyl-prolyl isomerase domain and inhibiting Pin1 cis-trans isomerizing activity, suppresses in vitro cell proliferation and migration of HCC cells. But API-1-induced Pin1 inhibition is insensitive to HCC cells with low Pin1 expression and/or low exportin-5 (XPO5) phosphorylation. Mechanistically, Pin1 recognizes and isomerizes the phosphorylated serine-proline motif of phosphorylated XPO5 and passivates phosphorylated XPO5. Pin1 inhibition by API-1 maintains the active conformation of phosphorylated XPO5 and restores XPO5-driven precursor miRNA nuclear-to-cytoplasm export, activating anticancer miRNA biogenesis and leading to both in vitro HCC suppression and HCC suppression in xenograft mice.

CONCLUSION

Experimental evidence suggests that Pin1 inhibition by API-1 up-regulates miRNA biogenesis by retaining active XPO5 conformation and suppresses HCC development, revealing the mechanism of Pin1-mediated miRNA biogenesis and unequivocally supporting API-1 as a drug candidate for HCC therapy, especially for Pin1-overexpressing, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-activated HCC. (Hepatology 2018).

Polymer-Mediated Delivery of siRNAs to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Variables Affecting Specificity and Effectiveness

Despite the advances in anticancer therapies, their effectiveness for many human tumors is still far from being optimal. Significant improvements in treatment efficacy can come from the enhancement of drug specificity. This goal may be achieved by combining the use of therapeutic molecules with tumor specific effects and delivery carriers with tumor targeting ability. In this regard, nucleic acid-based drug (NABD) and particularly small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are attractive molecules due to the possibility to be engineered to target specific tumor genes. On the other hand, polymeric-based delivery systems are emerging as versatile carriers to generate tumor-targeted delivery systems. Here we will focus on the most recent findings in the selection of siRNA/polymeric targeted delivery systems for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a human tumor for which currently available therapeutic approaches are poorly effective. In addition, we will discuss the most attracting and, in our opinion, promising siRNA-polymer combinations for HCC in relation to the biological features of HCC tissue. Attention will be also put on the mathematical description of the mechanisms ruling siRNA-carrier delivery, this being an important aspect to improve effectiveness reducing the experimental work.

Recent advances in smart biotechnology: Hydrogels and nanocarriers for tailored bioactive molecules depot

Over the past ten years, the global biopharmaceutical market has remarkably grown, with ten over the top twenty worldwide high performance medical treatment sales being biologics. Thus, biotech R&D (research and development) sector is becoming a key leading branch, with expanding revenues. Biotechnology offers considerable advantages compared to traditional therapeutic approaches, such as reducing side effects, specific treatments, higher patient compliance and therefore more effective treatments leading to lower healthcare costs. Within this sector, smart nanotechnology and colloidal self-assembling systems represent pivotal tools able to modulate the delivery of therapeutics. A comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the self-assembly of the colloidal structures discussed therein is essential for the development of relevant biomedical applications. In this review we report the most promising and best performing platforms for specific classes of bioactive molecules and related target, spanning from siRNAs, gene/plasmids, proteins/growth factors, small synthetic therapeutics and bioimaging probes.

Galactosylated polyaspartamide copolymers for siRNA targeted delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The limited efficacy of available treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requires the development of novel therapeutic approaches. We synthesized a novel cationic polymer based on α,β-poly-(N-2-hydroxyethyl)-d,L-aspartamide (PHEA) for drug delivery to HCC cells. The copolymer was synthesized by subsequent derivatization of PHEA with diethylene triamine (DETA) and with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative bearing galactose (GAL) molecules, obtaining the cationic derivative PHEA-DETA-PEG-GAL. PHEA-DETA-PEG-GAL has suitable chemical-physical characteristics for a potential systemic use and can effectively deliver a siRNA (siE2F1) targeted against the transcription factor E2F1, a gene product involved in HCC. The presence of GAL residues in the polyplexes allows the targeting of HCC cells that express the asialo-glycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R). In these cells, but not in ASGP-R non-expressing cells, PHEA-DETA-PEG-GAL/siE2F1 polyplexes induce the reduction of the mRNA and protein levels of E2F1 and of E2F1-regulated genes, all involved in the promotion of the G1/S phase transition. This results in a decrease of cell proliferation with a G1/G0 phase cells accumulation. Notably, removal of GAL residue almost completely abrogates the targeting capacity of the developed polyplexes. In conclusion, the generated polyplexes demonstrate the potential to effectively contributing to the development of novel anti-HCC therapeutic approaches via a siRNA-targeted delivery.

Dissecting the role of the elongation factor 1A isoforms in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by liposome-mediated delivery of siRNAs

Eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A), a protein involved in protein synthesis, has two major isoforms, eEF1A1 and eEF1A2. Despite the evidences of their involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the quantitative contribution of each of the two isoforms to the disease is unknown. We depleted the two isoforms by means of siRNAs and studied the effects in three different HCC cell lines. Particular care was dedicated to select siRNAs able to target each of the two isoform without affecting the other one. This is not a trivial aspect due to the high sequence homology between eEF1A1 and eEF1A2. The selected siRNAs can specifically deplete either eEF1A1 or eEF1A2. This, in turn, results in an impairment of cell vitality, growth and arrest in the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle. Notably, these effects are quantitatively superior following eEF1A1 than eEF1A2 depletion. Moreover, functional tests revealed that the G1/G0 block induced by eEF1A1 depletion depends on the down-regulation of the transcription factor E2F1, a known player in HCC. In conclusion, our data indicate that the independent targeting of the two eEF1A isoforms is effective in reducing HCC cell growth and that eEF1A1 depletion may result in a more evident effect.

Strategies to optimize siRNA delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma cells

hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. available therapies for hcc have limited efficacy due to often late diagnosis and the general resistance of hcc to anti-cancer agents; therefore, the development of novel therapeutics is urgently required. small-interfering rna (sirna) molecules are short, double-stranded rnas that specifically recognize and bind the mrna of a target gene to inhibit gene expression. despite the great therapeutic potential of sirnas towards many human tumors including hcc, their use is limited by suboptimal delivery. Areas covered: In this review, we outline the current data regarding the therapeutic potential of siRNAs in HCC and describe the development of effective siRNA delivery systems. We detail the key problems associated with siRNA delivery and discuss the possible solutions. Finally, we provide examples of the various siRNA delivery strategies that have been employed in animal models of HCC and in human patients enrolled in clinical trials. Expert opinion: Despite the existing difficulties in siRNA delivery for HCC, the increasing scientific attention and breakthrough studies in this field is facilitating the design of novel and efficient technical solutions that may soon find practical applications.

Keratin14 mRNA expression in human pneumocytes during quiescence, repair and disease

The lung alveoli slowly self-renew pneumocytes, but their facultative regeneration capacity is rapidly efficient after an injury, so fibrosis infrequently occurs. We recently observed Keratin 14 (KRT14) expression during diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), but not in controls. We wonder if KRT14 may be a marker of pneumocyte transition from quiescence to regeneration. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses highlighted the presence of KRT14 (mRNA and protein) only in human lung samples with DAD or interstitial lung disease (ILD). In the exponentially growing cell lines A549 and H441, the mRNA and protein levels of KRT14 peaked at day one after cell seeding and decreased at day two, opposite to what observed for the proliferation marker E2F1. The inverse relation of KRT14 versus E2F1 expression holds true also for other proliferative markers, such as cyclin E1 and cyclin D1. Of interest, we also found that E2F1 silencing caused cell cycle arrest and increased KRT14 expression, whilst E2F1 stimulation induced cell cycle progression and decreased KRT14. KRT14 also increased in proliferative pneumocytes (HPAEpiC) just before transdifferentiation. Overall, our results suggest that KRT14 is a viable biomarker of pneumocyte activation, and repair/regeneration. The involvement of KRT14 in regenerative process may suggest a novel pharmaceutical target to accelerate lung repair.

Rapid and cost-effective xenograft hepatocellular carcinoma model in Zebrafish for drug testing

We developed a novel, rapid and cost-effective Zebrafish xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for drug screening in the disease. Following injection into the yolk sack of Zebrafish larvae of the human HCC cell line JHH6 stained by a vital dye, tumor mass growth was followed by fluorescence microscopy and by human Ki67 quantification. Tumor induced neo-angiogenesis was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining of the vessels, by using the Tg(fli1:EGFP)y1 strain of Zebrafish and by the quantification of the zebrafish vascular endothelial growth factor and of its receptor. We show that it is feasible to micro-inject JHH6 in Zebrafish larvae, that injected cells can grow for different days and that this induces a marked neo-angiogenesis. Finally, we show that our model allows testing the effects of anti-HCC drugs such as Bortezomib. Compared to more complex HCC mouse models, our model is far less expensive, faster to set up and does not need immunosuppressant treatment. Finally, the model makes use of JHH6, an aggressive form of HCC cell line never tested before in Zebrafish. In conclusion, the possibility to test anti HCC/neo-angiogenesis drugs makes our JHH6 model useful to select therapeutic molecules for a highly vascularized tumor such as HCC.

Understanding the role of PIN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

PIN1 is a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase that binds and catalyses isomerization of the specific motif comprising a phosphorylated serine or threonine residue preceding a proline (pSer/Thr-Pro) in proteins. PIN1 can therefore induce conformational and functional changes of its interacting proteins that are regulated by proline-directed serine/threonine phosphorylation. Through this phosphorylation-dependent prolyl isomerization, PIN1 fine-tunes the functions of key phosphoproteins (e.g., cyclin D1, survivin, β-catenin and x-protein of hepatitis B virus) that are involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression, apoptosis, proliferation and oncogenic transformation. PIN1 has been found to be over-expressed in many cancers, including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been shown previously that overexpression of PIN1 contributes to the development of HCC in-vitro and in xenograft mouse model. In this review, we first discussed the aberrant transcription factor expression, miRNAs dysregulation, PIN1 gene promoter polymorphisms and phosphorylation of PIN1 as potential mechanisms underlying PIN1 overexpression in cancers. Furthermore, we also examined the role of PIN1 in HCC tumourigenesis by reviewing the interactions between PIN1 and various cellular and viral proteins that are involved in β-catenin, NOTCH, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, apoptosis, angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Finally, the potential of PIN1 inhibitors as an anti-cancer therapy was explored and discussed.

The Spectrum of E2F in Liver Disease--Mediated Regulation in Biology and Cancer

Uncoordinated cell growth is one of the fundamental concepts in carcinogenesis and occurs secondary to dysregulation of the cell cycle. The E2Fs are a large family of transcription factors and are key regulators of the cell cycle. The activation of E2Fs is intimately regulated by retinoblastoma 1 (RB1). The RB pathway has been implicated in almost every human malignancy. Recently there have been exciting developments in the E2F field using animal models to better understand the role of E2Fs in vivo. Genetic mouse models have proven essential in implicating E2Fs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver disease. In this review, the general structure and function of E2Fs as well as the role for E2Fs in the development of HCC and liver disease is evaluated. Specifically, what is known about E2Fs in human disease is explored in depth, and future directions are discussed.

Pin1 facilitates NF-κB activation and promotes tumour progression in human hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

NF-κB promotes HCC progression; however, therapies targeting NF-κB are not used due to severe adverse reactions. Pin1 is reported to induce tumour progression in vitro. However, the role of Pin1 in HCC is unclear. Moreover, little is known about the mechanism of Pin1-mediated NF-κB activation.

METHODS

Fresh surgical specimens were collected from 144 HCC patients. Pin1 and NF-κB-p65 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. NF-κB activation was assessed by EMSA.

RESULTS

Pin1 was increased in HCC compared to adjacent liver tissue. The multivariate analysis revealed that high Pin1 expression was an independent factor for poor prognosis. In HCC with high Pin1 expression, tumour size was larger and portal vein invasion was increased. Pin1 expression was correlated with phosphorylated (p-) NF-κB-p65(Thr254) and p-NF-κB-p65(Ser276), and thereby NF-κB activation. Pin1-induced NF-κB activation accelerated cell cycle progression, induced angiogenesis, and inhibited apoptosis. Pin1 knockdown in HCC cells inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65(Ser276), and reduced NF-κB activation, which resulted in inhibiting tumour cell progression. When HCC cells were treated with the Pin1 inhibitors, p-NF-κB-p65(Ser276) expression and NF-κB activation was reduced, and cell proliferation was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

Pin1 is associated with aggressive tumour progression and poor prognosis in HCC by mediating NF-κB activation.

Therapeutic potential of small interfering RNAs/micro interfering RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and represents the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Current available therapeutic approaches are poorly effective, especially for the advanced forms of the disease. In the last year, short double stranded RNA molecules termed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and micro interfering RNAs (miRNA), emerged as interesting molecules with potential therapeutic value for HCC. The practical use of these molecules is however limited by the identification of optimal molecular targets and especially by the lack of effective and targeted HCC delivery systems. Here we focus our discussion on the most recent advances in the identification of siRNAs/miRNAs molecular targets and on the development of suitable siRNA/miRNAs delivery systems.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system and its potential application in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a complicated tightly controlled system in charge of degrading 80-90% of proteins, and is central to regulating cellular function and keeping protein homeostasis. Therefore, the components of UPS attract considerable attention as potential targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. The clinical success of bortezomib in multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma patients has set the precedent for therapeutically targeting this pathway. This review will provide an overview of the UPS in HCC and the current status of therapeutic strategies.