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Niu W, Yu H, Fan X, Li S, Sun S, Gong M, Zhang S, Bi W, Chen X, Fang Z. Development of stemness-related signature to optimize prognosis prediction and identify XMD8-85 as a novel therapeutic compound for glioma. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111231. [PMID: 38768760 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111231] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Glioma is a highly invasive and aggressive type of brain cancer with poor treatment response. Stemness-related transcription factors form a regulatory network that sustains the malignant phenotype of gliomas. We conducted an integrated analysis of stemness-related transcription factors using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) datasets, established the characteristics of stemness-related transcription factors, including Octamer-Binding Protein 4 (OCT4), Meis Homeobox 1 (MEIS1), E2F Transcription Factor 1 (E2F1), Transcription Factor CP2 Like 1 (TFCP2L1), and RUNX Family Transcription Factor 1 (RUNX1). The characteristic of stemness-related transcription factors was identified as an independent prognostic factor for glioma patients. Patients in the high-risk group have a worse prognosis than those in the low-risk group. The glioma microenvironment in the high-risk group exhibited a more active immune status. Single-cell level analysis revealed that stem cell-like cells exhibited stronger intercellular communication than glioma cells. Meanwhile, patients in different risk stratification exhibited varying sensitivities to immunotherapy and small molecule drug therapy. XMD8-85 was more effective in the high-risk group, and its antitumor effects were validated both in vivo and in vitro. Our results indicate that this prognostic feature will assist clinicians in predicting the prognosis of glioma patients, guiding immunotherapy and personalized treatment, as well as the potential clinical application of XMD8-85 in glioma treatment, and helping to develop effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxiang Niu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huihan Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Fan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuyang Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Suling Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Meiting Gong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenxu Bi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xueran Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Zhiyou Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, 230031 Hefei, Anhui, China; Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jin Zhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Lou L, Deng T, Yuan Q, Wang L, Wang Z, Li X. Targeted silencing of SOCS1 by DNMT1 promotes stemness of human liver cancer stem-like cells. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:206. [PMID: 38867242 PMCID: PMC11170857 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human liver cancer stem-like cells (HLCSLCs) are widely acknowledged as significant factors in the recurrence and eradication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The sustenance of HLCSLCs' stemness is hypothesized to be intricately linked to the epigenetic process of DNA methylation modification of genes associated with anticancer properties. The present study aimed to elucidate the stemness-maintaining mechanism of HLCSLCs and provide a novel idea for the clearance of HLCSLCs. METHODS The clinical relevance of DNMT1 and SOCS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients was evaluated through the GEO and TCGA databases. Cellular immunofluorescence assay, methylation-specific PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation were conducted to explore the expression of DNMT1 and SOCS1 and the regulatory relationship between them in HLCSLCs. Spheroid formation, soft agar colony formation, expression of stemness-associated molecules, and tumorigenicity of xenograft in nude mice were used to evaluate the stemness of HLCSLCs. RESULTS The current analysis revealed a significant upregulation of DNMT1 and downregulation of SOCS1 in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal liver tissues. Furthermore, patients exhibiting an elevated DNMT1 expression or a reduced SOCS1 expression had low survival. This study illustrated the pronounced expression and activity of DNMT1 in HLCSLCs, which effectively targeted the promoter region of SOCS1 and induced hypermethylation, consequently suppressing the expression of SOCS1. Notably, the stemness of HLCSLCs was reduced upon treatment with DNMT1 inhibitors in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the overexpression of SOCS1 in HLCSLCs significantly mitigated their stemness. The knockdown of SOCS1 expression reversed the effect of DNMT1 inhibitor on the stemness of HLCSLCs. DNMT1 directly binds to the SOCS1 promoter. In vivo, DNMT1 inhibitors suppressed SOCS1 expression and inhibited the growth of xenograft. CONCLUSION DNMT1 targets the promoter region of SOCS1, induces hypermethylation of its CpG islands, and silences its expression, thereby promoting the stemness of HLCSLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lou
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Tingyun Deng
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Lianghou Wang
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China.
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Guo X, Feng X, Yang Y, An W, Bai L. Machine learning-based identification and immune characterization of ferroptosis-related molecular clusters in osteoarthritis and validation. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:205875. [PMID: 38814177 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205875] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease, involves synovial inflammation, subchondral bone erosion, and cartilage degeneration. Ferroptosis, a regulated non-apoptotic programmed cell death, is associated with various diseases. This study investigates ferroptosis-related molecular subtypes in OA to comprehend underlying mechanisms. The Gene Expression Omnibus datasets GSE206848, GSE55457, GSE55235, GSE77298 and GSE82107 were used utilized. Unsupervised clustering identified the ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) subtypes, and their immune characteristics were assessed. FRG signatures were derived using LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms, forming models to evaluate OA's ferroptosis-related immune features. Three FRG clusters were found to be immunologically heterogeneous, with cluster 1 displaying robust immune response. Models identified nine key signature genes via algorithms, demonstrating strong diagnostic and prognostic performance. Finally, qRT-PCR and Western blot validated these genes, offering consistent results. In addition, some of these genes may have implications as new therapeutic targets and can be used to guide clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyuan Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenying An
- Department of Cadre Wards, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Orthopedic Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Lunhao Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Chen QY, Xu KX, Huang XB, Fan DH, Chen YJ, Li YF, Huang Q, Liu ZY, Zheng HL, Huang ZN, Lin ZH, Wang YX, Yang JJ, Zhong Q, Huang CM. Circ-0075305 hinders gastric cancer stem cells by indirectly disrupting TCF4-β-catenin complex and downregulation of SOX9. Commun Biol 2024; 7:545. [PMID: 38714724 PMCID: PMC11076483 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06213-6] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are covalently closed, single-stranded RNA that form continuous loops and play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of tumors. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are indispensable for cancer development; however, the regulation of cancer stem cell-like properties in gastric cancer (GC) and its specific mechanism remain poorly understood. We elucidate the specific role of Circ-0075305 in GC stem cell properties. Circ-0075305 associated with chemotherapy resistance was identified by sequencing GC cells. Subsequent confirmation in both GC tissues and cell lines revealed that patients with high expression of Circ-0075305 had significantly better overall survival (OS) rates than those with low expression, particularly when treated with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for GC. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that overexpression of Circ-0075305 can effectively reduce stem cell-like properties and enhance the sensitivity of GC cells to Oxaliplatin compared with the control group. Circ-0075305 promotes RPRD1A expression by acting as a sponge for corresponding miRNAs. The addition of LF3 (a β-catenin/TCF4 interaction antagonist) confirmed that RPRD1A inhibited the formation of the TCF4-β-catenin transcription complex through competitive to β-catenin and suppressed the transcriptional activity of stem cell markers such as SOX9 via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This leads to the downregulation of stem cell-like property-related markers in GC. This study revealed the underlying mechanisms that regulate Circ-0075305 in GCSCs and suggests that its role in reducing β-catenin signaling may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yue Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kai-Xiang Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Deng-Hui Fan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Jing Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Fan Li
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hua-Long Zheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ze-Ning Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ze-Hong Lin
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Wang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jie Yang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Chang-Ming Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Wang C, Dong R, Yang F, Zheng L, Liu Y, Yan Y, Zhang M, Ni B, Li J. LARP4B promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and impairs sorafenib efficacy by activating SPINK1-mediated EGFR pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:208. [PMID: 38693111 PMCID: PMC11063073 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01985-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
La-related proteins (LARPs) regulate gene expression by binding to RNAs and exhibit critical effects on disease progression, including tumors. However, the role of LARP4B and its underlying mechanisms in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that LARP4B expression is upregulated and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that LARP4B promotes stemness, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LARP4B inhibition enhances the antitumor effects of sorafenib and blocks the metastasis-enhancing effects of low sorafenib concentrations in HCC. Mechanistically, LARP4B expression is upregulated by METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-IGF2BP3-dependent modification in HCC. RNA- and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)- sequencing uncovered that LARP4B upregulates SPINK1 by binding to SPINK1 mRNA via the La motif and maintaining mRNA stability. LARP4B activates the SPINK1-mediated EGFR signaling pathway, which supports stemness, progression and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Additionally, a positive feedback loop with the LARP4B/SPINK1/p-AKT/C/EBP-β axis is responsible for the sorafenib-therapeutic benefit of LARP4B depletion. Overall, this study demonstrated that LARP4B facilitates HCC progression, and LARP4B inhibition provides benefits to sorafenib treatment in HCC, suggesting that LARP4B might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
| | - Feicheng Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yingling Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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Shi Y, Ye R, Gao Y, Xia F, Yu XF. A prognostic and immune related risk model based on zinc homeostasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2024; 27:109389. [PMID: 38510110 PMCID: PMC10951649 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109389] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The dysfunction of zinc homeostasis participates in the early and advancing malignancy of HCC. However, the prognostic ability of zinc homeostasis in HCC has not been clarified yet. Here, we showed a zinc-homeostasis related risk model in HCC. Five signature genes including ADAMTS5, PLOD2, PTDSS2, KLRB1, and UCK2 were screened out via survival analyses and regression algorithms to construct the nomogram with clinical characteristics. Experimental researches indicated that UCK2 participated in the progression of HCC. Patients with higher risk scores always had worse outcomes and were more associated with immune suppression according to the analyses of immune related-pathway activation, cell infiltration, and gene expression. Moreover, these patients were likely to exhibit more sensitivity to sorafenib and other antitumor drugs. This study highlights the significant prognostic role of zinc homeostasis and suggests potential treatment strategies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Shi
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
| | - Runxin Ye
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing 312035, P.R. China
| | - Fengyan Xia
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for CANCER, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, P.R. China
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Yuan Q, Wang R, Li X, Sun F, Lin J, Fu Z, Zhang J. DNMT1/miR-152-3p/SOS1 signaling axis promotes self-renewal and tumor growth of cancer stem-like cells derived from non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:55. [PMID: 38622665 PMCID: PMC11020669 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01663-5] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CSLCs(Cancer stem cell-like cells), which are central to tumorigenesis, are intrinsically influenced by epigenetic modifications. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism involving the DNMT1/miR-152-3p/SOS1 axis in regulating the self-renewal and tumor growth of LCSLCs (lung cancer stem-like cells). MATERIALS AND METHODS Target genes of miR-152-3p were predicted using TargetScan Human 8.0. Self-renewal and tumor growth of LCSLC were compared in suspension-cultured non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines H460 and A549 cell-derived globe cells. Functional effects of the DNMT1/miR-152-3p/SOS1 axis were assessed through gain-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, luciferase reporter assays were employed to analyze the interaction among DNMT1, miR-152-3p, and SOS1. RESULTS Our findings highlight a negative interaction between DNMT1 and miR-152-3p, resulting in reduced miR-152-3p level. This, in turn, leads to the alleviation of the inhibitory effect of miR-152-3p on the target gene SOS1, ultimately activating SOS1 and playing an essential role in self-renewal and tumor growth of LCSLC. However, the alteration of SOS1 does not affect DNMT1/miR-152-3p regulation. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that the DNMT1/miR-152-3p negative feedback loop critically sustains self-renewal and tumor growth of LCSLC through SOS1. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a novel mechanism underpinning self-renewal and tumor growth of CSLC (cancer stem cell) in NSCLC and identifies potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yuan
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Rubo Wang
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Jiazhi Lin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shenshan Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, 516500, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhimin Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Tenth Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523000, China.
| | - Jiansong Zhang
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013, China.
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Wang T, Jin Y, Wang M, Chen B, Sun J, Zhang J, Yang H, Deng X, Cao X, Wang L, Tang Y. SALL4 in gastrointestinal tract cancers: upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms. Mol Med 2024; 30:46. [PMID: 38584262 PMCID: PMC11000312 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00812-z] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective therapeutic targets and early diagnosis are major challenges in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. SALL4 is a well-known transcription factor that is involved in organogenesis during embryonic development. Previous studies have revealed that SALL4 regulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration and maintains stem cell function in mature cells. Additionally, SALL4 overexpression is associated with tumorigenesis. Despite its characterization as a biomarker in various cancers, the role of SALL4 in GIT cancers and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We describe the functions of SALL4 in GIT cancers and discuss its upstream/downstream genes and pathways associated with each cancer. We also consider the possibility of targeting these genes or pathways as potential therapeutic options for GIT cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tairan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yan Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Boya Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jinyu Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Xinyao Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Xingyue Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Lidong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment and Henan Key, Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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10
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y. Transcriptional regulation of cancer stem cell: regulatory factors elucidation and cancer treatment strategies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:99. [PMID: 38561775 PMCID: PMC10986082 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03021-y] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first discovered in the 1990s, revealing the mysteries of cancer origin, migration, recurrence and drug-resistance from a new perspective. The expression of pluripotent genes and complex signal regulatory networks are significant features of CSC, also act as core factors to affect the characteristics of CSC. Transcription is a necessary link to regulate the phenotype and potential of CSC, involving chromatin environment, nucleosome occupancy, histone modification, transcription factor (TF) availability and cis-regulatory elements, which suffer from ambient pressure. Especially, the expression and activity of pluripotent TFs are deeply affected by both internal and external factors, which is the foundation of CSC transcriptional regulation in the current research framework. Growing evidence indicates that regulating epigenetic modifications to alter cancer stemness is effective, and some special promoters and enhancers can serve as targets to influence the properties of CSC. Clarifying the factors that regulate CSC transcription will assist us directly target key stem genes and TFs, or hinder CSC transcription through environmental and other related factors, in order to achieve the goal of inhibiting CSC and tumors. This paper comprehensively reviews the traditional aspects of transcriptional regulation, and explores the progress and insights of the impact on CSC transcription and status through tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, metabolism and new meaningful regulatory factors in conjunction with the latest research. Finally, we present opinions on omnidirectional targeting CSCs transcription to eliminate CSCs and address tumor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Gajos-Michniewicz A, Czyz M. WNT/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: The aberrant activation, pathogenic roles, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:727-746. [PMID: 37692481 PMCID: PMC10491942 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.050] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer, highly heterogeneous both at the histopathological and molecular levels. It arises from hepatocytes as the result of the accumulation of numerous genomic alterations in various signaling pathways, including canonical WNT/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, MAPK pathways as well as signaling associated with telomere maintenance, p53/cell cycle regulation, epigenetic modifiers, and oxidative stress. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in liver homeostasis and regeneration is well established, whereas in development and progression of HCC is extensively studied. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how WNT/β-catenin signaling facilitates the HCC development, acquisition of stemness features, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. We outline genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in HCC. We discuss the pivotal roles of CTNNB1 mutations, aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs and complexity of crosstalk between WNT/β-catenin signaling and other signaling pathways as challenging or advantageous aspects of therapy development and molecular stratification of HCC patients for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
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12
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Hu D, Zhang Z, Luo X, Li S, Jiang J, Zhang J, Wu Z, Wang Y, Sun M, Chen X, Zhang B, Xu X, Wang S, Xu S, Wang Y, Huang W, Xia L. Transcription factor BACH1 in cancer: roles, mechanisms, and prospects for targeted therapy. Biomark Res 2024; 12:21. [PMID: 38321558 PMCID: PMC10848553 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor BTB domain and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) belongs to the Cap 'n' Collar and basic region Leucine Zipper (CNC-bZIP) family. BACH1 is widely expressed in mammalian tissues, where it regulates epigenetic modifications, heme homeostasis, and oxidative stress. Additionally, it is involved in immune system development. More importantly, BACH1 is highly expressed in and plays a key role in numerous malignant tumors, affecting cellular metabolism, tumor invasion and metastasis, proliferation, different cell death pathways, drug resistance, and the tumor microenvironment. However, few articles systematically summarized the roles of BACH1 in cancer. This review aims to highlight the research status of BACH1 in malignant tumor behaviors, and summarize its role in immune regulation in cancer. Moreover, this review focuses on the potential of BACH1 as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker. Notably, the mechanisms underlying the roles of BACH1 in ferroptosis, oxidative stress and tumor microenvironment remain to be explored. BACH1 has a dual impact on cancer, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of targeted drug delivery. Finally, the promising directions of future BACH1 research are prospected. A systematical and clear understanding of BACH1 would undoubtedly take us one step closer to facilitating its translation from basic research into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zerui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Junqing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiaqian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhangfan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake university school of medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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13
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Song XQ, Chen BB, Jin YM, Wang CY. DNMT1-mediated epigenetic suppression of FBXO32 expression promoting cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) survival and esophageal cancer cell growth. Cell Cycle 2024; 23:262-278. [PMID: 38597826 PMCID: PMC11057636 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2309022] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common and serious form of cancer, and while DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) promotes DNA methylation and carcinogenesis, the role of F-box protein 32 (FBXO32) in EC and its regulation by DNMT1-mediated methylation is still unclear. FBXO32 expression was examined in EC cells with high DNMT1 expression using GSE163735 dataset. RT-qPCR assessed FBXO32 expression in normal and EC cells, and impact of higher FBXO32 expression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was evaluated, along with EMT-related proteins. The xenograft model established by injecting EC cells transfected with FBXO32 was used to evaluate tumor growth, apoptosis, and tumor cells proliferation and metastasis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was employed to study the interaction between DNMT1 and FBXO32. HitPredict, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pulldown assay analyzed the interaction between FBXO32 and cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). Finally, the ubiquitination assay identified CDK9 ubiquitination, and its half-life was measured using cycloheximide and confirmed through western blotting. DNMT1 negatively correlated with FBXO32 expression in esophageal cells. High FBXO32 expression was associated with better overall survival in patients. Knockdown of DNMT1 in EC cells increased FBXO32 expression and suppressed malignant phenotypes. FBXO32 repressed EC tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Enrichment of DNMT1 in FBXO32 promoter region led to increased DNA methylation and reduced transcription. Mechanistically, FBXO32 degraded CDK9 through promoting its ubiquitination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Qiang Song
- Department of Radiotherapy, Qinhuai Medical District, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Bin-Bin Chen
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Qinhuai Medical District, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yong-Mei Jin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Qinhuai Medical District, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Chang-Yong Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Qinhuai Medical District, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, Nanjing, PR China
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14
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Ren X, Wang X, Zheng G, Wang S, Wang Q, Yuan M, Xu T, Xu J, Huang P, Ge M. Targeting one-carbon metabolism for cancer immunotherapy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1521. [PMID: 38279895 PMCID: PMC10819114 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1521] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-carbon (1C) metabolism is a metabolic network that plays essential roles in biological reactions. In 1C metabolism, a series of nutrients are used to fuel metabolic pathways, including nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cellular redox defence and epigenetic maintenance. At present, 1C metabolism is considered the hallmark of cancer. The 1C units obtained from the metabolic pathways increase the proliferation rate of cancer cells. In addition, anticancer drugs, such as methotrexate, which target 1C metabolism, have long been used in the clinic. In terms of immunotherapy, 1C metabolism has been used to explore biomarkers connected with immunotherapy response and immune-related adverse events in patients. METHODS We collected numerous literatures to explain the roles of one-carbon metabolism in cancer immunotherapy. RESULTS In this review, we focus on the important pathways in 1C metabolism and the function of 1C metabolism enzymes in cancer immunotherapy. Then, we summarise the inhibitors acting on 1C metabolism and their potential application on cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we provide a viewpoint and conclusion regarding the opportunities and challenges of targeting 1C metabolism for cancer immunotherapy in clinical practicability in the future. CONCLUSION Targeting one-carbon metabolism is useful for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ren
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of PathologyCancer CenterZhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of PharmacyAffiliated Hangzhou First People's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Guowan Zheng
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Qiyue Wang
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Mengnan Yuan
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiajie Xu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Minghua Ge
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
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15
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Shirbhate E, Singh V, Kore R, Vishwakarma S, Veerasamy R, Tiwari AK, Rajak H. The Role of Cytokines in Activation of Tumour-promoting Pathways and Emergence of Cancer Drug Resistance. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:523-540. [PMID: 38258788 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266284527240118041129] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Scientists are constantly researching and launching potential chemotherapeutic agents as an irreplaceable weapon to fight the battle against cancer. Despite remarkable advancement over the past several decades to wipe out cancer through early diagnosis, proper prevention, and timely treatment, cancer is not ready to give up and leave the battleground. It continuously tries to find some other way to give a tough fight for its survival, either by escaping from the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs or utilising its own chemical messengers like cytokines to ensure resistance. Cytokines play a significant role in cancer cell growth and progression, and the present article highlights their substantial contribution to mechanisms of resistance toward therapeutic drugs. Multiple clinical studies have even described the importance of specific cytokines released from cancer cells as well as stromal cells in conferring resistance. Herein, we discuss the different mechanism behind drug resistance and the crosstalk between tumor development and cytokines release and their contribution to showing resistance towards chemotherapeutics. As a part of this review, different approaches to cytokines profile have been identified and employed to successfully target new evolving mechanisms of resistance and their possible treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Shirbhate
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, (C.G.), India
| | - Vaibhav Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, (C.G.), India
| | - Rakesh Kore
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, (C.G.), India
| | - Subham Vishwakarma
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, (C.G.), India
| | - Ravichandran Veerasamy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Cancer & System Therapeutics, UAMS College of Pharmacy, UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Harish Rajak
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, (C.G.) India
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16
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Huang F, Wu X, Du Q, Lin J, Ma W, Liu J. Systematic Characterization of DNA Methyltransferases Family in Tumor Progression and Antitumor Immunity. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241260658. [PMID: 38847740 PMCID: PMC11162131 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241260658] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic marker governed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which can influence cancer onset and progression. However, few studies have provided an integrated analysis of the relevance of DNMT family genes to cell stemness, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and immunotherapy biomarkers across diverse cancers. Methods: This study investigated the impact of five DNMTs on transcriptional profiles, prognosis, and their association with Ki67 expression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition signatures, stemness scores, the TME, and immunological markers across 31 cancer types from recognized public databases. Results: The results indicated that DNMT1/DNMT3B/DNMT3A expression increased, whereas TRDMT1/DNMT3L expression decreased in most cancer types. DNMT family genes were identified as prognostic risk factors for numerous cancers, as well as being prominently associated with immune, stromal, and ESTIMATE scores, as well as with immune-infiltrating cell levels. Expression of the well-known immune checkpoints, PDCD1 and CILA4, was noticeably related to DNMT1/DNMT3A/DNMT3B expression. Finally, we validated the role of DNMT1 in MCF-7 and HepG2-C3A cell lines through its knockdown, whereafter a decrease in cell proliferation and migration ability in vitro was observed. Conclusion: Our study comprehensively expounded that DNMT family genes not only behave as promising prognostic factors but also have the potential to serve as therapeutic targets in cancer immunotherapy for various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengru Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianghua Lin
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Chen S, Zhu X, Ou W, Kang L, Situ J, Liao Z, Huang L, Qi W, Ni S. ETS2 overexpression ameliorates cartilage injury in osteoarthritis by the ETS2/miR-155/STAT1/DNMT1 feedback loop pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194965. [PMID: 37524226 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common irreversible chronic joint dysfunction disease, which is pathologically characterized by disturbance of articular cartilage homeostasis leading to subsequent inflammatory response and cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the dysregulation of transcription factors play crucial roles in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis (OA), but the potential functions and mechanism of most transcription factors in OA has not been completely illuminated. In this study, we identified that transcription factor V-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 2 (ETS2) was significantly down-regulated in OA cartilage and IL-1β-induced OA chondrocytes. Functional experiments in vitro demonstrated that the overexpressed ETS2 strikingly enhanced proliferation, outstandingly suppressed apoptosis, and dramatically reduced inflammation and ECM degradation in IL-1β-induced OA chondrocytes, whereas the knockdown of ETS2 led to the opposite effects. Further in vivo studies have shown that up-regulated ETS2 dramatically ameliorates cartilage injury in DMM-induced OA mice. Mechanical studies have disclosed that DNMT1-mediated downregulation of ETS2 dramatically promotes STAT1 by inhibiting miR-155 transcription, and increased STAT1 initiates a feedback loop that may enhance DNMT1-mediated hypermethylation of ETS2 to inhibit ETS2 expression, thus forming a DNMT1/ETS2/miR-155/STAT1 feedback loop that inhibits MAPK signaling pathways and aggravates OA cartilage injury. In all, our results revealed that overexpression of ETS2 markedly ameliorated OA cartilage injury through the ETS2/miR-155/STAT1/DNMT1 feedback loop, providing a new perspective on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhuan Ou
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Le Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Situ
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhipeng Liao
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weizhong Qi
- Department of Orthopaedic, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Songjia Ni
- Department of Orthopaedic, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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18
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Zhang Y, Wang JW, Su X, Li JE, Wei XF, Yang JR, Gao S, Fan YC, Wang K. F-box protein 43 promoter methylation as a novel biomarker for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1267844. [PMID: 38029156 PMCID: PMC10652413 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1267844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high prevalence and poor prognosis worldwide. Therefore, it is urgent to find effective and timely diagnostic markers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of F-box protein 43 promoter methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for HCC. Method A total of 247 participants were included in this study, comprising individuals with 123 hepatitis B virus-associated HCC, 79 chronic hepatitis B, and 45 healthy controls. F-box protein 43 methylation and mRNA levels in PBMCs were detected by MethyLight and quantitative real-time PCR. Result F-box protein 43 promoter methylation levels were significantly lower in HCC PBMCs than the chronic hepatitis B (P < 0.001) and healthy control PBMCs (P < 0.001). Relative mRNA expression levels of F-box protein 43 in HCC PBMCs were significantly higher than those in chronic hepatitis B (P < 0.001) and healthy control PBMCs (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of F-box protein 43 promoter methylation levels yielded an area under curve (AUC) of 0.793 with 76.42% sensitivity and 68.35% specificity when differentiating HCC from chronic hepatitis. These values for the F-box protein 43 promoter methylation level were superior to those of the alpha-fetoprotein serum (AFP) level (AUC: 0.780, sensitivity: 47.97%, and specificity: 96.20%), with increments in values for the combination of F-box protein 43 promoter methylation AFP levels (AUC: 0.888, sensitivity: 76.42%, and specificity: 86.08%). Conclusion Hypomethylation of the F-box protein 43 promoter in PBMCs is a promising biochemical marker for HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao) of Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xing Su
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jin-E Li
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue-Fei Wei
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie-Ru Yang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Hepatology Institute of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu-Chen Fan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Hepatology Institute of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao) of Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Hepatology Institute of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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19
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Zhong Q, Wang H, Yang J, Tu R, Li A, Zeng G, Zheng Q, Yu Liu Z, Shang‐Guan Z, Bo Huang X, Huang Q, Li Y, Zheng H, Lin G, Huang Z, Xu K, Qiu W, Jiang M, Zhao Y, Lin J, Huang Z, Huang J, Li P, Xie J, Zheng C, Chen Q, Huang C. Loss of ATOH1 in Pit Cell Drives Stemness and Progression of Gastric Adenocarcinoma by Activating AKT/mTOR Signaling through GAS1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301977. [PMID: 37824217 PMCID: PMC10646280 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are self-renewing tumor cells that govern chemoresistance in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), whereas their regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, the study aims to elucidate the role of ATOH1 in the maintenance of GCSCs. The preclinical model and GAC sample analysis indicate that ATOH1 deficiency is correlated with poor GAC prognosis and chemoresistance. ScRNA-seq reveals that ATOH1 is downregulated in the pit cells of GAC compared with those in paracarcinoma samples. Lineage tracing reveals that Atoh1 deletion strongly confers pit cell stemness. ATOH1 depletion significantly accelerates cancer stemness and chemoresistance in Tff1-CreERT2; Rosa26Tdtomato and Tff1-CreERT2; Apcfl/fl ; p53fl/fl (TcPP) mouse models and organoids. ATOH1 deficiency downregulates growth arrest-specific protein 1 (GAS1) by suppressing GAS1 promoter transcription. GAS1 forms a complex with RET, which inhibits Tyr1062 phosphorylation, and consequently activates the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by ATOH1 deficiency. Combining chemotherapy with drugs targeting AKT/mTOR signaling can overcome ATOH1 deficiency-induced chemoresistance. Moreover, it is confirmed that abnormal DNA hypermethylation induces ATOH1 deficiency. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ATOH1 loss promotes cancer stemness through the ATOH1/GAS1/RET/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in GAC, thus providing a potential therapeutic strategy for AKT/mTOR inhibitors in GAC patients with ATOH1 deficiency.
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20
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Zeng Z, Fu M, Hu Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Luo M. Regulation and signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: implications for targeted therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37853437 PMCID: PMC10583419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), initially identified in leukemia in 1994, constitute a distinct subset of tumor cells characterized by surface markers such as CD133, CD44, and ALDH. Their behavior is regulated through a complex interplay of networks, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. Numerous signaling pathways were found to be involved in the regulatory network of CSCs. The maintenance of CSC characteristics plays a pivotal role in driving CSC-associated tumor metastasis and conferring resistance to therapy. Consequently, CSCs have emerged as promising targets in cancer treatment. To date, researchers have developed several anticancer agents tailored to specifically target CSCs, with some of these treatment strategies currently undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we outline the origin and biological characteristics of CSCs, explore the regulatory networks governing CSCs, discuss the signaling pathways implicated in these networks, and investigate the influential factors contributing to therapy resistance in CSCs. Finally, we offer insights into preclinical and clinical agents designed to eliminate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology Nursing, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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21
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Song X, Lan Y, Zheng X, Zhu Q, Liao X, Liu K, Zhang W, Peng Q, Zhu Y, Zhao L, Chen X, Shu Y, Yang K, Hu J. Targeting drug-tolerant cells: A promising strategy for overcoming acquired drug resistance in cancer cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e342. [PMID: 37638338 PMCID: PMC10449058 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.342] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains the greatest challenge in improving outcomes for cancer patients who receive chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Surmounting evidence suggests that a subpopulation of cancer cells could escape intense selective drug treatment by entering a drug-tolerant state without genetic variations. These drug-tolerant cells (DTCs) are characterized with a slow proliferation rate and a reversible phenotype. They reside in the tumor region and may serve as a reservoir for resistant phenotypes. The survival of DTCs is regulated by epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, mRNA translation remodeling, metabolic changes, antiapoptosis, interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and activation of signaling pathways. Thus, targeting the regulators of DTCs opens a new avenue for the treatment of therapy-resistant tumors. In this review, we first provide an overview of common characteristics of DTCs and the regulating networks in DTCs development. We also discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities to target DTCs. Last, we discuss the current challenges and prospects of the DTC-targeting approach to overcome acquired drug resistance. Reviewing the latest developments in DTC research could be essential in discovering of methods to eliminate DTCs, which may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing drug resistance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohai Song
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Lan
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiuli Zheng
- Department of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care MedicinePrecision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qianyu Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuliang Liao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Weihan Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - QiangBo Peng
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yunfeng Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jiankun Hu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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22
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Yousef EH, El-Magd NFA, El Gayar AM. Norcantharidin potentiates sorafenib antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma rat model through inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Transl Res 2023; 260:69-82. [PMID: 37257560 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.05.005] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (Sora) efficacy is limited by primary and/or acquired resistance. Emerging evidence shows that the inflammatory factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a role in Sora resistance. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of cantharidine, was identified as a potent IL-6 inhibitor. Thus, in this study, we evaluated NCTD ability to improve the Sora efficacy in HCC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Sprague Dawely rats were administered NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day; orally) or Sora (10 mg/kg day; orally) or combination for 6 weeks after HCC induction using thioacetamide (200 mg/kg; ip; 2 times/wk) for 16 weeks. Our results showed that NCTD greatly enhanced Sora activity against HCC and potentiated Sora-induced oxidative stress. NCTD enhanced Sora-induced tumor immunity reactivation by decreasing both fibrinogen-like protein 1 level and increasing both tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression along with CD8+ T cells number. Also, NCTD augmented Sora attenuation activity against TAA-induced angiogenesis and metastasis by decreasing VEGFA, HIF-1α, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, and vimentin levels. The combined use of NCTD/Sora suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein, spalt-like transcription factor 4, and CD133. NCTD boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing Ccnd1 and BCL2 expressions along with increasing BAX and caspase-3 expressions. To our knowledge, this study represents the first study providing evidence for the potential novel therapeutic use of NCTD/Sora combination for HCC. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of NCTD on FGL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Yousef
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, Damietta, Egypt.
| | - Nada F Abo El-Magd
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amal M El Gayar
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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23
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Yang T, Liang N, Zhang J, Bai Y, Li Y, Zhao Z, Chen L, Yang M, Huang Q, Hu P, Wang Q, Zhang H. OCTN2 enhances PGC-1α-mediated fatty acid oxidation and OXPHOS to support stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. Metabolism 2023; 147:155628. [PMID: 37315888 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells plays a vital role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 (OCTN2), a sodium-ion dependent carnitine transporter and a sodium-ion independent tetraethylammonium (TEA) transporter, has been reported to contribute tumor malignancies and metabolic dysregulation in renal and esophageal carcinoma. However, the role of lipid metabolism deregulation mediated by OCTN2 in HCC cells has not been clarified. METHODS Bioinformatics analyses and immunohistochemistry assay were employed to identify OCTN2 expression in HCC tissues. The correlation between OCTN2 expression and prognosis was elucidated through K-M survival analysis. The expression and function of OCTN2 were examined via the assays of western blotting, sphere formation, cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The mechanism of OCTN2-mediated HCC malignancies was investigated through RNA-seq and metabolomic analyses. Furthermore, xenograft tumor models based on HCC cells with different OCTN2 expression levels were conducted to analyze the tumorigenic and targetable role of OCTN2 in vivo. RESULTS We found that gradually focused OCTN2 was significantly upregulated in HCC and tightly associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, OCTN2 upregulation promoted HCC cells proliferation and migration in vitro and augmented the growth and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, OCTN2 promoted the cancer stem-like properties of HCC by increasing fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation. Mechanistically, PGC-1α signaling participated in the HCC cancer stem-like properties mediated by OCTN2 overexpression, which is confirmed by in vitro and in vivo analyses. Furthermore, OCTN2 upregulation may be transcriptionally activated by YY1 in HCC. Particularly, treatment with mildronate, an inhibitor of OCTN2, showed a therapeutic influence on HCC in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that OCTN2 plays a critical metabolic role in HCC cancer stemness maintenance and HCC progression, providing evidence for OCTN2 as a promising target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China; Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yaxing Bai
- Department of Dermatology, XiJing Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Yuedan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Zifeng Zhao
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Liusheng Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, Yunnan 671000, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Clinical Research Center, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, Yunnan 671000, China
| | - Pan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the 920 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese PLA, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China; Department of Intervention Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China.
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24
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Wang Q, Liang N, Liu C, Li J, Bai Y, Lei S, Huang Q, Sun L, Tang L, Zeng C, Tang Y, He X, Yang T, Wang G. BEX1 supports the stemness of hepatoblastoma by facilitating Warburg effect in a PPARγ/PDK1 dependent manner. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1477-1489. [PMID: 37715024 PMCID: PMC10628275 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02418-4] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a highly aggressive paediatric malignancy that exhibits a high presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which related to tumour recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Brain expressed X-linked protein 1 (BEX1) plays a pivotal role in ciliogenesis, axon regeneration and differentiation of neural stem cells. However, the role of BEX1 in metabolic and stemness programs in HB remains unclear. METHODS BEX1 expression in human and mouse HB was analyzed using gene expression profile data from NCBI GEO and immunohistochemical validation. Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, sphere formation assay, and diluted xenograft tumour formation assay were used to analyze metabolic and stemness features. RESULTS Our results indicated that overexpression of BEX1 significantly enhanced the Warburg effect in HB cells. Furthermore, glycolysis inhibition largely attenuated the effects of BEX1 on HB cell growth and self-renewal, suggesting that BEX1 promotes stemness maintenance of HB cells by regulating the Warburg effect. Mechanistically, BEX1 enhances Warburg effect through the downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). Furthermore, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 1 (PDK1) is required for PPARγ-induced inhibition of Warburg effect in HB. In addition, BEX1 supports the stemness of HB by enhancing Warburg effect in a PPARγ/PDK1 dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS HB patients with high BEX1 and PDK1 expression had a poor prognosis. BEX1 promotes the stemness maintenance of HB cells via modulating the Warburg effect, which depends on PPARγ/PDK1 axis. Pioglitazone could be used to target BEX1-mediated stemness properties in HB by upregulating PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Stomatology, Shaanxi Province People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yaxing Bai
- Department of Dermatology, XiJing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuanghong Lei
- Anorectal Department, The First People's Hospital of Longnan, Longnan, 742500, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China
| | - Ligang Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Liangke Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510315, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China
| | - Yuqun Tang
- Minimally Invasive tumour Comprehensive Therapy Center, Second People's Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510310, China
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Jiangmen, 529000, China.
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25
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Cao F, Qi Y, Wu W, Li X, Yang C. Single-cell and genetic multi-omics analysis combined with experiments confirmed the signature and potential targets of cuproptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1240390. [PMID: 37745297 PMCID: PMC10516581 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1240390] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cuproptosis, as a recently discovered type of programmed cell death, occupies a very important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and provides new methods for immunotherapy; however, the functions of cuproptosis in HCC are still unclear. Methods: We first analyzed the transcriptome data and clinical information of 526 HCC patients using multiple algorithms in R language and extensively described the copy number variation, prognostic and immune infiltration characteristics of cuproptosis related genes (CRGs). Then, the hub CRG related genes associated with prognosis through LASSO and Cox regression analyses and constructed a prognostic prediction model including multiple molecular markers and clinicopathological parameters through training cohorts, then this model was verified by test cohorts. On the basis of the model, the clinicopathological indicators, immune infiltration and tumor microenvironment characteristics of HCC patients were further explored via bioinformation analysis. Then, We further explored the key gene biological function by single-cell analysis, cell viability and transwell experiments. Meantime, we also explored the molecular docking of the hub genes. Results: We have screened 5 hub genes associated with HCC prognosis and constructed a prognosis prediction scoring model. And the model results showed that patients in the high-risk group had poor prognosis and the expression levels of multiple immune markers, including PD-L1, CD276 and CTLA4, were higher than those patients in the low-risk group. We found a significant correlation between risk score and M0 macrophages and memory CD4+ T cells. And the single-cell analysis and molecular experiments showed that BEX1 were higher expressed in HCC tissues and deletion inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration and EMT pathway of HCC cells. Finally, it was observed that BEX1 could bind to sorafenib to form a stable conformation. Conclusion: The study not only revealed the multiomics characteristics of CRGs in HCC but also constructed a new high-accuracy prognostic prediction model. Meanwhile, BEX1 were also identified as hub genes that can mediate the cuproptosis of hepatocytes as potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Cao
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yong Qi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenyong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xutong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuang Yang
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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26
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O'Neill AF, Meyers RL, Katzenstein HM, Geller JI, Tiao GM, López-Terrada D, Malogolowkin M. Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Liver tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 6:e30576. [PMID: 37495540 PMCID: PMC10529117 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30576] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Liver tumors account for approximately 1%-2% of all pediatric malignancies, with the two most common tumors being hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous Children's Oncology Group studies have meaningfully contributed to the current understanding of disease pathophysiology and treatment, laying groundwork for the ongoing prospective international study of both HB and HCC. Future work is focused on elucidating the biologic underpinnings of disease to support an evolution in risk categorization, advancements in the multidimensional care required to treat these patients, and the discovery of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison F O'Neill
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecka L Meyers
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - James I Geller
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Greg M Tiao
- Division of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Dolores López-Terrada
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marcio Malogolowkin
- Pediatric Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, USA
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Tang Z, Yang Y, Chen W, Liang T. Epigenetic deregulation of MLF1 drives intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression through EGFR/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0204. [PMID: 37486965 PMCID: PMC10368384 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an aggressive malignancy with multiple etiologies and is largely refractory to current treatment strategies. Myeloid leukemia factor 1 (MLF1) is associated with human cancer progression. Nevertheless, the function of MLF1 in iCCA remains unknown. METHODS We performed expression analyses of MLF1 in human iCCA. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the role of MLF1 in iCCA progression. The upstream regulatory mechanism of MLF1 upregulation in iCCA was deciphered by luciferase and DNA methylation analyses. RESULTS MLF1 was significantly upregulated in clinical iCCA tissue specimens and human iCCA cell lines. MLF1 was positively correlated with KRT19 and MUC1 expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene set enrichment score in clinical iCCA. High MLF1 expression was independently associated with worse prognoses in iCCA patients after curative resection. In addition, experimental knockdown of MLF1 attenuated, while overexpression of MLF1 promoted the proliferation, invasiveness, and growth of iCCA cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, MLF1 comodulated EGFR/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signalings through regulating EGFR, AKT, WNT3, and p-GSK3β expression. Promoter CpG sites' hypermethylation-induced downregulation of miR-29c-3p contributed to MLF1 upregulation in iCCA patients. The upregulation of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1, 3A, and 3B downregulated miR-29c-3p by dictating promoter DNA methylation pattern. MiR-29c-3p showed therapeutic potential by targeting MLF1 in iCCA. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that hypermethylation-mediated miR-29c-3p downregulation contributes to MLF1 upregulation in iCCA, which resulted in tumor cells' proliferation and metastasis through comodulating EGFR/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signalings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengwei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Wei Y, Hui VLZ, Chen Y, Han R, Han X, Guo Y. YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e340. [PMID: 37576865 PMCID: PMC10412783 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.340] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Yes-associated protein and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) are two homologous transcriptional coactivators that lie at the center of a key regulatory network of Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling. YAP/TAZ influences the expressions of downstream genes and proteins as well as enzyme activity in metabolic cycles, cell proliferation, inflammatory factor expression, and the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. YAP/TAZ can also be regulated through epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications. Consequently, the regulatory function of these mechanisms implicates YAP/TAZ in the pathogenesis of metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and the delicate equilibrium between cancer progression and organ regeneration. As such, there arises a pressing need for thorough investigation of YAP/TAZ in clinical settings. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate YAP/TAZ and explore the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-induce diseases and their potential therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical studies investigating treatments targeting YAP/TAZ. We also address the limitations of existing research on YAP/TAZ and propose future directions for research. In conclusion, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the signaling mediated by YAP/TAZ and identify potential therapeutic targets to present innovative solutions to overcome the challenges associated with YAP/TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Victoria Lee Zhi Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yilin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ruiying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xianglong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yongwen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsLanzhou Stomatological HospitalLanzhouGansuChina
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Dybska E, Nowak JK, Walkowiak J. Transcriptomic Context of RUNX3 Expression in Monocytes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1698. [PMID: 37371794 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) regulates the differentiation of monocytes and their response to inflammation. However, the transcriptomic context of RUNX3 expression in blood monocytes remains poorly understood. We aim to learn about RUNX3 from its relationships within transcriptomes of bulk CD14+ cells in adults. This study used immunomagnetically sorted CD14+ cell gene expression microarray data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA, n = 1202, GSE56047) and the Correlated Expression and Disease Association Research (CEDAR, n = 281, E-MTAB-6667) cohorts. The data were preprocessed, subjected to RUNX3-focused correlation analyses and random forest modeling, followed by the gene ontology analysis. Immunity-focused differential ratio analysis with intermediary inference (DRAIMI) was used to integrate the data with protein-protein interaction network. Correlation analysis of RUNX3 expression revealed the strongest positive association for EVL (rmean = 0.75, pFDR-MESA = 5.37 × 10-140, pFDR-CEDAR = 5.52 × 10-80), ARHGAP17 (rmean = 0.74, pFDR-MESA = 1.13 × 10-169, pFDR-CEDAR = 9.20 × 10-59), DNMT1 (rmean = 0.74, pFDR-MESA = 1.10 × 10-169, pFDR-CEDAR = 1.67 × 10-58), and CLEC16A (rmean = 0.72, pFDR-MESA = 3.51 × 10-154, pFDR-CEDAR = 2.27 × 10-55), while the top negative correlates were C2ORF76 (rmean = -0.57, pFDR-MESA = 8.70 × 10-94, pFDR-CEDAR = 1.31 × 10-25) and TBC1D7 (rmean = -0.55, pFDR-MESA = 1.36 × 10-69, pFDR-CEDAR = 7.81 × 10-30). The RUNX3-associated transcriptome signature was involved in mRNA metabolism, signal transduction, and the organization of cytoskeleton, chromosomes, and chromatin, which may all accompany mitosis. Transcriptomic context of RUNX3 expression in monocytes hints at its relationship with cell growth, shape maintenance, and aspects of the immune response, including tyrosine kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Dybska
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jan Krzysztof Nowak
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jarosław Walkowiak
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
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Xu Y, Hu J, Lv Q, Shi C, Qiu M, Xie L, Liu W, Yang B, Shan W, Cheng Y, Zhao B, Chen X. Endometrium-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress progression of endometrial cancer via the DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:159. [PMID: 37287079 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an attractive treatment option for various cancers. Whether MSCs can be used to treat well-differentiated endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the potential therapeutic effects of MSCs on EC and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The effects of adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), and endometrium-derived MSCs (eMSCs) on the malignant behaviors of EC cells were explored via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Three EC models, including patient-derived EC organoid lines, EC cell lines, and EC xenograft model in female BALB/C nude mice, were used for this study. The effects of MSCs on EC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and the growth of xenograft tumors were evaluated. The potential mechanisms by which eMSCs inhibit EC cell proliferation and stemness were explored by regulating DKK1 expression in eMSCs or Wnt signaling in EC cells. RESULTS Our results showed that eMSCs had the highest inhibitory effect on EC cell viability, and EC xenograft tumor growth in mice compared to AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs. Conditioned medium (CM) obtained from eMSCs significantly suppressed the sphere-forming ability and stemness-related gene expression of EC cells. In comparison to AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs, eMSCs had the highest level of Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) secretion. Mechanistically, eMSCs inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in EC cells via secretion of DKK1, and eMSCs suppressed EC cell viability and stemness through DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Additionally, the combination of eMSCs and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) significantly inhibited the viability of EC organoids and EC cells compared with eMSCs or MPA alone. CONCLUSIONS The eMSCs, but not AD-MSCs or UC-MSCs, could suppress the malignant behaviors of EC both in vivo and in vitro via inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by secreting DKK1. The combination of eMSCs and MPA effectively inhibited EC growth, indicating that eMSCs may potentially be a new therapeutic strategy for young EC patients desiring for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Hu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoying Lv
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengdi Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Liying Xie
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyi Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Shan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Cheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Ding K, Jiang X, Ni J, Zhang C, Li A, Zhou J. JWA inhibits nicotine-induced lung cancer stemness and progression through CHRNA5/AKT-mediated JWA/SP1/CD44 axis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115043. [PMID: 37224781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for lung cancer. Nicotine, as an addictive substance in tobacco and e-cigarettes, is known to promote tumor progression and metastasis despite being a non-carcinogen. As a tumor suppressor gene, JWA is widely involved in the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, including in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of JWA in nicotine-induced tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we reported for the first time that JWA was significantly downregulated in smoking-related lung cancer and associated with overall survival. Nicotine exposure reduced JWA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis showed the tumor stemness pathway was enriched in smoking-related lung cancer, and JWA was negatively associated with stemness molecules CD44, SOX2, and CD133. JWA also inhibited nicotine-enhanced colony formation, spheroid formation, and EDU incorporation in lung cancer cells. Mechanically, nicotine downregulated JWA expression via the CHRNA5-mediated AKT pathway. Lower JWA expression enhanced CD44 expression through inhibition of ubiquitination-mediated degradation of Specificity Protein 1 (SP1). The in vivo data indicated that JAC4 through the JWA/SP1/CD44 axis inhibited nicotine-triggered lung cancer progression and stemness. In conclusion, JWA via down-regulating CD44 inhibited nicotine-triggered lung cancer cell stemness and progression. Our study may provide new insights to develop JAC4 for the therapy of nicotine-related cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ding
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Toxicology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xuqian Jiang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Toxicology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Ni
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Toxicology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Toxicology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Aiping Li
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Toxicology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Toxicology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Huang Y, Xiao L, Daba MY, Xu D, Wang Y, Li L, Li Q, Liu B, Qin W, Zhang H, Yuan X. Characterization of molecular subtypes based on chromatin regulators and identification of the role of NPAS2 in lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:72. [PMID: 37120564 PMCID: PMC10149025 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01486-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromatin regulators (CRs) are critical epigenetic modifiers and have been reported to play critical roles during the progression of various tumors, but their role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been comprehensively studied. METHODS Differential expression and univariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify the prognostic CRs. Consensus clustering was applied to classify the subtypes of LUAD based on prognostic CRs. LASSO-multivariate Cox regression method was used for construction of a prognostic signature and development of chromatin regulator-related gene index (CRGI). The capacity of CRGI to distinguish survival was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier method in multiple datasets. Relationship between CRGI and tumor microenvironment (TME) was evaluated. Additionally, clinical variables and CRGI were incorporated to create a nomogram. The role of the prognostic gene NPAS2 in LUAD was elucidated via clinical samples validation and a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS Two subtypes of LUAD were classified based on 46 prognostic CRs via consensus clustering which had significantly different survival and TME. A prognostic signature consisting of six CRs (MOCS, PBK, CBX3, A1CF, NPAS2, and CTCFL) was developed and proved to be an effective survival predictor in multiple independent datasets. The prognostic signature was also demonstrated to be an indicator of TME and sensitivity to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The nomogram was suggested to be a simple tool that can predict survival accurately. Clinical samples show that NPAS2 is highly expressed in LUAD tissues, and in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that inhibition of NPAS2 impeded malignant progression of LUAD cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study comprehensively unveiled the functions of CRs in LUAD, developed a classifier to predict survival and response to treatments, and suggested that NPAS2 promoted LUAD progression for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbiao Huang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingyan Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Motuma Yigezu Daba
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Duo Xu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wan Qin
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Huixian Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Xianglin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Zhou H, Tan L, Liu B, Guan XY. Cancer stem cells: Recent insights and therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115441. [PMID: 36720355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115441] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are intricate ecosystems containing malignant components that generate adaptive and evolutionarily driven abnormal tissues. Through self-renewal and differentiation, cancers are reconstructed by a dynamic subset of stem-like cells that enforce tumor heterogeneity and remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through recent technology advances, we are now better equipped to investigate the fundamental role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in cancer biology. In this review, we discuss the latest insights into characteristics, markers and mechanism of CSCs and describe the crosstalk between CSCs and other cells in TME. Additionally, we explore the performance of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis in CSCs studies and summarize the therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs, which could broaden the understanding of CSCs and exploit for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Licheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Advanced Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Technology Research Center, Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, Guangdong, China.
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Wang N, Ma T, Yu B. Targeting epigenetic regulators to overcome drug resistance in cancers. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:69. [PMID: 36797239 PMCID: PMC9935618 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is mainly responsible for cancer recurrence and poor prognosis. Epigenetic regulation is a heritable change in gene expressions independent of nucleotide sequence changes. As the common epigenetic regulation mechanisms, DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation have been well studied. Increasing evidence has shown that aberrant epigenetic regulations contribute to tumor resistance. Therefore, targeting epigenetic regulators represents an effective strategy to reverse drug resistance. In this review, we mainly summarize the roles of epigenetic regulation in tumor resistance. In addition, as the essential factors for epigenetic modifications, histone demethylases mediate the histone or genomic DNA modifications. Herein, we comprehensively describe the functions of the histone demethylase family including the lysine-specific demethylase family, the Jumonji C-domain-containing demethylase family, and the histone arginine demethylase family, and fully discuss their regulatory mechanisms related to cancer drug resistance. In addition, therapeutic strategies, including small-molecule inhibitors and small interfering RNA targeting histone demethylases to overcome drug resistance, are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ting Ma
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Tang Z, Yang Y, Zhang Q, Liang T. Epigenetic dysregulation-mediated COL12A1 upregulation predicts worse outcome in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:13. [PMID: 36694230 PMCID: PMC9875497 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01413-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collagen type XII alpha 1 chain (COL12A1) is associated with human cancer progression. Nevertheless, the expression pattern and the function of COL12A1 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remain unknown. The present study was performed to assess the role of COL12A1 in iCCA. RESULTS A total of 1669 genes, differentially expressed between iCCA and nontumor liver tissue samples, were identified as potential tumor-specific biomarkers for iCCA patients. Of these, COL12A1 was significantly upregulated in clinical iCCA tissue samples and correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition gene set enrichment score and advanced tumor stage in clinical iCCA. COL12A1-high expression was associated with the poor prognoses of iCCA patients (n = 421) from four independent cohorts. Promoter hypermethylation-induced downregulation of miR-424-5p resulted in COL12A1 upregulation in clinical iCCA. Experimental knockout of COL12A1 inhibited the proliferation, invasiveness and growth of iCCA cells. MiR-424-5p had a therapeutic potential in iCCA via directly targeting COL12A1. CONCLUSIONS Promoter hypermethylation-induced miR-424-5p downregulation contributes to COL12A1 upregulation in iCCA. COL12A1 is a promising druggable target for epigenetic therapy of iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengwei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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Shu Y, Lan J, Hu Z, Liu W, Song R. Epigenetic regulation of RARB overcomes the radio-resistance of colorectal carcinoma cells via cancer stem cells. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2023; 64:11-23. [PMID: 36214504 PMCID: PMC9855330 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrac060] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are able to survive after cancer therapies, leading to cancer progression and recurrence in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Therapies targeting CSCs are believed to be promising strategies for efficiently eradicating cancers. This study was to investigate that how retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB) affected the biological characteristics of CSCs and radio-resistance in CRC and the epigenetic mechanism. The sensitivity of CSCs isolated from HCT116 cells to radiotherapy was reduced compared with the parental cells. Using database querying, we found that RARB was one of the most significantly downregulated gene in radio-resistant cells in CRC. Also, RARB was poorly expressed in our isolated CSCs, and overexpression of RARB inhibited the properties of CSCs and enhanced radiotherapy sensitivity. Mechanistically, the methylation of RARB was higher in CSCs compared with HCT116 cells, which was significantly reduced after the application of DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-azaC). DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1) was found to be recruited into the RARB promoter. 5-AzaC treatment inhibited DNMT1 activity and improved radiotherapy sensitivity by promoting RARB expression. Our results imply that inhibition of DNMT1 can display a new mechanism for the epigenetic mediation of RARB in radio-resistant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxian Shu
- Department of Comprehensive Radiotherapy, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lan
- Department 1 of General Surgery, Jiangxi Gao’an People’s Hospital, Gao’an 330800, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Zhaobing Hu
- Department of Oncology, Jingdezhen Second People’s Hospital, Jingdezhen 333000, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Weiguo Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Rongfeng Song
- Corresponding author. Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, No. 519, Beijing East Road, Qingshanhu District, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, P.R. China. ; Tel/Fax: 13879172671
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Tao S, Liang S, Zeng T, Yin D. Epigenetic modification-related mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1043667. [PMID: 36685594 PMCID: PMC9845774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1043667] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes most primary liver cancers and is one of the most lethal and life-threatening malignancies globally. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of HCC patients are identified at an advanced stage that is unavailable for curative surgery. Thus, palliative therapies represented by multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib remained the front-line treatment over the past decades. Recently, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially targeting the PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 axis, has achieved an inspiring clinical breakthrough for treating unresectable solid tumors. However, many HCC patients with poor responses lead to limited benefits in clinical applications, which has quickly drawn researchers' attention to the regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints in HCC immune evasion. Evasion of immune surveillance by cancer is attributed to intricate reprogramming modulation in the tumor microenvironment. Currently, more and more studies have found that epigenetic modifications, such as chromatin structure remodeling, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA levels, may contribute significantly to remodeling the tumor microenvironment to avoid immune clearance, affecting the efficacy of immunotherapy for HCC. This review summarizes the rapidly emerging progress of epigenetic-related changes during HCC resistance to ICIs and discusses the mechanisms of underlying epigenetic therapies available for surmounting immune resistance. Finally, we summarize the clinical advances in combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy, aiming to promote the formation of immune combination therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuhang Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Taofei Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dalong Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Song P, Zhou J, Wu K, Wang W, Gu S. The Underlying Mechanism Involved in Gefitinib Resistance and Corresponding Experiment Validation in Lung Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:9658912. [PMID: 37205010 PMCID: PMC10188267 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9658912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gefitinib resistance remains a major problem in the treatment of lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in gefitinib resistance are largely unclear. Methods Open-accessed data of lung cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. CCK8, colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays were utilized to evaluate the cell proliferation ability. Transwell and wound-healing assays were utilized to evaluate the cell invasion and migration ability. Quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to detect the RNA level of specific genes. Results Here, we obtained the expression profile data of wild and gefitinib-resistant cells. Combined with the data from the TCGA and GDSC databases, we identified six genes, RNF150, FAT3, ANKRD33, AFF3, CDH2, and BEX1, that were involved in gefitinib resistance in both cell and tissue levels. We found that most of these genes were expressed in the fibroblast of the NSCLC microenvironment. Hence, we also comprehensively investigated the role of fibroblast in the NSCLC microenvironment, including its biological effect and cell interaction. Ultimately, CDH2 was selected for further analysis for its prognosis correlation. In vitro experiments presented the cancer-promoting role of CDH2 in NSCLC. Moreover, cell viability detection showed that the inhibition of CDH2 could significantly decrease the IC50 of gefitinib in NSCLC cells. GSEA showed that CDH2 could significantly affect the pathway activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Conclusions This study is aimed at investigating the underlying mechanism involved in gefitinib resistance to lung cancer. Our research has improved researchers' understanding of gefitinib resistance. Meanwhile, we found that CDH2 could lead to gefitinib resistance through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puwei Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianghui Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kaiqin Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenli Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaorui Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Wang G, He X, Wang Q. Intratumoral bacteria are an important "accomplice" in tumor development and metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188846. [PMID: 36496095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As emerging tumor components, intratumoral bacteria have been found in many solid tumors. Several studies have demonstrated that different cancer subtypes have distinct microbial compositions, and mechanistic studies have shown that intratumoral bacteria may promote cancer initiation and progression through DNA damage, epigenetic modification, inflammatory responses, modulation of host immunity and activation of oncogenes or oncogenic pathways. Moreover, intratumoral bacteria have been shown to modulate tumor metastasis and chemotherapy response. A better understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its associated microbiota will facilitate the design of new metabolically engineered species, opening up a new era of intratumoral bacteria-based cancer therapy. However, many questions remain to be resolved, such as where intratumoral bacteria originate and whether there is a direct causal relationship between intratumoral bacteria and tumor susceptibility. In addition, suitable preclinical models and more advanced detection techniques are crucial for studying the biological functions of intratumoral bacteria. In this review, we summarize the complicated role of intratumoral bacteria in the regulation of cancer development and metastasis and discuss their carcinogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Department of General Surgery, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou 510318, China
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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Targeting emerging cancer hallmarks by transition metal complexes: Epigenetic reprogramming and epitherapies. Part II. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Zhao X, Zhuang Y, Wang B, Yuan B, Du S, Zeng Z. The miR-34a-5p-c-MYC-CHK1/CHK2 Axis Counteracts Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties and Enhances Radiosensitivity in Hepatocellular Cancer Through Repression of the DNA Damage Response. Radiat Res 2023; 199:48-60. [PMID: 36445955 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00098.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy has become an increasingly widespread modality for treating hepatocellular cancer (HCC); however, the development of radioresistance significantly limits its effectiveness and invariably leads to tumor recurrence. Cancer stem cell (CSC) theory offers a potential explanation for tumor relapse and radioresistance, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Herein we investigate the role of miRNA in molecular regulation of stemness and radioresistance in HCC. Two HCC radiation-resistant cell lines (Huh7-RR and SMMC-7721-RR) were established by selecting the radioresistant subpopulation from HCC cells via clonogenic survival assays. MiRNA Sequencing was used to identify potential radiosensitivity involved miRNA in HCC-RR cells. Xenograft tumor mouse model was established for in vivo study. CSC properties were assessed using sphere formation assay and side population (SP) cells analysis. We found that miR-34a-5p was significantly downregulated in HCC-RR cells. Overexpression of miR-34a-5p counteracts CSC properties and enhances radiosensitivity in HCC. Mechanistic investigation revealed that c-MYC is the direct target of miR-34a-5p. Overexpression of miR-34a-5p reversed c-MYC-induced radioresistance. Moreover, we found that the specific molecular mechanism was that c-MYC activated CHK1 and CHK2, which are two key DNA damage checkpoint kinases, and facilitated the DNA damage response to radiation. Repression of the miR-34a-5p-cMYC-CHK1/CHK2 axis contributes to the acquisition of radioresistance in HCC cells. In summary, the miR-34a-5p-c-MYC-CHK1/CHK2 axis counteracts cancer stem cell-like properties and enhances radiosensitivity in hepatocellular cancer through repression of the DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zhao
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoying Yuan
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shisuo Du
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaochong Zeng
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yang Y, Cao L, Guo Z, Gu H, Zhang K, Qiu Z. Deubiquitinase UCHL5 stabilizes ELK3 to potentiate cancer stemness and tumor progression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Exp Cell Res 2022; 421:113402. [PMID: 36328194 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) contributes to tumorigeneisis or drug resistance of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Previous studies have implicated the deubiquitinase UCHL5 was abnormally expressed in multiple malignancies. However, little was reported about the specific roles of UCHL5 in PAAD. We aimed to identify the biological roles of UCHL5 in PAAD and demonstrate its prognostic significance. Differential analysis revealed that UCHL5 expressed highly in tumors versus normal tissues, like TCGA-PAAD, GSE28735, GSE15471 and collected samples. Patients with high UCHL5 expressions had worse survival outcomes relative to those with low UCHL5 levels. Experimental assays showed that UCHL5 overexpression could significantly enhance cell proliferation, colony formation and self-renewal capacities. UCHL5 could also promote PAAD migration in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, UCHL5 could directly deubiquitinate and stabilize ELK3 proteins. UCHL5 relied on accumulated ELK3 proteins to drive cell growth, stem-like properties and migration abilities. In addition, enrichment analysis based on RNA-seq data implicated that ELK3 mainly correlated with Notch1 signaling and ELK3 could notably elevate ELK3 mRNA levels. UCHL5 could thus promote self-renewal abilities of PAAD and targeting ELK3 could inhibit the stemness features. In contrast, UCHL5 deficiency could suppress PAAD stemness features, and ectopic expression of ELK3 could rescue this effect. Last of all, we utilized the UCHL5 inhibitor, b-AP15, to treat PAAD cells and found that b-AP15 could inhibit the growth of PAAD cells in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, our study uncovered the underlying mechanisms of UCHL5/ELK3/Notch1 axis in PAAD progression and stemness maintaince, shedding light on individualized treatment and risk stratification for PAAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Zengya Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Haitao Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Kundong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhengjun Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Mirzaei S, Paskeh MDA, Entezari M, Mirmazloomi SR, Hassanpoor A, Aboutalebi M, Rezaei S, Hejazi ES, Kakavand A, Heidari H, Salimimoghadam S, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M, Samarghandian S. SOX2 function in cancers: Association with growth, invasion, stemness and therapy response. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Shen LH, Fan L, Zhang Y, Zhu YK, Zong XL, Peng GN, Cao SZ. Protective Effect and Mechanism of Placenta Extract on Liver. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235071. [PMID: 36501102 PMCID: PMC9737791 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta contains multiple biologically active substances, which exert antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and delayed aging effects. Its extract can improve hepatic morphology and function: on the one hand, it can reduce liver interstitial collagen deposition, lipogenesis, and inflammatory cell infiltration and improve fibrosis; on the other hand, it can prevent hepatocellular degeneration by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production, further improve hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis, and promote hepatocyte regeneration, making it a promising liver-protective agent. Current research on placenta extract (PE) mainly focuses on treating a specific type of liver injury, and there are no systematic reports. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the treatment reports of PE on liver injury and analyzes its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Hong Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-181-0901-7590
| | - Lei Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ying-Kun Zhu
- School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xiao-Lan Zong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guang-Neng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Sui-Zhong Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Lee-Theilen M, Fadini DD, Hadhoud JR, van Dongen F, Kroll G, Rolle U, Fiegel HC. Hepatoblastoma Cancer Stem Cells Express PD-L1, Reveal Plasticity and Can Emerge upon Chemotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235825. [PMID: 36497307 PMCID: PMC9736435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235825] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The biology of cancer stem cells (CSCs) of pediatric cancers, such as hepatoblastoma, is sparsely explored. This is mainly due to the very immature nature of these tumors, which complicates the distinction of CSCs from the other tumor cells. Previously, we identified a CSC population in hepatoblastoma cell lines expressing the CSC markers CD34 and CD90, cell surface Vimentin (csVimentin) and binding of OV-6. In this study, we detected the co-expression of the immune escape factor PD-L1 in the CSC population, whereas the other tumor cells remained negative. FACS data revealed that non-CSCs give rise to CSCs, reflecting plasticity of CSCs and non-CSCs in hepatoblastoma as seen in other tumors. When we treated cells with cisplatin and decitabine, a new CD34+/lowOV-6lowCD90+ population emerged that lacked csVimentin and PD-L1 expression. Expression analyses showed that this new CSC subset shared similar pluripotency and EMT features with the already-known CSCs. FACS results further revealed that this subset is also generated from non-CSCs. In conclusion, we showed that hepatoblastoma CSCs express PD-L1 and that the biology of hepatoblastoma CSCs is of a plastic nature. Chemotherapeutic treatment leads to another CSC subset, which is highly chemoresistant and could be responsible for a poor prognosis after postoperative chemotherapy.
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Leung RWH, Lee TKW. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Stemness and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215468. [PMID: 36358885 PMCID: PMC9656505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to play crucial role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we focus on the regulatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are two emerging hallmarks of cancer. Understanding the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulation of the above processes reveals novel therapeutic strategy against this deadly disease. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide due to its high rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to play a significant role in HCC development, progression and clinical impact on tumor behavior. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in driving cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are regarded as emerging cancer hallmarks. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in HCC. Furthermore, we provide an update on the regulatory roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in metabolic reprogramming, cancer stemness and drug resistance in HCC. We also provide an update on preclinical and clinical studies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling alone or in combination with current therapies for effective cancer therapy. This review provides insights into the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling pathway in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainbow Wing Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, 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
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3400-8799; Fax: +852-2364-9932
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Wang Q, Yu P, Liu C, He X, Wang G. Mitochondrial fragmentation in liver cancer: Emerging player and promising therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2022; 549:215912. [PMID: 36103914 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation (MF) is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. However, its molecular mechanism in HCC remains elusive. Although enhanced MF activates effector T cells and dendritic cells, it induces immunoescape by decreasing the number and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in the HCC immune microenvironment. Therefore, the influence of MF on the activity of different immune cells is a great challenge. Enhanced MF contributes to maintaining stemness by promoting the asymmetric division of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), suggesting that MF may become a potential target for HCC recurrence, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Moreover, mechanistic studies suggest that MF may promote tumour progression through autophagy, oxidative stress, and metabolic reprogramming. Human-induced hepatocyte organoids are a recently developed system that can be genetically manipulated to mimic cancer initiation and identify potential preventive treatments. We can use it to screen MF-related candidate inhibitors of HCC progression and further explore the role of MF in hepatocarcinogenesis. We herein describe the mechanisms by which MF contributes to HCC development, discuss potential therapeutic approaches, and highlight the possibility that MF modulation has a synergistic effect with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Pengfei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China.
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Wei Y, Chen Q, Huang S, Liu Y, Li Y, Xing Y, Shi D, Xu W, Liu W, Ji Z, Wu B, Chen X, Jiang J. The Interaction between DNMT1 and High-Mannose CD133 Maintains the Slow-Cycling State and Tumorigenic Potential of Glioma Stem Cell. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202216. [PMID: 35798319 PMCID: PMC9475542 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The quiescent/slow-cycling state preserves the self-renewal capacity of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and leads to the therapy resistance of CSCs. The mechanisms maintaining CSCs quiescence remain largely unknown. Here, it is demonstrated that lower expression of MAN1A1 in glioma stem cell (GSC) resulted in the formation of high-mannose type N-glycan on CD133. Furthermore, the high-mannose type N-glycan of CD133 is necessary for its interaction with DNMT1. Activation of p21 and p27 by the CD133-DNMT1 interaction maintains the slow-cycling state of GSC, and promotes chemotherapy resistance and tumorigenesis of GSCs. Elimination of the CD133-DNMT1 interaction by a cell-penetrating peptide or MAN1A1 overexpression inhibits the tumorigenesis of GSCs and increases the sensitivity of GSCs to temozolomide. Analysis of glioma samples reveals that the levels of high-mannose type N-glycan are correlated with glioma recurrence. Collectively, the high mannose CD133-DNMT1 interaction maintains the slow-cycling state and tumorigenic potential of GSC, providing a potential strategy to eliminate quiescent GSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyan Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qihang Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Sijing Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandong250021P. R. China
| | - Yinan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yang Xing
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Danfang Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wenlong Xu
- Division of NeurosurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Weitao Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Zhi Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bingrui Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xiaoning Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jianhai Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjuates ResearchDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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Liu Y, Chen C, Wang X, Sun Y, Zhang J, Chen J, Shi Y. An Epigenetic Role of Mitochondria in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162518. [PMID: 36010594 PMCID: PMC9406960 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are not only the main energy supplier but are also the cell metabolic center regulating multiple key metaborates that play pivotal roles in epigenetics regulation. These metabolites include acetyl-CoA, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), NAD+, and O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), which are the main substrates for DNA methylation and histone post-translation modifications, essential for gene transcriptional regulation and cell fate determination. Tumorigenesis is attributed to many factors, including gene mutations and tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria and epigenetics play essential roles in tumor initiation, evolution, metastasis, and recurrence. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetics are promising therapeutic strategies for tumor treatment. In this review, we summarize the roles of mitochondria in key metabolites required for epigenetics modification and in cell fate regulation and discuss the current strategy in cancer therapies via targeting epigenetic modifiers and related enzymes in metabolic regulation. This review is an important contribution to the understanding of the current metabolic-epigenetic-tumorigenesis concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu’e Liu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xinye Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yihong Sun
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Juxiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yufeng Shi
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Clinical Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (Y.S.)
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Mechanisms of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in liver cancer stem cells and potential therapeutic approaches. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:371-386. [PMID: 35818992 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of advanced-stage patients is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, therapy resistance is often encountered, and its emergence eventually curtails long-term clinical benefits. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential drivers of tumor recurrence and therapy resistance; thus, the elucidation of key hallmarks of resistance mechanisms of liver CSC-driven HCC may help improve patient outcomes and reduce relapse. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of TKI resistance in liver CSCs, which mediate treatment failure, and discusses potential strategies to overcome TKI resistance from a preclinical perspective.
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