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Varghese N, Majeed A, Nyalakonda S, Boortalary T, Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Hann HW. Review of Related Factors for Persistent Risk of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:777. [PMID: 38398168 PMCID: PMC10887172 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040777] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the largest global cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current HBV treatment options include pegylated interferon-alpha and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), which have been shown to be effective in reducing HBV DNA levels to become undetectable. However, the literature has shown that some patients have persistent risk of developing HCC. The mechanism in which this occurs has not been fully elucidated. However, it has been discovered that HBV's covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) integrates into the critical HCC driver genes in hepatocytes upon initial infection; additionally, these are not targets of current NA therapies. Some studies suggest that HBV undergoes compartmentalization in peripheral blood mononuclear cells that serve as a sanctuary for replication during antiviral therapy. The aim of this review is to expand on how patients with HBV may develop HCC despite years of HBV viral suppression and carry worse prognosis than treatment-naive HBV patients who develop HCC. Furthermore, HCC recurrence after initial surgical or locoregional treatment in this setting may cause carcinogenic cells to behave more aggressively during treatment. Curative novel therapies which target the life cycle of HBV, modulate host immune response, and inhibit HBV RNA translation are being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevin Varghese
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (N.V.); (A.M.); (S.N.); (T.B.); (D.H.-D.)
| | - Amry Majeed
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (N.V.); (A.M.); (S.N.); (T.B.); (D.H.-D.)
| | - Suraj Nyalakonda
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (N.V.); (A.M.); (S.N.); (T.B.); (D.H.-D.)
| | - Tina Boortalary
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (N.V.); (A.M.); (S.N.); (T.B.); (D.H.-D.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Dina Halegoua-DeMarzio
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (N.V.); (A.M.); (S.N.); (T.B.); (D.H.-D.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Hie-Won Hann
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (N.V.); (A.M.); (S.N.); (T.B.); (D.H.-D.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Kim J, Pena JV, McQueen HP, Kong L, Michael D, Lomashvili EM, Cook PR. Downstream STING pathways IRF3 and NF-κB differentially regulate CCL22 in response to cytosolic dsDNA. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:28-42. [PMID: 37990062 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells is abnormal and typically indicates the presence of pathogens or mislocalized self-DNA. Multiple sensors detect cytosolic dsDNA and trigger robust immune responses via activation of type I interferons. Several cancer immunotherapy treatments also activate cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pathways, including oncolytic viruses, nucleic acid-based cancer vaccines, and pharmacological agonists. We report here that cytosolic dsDNA introduced into malignant cells can robustly upregulate expression of CCL22, a chemokine responsible for the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs in the tumor microenvironment are thought to repress anti-tumor immune responses and contribute to tumor immune evasion. Surprisingly, we found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA was mediated primarily by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a key transcription factor that activates type I interferons. This finding was unexpected given previous reports that type I interferon alpha (IFN-α) inhibits CCL22 and that IRF3 is associated with strong anti-tumor immune responses, not Treg recruitment. We also found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA occurred concurrently with type I interferon beta (IFN-β) upregulation. IRF3 is one of two transcription factors downstream of the STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING), a hub adaptor protein through which multiple dsDNA sensors transmit their signals. The other transcription factor downstream of STING, NF-κB, has been reported to regulate CCL22 expression in other contexts, and NF-κB has also been associated with multiple pro-tumor functions, including Treg recruitment. However, we found that NF-κB in the context of activation by cytosolic dsDNA contributed minimally to CCL22 upregulation compared with IRF3. Lastly, we observed that two strains of the same cell line differed profoundly in their capacity to upregulate CCL22 and IFN-β in response to dsDNA, despite apparent STING activation in both cell lines. This finding suggests that during tumor evolution, cells can acquire, or lose, the ability to upregulate CCL22. This study adds to our understanding of factors that may modulate immune activation in response to cytosolic DNA and has implications for immunotherapy strategies that activate DNA sensing pathways in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Jocelyn V Pena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Hannah P McQueen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Dina Michael
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Elmira M Lomashvili
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Pamela R Cook
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA.
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Li Y, Cao H, Jiang Z, Yan K, Shi J, Wang S, Wang F, Wang W, Li X, Sun N, Liu L, Chen L, Chen Y, Guo R, Song Y. CCL17 acts as an antitumor chemokine in micromilieu‐driven immune skewing. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110078. [PMID: 37001380 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokines are critical players in the local immune responses to tumors. CCL17 (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, TARC) and CCL22 (macrophage-derived chemokine, MDC) can attract CCR4-bearing cells involving the immune landscape of cancer. However, their direct roles and functional states in tumors remain largely unclear. METHODS We analyzed the lymphoma-related scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq datasets and identified the CCL17/CCL22-CCR4 axis as the unique participant of the tumor microenvironment. Then we edited the A20 lymphoma cell line to express CCL17 and CCL22 and assessed their function using three mouse models (Balb/C mouse, Nude mouse, and NSG mouse). In addition, we retrospectively checked the relationship between the CCL17/CCL22-CCR4 axis and the survival rates of cancer patients. RESULTS The active CCL17/CCL22-CCR4 axis is a distinctive feature of the Hodgkin lymphoma microenvironment. CCR4 is widely expressed in immune cells but highly exists on the surface of NK, NKT, and Treg cells. The tumor model of Balb/C mice showed that CCL17 acts as an anti-tumor chemokine mediated by activated T cell response. In addition, the tumor model of Nude mice showed that CCL17 recruits NK cells for inhibiting lymphoma growth and enhances the NK-cDC1 interaction for resisting IL4i1-mediated immunosuppression. Interestingly, CCL17-mediated antitumor immune responses depend on lymphoid lineages but not mainly myeloid ones. Furthermore, we found CCL17/CCL22-CCR4 axis cannot be regarded as biomarkers of poor prognosis in most cancer types from the TCGA database. CONCLUSION We provided direct evidence of antitumor functions of CCL17 mediated by the recruitment of conventional T cells, NKT cells, and NK cells. Clinical survival outcomes of target gene (CCL17, CCL22, and CCR4) expression also identified that CCL17/CCL22-CCR4 axis is not a marker of poor prognosis.
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Bogacka J, Pawlik K, Ciapała K, Ciechanowska A, Mika J. CC Chemokine Receptor 4 (CCR4) as a Possible New Target for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415638. [PMID: 36555280 PMCID: PMC9779674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415638] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines and their receptors participate in many biological processes, including the modulation of neuroimmune interactions. Approximately fifty chemokines are distinguished in humans, which are classified into four subfamilies based on the N-terminal conserved cysteine motifs: CXC, CC, C, and CX3C. Chemokines activate specific receptors localized on the surface of various immune and nervous cells. Approximately twenty chemokine receptors have been identified, and each of these receptors is a seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor. Recent studies provide new evidence that CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is important in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, dermatitis, and cancer. This review briefly characterizes CCR4 and its ligands (CCL17, CCL22, and CCL2), and their contributions to immunological and neoplastic diseases. The review notes a significant role of CCR4 in nociceptive transmission, especially in painful neuropathy, which accompanies many diseases. The pharmacological blockade of CCR4 seems beneficial because of its pain-relieving effects and its influence on opioid efficacy. The possibilities of using the CCL2/CCL17/CCL22/CCR4 axis as a target in new therapies for many diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joanna Mika
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +48-12-6623-298; Fax: +48-12-6374-500
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Protective effect of hepatocyte-enriched lncRNA-Mir122hg by promoting hepatocyte proliferation in acute liver injury. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:2022-2035. [PMID: 36424455 PMCID: PMC9722683 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00881-2] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which harbor microRNAs in their gene sequence and are also known as microRNA host gene derived lncRNAs (lnc-MIRHGs), play a dominant role alongside miRNAs, or both perform biological functions synergistically or independently. However, only a small number of lnc-MIRHGs have been identified. Here, multiple liver injury datasets were analyzed to screen and identify the target lncRNA Mir122hg. Mir122hg was mainly enriched in liver tissues with human-mouse homology. In both CCl4-induced acute liver injury and Dgal/LPS-induced fulminant liver failure in mice, Mir122hg was sharply downregulated at the early stage, while a subsequent significant increase was only found in the CCl4 group with liver recovery. Overexpression and silencing assays confirmed that Mir122hg played a protective role in acute injury by promoting hepatocyte proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Consistent with the results of gene enrichment analysis, Mir122hg binding to C/EBPα affected its transcriptional repression, promoted gene transcription of downstream chemokines, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, and Cxcl5, and exerted pro-proliferative effects on hepatocytes through activation of the AKT/GSK-3β/p27 signaling pathway by CXC/CXCR2 complexes. This study identifies a novel lncRNA with protective effects in acute liver injury and demonstrates that the binding of Mir122hg-C/EBPα promotes hepatocyte proliferation via upregulation of CXC chemokine and activation of AKT signaling.
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Feng F, Jiao P, Wang J, Li Y, Bao B, Luoreng Z, Wang X. Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in the Regulation of Cellular Immune Response and Inflammatory Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223642. [PMID: 36429069 PMCID: PMC9688074 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently discovered genetic regulatory molecules that regulate immune responses and are closely associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases, including inflammation, in humans and animals. Under specific physiological conditions, lncRNA expression varies at the cell or tissue level, and lncRNAs can bind to specific miRNAs, target mRNAs, and target proteins to participate in certain processes, such as cell differentiation and inflammatory responses, via the corresponding signaling pathways. This review article summarizes the regulatory role of lncRNAs in macrophage polarization, dendritic cell differentiation, T cell differentiation, and endothelial and epithelial inflammation. In addition, it describes the molecular mechanism of lncRNAs in acute kidney injury, hepatitis, inflammatory injury of the lung, osteoarthritis, mastitis, and neuroinflammation to provide a reference for the molecular regulatory network as well as the genetic diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Feng
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Peng Jiao
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Yanxia Li
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Binwu Bao
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Zhuoma Luoreng
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Xingping Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular Cell Breeding, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (X.W.)
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Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in malignant tumors: molecular mechanisms and future perspective. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:329. [PMID: 36115852 PMCID: PMC9482625 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractProtein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a class of proteins with tyrosine kinase activity that phosphorylate tyrosine residues of critical molecules in signaling pathways. Their basal function is essential for maintaining normal cell growth and differentiation. However, aberrant activation of PTKs caused by various factors can deviate cell function from the expected trajectory to an abnormal growth state, leading to carcinogenesis. Inhibiting the aberrant PTK function could inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), target-specific inhibitors of PTKs, have been used in treating malignant tumors and play a significant role in targeted therapy of cancer. Currently, drug resistance is the main reason for limiting TKIs efficacy of cancer. The increasing studies indicated that tumor microenvironment, cell death resistance, tumor metabolism, epigenetic modification and abnormal metabolism of TKIs were deeply involved in tumor development and TKI resistance, besides the abnormal activation of PTK-related signaling pathways involved in gene mutations. Accordingly, it is of great significance to study the underlying mechanisms of TKIs resistance and find solutions to reverse TKIs resistance for improving TKIs efficacy of cancer. Herein, we reviewed the drug resistance mechanisms of TKIs and the potential approaches to overcome TKI resistance, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of TKIs.
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8
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Liu ZY, Zhang DY, Lin XH, Sun JL, Abuduwaili W, Zhang GC, Xu RC, Wang F, Yu XN, Shi X, Deng B, Dong L, Weng SQ, Zhu JM, Shen XZ, Liu TT. Nalidixic acid potentiates the antitumor activity in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma via the tumor immune microenvironment analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:952482. [PMID: 36071851 PMCID: PMC9441713 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.952482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib resistance is often developed and impedes the benefits of clinical therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the relationship between sorafenib resistance and tumor immune environment and adjuvant drugs for sorafenib-resistant HCC are not systemically identified. This study first analyzed the expression profiles of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells to explore immune cell infiltration levels and differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs). The prognostic value of DEIRGs was analyzed using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas. The primary immune cells infiltrated in sorafenib-resistant HCC mice were explored using flow cytometry (FCM). Finally, small-molecule drugs for sorafenib-resistant HCC treatment were screened and validated by experiments. The CIBERSORT algorithm and mice model showed that macrophages and neutrophils are highly infiltrated, while CD8+ T cells are downregulated in sorafenib-resistant HCC. Totally, 34 DEIRGs were obtained from sorafenib-resistant and control groups, which were highly enriched in immune-associated biological processes and pathways. NR6A1, CXCL5, C3, and TGFB1 were further identified as prognostic markers for HCC patients. Finally, nalidixic acid was identified as a promising antagonist for sorafenib-resistant HCC treatment. Collectively, our study reveals the tumor immune microenvironment changes and explores a promising adjuvant drug to overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan-Ying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia-Hui Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Lei Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Weinire Abuduwaili
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Chen Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Nan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ling Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qiang Weng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Min Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Zhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xi-Zhong Shen, ; Tao-Tao Liu,
| | - Tao-Tao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xi-Zhong Shen, ; Tao-Tao Liu,
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Tian X, Yan T, Liu F, Liu Q, Zhao J, Xiong H, Jiang S. Link of sorafenib resistance with the tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanistic insights. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:991052. [PMID: 36071839 PMCID: PMC9441942 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.991052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic properties, is the first-line treatment for patients with late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the therapeutic effect remains limited due to sorafenib resistance. Only about 30% of HCC patients respond well to the treatment, and the resistance almost inevitably happens within 6 months. Thus, it is critical to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify effective approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome. According to recent studies, tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune escape play critical roles in tumor occurrence, metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. The relevant mechanisms were focusing on hypoxia, tumor-associated immune-suppressive cells, and immunosuppressive molecules. In this review, we focus on sorafenib resistance and its relationship with liver cancer immune microenvironment, highlighting the importance of breaking sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchen Tian
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tinghao Yan
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingbin Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
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10
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Shen LJ, Sun HW, Chai YY, Jiang QY, Zhang J, Li WM, Xin SJ. The Disassociation of the A20/HSP90 Complex via Downregulation of HSP90 Restores the Effect of A20 Enhancing the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Molecular Targeted Agents. Front Oncol 2022; 11:804412. [PMID: 34976842 PMCID: PMC8714928 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.804412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) is a regulator of hepatocellular cancer (HCC)-related inflammation and enhances HCC cells' resistance to antitumor therapies by promoting cell survival and anti-apoptosis processes. In the present work, we demonstrate that A20, a dominant-negative regulator of NF-κB, forms a complex with HSP90 (heat-shock protein 90) and causes the disassociation of the A20/HSP90 complex via downregulation of HSP90. This process restores the antitumor activation of A20. In clinical specimens, the expression level of A20 did not relate with the outcome in patients receiving sorafenib; however, high levels of HSP90 were associated with poor outcomes in these patients. A20 interacted with and formed complexes with HSP90. Knockdown of HSP90 and treatment with an HSP90 inhibitor disassociated the A20/HSP90 complex. Overexpression of A20 alone did not affect HCC cells. Downregulation of HSP90 combined with A20 overexpression restored the effect of A20. Overexpression of A20 repressed the expression of pro-survival and anti-apoptosis-related factors and enhanced HCC cells' sensitivity to sorafenib. These results suggest that interactions with HSP90 could be potential mechanisms of A20 inactivation and disassociation of the A20/HSP90 complex and could serve as a novel strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Shen
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Division 8, Department of Hepatology, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Wei Sun
- Senior Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Yao Chai
- Senior Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Yu Jiang
- Senior Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Patient Management, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Ming Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shao-Jie Xin
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Division 6, Department of Hepatology, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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11
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Gao Y, You M, Fu J, Tian M, Zhong X, Du C, Hong Z, Zhu Z, Liu J, Markowitz GJ, Wang FS, Yang P. Intratumoral stem-like CCR4+ regulatory T cells orchestrate the immunosuppressive microenvironment in HCC associated with hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2022; 76:148-159. [PMID: 34689996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Regulatory T cell (Treg) depletion increases antitumor immunity. However, severe autoimmunity can occur following systemic loss of Tregs, which could be avoided by selectively depleting intratumoral Tregs. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of tumor-infiltrating CCR4+ Tregs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to provide a potential target strategy for immunotherapy. METHODS CCR4+ Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry in murine models and clinical samples. The function of tumor-infiltrating and induced CCR4+ Tregs was interrogated by genetic and epigenetic approaches. To block CCR4+ Treg chemotaxis, we developed an N-terminus recombinant protein of CCR4 (N-CCR4-Fc) as a neutralizing pseudo-receptor that effectively bound to its ligand CCL22. The efficacy of CCR4 antagonism as an immunotherapeutic agent was evaluated by tumor weights, growth kinetics and survival curves. RESULTS CCR4+ Tregs were the predominant type of Tregs recruited to hepatitis B-associated HCC (HBV+ HCC), correlating with sorafenib resistance and HBV load titers. Compared with CCR4- Tregs, CCR4+ Tregs exhibited increased IL-10 and IL-35 expression, and enhanced functionality in suppressing CD8+ T cells. CCR4+ Tregs also displayed PD-1+TCF1+ stem-like properties. ATAC-seq data revealed substantial chromatin remodeling between tumor-infiltrating Tregs (TIL-Tregs) and induced Tregs, suggesting that long-term chromatin reprogramming accounted for the acquisition of enhanced immunosuppressive stem-like specificity by CCR4+ TIL-Tregs. Treatment with a CCR4 antagonist or N-CCR4-Fc blocked intratumoral Treg accumulation, overcame sorafenib resistance, and sensitized tumors to PD-1 checkpoint blockade. CONCLUSIONS Intratumoral stem-like CCR4+ Tregs orchestrated immunosuppressive resource cells in the tumor microenvironment. CCR4 could be targeted to enhance antitumor immunity by specifically blocking infiltration of Tregs into the tumor microenvironment and inhibiting maintenance of the TIL-Treg pool. LAY SUMMARY Targeting regulatory T cells is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy; however, severe autoimmunity can occur following systemic regulatory T cell loss. This could be avoided by selectively depleting intratumoral regulatory T cells. Herein, targeting intratumoral stem-like CCR4+ regulatory T cells helped to overcome sorafenib resistance and sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade in mouse models of liver cancer. This approach could have wide clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing 401338, China
| | - Maojun You
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing 401338, China
| | - Junliang Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Meijie Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xinyue Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chengzhi Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhixian Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Junliang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Geoffrey J Markowitz
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100039, China.
| | - Pengyuan Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing 401338, China.
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12
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Wang CI, Chu PM, Chen YL, Lin YH, Chen CY. Chemotherapeutic Drug-Regulated Cytokines Might Influence Therapeutic Efficacy in HCC. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413627. [PMID: 34948424 PMCID: PMC8707970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Processes involved in HCC progression and development, including cell transformation, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, are inflammation-associated carcinogenic processes because most cases of HCC develop from chronic liver damage and inflammation. Inflammation has been demonstrated to be a crucial factor inducing tumor development in various cancers, including HCC. Cytokines play critical roles in inflammation to accelerate tumor invasion and metastasis by mediating the migration of immune cells into damaged tissues in response to proinflammatory stimuli. Currently, surgical resection followed by chemotherapy is the most common curative therapeutic regimen for HCC. However, after chemotherapy, drug resistance is clearly observed, and cytokine secretion is dysregulated. Various chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin, etoposide, and 5-fluorouracil, demonstrate even lower efficacy in HCC than in other cancers. Tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is the key limitation of curative treatment and is responsible for treatment failure and recurrence, thus limiting the ability to treat patients with advanced HCC. Therefore, the capability to counteract drug resistance would be a major clinical advancement. In this review, we provide an overview of links between chemotherapeutic agents and inflammatory cytokine secretion in HCC. These links might provide insight into overcoming inflammatory reactions and cytokine secretion, ultimately counteracting chemotherapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-I Wang
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Pei-Ming Chu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Li Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Yang-Hsiang Lin
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-6-2353535 (ext. 5329)
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13
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Jiang X, Zhang W, Li L, Xie S. Integrated Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed Hub Genes and Pathways Involved in Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1609985. [PMID: 34737677 PMCID: PMC8560649 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a high mortality malignancy, has become a worldwide public health concern. Acquired resistance to the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib challenges its clinical efficacy and the survival benefits it provides to patients with advanced HCC. This study aimed to identify critical genes and pathways associated with sorafenib resistance in HCC using integrated bioinformatics analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using four HCC gene expression profiles (including 34 sorafenib-resistant and 29 sorafenib-sensitive samples) based on the robust rank aggregation method and R software. Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tool. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and small molecules reversing sorafenib resistance were searched for using the connectivity map (CMAP) database. Pearson correlation and survival analyses of hub genes were performed using cBioPortal and Gene Expression Profiling and Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Finally, the expression levels of hub genes in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells were verified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). A total of 165 integrated DEGs (66 upregulated and 99 downregulated in sorafenib resistant samples compared sorafenib sensitive ones) primarily enriched in negative regulation of endopeptidase activity, extracellular exosome, and protease binding were identified. Some pathways were commonly shared between the integrated DEGs. Seven promising therapeutic agents and 13 hub genes were identified. These findings provide a strategy and theoretical basis for overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xili Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province/Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province/Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Department of Radiology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shucai Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Combined Inhibition of TGF-β1-Induced EMT and PD-L1 Silencing Re-Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091889. [PMID: 33925488 PMCID: PMC8123871 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic malignancy. HCC is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib is the standard first-line therapy in patients with advanced unresectable HCC. Despite the significant survival benefit in HCC patients post treatment with Sorafenib, many patients had progressive disease as a result of acquiring drug resistance. Circumventing resistance to Sorafenib by exploring and targeting possible molecular mechanisms and pathways is an area of active investigation worldwide. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process allowing epithelial cells to assume mesenchymal traits. HCC tumour cells undergo EMT to become immune evasive and develop resistance to Sorafenib treatment. Immune checkpoint molecules control immune escape in many tumours, including HCC. The aim of this study is to investigate whether combined inhibition of EMT and immune checkpoints can re-sensitise HCC to Sorafenib treatment. Post treatment with Sorafenib, HCC cells PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B were monitored for induction of EMT and immune checkpoint molecules using quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)- PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and motility assays. The effect of combination treatment with SB431542, a specific inhibitor of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor kinase, and siRNA mediated knockdown of programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) on Sorafenib resistance was examined using a cell viability assay. We found that three days of Sorafenib treatment activated EMT with overexpression of TGF-β1 in both HCC cell lines. Following Sorafenib exposure, increase in the expression of PD-L1 and other immune checkpoints was observed. SB431542 blocked the TGF-β1-mediated EMT in HCC cells and also repressed PD-L1 expression. Likewise, knockdown of PD-L1 inhibited EMT. Moreover, the sensitivity of HCC cells to Sorafenib was enhanced by combining a blockade of EMT with SB431542 and knockdown of PD-L1 expression. Sorafenib-induced motility was attenuated with the combined treatment of SB431542 and PD-L1 knockdown. Our findings indicate that treatment with Sorafenib induces EMT and expression of immune checkpoint molecules, which contributes to Sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Thus, the combination treatment strategy of inhibiting EMT and immune checkpoint molecules can re-sensitise HCC cells to Sorafenib.
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15
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Ngo MHT, Jeng HY, Kuo YC, Nanda JD, Brahmadhi A, Ling TY, Chang TS, Huang YH. The Role of IGF/IGF-1R Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Stemness-Related Properties and Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041931. [PMID: 33669204 PMCID: PMC7919800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)/IGF-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) signaling is known to regulate stem cell pluripotency and differentiation to trigger cell proliferation, organ development, and tissue regeneration during embryonic development. Unbalanced IGF/IGF-1R signaling can promote cancer cell proliferation and activate cancer reprogramming in tumor tissues, especially in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, with a high incidence and mortality rate in Asia. Most patients with advanced HCC develop tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-refractoriness after receiving TKI treatment. Dysregulation of IGF/IGF-1R signaling in HCC may activate expression of cancer stemness that leads to TKI refractoriness and tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarize the evidence for dysregulated IGF/IGF-1R signaling especially in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC. The regulation of cancer stemness expression and drug resistance will be highlighted. Current clinical treatments and potential therapies targeting IGF/IGF-1R signaling for the treatment of HCC will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Huong Thi Ngo
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yin Jeng
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
| | - Josephine Diony Nanda
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Ageng Brahmadhi
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
| | - Te-Sheng Chang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33382, Taiwan
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
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16
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Liu QM, Liu LL, Li XD, Tian P, Xu H, Li ZL, Wang LK. Silencing lncRNA TUG1 Alleviates LPS-Induced Mouse Hepatocyte Inflammation by Targeting miR-140/TNF. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:616416. [PMID: 33644034 PMCID: PMC7905057 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.616416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis is a major public health problem that increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Numerous studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert essential function in the inflammatory response of multiple organs. Herein, we aimed to explore the effect of lncRNA TUG1 in LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation response and further illuminate the underlying mechanisms. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS, and the liver inflammation was evaluated. Microarray showed that lncRNA TUG1 was upregulated in LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation. qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assay indicated a significant increase of TUG1 in mice with LPS injection. Functional analysis showed that si-TUG1 inhibited LPS-induced inflammation response in mice liver, inhibited apoptosis level, and protected liver function. Then, we knock down TUG1 in normal human hepatocyte AML12. Consistent with in vivo results, si-TUG1 removed the injury of LPS on AML12 cells. Furthermore, TUG1 acted as a sponge of miR-140, and miR-140 directly targeted TNFα (TNF). MiR-140 or si-TNF remitted the beneficial effects of TUG1 on LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation response both in vitro and in vivo. Our data revealed that deletion of TUG1 protected against LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation via regulating miR-140/TNF, which might provide new insight for hepatitis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Min Liu
- Intensive Care Unit, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- Department of Pathology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Xi-Dong Li
- Department of Infection Control Center, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Ping Tian
- Department of Infection Control Center, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Infection Control Center, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Zeng-Lian Li
- Department of Infection Control Center, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Li-Kun Wang
- Department of Infection Control Center, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
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Zheng Z, Wen Y, Nie K, Tang S, Chen X, Lan S, Pan J, Jiang K, Jiang X, Liu P, Yan Y, Liu F, Liu Y, Li P. Construction of a 13-microRNA-based signature and prognostic nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:1151-1163. [PMID: 32567216 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy associated with a poor prognosis due to difficulties in reliably estimating overall survival (OS). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in HCC initiation, progression, and metastasis and are highly correlated with patient prognosis. Thus, miRNA-based risk signatures and nomograms are urgently required for predicting OS in patients with HCC. METHODS We constructed a 13-miRNA-based signature and prognostic nomogram using 408 HCC samples and 58 normal tissues with miRNA sequencing data and clinical data from 323 patients downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A total of 195 patients were assigned as the internal validation cohort for verification and testing. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was applied to investigate pathway enrichment for the signature. RESULTS We identified and validated a 13-miRNA risk signature highly associating with the OS of HCC patients. The signature showed good performances by calculating C-index, area under the curve, and calibration curves. After verification and testing using an internal validation cohort, the results yielded a miRNA-based signature and a prognostic nomogram with reliable predictive accuracy. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that various genes and multiple pathways were closely related to the mechanisms of HCC proliferation and metastasis. CONCLUSION We successfully identified a 13-miRNA-based signature and prognostic nomogram that are capable of predicting OS in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yi Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Kechao Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Shuting Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Shaoyang Lan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jinglin Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Hainan Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Kailin Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Xiaotao Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yanhua Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Fengbin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Peiwu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
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Tumor microenvironment and epithelial mesenchymal transition as targets to overcome tumor multidrug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 53:100715. [PMID: 32679188 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that multifactorial drug resistance hinders successful cancer treatment. Tumor cell interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and multidrug resistance (MDR). TME-induced factors secreted by cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) create an inflammatory microenvironment by recruiting immune cells. CD11b+/Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and inflammatory tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are main immune cell types which further enhance chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation nurtures tumor-initiating/cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), induces both EMT and MDR leading to tumor relapses. Pro-thrombotic microenvironment created by inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from TAMs, MDSCs and CAFs is also involved in EMT and MDR. MDSCs are the most common mediators of immunosuppression and are also involved in resistance to targeted therapies, e.g. BRAF inhibitors and oncolytic viruses-based therapies. Expansion of both cancer and stroma cells causes hypoxia by hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (e.g. HIF-1α) resulting in drug resistance. TME factors induce the expression of transcriptional EMT factors, MDR and metabolic adaptation of cancer cells. Promoters of several ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes contain binding sites for canonical EMT transcription factors, e.g. ZEB, TWIST and SNAIL. Changes in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and autophagy during EMT also promote MDR. Conclusively, EMT signaling simultaneously increases MDR. Owing to the multifactorial nature of MDR, targeting one mechanism seems to be non-sufficient to overcome resistance. Targeting inflammatory processes by immune modulatory compounds such as mTOR inhibitors, demethylating agents, low-dosed histone deacetylase inhibitors may decrease MDR. Targeting EMT and metabolic adaptation by small molecular inhibitors might also reverse MDR. In this review, we summarize evidence for TME components as causative factors of EMT and anticancer drug resistance.
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