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Ma Z, Chen M, Liu X, Cui H. Identification and verification of a prognostic autophagy-related gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3032. [PMID: 38321105 PMCID: PMC10847443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53565-4] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the potential of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) as a prognostic signature for HCC and explore their relationships with immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules. A total of 483 samples were collected from the GEO database (n = 115) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (n = 368). The GEO dataset was used as the training set, while the TCGA dataset was used for validation. The list of ATGs was obtained from the human autophagy database (HADB). Using Cox regression and LASSO regression methods, a prognostic signature based on ATGs was established. The independent use of this prognostic signature was tested through subgroup analysis. Additionally, the predictive value of this signature for immune-related profiles was explored. Following selection through univariate Cox regression analysis and iterative LASSO Cox analysis, a total of 11 ATGs were used in the GEO dataset to establish a prognostic signature that stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups based on survival. The robustness of this prognostic signature was validated using an external dataset. This signature remained a prognostic factor even in subgroups with different clinical features. Analysis of immune profiles revealed that patients in the high-risk group exhibited immunosuppressive states characterized by lower immune scores and ESTIMATE scores, greater tumour purity, and increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Furthermore, this signature was found to be correlated with the infiltration of different immune cell subpopulations. The results suggest that the ATG-based signature can be utilized to evaluate the prognosis of HCC patients and predict the immune status within the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, it is important to note that this study represents a preliminary attempt to use ATGs as prognostic indicators for HCC, and further validation is necessary to determine the predictive power of this signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, No. 82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Mali Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-Care Hospital, 143 North Street, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, 730030, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - XiaoLong Liu
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Hongbin Cui
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China.
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Li Y, Zhao R, Xiu Z, Yang X, Zhu Y, Han J, Li S, Li Y, Sun L, Li X, Jin N, Li Y. Neobavaisoflavone induces pyroptosis of liver cancer cells via Tom20 sensing the activated ROS signal. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154869. [PMID: 37196512 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neobavaisoflavone (NBIF), a natural active ingredient isolated from Psoralea, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties; however, the anti-tumor mechanism of NBIF has not been thoroughly investigated, and the inhibitory effect and inhibitory pathway of NBIF on liver cancer are still unknown. PURPOSE Our study aimed to explore the effects of NBIF on hepatocellular carcinoma and its potential mechanisms. METHODS First, we detected the inhibition of NBIF on HCC cells by the CCK8 assay and then observed the morphological changes of the cells under the microscope. Besides, we analyzed the changes in the pyroptosis level of NBIF when inhibiting the cells through flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and a western blot assay. Finally, we used a mouse tumor-bearing model to explore the effects of NBIF in vivo on HCCLM3 cells. RESULTS NBIF-treated HCC cells exhibited specific features of pyroptosis. Analysis of pyroptosis-related protein levels revealed that NBIF primarily induced pyroptosis in HCC cells via the caspase-3-GSDME signaling pathway. Then, we demonstrated that NBIF impacted the protein expression of Tom20 by producing ROS in HCC cells, hence promoting the recruitment of Bax to mitochondria, activating caspase-3, cutting GSDME, and triggering pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS By activating ROS, NBIF was able to trigger pyroptosis in HCC cells, providing an experimental basis for the future study of new treatments for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Li
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Renshuang Zhao
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Zhiru Xiu
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Xia Yang
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Yilong Zhu
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Jicheng Han
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China; Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, PR China
| | - Shanzhi Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Yue Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China
| | - Lili Sun
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China
| | - Xiao Li
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China; Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, PR China.
| | - Ningyi Jin
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China; Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Yiquan Li
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, PR China.
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Haefliger S, Hench J, O'Rourke CJ, Meyer-Schaller N, Uzun S, Saldarriaga J, Weber A, Mazzucchelli L, Jermann P, Frank S, Andersen JB, Terracciano L, Sempoux C, Matter MS. Genetic and epigenetic analysis of hepatocellular adenomas with atypical morphological features. Histopathology 2023; 82:722-730. [PMID: 36583256 DOI: 10.1111/his.14858] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare liver tumour, which can have atypical morphological features such as cytological atypia, pseudoglandular architecture, and altered reticulin framework. Little is known about the genetic and epigenetic alterations of such HCAs and whether they show the alterations classically found in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or in HCA without atypical morphology. METHODS We analysed five HCAs with atypical morphological features and one HCA with transition to HCC. Every tumour was subtyped by immunohistochemistry, sequenced by a targeted NGS panel, and analysed on a DNA methylation microarray. RESULTS Subtyping of the five HCAs with atypical features revealed two β-catenin mutated HCA (b-HCA), two β-catenin mutated inflammatory HCA (b-IHCA), and one sonic hedgehog activated HCA (shHCA). None of them showed mutations typically found in HCC, such as, e.g. TERT or TP53 mutations. The epigenomic pattern of HCAs with atypical morphological features clustered with reference data for HCAs without atypical morphological features but not with HCC. Similarly, phyloepigenetic trees using the DNA methylation data reproducibly showed that HCAs with morphological atypia are much more similar to nonmalignant samples than to malignant samples. Finally, atypical HCAs showed no relevant copy number variations (CNV). CONCLUSION In our series, mutational, DNA methylation, as well as CNV analyses, supported a relationship of atypical HCAs with nonatypical HCAs rather than with HCC. Therefore, in cases with difficult differential diagnosis between HCC and HCA, it might be advisable to perform targeted sequencing and/or combined methylation/copy number profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Haefliger
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juergen Hench
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Colm J O'Rourke
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Nathalie Meyer-Schaller
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarp Uzun
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joan Saldarriaga
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Philip Jermann
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Frank
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthias S Matter
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Esawie M, L Louka M, Hasanin AH, El-Kholy AA, Said Ali H. High-glucose-induced hyperosmolar stress sensitizes HepG2 cell lines to sorafenib. Gene 2022; 844:146828. [PMID: 35998844 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146828] [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: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib is an FDA approved chemotherapeutic against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) yet associated with various resistance mechanisms. The role of high glucose status on sorafenib action is still to be elucidated. This study clarifies such interaction, taking HepG2 cell lines as HCC models, MALAT1 and H19 as molecular players. HepG2 cell lines were purchased and classified into 8 groups. High glucose status was set by using d-glucose (33 mM) with insulin (1 µM). Mannitol (27.5 mM) was used as a negative osmotic control. Sorafenib was prepared at 15 µM and 20 µM. Cellular viability was assessed with MTT viability assay. Then, with trypan blue viability assay, the results were double checked and HepG2 morphology was examined by optical microscopy. MALAT1 and H19 RQs were assessed by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Results show that in comparison with sorafenib impact on HepG2, high glucose status drops cellular viability to 83.13 % (p < 0.01). With hyperosmolar mannitol, it decreases cellular viability to 72.89 % (p < 0.001). Regarding the molecular impact, hyperosmolar mannitol with sorafenib elevates both MALAT1 and H19 RQs. Yet, high glucose status elevates MALAT1and declines H19 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 for MALAT1 and H19 comparisons respectively). Therefore, the impact of high glucose status could be, in part, attributed to the hyperosmolar stress it induces on HepG2. Also, hyperosmolar mannitol, owing to its cytotoxic impact, is recommended for further confirmatory studies either as a separate therapeutic or as an adjuvant to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Esawie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Egypt.
| | - Manal L Louka
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Egypt
| | - Amany H Hasanin
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Egypt
| | - Amal A El-Kholy
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Egypt
| | - Hebatalla Said Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Egypt
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Reinkens T, Stalke A, Huge N, Vajen B, Eilers M, Schäffer V, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Schlegelberger B, Illig T, Skawran B. Ago-RIP Sequencing Identifies New MicroRNA-449a-5p Target Genes Increasing Sorafenib Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2022; 13:62-75. [PMID: 34976171 PMCID: PMC8692677 DOI: 10.7150/jca.66016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have very limited treatment options. For the last fourteen years, the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib has been used as standard-of-care therapeutic agent in advanced HCC. Unfortunately, drug resistance develops in many cases. Therefore, we aimed to find a way to mitigate drug resistance and to improve the sorafenib efficacy in HCC cells. MicroRNAs play a significant role in targeting genes involved in tumor control suggesting microRNA/sorafenib combination therapy as a promising treatment option in advanced HCC. METHODS: MiR-449a-5p target genes were identified by Ago-RIP sequencing and validated by luciferase reporter assays and expression analyses. Target gene expression and survival data were analyzed in public HCC datasets. Tumor-relevant functional effects of miR-449a-5p and its target genes as well as their impact on the effects of sorafenib were analyzed using in vitro assays. An indirect transwell co-culture system was used to survey anti-angiogenic effects of miR-449a-5p. RESULTS: PEA15, PPP1CA and TUFT1 were identified as direct target genes of miR-449a-5p. Overexpression of these genes correlated with a poor outcome of HCC patients. Transfection with miR-449a-5p and repression of miR-449a-5p target genes inhibited cell proliferation and angiogenesis, induced apoptosis and reduced AKT and ERK signaling in HLE and Huh7 cells. Importantly, miR-449a-5p potentiated the efficacy of sorafenib in HCC cells via downregulation of PEA15, PPP1CA and TUFT1. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides detailed insights into the targetome and regulatory network of miR-449a-5p. Our results demonstrate for the first time that targeting PEA15, PPP1CA and TUFT1 via miR-449a overexpression could have significant implications in counteracting sorafenib resistance suggesting miR-449a-5p as a promising candidate for a microRNA/sorafenib combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Reinkens
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amelie Stalke
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Huge
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Beate Vajen
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlies Eilers
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vera Schäffer
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Illig
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Hannover Unified Biobank (HUB), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Skawran
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Li L, Liu S, Peng L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zeng H, Li G, Zhang C. The identification and preliminary study of lncRNA TUG1 and its related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Arch Med Sci 2022; 18:1582-1595. [PMID: 36457956 PMCID: PMC9710294 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.89707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour of the digestive system, which is a threat to public health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the featured genes and pathways of HCC from a bioinformatics database, and verify their correlation with diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS We downloaded the gene expression profile on HCC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and software R was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNA (DEL). The target genes of the lncRNA were further predicted by using a cluster database and molecular interaction database. Subsequently, a combined interaction network of target genes was constructed using the Cytoscape platform with preliminary verification at the level of different databases, cell lines, and tissues. Finally, we explored the effectiveness of TUG1 and its target genes on the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC by univariate Cox analysis and survival analysis. RESULTS A total of four DELs were identified and the most remarkably up-regulated lncRNA was TUG1, which included 12 high-confidence target genes. Moreover, we found that the expression changes of TUG1 and its target genes in different databases, cell lines, and liver cancer tissues were consistent with the prediction. The high expression of TUG1 and its target genes could significantly predict the shorter survival time of HCC patients, among which NCAPG, MCM6, PIGC, PEA15, and RACGAP1 have significant diagnostic value for HCC (AUC > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS This study provides a starting point for the screening of therapeutically relevant targets in HCC. Further experiment should be conducted to verify our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuiping Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Peng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yapeng Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haiyan Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guancheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Islam S, Kitagawa T, Kuramitsu Y. High Expression of PEA15 Is Associated With Patient Survival in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. CANCER DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS 2021; 1:371-377. [PMID: 35403140 PMCID: PMC8988953 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but very aggressive tumor that is primarily pleural in origin. The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with MPM has not improved despite therapeutic advances. Therefore, biomarker discovery to identify premalignant or early malignant tumors of the mesothelium are crucial. PEA15 is a cytoplasmic protein that is involved in various human malignancies, including MPM. However, the clinicopathological involvement of PEA15 in MPM has not yet been documented. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Oncomine database and GEPIA2 platform were used to analyze PEA15 mRNA expression and patient survival in patients with MPM. RESULTS PEA15 was found to be significantly up-regulated in MPM, and this up-regulation inversely correlated with prolonged patient survival. Further, PEA15 expression was found to be increased in other cancer tissues without affecting overall survival. CONCLUSION PEA15 may represent a new potential prognostic biomarker in MPM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shajedul Islam
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
- Oral Health Science Center, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Kitagawa
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kuramitsu
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
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Dahiya M, Dureja H. Sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma: potential molecular targets and resistance mechanisms. J Chemother 2021; 34:286-301. [PMID: 34291704 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2021.1955202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most widespread typical therapy-resistant, unresectable type of malignant solid tumour with a high death rate constituting huge medical concern. Sorafenib is a small molecule oral multi-target kinase potent inhibitor that acts by suppressing/blocking the multiplication of the tumour cells, angiogenesis, and encouraging apoptosis of the tumour cells. Though, the precise mechanism of tumour cell death induction by sorafenib is yet under exploration. Furthermore, genetic heterogeneity plays a critical role in developing sorafenib resistance, which leads the way to identify the need for predictive biomarkers responsible for drug resistance. Therefore, it is essential to find out the fundamental resistance mechanisms to expand therapeutic plans. The authors summarize the molecular concepts of resistance, progression, potential molecular targets, HCC management therapies, and discussion on the advancements expected in the coming future, inclusive of biomarker-driven treatment strategies, which may provide the prospects to design innovative therapeutically targeted strategies for the HCC treatment and the clinical implementation of emerging targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Dahiya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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Nonphosphorylatable PEA15 mutant inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer partly through the regulation of IL-8 expression. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 189:333-345. [PMID: 34241740 PMCID: PMC8357760 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06316-2] [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: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that lacks targeted therapies. Patients with TNBC have a very poor prognosis because the disease often metastasizes. New treatment approaches addressing drivers of metastasis and tumor growth are crucial to improving patient outcomes. Developing targeted gene therapy is thus a high priority for TNBC patients. PEA15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes, 15 kDa) is known to bind to ERK, preventing ERK from being translocated to the nucleus and hence blocking its activity. The biological function of PEA15 is tightly regulated by its phosphorylation at Ser104 and Ser116. However, the function and impact of phosphorylation status of PEA15 in the regulation of TNBC metastasis and in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are not well understood. Methods We established stable cell lines overexpressing nonphosphorylatable (PEA15-AA) and phospho-mimetic (PEA15-DD) mutants. To dissect specific cellular mechanisms regulated by PEA15 phosphorylation status, we performed RT-PCR immune and metastasis arrays. In vivo mouse models were used to determine the effects of PEA15 phosphorylation on tumor growth and metastasis. Results We found that the nonphosphorylatable mutant PEA15-AA prevented formation of mammospheres and expression of EMT markers in vitro and decreased tumor growth and lung metastasis in in vivo experiments when compared to control, PEA15-WT and phosphomimetic PEA15-DD. However, phosphomimetic mutant PEA15-DD promoted migration, mesenchymal marker expression, tumorigenesis, and lung metastasis in the mouse model. PEA15-AA-mediated inhibition of breast cancer cell migratory capacity and tumorigenesis was the partial result of decreased expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8). Further, we identified that expression of IL-8 was possibly mediated through one of the ERK downstream molecules, Ets-1. Conclusions Our results show that PEA15 phosphorylation status serves as an important regulator for PEA15’s dual role as an oncogene or tumor suppressor and support the potential of PEA15-AA as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of TNBC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10549-021-06316-2.
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Treatment for liver cancer: From sorafenib to natural products. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113690. [PMID: 34256124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, dietary carcinogens, and so forth. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found far from effective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of it. In this review, we discuss the formation process and therapeutic targets of liver cancer. Currently, targeted therapy is limited to sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab and cabozantinib which leads to a survival benefit in patients, but on the other hand is hampered by the occurrence of drug resistance. Pleasingly and importantly, there are multiple natural products undergoing clinical evaluation in liver cancer, such as polyphenols like icaritin, resveratrol, and silybin, saponins including ginsenoside Rg3 and glycyrrhizinate, alkaloid containing irinotecan and berberine and inorganic compound arsenic trioxide at present. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds inhibit liver cancer formation owing to the influence on the anti-viral, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity. Furthermore, a series of small molecule derivatives inspired by the aforementioned compounds are designed and synthesized according to structure-activity relationship studies. Drug combination and novel type of drug-targeted delivery system thereof have been well developed. This article is ended by a perspective remark of futuristic development of natural product-based therapeutic regimen for liver cancer treatment. We expect that this review is an account for current status of natural products as promising anti-liver cancer treatments and should contribute to its understanding.
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Krishnan MS, KD AR, Park J, Arjunan V, Marques FJG, Bermudez A, Girvan OA, Hoang NS, Yin J, Nguyen MH, Kothary N, Pitteri S, Felsher DW, Dhanasekaran R. Genomic Analysis of Vascular Invasion in HCC Reveals Molecular Drivers and Predictive Biomarkers. Hepatology 2021; 73:2342-2360. [PMID: 33140851 PMCID: PMC8115767 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vascular invasion (VI) is a critical risk factor for HCC recurrence and poor survival. The molecular drivers of vascular invasion in HCC are open for investigation. Deciphering the molecular landscape of invasive HCC will help identify therapeutic targets and noninvasive biomarkers. APPROACH AND RESULTS To this end, we undertook this study to evaluate the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profile of tumors with VI using the multiplatform cancer genome atlas (The Cancer Genome Atlas; TCGA) data (n = 373). In the TCGA Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma cohort, macrovascular invasion was present in 5% (n = 17) of tumors and microvascular invasion in 25% (n = 94) of tumors. Functional pathway analysis revealed that the MYC oncogene was a common upstream regulator of the mRNA, miRNA, and proteomic changes in VI. We performed comparative proteomic analyses of invasive human HCC and MYC-driven murine HCC and identified fibronectin to be a proteomic biomarker of invasive HCC (mouse fibronectin 1 [Fn1], P = 1.7 × 10-11 ; human FN1, P = 1.5 × 10-4 ) conserved across the two species. Mechanistically, we show that FN1 promotes the migratory and invasive phenotype of HCC cancer cells. We demonstrate tissue overexpression of fibronectin in human HCC using a large independent cohort of human HCC tissue microarray (n = 153; P < 0.001). Lastly, we showed that plasma fibronectin levels were significantly elevated in patients with HCC (n = 35; mean = 307.7 μg/mL; SEM = 35.9) when compared to cirrhosis (n = 10; mean = 41.8 μg/mL; SEM = 13.3; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our study evaluates the molecular landscape of tumors with VI, identifying distinct transcriptional, epigenetic, and proteomic changes driven by the MYC oncogene. We show that MYC up-regulates fibronectin expression, which promotes HCC invasiveness. In addition, we identify fibronectin to be a promising noninvasive proteomic biomarker of VI in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya S. Krishnan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Anand Rajan KD
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jangho Park
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Vinodhini Arjunan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | | | - Abel Bermudez
- Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University, CA
| | - Olivia A. Girvan
- Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University, CA
| | - Nam S. Hoang
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Mindie H. Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Nishita Kothary
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Sharon Pitteri
- Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University, CA
| | - Dean W. Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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12
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Xu J, Ji L, Ruan Y, Wan Z, Lin Z, Xia S, Tao L, Zheng J, Cai L, Wang Y, Liang X, Cai X. UBQLN1 mediates sorafenib resistance through regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and ROS homeostasis by targeting PGC1β in hepatocellular carcinoma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:190. [PMID: 34001851 PMCID: PMC8129126 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00594-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is promising in recent years, but still facing critical challenges. The first targeted therapy, sorafenib, prolonged the overall survival by months. However, resistance often occurs, largely limits its efficacy. Sorafenib was found to target the electron transport chain complexes, which results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To maintain sorafenib resistance and further facilitate tumor progression, cancer cells develop strategies to overcome excessive ROS production and obtain resistance to oxidative stress-induced cell death. In the present study, we investigated the roles of ROS in sorafenib resistance, and found suppressed ROS levels and reductive redox states in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Mitochondria in sorafenib-resistant cells maintained greater functional and morphological integrity under the treatment of sorafenib. However, cellular oxygen consumption rate and mitochondria DNA content analyses revealed fewer numbers of mitochondria in sorafenib-resistant cells. Further investigation attributed this finding to decreased mitochondrial biogenesis, likely caused by the accelerated degradation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1β (PGC1β). Mechanistic dissection showed that upregulated UBQLN1 induced PGC1β degradation in a ubiquitination-independent manner to attenuate mitochondrial biogenesis and ROS production in sorafenib-resistant cells under sorafenib treatment. Furthermore, clinical investigations further indicated that the patients with higher UBQLN1 levels experienced worse recurrence-free survival. In conclusion, we propose a novel mechanism involving mitochondrial biogenesis and ROS homeostasis in sorafenib resistance, which may offer new therapeutic targets and strategies for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Xu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XZhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLiangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Ji
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Wan
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongjie Lin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shunjie Xia
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liye Tao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junhao Zheng
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liuxin Cai
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XZhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLiangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XZhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLiangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China ,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XZhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLiangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
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13
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Wu Y, Li X, Chen M, Liu Z, Zhang X, Zheng S, Xu X. Phosphorylation of PED/PEA-15 at Ser116 and phosphorylation of p27 at Thr187 indicates a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:177. [PMID: 33574916 PMCID: PMC7816284 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12438] [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: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a deadly cancer with a high rate of recurrence and metastasis. Phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes/phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes-15 (PED/PEA-15) is a protein involved in the metabolism of glucose that regulates numerous cellular processes, including cell division, apoptosis and migration in numerous types of cancer. However, PED/PEA-15 may act as a tumor-promotor or a tumor-suppressor depending on its phosphorylation status. In the present study, the association between the phosphorylation of PED/PEA-15 at Ser116 [PED/PEA-15(S116)], the phosphorylation of P27 at Thr187 [P-p27(T187)] and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with HCC was assessed. The levels of PED/PEA-15(S116) and P-p27(T187) were determined using immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis in resected liver tumor tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues obtained from 60 patients with HCC as well as normal liver tissues from 12 patients with benign lesions. The association between the expression levels of these two markers and the clinicopathological features of patients with HCC was explored. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the prognostic value of PED/PEA-15(S116) and P-p27(T187) expression levels was determined. The results demonstrated that the levels of PED/PEA-15(S116) and P-p27(T187) proteins were remarkably higher in the HCC group compared with those in the adjacent and normal tissue groups (both P<0.05). In addition, a moderate positive correlation was observed between the levels of PED/PEA-15(S116) and P-p27(T187) (r=0.434; P<0.05). The levels of these two proteins were associated with the Edmondson grade, Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage, vascular invasion and tumor multiplicity (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the Kaplan-Meier analysis results demonstrated that patients with HCC that presented with positive expression of PED/PEA-15(S116) and P-p27(T187) exhibited a dismal prognosis compared with that in patients with negative expression regarding the overall survival (OS), as well as disease-free survival (both P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the TNM stage (P<0.05), vascular invasion (P<0.05), PED/PEA-15(S116) levels (P<0.001) and P-p27(T187) levels (P<0.05) were independent prognostic factors for OS in patients with HCC. In conclusion the results of the present study demonstrated that PED/PEA-15(S116) and P-p27(T187) levels were upregulated in HCC tissues compared with those in the adjacent and normal tissues; PED/PEA-15(S116) and P-p27(T187) expression may serve as an indicator of a poor prognosis in patients with HCC, suggesting that these proteins may be prospective therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China.,Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yinzhou Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, P.R. China
| | - Xianpeng Li
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yinzhou Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, P.R. China
| | - Mingliang Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yinzhou Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, P.R. China
| | - Zhikun Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China.,Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Xuanyu Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China.,Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China.,Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China.,Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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14
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Wang S, Wang C, Hu Y, Li X, Jin S, Liu O, Gou R, Zhuang Y, Guo Q, Nie X, Zhu L, Liu J, Lin B. ZNF703 promotes tumor progression in ovarian cancer by interacting with HE4 and epigenetically regulating PEA15. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:264. [PMID: 33246486 PMCID: PMC7693506 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01770-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background It is known that the transcription factor zinc finger protein 703 (ZNF703) plays an important role in physiological functions and the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the role and mechanism of ZNF703 in ovarian cancer are unclear. Materials and methods Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of ZNF703 in ovarian cancer patients and to assess the effect of ZNF703 expression on the survival and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. ZNF703 overexpression and suppression expression experiments were used to evaluate the effect of ZNF703 on malignant biological behavior of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Detecting the interaction between HE4 and ZNF703 by immunofluorescence colocalization and coprecipitation, and nuclear translocation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq), dual luciferase reporter assay, ChIP-PCR, in vivo model were applied to study the molecular mechanism of ZNF703 affecting the development of ovarian cancer. Results ZNF703 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues, and its expression level is related to the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that ZNF703 overexpression/inhibition expression will promoted/inhibited the malignant biological behavior of ovarian cancer. Mechanically, ZNF703 interacted with HE4, and HE4 promoted nuclear translocation of ZNF703. ChIP-Seq identified multiple regulatory targets of ZNF703, of which ZNF703 directly binds to the enhancer region of PEA15 to promote the transcription of PEA15 and thereby promoted the proliferation of cancer cells. Conclusion The results showed that ZNF703 as an oncogene played an important role in the epigenetic modification of ovarian cancer proliferation, and suggested that ZNF703 as a transcription factor may become a prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-020-01770-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuexin Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ouxuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Gou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liancheng Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Juanjuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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15
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Integrating Chinese and Western medicines reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with diabetes mellitus: A Taiwanese population-based cohort study. Complement Ther Med 2020; 49:102332. [PMID: 32147062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Much epidemiological evidence links diabetes mellitus (DM) to the development of multiple cancers and, in particular, the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) reduces the incidence of HCC in patients receiving Western antidiabetic drugs. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database involving 81,105 diabetic patients, including 5122 CHM users and 25,966 non-CHM users. Analyses of treatment effects were adjusted for covariates including gender, age, comorbidities, antidiabetic drugs and liver medications. NodeXL software performed a network analysis to identify the 50 most commonly used CHM herbs and formulas. RESULTS In Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics, DM patients exposed to adjuvant CHM therapy were significantly less likely to develop HCC compared with non-CHM users (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.59; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.87; p = 0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a lower 10-year cumulative risk of HCC among CHM users compared with non-CHM users. Amongst the 10 individual CHM herbs and herbal formulas most commonly prescribed for DM, the most frequent were Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen) and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, respectively. CONCLUSION This nationwide retrospective cohort study from Taiwan provides some valuable insights into the prescribing characteristics of CHM treatment in patients with DM. Compared with use of Western antidiabetic medications alone, use of adjuvant CHM effectively reduces the incidence of HCC in patients with DM.
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16
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Zhou XT, Ding J, Li HY, Zuo JL, Ge SY, Jia HL, Wu J. Hedgehog signalling mediates drug resistance through targeting TAP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:4298-4311. [PMID: 32108992 PMCID: PMC7171417 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is one of the reasons for low survival of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous studies indicate that the hedgehog signalling is involved in hepatic carcinogenesis, metastasis and chemo‐resistance. The present study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying hepatoma chemo‐resistance. TAP1 and GLI1/2 gene expression was assessed in both poorly differentiated hepatoma cells and HCC specimens. Potential GLI‐binding site in the TAP1 promoter sequence was validated by molecular assays. Approximately 75% HCC specimens exhibited an elevated expression of hedgehog GLI1 transcription factor compared with adjacent liver tissue. Both GLI1/2 and TAP1 protein levels were significantly elevated in poorly differentiated hepatoma cells. Both Huh‐7‐trans and Huh‐7‐DN displayed more karyotypic abnormalities and differential gene expression profiles than their native Huh‐7 cells. Sensitivity to Sorafenib, doxorubicin and cisplatin was remarkably improved after either GLI1 or TAP1 gene was inhibited by an RNAi approach or by a specific GLI1/2 inhibitor, GANT61. Further experiments confirmed that hedgehog transcription factor GLI1/2 binds to the TAP1 promoter, indicating that TAP1 is one of GLI1/2 target genes. In conclusion, TAP1 is under direct transcriptional control of the hedgehog signalling. Targeting hedgehog signalling confers a novel insight into alleviating drug resistance in the treatment of refractory HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tian Zhou
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Yan Li
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie-Liang Zuo
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Yang Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hu-Liang Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Luo Y, Fang C, Jin L, Ding H, Lyu Y, Ni G. The microRNA212 regulated PEA15 promotes ovarian cancer progression by inhibiting of apoptosis. J Cancer 2020; 11:1424-1435. [PMID: 32047549 PMCID: PMC6995389 DOI: 10.7150/jca.32886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PEA15 (Proliferation And Apoptosis Adaptor) is a 15kDa multifunctional phosphoprotein involved in various essential biological processes such as proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that PEA15 can promote the progression of many malignancies. In the present study, the expression of PEA15 in ovarian cancer and normal tissues analyzed in several databases and PEA15 was found to be significantly up-regulated in OC tissues compared to normal tissues. Immunochemical assays performed using 171 OC tissue specimens proved that the expression of PEA15 was remarkably positively correlated with the FIGO stage and associated with histologic subgroups of ovarian cancer. IHC assay for the two phosphorylation sites of PEA15 S116 and S104 was also performed. PEA15 high expression predicted a poor prognosis in OC patients analysed from K-M plot dataset. In addition, we proved knockdown of PEA15 inhibits OC cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis by Bcl2 downregulation and Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 upregulation. Overexpression of PEA15 promotes the proliferative capacity of OC cells. Moreover, this study first discovered PEA15 expression in OC can be negatively regulated by microRNA212. Overexpression of miR-212 in ovarian cancer cells could cause downregulated the expression of PEA15 expression. Overexpression of miR-212 was found to exerted similar effects on the proliferation, and apoptosis of the ovarian cancer cells as that of PEA15 suppression. Additionally, overexpression of PEA15could at least partially abolished the effects of miR-212 on the proliferation, and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings revealed PEA15 appears as a novel predictive biomarker, thus providing a valuable therapeutic target in OC treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, AnHui, 241001, P.R. China
| | | | - Lan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, AnHui, 241001, P.R. China
| | - Huafeng Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, AnHui, 241001, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, AnHui, 241001, P.R. China
| | - Guantai Ni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, AnHui, 241001, P.R. China
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Sandini M, Strobel O, Hank T, Lewosinska M, Nießen A, Hackert T, Büchler MW, Schimmack S. Pre-operative dysglycemia is associated with decreased survival in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Surgery 2019; 167:575-580. [PMID: 31889543 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer and impaired postresection survival. For pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, no evidence is available for a similar effect of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the glycemic profile in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and to assess the potential impact of glycemic control on the pathology and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. METHODS Pancreatic resections from 2001 to 2017 for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms were analyzed from prospective databases. Blood glucose and HbA1c levels were collected from preoperative tests. Preoperative dysglycemia was defined as a blood glucose ≥140 mg% and/or HbA1c ≥6.5%. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed according to the presence of perioperative dysglycemia. Survival analyses were performed by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-proportional hazards method. RESULTS Four hundred and seventeen patients were analyzed. Medical history was positive for diabetes mellitus in 88 (21.1%) patients. Blood glucose evaluation identified 30 additional patients without a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who had preoperative dysglycemia. No differences regarding pathologic characteristics or outcomes were detected between diabetics and non-diabetics. Conversely, patients with dysglycemia had greater rates of metastasis (16.8% vs 27.4%; P = .027) as well as vascular, perineural, and lympho-vascular involvement than those with normal blood glucose (89.2% vs 57.4%; P < .001, 90.0% vs 65.1%; P = .046, and 89.3% vs 61.3; P = .006, respectively). Preoperative dysglycemia was associated with impaired overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.57 [1.01-2.46]) and recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.78 [1.01-3.12]). By multivariate analysis, preoperative dysglycemia was independently associated with recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 2.32 [1.29-4.17]), together with lymph-node involvement (hazard ratio = 2.01 [1.14-3.57]) and metastatic disease (hazard ratio = 5.10 [2.73-9.55]). CONCLUSION Preoperative dysglycemia, but not diabetes mellitus per se, is associated with advanced disease and impaired long-term outcomes in patients undergoing resection for a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm. For those patients, closer surveillance and strict glycemic control are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sandini
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Strobel
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hank
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Lewosinska
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Nießen
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thilo Hackert
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus W Büchler
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Schimmack
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.
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19
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Wang X, Liao X, Yang C, Huang K, Yu T, Yu L, Han C, Zhu G, Zeng X, Liu Z, Zhou X, Qin W, Su H, Ye X, Peng T. Identification of prognostic biomarkers for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. Oncol Rep 2019; 41:1586-1602. [PMID: 30628708 PMCID: PMC6365689 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.6953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The identification of prognosis-associated biomarkers is crucial to improve HCC patient survival. The present study aimed to explore potential predictive biomarkers for HCC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed in the GSE36376 dataset using GEO2R. Hub genes were identified and further investigated for prognostic value in HCC patients. A risk score model and nomogram were constructed to predict HCC prognosis using the prognosis-associated genes and clinical factors. Pearson's correlation was employed to show interactions among hub genes. Gene enrichment analysis was performed to identify detailed biological processes and pathways. A total of 71 DEGs were obtained and seven (ADH4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP8B1, SLC22A1, TAT and HSD17B13, all adjusted P≤0.05) of the 10 hub genes were identified as prognosis-related genes for survival analysis in HCC patients, including alcohol dehydrogenase 4 (class II), pi polypeptide (ADH4), cytochrome p450 family 2 subfamily C member 8 (CYP2C8), cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 (CYP2C9), cytochrome P450 family 8 subfamily B member 1 (CYP8B1), solute carrier family 22 member 1 (SLC22A1), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) and hydroxysteroid 17-β dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13). The risk score model could predict HCC prognosis and the nomogram visualized gene expression and clinical factors of probability for HCC prognosis. The majority of genes showed significant Pearson's correlations with others (41 Pearson correlations P≤0.01, four Pearson correlations P>0.05). GO analysis revealed that terms such as ‘chemical carcinogenesis’ and ‘drug metabolism-cytochrome P450’ were enriched and may prove helpful to elucidate the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis. Hub genes ADH4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP8B1, SLC22A1, TAT and HSD17B13 may be useful as predictive biomarkers for HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangkun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiwen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Chengkun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ketuan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Tingdong Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Long Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Chuangye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Guangzhi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xianmin Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Zhengqian Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Wei Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xinping Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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20
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Tang B, Liang W, Liao Y, Li Z, Wang Y, Yan C. PEA15 promotes liver metastasis of colorectal cancer by upregulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2018; 41:43-56. [PMID: 30365128 PMCID: PMC6278416 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver metastasis is one of the major causes of death in patients with colorectal cancer, and although treatment has improved recently, the long‑term survival rate of patients has not improved significantly. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry to determine that phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes‑15 kDa (PEA15) was highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues and liver metastatic cancer tissues. It was also highly expressed in metastatic colorectal cancer patients compared to non‑metastatic patients. Through clinicopathological data of patients with liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, we found that high expression of PEA15 was positively correlated with TNM staging, liver metastasis and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer patients. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, western blotting and cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays, we also determined that PEA15 could promote cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the characteristics of cancer stem cells in vitro, thus promoting the abilities of invasion and migration. In addition, we revealed that PEA15 promoted the liver metastasis of colorectal cancer cells in a xenograft tumor metastasis model. In addition, concerning the mechanism, we used gene chip analysis to determine that PEA15 upregulated the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, we concluded that PEA15 may be a potential biomarker for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer therapy. Collectively, PEA15 promoted the development of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer through the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Wenjin Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guilin Medical University, Affiliated Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Yong Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guilin Medical University, Affiliated Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Zeming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guilin Medical University, Affiliated Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Chao Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
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Luo L, Cai L, Luo L, Tang Z, Meng X. Silencing activating transcription factor 2 promotes the anticancer activity of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:8053-8060. [PMID: 29693700 PMCID: PMC5983979 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of sorafenib combined with silencing of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to assess the underlying molecular mechanisms. Huh-7 HCC cell line was selected for the present study. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-ATF2 sequence was constructed to silence ATF2 expression. The experiment was divided into 6 groups: i) Control; ii) vector; iii) sorafenib (6.8 µM); iv) vector+sorafenib; v) siRNA-ATF2; and vi) siRNA-ATF2+sorafenib groups. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected following treatments with sorafenib and/or ATF2 silencing. Additionally, expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The current findings revealed that siRNA-ATF2 significantly reduced ATF2 expression. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities in the sorafenib and siRNA-ATF2 groups were significantly reduced compared with the control group (P<0.05). Apoptotic rate in the sorafenib and siRNA-ATF2 groups was significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of ATF2 in the sorafenib or siRNA-ATF2 groups was significantly reduced when compared with control group. The phosphorylation of ATF2 was also reduced following sorafenib treatment or ATF2 silence. Although JNK3 mRNA expression level was not affected, the phosphorylation level of JNK3 was significantly promoted following sorafenib treatment or ATF2 silencing. Additionally, TNF-α mRNA and protein expression levels were increased following sorafenib treatment or ATF2 silencing. It is of note that siRNA-ATF2 treatment promoted the anticancer activity of sorafenib in Huh-7 cells. Additionally, siRNA-ATF2+sorafenib treatment combined additionally promoted TNF-α expression and phosphorylation of JNK3. Combined siRNA-ATF2 and sorafenib treatment had a greater anticancer effect compared with sorafenib or ATF2 silencing alone. The possible mechanism involved in the anticancer effect of sorafenib and ATF2 silencing may be associated with the activation of the TNF-α/JNK3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Lijing Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Laibang Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhimou Tang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohui Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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22
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Wang H, Zhang C, Chi H, Meng Z. Synergistic anti-hepatoma effect of bufalin combined with sorafenib via mediating the tumor vascular microenvironment by targeting mTOR/VEGF signaling. Int J Oncol 2018; 52:2051-2060. [PMID: 29620259 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib inhibits tumor growth primarily by inhibiting vessel formation, however, its efficacy requires improvement, therefore, the development of strategies which augment its antiangiogenic effect are of primary concern. Bufalin inhibits tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, and induces apoptosis. In our previous study, it was demonstrated that the antiangiogenic effect of sorafenib was improved by bufalin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, whether bufalin synergizes with sorafenib by affecting the tumor vascular microenvironment remains to be elucidated. In the present study, it was found that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation was inhibited by either bufalin or sorafenib following incubation for 24 h, and the inhibition was enhanced upon treatment with a combination of the two. Conditioned medium (CM), comprising supernatant from HCC cells was collected from each of the treatment groups. The migration and tubule formation were suppressed the most in the combination-CM treated HUVECs. The secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was decreased in HCC cells treated with the combination-CM, as determined by an angiogenesis array, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis. The inhibition of tube formation in HUVECs treated with the combination-CM was reversed by incubation with VEGF. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that subcutaneous HCC cell tumors from mice treated with the combination treatment expressed the lowest levels of VEGF, as evidenced by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Additionally, the level of phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) was reduced in HUVECs pretreated with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor PI103. Furthermore, the migration of HCC cells and HUVEC tube formation were attenuated by PI103 pretreatment. In conclusion, the results revealed a synergistic anti-hepatoma effect of bufalin combined with sorafenib via affecting the tumor vascular microenvironment by targeting mTOR/VEGF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyong Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Huiying Chi
- Shanghai Geriatrics Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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