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Hu C, Lei Y, Liu X, Yu X, Geng Z, Liu Y, Yang L, Tie X, Zhou W, Li X, Zhang Y, Liang Y. Dissecting microenvironment in cystadenomas and hepatic cysts based on single nucleus RNA-sequencing data. Comput Biol Med 2024; 176:108541. [PMID: 38744012 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108541] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic cystadenoma is a rare disease, accounting for about 5% of all cystic lesions, with a high tendency of malignant transformation. The preoperative diagnosis of cystadenoma is difficult, and some cystadenomas are easily misdiagnosed as hepatic cysts at first. Hepatic cyst is a relatively common liver disease, most of which are benign, but large hepatic cysts can lead to pressure on the bile duct, resulting in abnormal liver function. To better understand the difference between the microenvironment of cystadenomas and hepatic cysts, we performed single-nuclei RNA-sequencing on cystadenoma and hepatic cysts samples. In addition, we performed spatial transcriptome sequencing of hepatic cysts. Based on nucleus RNA-sequencing data, a total of seven major cell types were identified. Here we described the tumor microenvironment of cystadenomas and hepatic cysts, particularly the transcriptome signatures and regulators of immune cells and stromal cells. By inferring copy number variation, it was found that the malignant degree of hepatic stellate cells in cystadenoma was higher. Pseudotime trajectory analysis demonstrated dynamic transformation of hepatocytes in hepatic cysts and cystadenomas. Cystadenomas had higher immune infiltration than hepatic cysts, and T cells had a more complex regulatory mechanism in cystadenomas than hepatic cysts. Immunohistochemistry confirms a cystadenoma-specific T-cell immunoregulatory mechanism. These results provided a single-cell atlas of cystadenomas and hepatic cyst, revealed a more complex microenvironment in cystadenomas than in hepatic cysts, and provided new perspective for the molecular mechanisms of cystadenomas and hepatic cyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxue Hu
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yongqi Lei
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xinyang Liu
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xingxin Yu
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhida Geng
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Liyu Yang
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xuehong Tie
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Wenzhe Zhou
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Yingjian Liang
- College of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Zhang L, Ren H, Wu Y, Xue L, Bai Y, Wei D, Wu Q. PRG4 represses the genesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma by inhibiting PDL1 expression. Tissue Cell 2024; 88:102409. [PMID: 38781792 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is originated from skeletal system. Recombinant human proteoglycan 4 (rhPRG4) can inhibit cell proliferation and migration in multiple cancers. This research is designed to dig out the role and mechanism of PRG4 in osteosarcoma. METHODS Human osteosarcoma cell lines, MG63 and 143B, were transfected with programmed death 1 (PD-L1) overexpression vectors and/or treated with 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL rhPRG4, followed by the determination of cell viability, colony formation, sphere formation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), PD-L1 and apoptosis-related proteins. Tumor-bearing mouse models were constructed by injection of 143B cells and treatment of anti-PD-L1 antibody and/or adenovirus PRG4 (AdPRG4). Tumor volume was monitored, and immunohistochemical location of Ki67 was performed. Expressions of MMPs, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), PD-L1, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were measured in tumors. RESULTS RhPRG4 (20, 50, and 100 μg/mL) inhibited the viability, colony formation, sphere formation, invasion, migration, and the expressions of MMP2, MMP9 and Bcl2 in osteosarcoma cells, while promoting cell apoptosis as well as Bax and c-caspase3 expressions, at a dose-dependent manner; by contrast, PD-L1 overexpression reversed the above effects of 100 μg/mL rhPRG4. AdPRG4 or anti-PD-L1 antibody decreased tumor volume, number of pulmonary metastasis nodule, Ki67 location, and expressions of TGF-β, PD-L1, MMP2, MMP9, Vimentin, and Snail, but increased E-cadherin expression in tumor cells. Moreover, anti-PD-L1 antibody and AdPRG4 together functioned more effectively than them alone in reducing tumor burden. CONCLUSION PRG4 represses the genesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma via inhibiting PD-L1 expression, and AdPRG4 enhances the effectiveness of anti-PD-L1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Hongwei Ren
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Yanjuan Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Lili Xue
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Qilong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China.
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Liu S, Meng Y, Zhang Y, Qiu L, Wan X, Yang X, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wen L, Lei X, Zhang B, Han J. Integrative analysis of senescence-related genes identifies robust prognostic clusters with distinct features in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00150-4. [PMID: 38614215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.007] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Senescence refers to a state of permanent cell growth arrest and is regarded as a tumor suppressive mechanism, whereas accumulative evidence demonstrate that senescent cells play an adverse role during cancer progression. The scarcity of specific and reliable markers reflecting senescence level in cancer impede our understanding of this biological basis. OBJECTIVES Senescence-related genes (SRGs) were collected for integrative analysis to reveal the role of senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Consensus clustering was used to subtype HCC based on SRGs. Several computational methods, including single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), fuzzy c-means algorithm, were performed. Data of drug sensitivities were utilized to screen potential therapeutic agents for different senescence patients. Additionally, we developed a method called signature-related gene analysis (SRGA) for identification of markers relevant to phenotype of interest. Experimental strategies consisting quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), β-galactosidase assay, western blot, and tumor-T cell co-culture system were used to validate the findings in vitro. RESULTS We identified three robust prognostic clusters of HCC patients with distinct survival outcome, mutational landscape, and immune features. We further extracted signature genes of senescence clusters to construct the senescence scoring system and profile senescence level in HCC at bulk and single-cell resolution. Senescence-induced stemness reprogramming was confirmed both in silico and in vitro. HCC patients with high senescence were immune suppressed and sensitive to Tozasertib and other drugs. We suggested that MAFG, PLIN3, and 4 other genes were pertinent to HCC senescence, and MAFG potentially mediated immune suppression, senescence, and stemness. CONCLUSION Our findings provide insights into the role of SRGs in patients stratification and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicheng Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Meng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaowen Wan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuyang Yang
- Research Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics, Department of General Surgery, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics, Department of General Surgery, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xueqin Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Linda Wen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Lei
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics, Department of General Surgery, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junhong Han
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Li ZC, Wang J, Liu HB, Zheng YM, Huang JH, Cai JB, Zhang L, Liu X, Du L, Yang XT, Chai XQ, Jiang YH, Ren ZG, Zhou J, Fan J, Yu DC, Sun HC, Huang C, Liu F. Proteomic and metabolomic features in patients with HCC responding to lenvatinib and anti-PD1 therapy. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113877. [PMID: 38421869 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Combination therapy (lenvatinib/programmed death-1 inhibitor) is effective for treating unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). We reveal that responders have better overall and progression-free survival, as well as high tumor mutation burden and special somatic variants. We analyze the proteome and metabolome of 82 plasma samples from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 51) and normal controls (n = 15), revealing that individual differences outweigh treatment differences. Responders exhibit enhanced activity in the alternative/lectin complement pathway and higher levels of lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs), predicting a favorable prognosis. Non-responders are enriched for immunoglobulins, predicting worse outcomes. Compared to normal controls, HCC plasma proteins show acute inflammatory response and platelet activation, while LysoPCs decrease. Combination therapy increases LysoPCs/phosphocholines in responders. Logistic regression/random forest models using metabolomic features achieve good performance in the prediction of responders. Proteomic analysis of cancer tissues unveils molecular features that are associated with side effects in responders receiving combination therapy. In conclusion, our analysis identifies plasma features associated with uHCC responders to combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Chen Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Hepatic Oncology, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical of Sciences, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - He-Bin Liu
- Shanghai Omicsolution Co., Ltd., 28 Yuanwen Road, Shanghai 201199, China
| | - Yi-Min Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian-Hang Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical of Sciences, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jia-Bin Cai
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical of Sciences, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Ling Du
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical of Sciences, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xue-Ting Yang
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical of Sciences, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Chai
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying-Hua Jiang
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical of Sciences, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zheng-Gang Ren
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - De-Cai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Feng Liu
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical of Sciences, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Dai D, Wu D, Ni R, Li P, Tian Z, Shui Y, Hu H, Wei Q. Novel insights into the progression and prognosis of the calpain family members in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive integrated analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1162409. [PMID: 37503539 PMCID: PMC10368982 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1162409] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The goal of our bioinformatics study was to comprehensively analyze the association between the whole calpain family members and the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The landscape of the gene expression, copy number variation (CNV), mutation, and DNA methylation of calpain members were analyzed. Clustering analysis was performed to stratify the calpain-related groups. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-based Cox model was used to select hub survival genes. Results: We found 14 out of 16 calpain members expressed differently between tumor and normal tissues of HCC. The clustering analyses revealed high- and low-risk calpain groups which had prognostic difference. We found the high-risk calpain group had higher B cell infiltration and higher expression of immune checkpoint genes HAVCR2, PDCD1, and TIGHT. The CMap analysis found that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway inhibitors LY-294002 and wortmannin might have a therapeutic effect on the high-risk calpain group. The DEGs between calpain groups were identified. Subsequent univariate Cox analysis of each DEG and LASSO-based Cox model obtained a calpain-related prognostic signature. The risk score model of this signature showed good ability to predict the overall survival of HCC patients in TCGA datasets and external validation datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the International Cancer Genome Consortium database. Conclusion: We found that calpain family members were associated with the progression, prognosis, and drug response of HCC. Our results require further studies to confirm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjun Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dehao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Runliang Ni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhifeng Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongjie Shui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanguang Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Scialpi R, Arrè V, Giannelli G, Dituri F. Laminin-332 γ2 Monomeric Chain Promotes Adhesion and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020373. [PMID: 36672323 PMCID: PMC9857196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020373] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) has a well-recognized impact on the progression of solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Laminin 332 (Ln332) is a ECM molecule of epithelial basal lamina, composed of three polypeptide chains (α3, β3, and γ2), that is usually poorly expressed in the normal liver but is detected at high levels in HCC. This macromolecule was shown to promote the proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance of HCC cells. The monomeric γ2 chain is up-regulated and localized preferentially at the invasive edge of metastatic intrahepatic HCC nodules, suggesting its potential involvement in the acquisition of invasive properties of HCC cells. HCC cells were tested in in vitro adhesion, scattering, and transwell migration assays in response to fibronectin and the Ln332 and Ln332 γ2 chains, and the activation status of major signaling pathways involved was evaluated. Here, we show that the Ln332 γ2 chain promotes HCC the cell adhesion, migration, and scattering of HCC cells that express the Ln332 receptor α3β1 integrin, proving to be a causal factor of the EMT program achievement. Moreover, we found that efficient HCC cell adhesion and migration on γ2 require the activation of the small cytosolic GTPase Rac1 and ERKs signaling. These data suggest that the γ2 chain, independently from the full-length Ln332, can contribute to the pro-invasive potential of aggressive HCC cell subpopulations.
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Mancarella S, Gigante I, Serino G, Pizzuto E, Dituri F, Valentini MF, Wang J, Chen X, Armentano R, Calvisi DF, Giannelli G. Crenigacestat blocking notch pathway reduces liver fibrosis in the surrounding ecosystem of intrahepatic CCA viaTGF-β inhibition. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:331. [PMID: 36443822 PMCID: PMC9703776 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly malignant tumor characterized by an intensive desmoplastic reaction due to the exaggerated presence of the extracellular (ECM) matrix components. Liver fibroblasts close to the tumor, activated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and expressing high levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), become cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are deputed to produce and secrete ECM components and crosstalk with cancer cells favoring tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Overexpression of Notch signaling is implicated in CCA development and growth. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Notch inhibitor, Crenigacestat, on the surrounding microenvironment of iCCA. METHODS We investigated Crenigacestat's effectiveness in a PDX model of iCCA and human primary culture of CAFs isolated from patients with iCCA. RESULTS In silico analysis of transcriptomic profiling from PDX iCCA tissues treated with Crenigacestat highlighted "liver fibrosis" as one of the most modulated pathways. In the iCCA PDX model, Crenigacestat treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced peritumoral liver fibrosis. Similar results were obtained in a hydrodynamic model of iCCA. Bioinformatic prediction of the upstream regulators related to liver fibrosis in the iCCA PDX treated with Crenigacestat revealed the involvement of the TGF-β1 pathway as a master regulator gene showing a robust connection between TGF-β1 and Notch pathways. Consistently, drug treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced TGF-β1 mRNA and protein levels in tumoral tissue. In PDX tissues, Crenigacestat remarkably inhibited TGF-β signaling and extracellular matrix protein gene expression and reduced α-SMA expression. Furthermore, Crenigacestat synergistically increased Gemcitabine effectiveness in the iCCA PDX model. In 31 iCCA patients, TGF-β1 and α-SMA were upregulated in the tumoral compared with peritumoral tissues. In freshly isolated CAFs from patients with iCCA, Crenigacestat significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited Notch signaling, TGF-β1 secretion, and Smad-2 activation. Consequently, Crenigacestat also inactivated CAFs reducing (p < 0.001) α-SMA expression. Finally, CAFs treated with Crenigacestat produced less (p < 005) ECM components such as fibronectin, collagen 1A1, and collagen 1A2. CONCLUSIONS Notch signaling inhibition reduces the peritumoral desmoplastic reaction in iCCA, blocking the TGF-β1 canonical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Mancarella
- grid.489101.50000 0001 0162 6994National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA Italy
| | - Isabella Gigante
- grid.489101.50000 0001 0162 6994National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA Italy
| | - Grazia Serino
- grid.489101.50000 0001 0162 6994National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA Italy
| | - Elena Pizzuto
- grid.489101.50000 0001 0162 6994National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA Italy
| | - Francesco Dituri
- grid.489101.50000 0001 0162 6994National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA Italy
| | - Maria F. Valentini
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Emergency and Organ Transplant, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Xin Chen
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Raffaele Armentano
- grid.489101.50000 0001 0162 6994National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA Italy
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- grid.489101.50000 0001 0162 6994National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA Italy
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Guo Y, Hu HT, Xu SJ, Xia WL, Zhao Y, Zhao XH, Zhu WB, Li FT, Li HL. Proteoglycan-4 predicts good prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and inhibits cancer cell migration in vitro. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1023801. [PMID: 36439456 PMCID: PMC9691762 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1023801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To search for adaptive response molecules that affect the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), analyze their clinical correlation with and prognostic value for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and explore their impact on cell biological behavior and their mechanisms of action. METHODS HCC tissue gene sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes. The expression of proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) in the serum of 117 patients with HCC who received TACE was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum-free medium mimicked TACE-induced nutrient deprivation. Cells with stable knockdown of PRG4 (shPRG4) were constructed to verify the effect and mechanism of PRG4 on the biological behavior of HCC cells in vitro. RESULTS The expression of PRG4 was significantly elevated under TACE-induced starvation conditions. Low PRG4 expression was associated with worse response to TACE treatment, shorter survival time, and stronger HCC migration ability. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that knockdown of PRG4 promoted HCC cell migration by enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while did not affect proliferation. When PRG4 expression was low, starvation treatment impaired the migratory ability of HCC cells and reduced the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to epirubicin. CONCLUSIONS PRG4 expression predicts survival and TACE treatment response in patients with HCC. Furthermore, knockdown of PRG4 enhanced EMT, leading to HCC cell migration. PRG4 may serve as a biomarker for HCC patients receiving TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Guo
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Tao Hu
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi Jun Xu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Li Xia
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao Hui Zhao
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen Bo Zhu
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Ting Li
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai Liang Li
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Hong T, Su W, Pan Y, Tian C, Lei G. Aging-related features predict prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951459. [PMID: 36189258 PMCID: PMC9521435 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging microenvironment serves important roles in cancers. However, most studies focus on circumscribed hot spots such as immunity and metabolism. Thus, it is well ignored that the aging microenvironment contributes to the proliferation of tumor. Herein, we established three prognosis-distinctive aging microenvironment subtypes, including AME1, AME2, and AME3, based on aging-related genes and characterized them with “Immune Exclusion,” “Immune Infiltration,” and “Immune Intermediate” features separately. AME2-subtype tumors were characterized by specific activation of immune cells and were most likely to be sensitive to immunotherapy. AME1-subtype tumors were characterized by inhibition of immune cells with high proportion of Catenin Beta 1 (CTNNB1) mutation, which was more likely to be insensitive to immunotherapy. Furthermore, we found that CTNNB1 may inhibit the expression of C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 19 (CCL19), thus restraining immune cells and attenuating the sensitivity to immunotherapy. Finally, we also established a robust aging prognostic model to predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall, this research promotes a comprehensive understanding about the aging microenvironment and immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma and may provide potential therapeutic targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yitong Pan
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Lei, ; Chenxi Tian,
| | - Guang Lei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Lei, ; Chenxi Tian,
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10
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Liao C, Wang Q, An J, Chen J, Li X, Long Q, Xiao L, Guan X, Liu J. CD44 Glycosylation as a Therapeutic Target in Oncology. Front Oncol 2022; 12:883831. [PMID: 35936713 PMCID: PMC9351704 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.883831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of non-kinase transmembrane glycoprotein CD44 with ligands including hyaluronic acid (HA) is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. Changes in CD44 glycosylation can regulate its binding to HA, Siglec-15, fibronectin, TM4SF5, PRG4, FGF2, collagen and podoplanin and activate or inhibit c-Src/STAT3/Twist1/Bmi1, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ERK/NF-κB/NANOG and other signaling pathways, thereby having a profound impact on the tumor microenvironment and tumor cell fate. However, the glycosylation of CD44 is complex and largely unknown, and the current understanding of how CD44 glycosylation affects tumors is limited. These issues must be addressed before targeted CD44 glycosylation can be applied to treat human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Life Sciences Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jiaxing An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiaolan Li
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Life Sciences Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Linlin Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Linlin Xiao, ; Xiaoyan Guan, ; Jianguo Liu,
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Linlin Xiao, ; Xiaoyan Guan, ; Jianguo Liu,
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Linlin Xiao, ; Xiaoyan Guan, ; Jianguo Liu,
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Dituri F, Gigante G, Scialpi R, Mancarella S, Fabregat I, Giannelli G. Proteoglycans in Cancer: Friends or Enemies? A Special Focus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081902. [PMID: 35454809 PMCID: PMC9024587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Proteoglycans affect multiple molecular and cellular processes during the progression of solid tumors with a highly desmoplastic stroma, such as HCC. Due to their role in enhancing or limiting the traits of cancer cells underlying their aggressiveness, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, these macromolecules could be exploited as molecular targets or therapeutic agents. Proteoglycans, such as biglycan, versican, syndecan-1, glypican-3, and agrin, promote HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and angiogenesis, while endostatin and proteoglycan 4 were shown to impair cancer neovascularization or to enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to drugs, such as sorafenib and regorafenib. Based on this evidence, interventional strategies involving the use of humanized monoclonal antibodies, T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors, or recombinant proteins mimicking potentially curative proteoglycans, are being employed or may be adopted in the near future for the treatment of HCC. Abstract Proteoglycans are a class of highly glycosylated proteins expressed in virtually all tissues, which are localized within membranes, but more often in the pericellular space and extracellular matrix (ECM), and are involved in tissue homeostasis and remodeling of the stromal microenvironment during physiological and pathological processes, such as tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and cancer. In general, proteoglycans can perform signaling activities and influence a range of physical, chemical, and biological tissue properties, including the diffusivity of small electrolytes and nutrients and the bioavailability of growth factors. While the dysregulated expression of some proteoglycans is observed in many cancers, whether they act as supporters or limiters of neoplastic progression is still a matter of controversy, as the tumor promoting or suppressive function of some proteoglycans is context dependent. The participation of multiple proteoglycans in organ regeneration (as demonstrated for the liver in hepatectomy mouse models) and in cancer suggests that these molecules actively influence cell growth and motility, thus contributing to key events that characterize neoplastic progression. In this review, we outline the main roles of proteoglycans in the physiology and pathology of cancers, with a special mention to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting the translational potential of proteoglycans as targets or therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gianluigi Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Rosanna Scialpi
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), CIBEREHD and University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
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Zhang C, Wu LW, Li ZD, Zhang MM, Wu J, Du FH, Zeng LH, Li YL. DYRK1A suppression attenuates HIF‑1α accumulation and enhances the anti‑liver cancer effects of regorafenib and sorafenib under hypoxic conditions. Int J Oncol 2022; 60:45. [PMID: 35244188 PMCID: PMC8923653 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia promotes drug resistance and induces the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‑1α in liver cancer cells. However, to date, no selective HIF‑1α inhibitor has been clinically approved. The aim of this study is to investigate a drug‑targetable molecule that can regulate HIF‑1α under hypoxia. The present study demonstrated that hyperactivation of dual‑specificity tyrosine‑phosphorylation‑regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A)/HIF‑1α signaling was associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. In addition, DYRK1A knockdown using small interfering RNA transfection or treatment with harmine, a natural alkaloid, significantly reduced the protein expression levels of HIF‑1α in liver cancer cells under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Conversely, DYRK1A overexpression‑vector transfection in liver cancer cell lines notably induced HIF‑1α expression under the same conditions. Furthermore, DYRK1A was shown to interact and activate STAT3 under hypoxia to regulate HIF‑1α expression. These findings indicated that DYRK1A may be a potential upstream activator of HIF‑1α and positively regulate HIF‑1α via the STAT3 signaling pathway in liver cancer cells. Additionally, treatment with harmine attenuated the proliferative ability of liver cancer cells under hypoxic conditions using sulforhodamine B and colony formation assay. Furthermore, DYRK1A knockdown could significantly enhance the anti‑liver cancer effects of regorafenib and sorafenib under hypoxia. Co‑treatment with harmine and either regorafenib or sorafenib also promoted cell death via the STAT3/HIF‑1α/AKT signaling pathway under hypoxia using PI staining and western blotting. Overall, the results from the present study suggested that DYRK1A/HIF‑1α signaling may be considered a novel pathway involved in chemoresistance, thus providing a potentially effective therapeutic regimen for treating liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, P.R. China
| | - Lin-Wen Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Di Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, P.R. China
| | - Man-Man Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical and Materials Engineering and Institute for Advanced Studies, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiangsu 318000, P.R. China
| | - Fei-Hua Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, P.R. China
| | - Yang-Ling Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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13
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Huang H, Liao X, Zhu G, Han C, Wang X, Yang C, Zhou X, Liang T, Huang K, Peng T. Acyl-CoA Binding Domain Containing 4 Polymorphism rs4986172 and Expression Can Serve as Overall Survival Biomarkers for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Hepatectomy. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2022; 15:277-300. [PMID: 35378899 PMCID: PMC8976523 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s349350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of expression and single nucleotide polymorphism of Acyl-CoA binding domain containing 4 (ACBD4) gene as prognosis biomarkers in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy. Methods HBV-related HCC patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and GSE14520 were included in the current study, as well as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HCC verification cohort. Prognostic analysis and multiple functional enrichment analysis methods were used to evaluate the prognostic value and potential biological functions of the ACBD4 gene in HBV-related HCC. Results We found that ACBD4 gene is highly expressed in normal liver tissues and markedly down-regulated in HBV-related HCC tissues. ACBD4 gene was significantly related to overall survival (OS) of HCC in TCGA and GSE14520 cohorts, and patients with low ACBD4 expression were markedly related to poor OS. Rs4986172 was observed as an OS biomarker after hepatectomy in the Guangxi HBV-related HCC cohort. The OS of rs4986172 GG genotype was worse than that of HCC patients with A allele (AA and AG genotypes). Multifunctional enrichment analysis suggested that ACBD4 gene is closely related to the metabolic, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and cytochrome P450 pathway. Through connectivity map, we also identified eight compounds that may be used as targeted therapeutic agents for ACBD4 gene in HBV-related HCC; these compounds were scopoletin, alfaxalone, bephenium hydroxynaphthoate, apramycin, 4,5-dianilinophthalimide, DL-thiorphan, aminohippuric acid and quinidine. Immune microenvironment analysis revealed that there were significant differences in immune scores of HBV-related HCC tumor tissues with different ACBD4 expression levels. Conclusion Our study reveals that ACBD4 expression and rs4986172 can be serve as biomarkers of OS in HBV-related HCC patients after hepatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huasheng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangzhi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuangye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangkun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengkun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ketuan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Tao Peng; Xiwen Liao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuang Yong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-771-5356528, Fax +86-771-5350031, Email ;
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Yang T, Huo J, Xu R, Su Q, Tang W, Zhang D, Zhu M, Zhan Y, Dai B, Zhang Y. Selenium sulfide disrupts the PLAGL2/C-MET/STAT3-induced resistance against mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e536. [PMID: 34586726 PMCID: PMC8441139 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Overexpression of pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) is associated with tumorigenesis. However, its function in HCC is unclear, and there are currently no anti-HCC drugs that target PLAGL2. Drug repositioning may facilitate the development of PLAGL2-targeted drug candidates. METHODS The expression of PLAGL2 in HCC clinical tissue samples and HCC cell lines was analyzed by western blotting. The constructed HCC cell models were used to confirm the underlying function of PLAGL2 as a therapeutic target. Multiple in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to determine the anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of selenium sulfide (SeS2 ), which is clinically used for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor. RESULTS PLAGL2 expression was higher in HCC tumor tissues than in normal adjacent tissues. Its overexpression promoted the resistance of HCC cells of mitochondrial apoptosis through the regulation of the downstream C-MET/STAT3 signaling axis. SeS2 exerted significant anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on HCC cells in a PLAGL2-dependent manner. Mechanistically, SeS2 suppressed C-MET/STAT3, AKT/mTOR, and MAPK signaling and triggered Bcl-2/Cyto C/Caspase-mediated intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal an important role of PLAGL2 in apoptosis resistance in HCC and highlight the potential of using SeS2 as a PLAGL2 inhibitor in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfeng Yang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Jian Huo
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Rui Xu
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Qi Su
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Tang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Man Zhu
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Yingzhuan Zhan
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Bingling Dai
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
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CHPF Regulates the Aggressive Phenotypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via the Modulation of the Decorin and TGF-β Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061261. [PMID: 33809195 PMCID: PMC8002199 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Altered extracellular chondroitin sulfate (CS) contributes to tumor progression in many cancers. CHPF is a key enzyme supporting the elongation of CS. Here we showed that CHPF was frequently downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues, and its downregulation was associated with poor overall survival. CHPF regulated aggressive phenotypes of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and the TGF-β pathway involved in the phenotypical changes. Mechanistically, CHPF modified CS on decorin (DCN), which could facilitate DCN accumulation surrounding HCC cells, and modulate activation of TGF-β pathway. Indeed, the expression of DCN were positively associated with CHPF levels in primary HCC tissue. The research proposed novel insights into the significance of CHPF, which modified DCN and modulated TGF-β signaling. Abstract Aberrant composition of glycans in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and abnormal expression of extracellular matrix proteins are hallmarks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the mechanisms responsible for establishing the TME remain unclear. We demonstrate that the chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF), an enzyme that mediates the elongation of chondroitin sulfate (CS), is a critical elicitor of the malignant characteristics of HCC as it modifies the potent tumor suppressor, decorin (DCN). CHPF expression is frequently downregulated in HCC tumors, which is associated with the poor overall survival of HCC patients. We observed that restoring CHPF expression suppressed HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TGF-β signaling is associated with CHPF-induced phenotype changes. We found that DCN, as a TGF-β regulator, is modified by CHPF, and that it affects the distribution of DCN on the surface of HCC cells. Importantly, our results confirm that CHPF and DCN expression levels are positively correlated in primary HCC tissues. Taken together, our results suggest that CHPF dysregulation contributes to the malignancy of HCC cells, and our study provides novel insights into the significance of CS, which affects DCN expression in the TME.
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Lo LH, Lam CY, To JC, Chiu CH, Keng VW. Sleeping Beauty insertional mutagenesis screen identifies the pro-metastatic roles of CNPY2 and ACTN2 in hepatocellular carcinoma tumor progression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 541:70-77. [PMID: 33482578 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A forward genetic Sleeping Beauty (SB) insertional mutagenesis screen, followed by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing, was used to identify driver genes responsible for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated metastasis. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify transposon-endogenous transcriptome fusion genes, the phylogenetic lineage between the parental liver tumor and secondary metastasis can be determined to provide mechanistic insight to genetic changes involved in the metastatic evolution process. In the current study, two novel candidate genes were identified to be potentially involved in HCC-associated metastatic progression, canopy FGF signaling regulator 2 (Cnpy2) and actinin alpha 2 (Actn2). Transposon-Cnpy2 fusion transcripts were identified in both primary liver tumors and lung metastases. Its significant association with clinicopathological characteristics and correlated gene enrichment in metastasis-related mechanisms suggest its potential role in modulating local invasion and angiogenesis. Other known driver genes for human HCC that can also promote metastatic progression include epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) and RNA imprinted and accumulated in nucleus (Rian). Metabolic pathway related gene carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (Cps1) was identified to play an important role in early HCC development, while cell junction-related pathway gene Rac family small GTPase 1 (Rac1) was identified to take part in both HCC and pro-metastatic progression. Importantly, actinin alpha 2 (Actn2) was identified exclusively in the secondary metastasis site and its role in HCC-related metastatic process was elucidated using in vitro approaches. ACTN2-overexpression in human liver cancer cells displayed enhanced cellular motility and invasion abilities, indicating its possible function in later stage of metastasis, such as extravasation and lung colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian H Lo
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Coco Y Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jeffrey C To
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cynthia H Chiu
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent W Keng
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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