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Dantzer C, Dif L, Vaché J, Basbous S, Billottet C, Moreau V. Specific features of ß-catenin-mutated hepatocellular carcinomas. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02849-7. [PMID: 39261716 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02849-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CTNNB1, encoding the ß-catenin protein, is a key oncogene contributing to liver carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer in adult, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, mainly due to mutations of the CTNNB1 gene, is observed in a significant subset of HCC. In this review, we first resume the major recent advances in HCC classification with a focus on CTNNB1-mutated HCC subclass. We present the regulatory mechanisms involved in β-catenin stabilisation, transcriptional activity and binding to partner proteins. We then describe specific phenotypic characteristics of CTNNB1-mutated HCC thanks to their unique gene expression patterns. CTNNB1-mutated HCC constitute a full-fledged subclass of HCC with distinct pathological features such as well-differentiated cells with low proliferation rate, association to cholestasis, metabolic alterations, immune exclusion and invasion. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to target ß-catenin-mutated liver tumours and innovative perspectives for future drug developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lydia Dif
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Justine Vaché
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sara Basbous
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, BRIC, U1312, Bordeaux, France
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2
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Wang L, Piao Y, Guo F, Wei J, Chen Y, Dai X, Zhang X. Current progress of pig models for liver cancer research. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115256. [PMID: 37536038 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115256] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical trials play critical roles in assessing the safety and efficiency of novel therapeutic strategies for human diseases including live cancer. However, most therapeutic strategies that were proved to be effective in preclinical cancer models failed in human clinical trials due to the lack of appropriate disease animal models. Therefore, it is of importance and urgent to develop a precise animal model for preclinical cancer research. Liver cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers with low 5-year survival rate. Recently, porcine attracted increasing attentions as animal model in biomedical research. Porcine liver cancer model may provide a promising platform for biomedical research due to their similarities to human being in body size, anatomical characteristics, physiology and pathophysiology. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the advantages and disadvantages, rationale, current status and progress of pig models for liver cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuexian Piao
- Invasive Technology Nursing Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fucheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiarui Wei
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yurong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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3
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Xu Y, Zhang X, Zhang R, Sun Y, Liu J, Luo C, Yang J, Fang W, Guo Q, Wei L. AFP deletion leads to anti-tumorigenic but pro-metastatic roles in liver cancers with concomitant CTNNB1 mutations. Cancer Lett 2023; 566:216240. [PMID: 37217071 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
HCC remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers. Serum AFP level is a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of HCC, instead the contribution of AFP to HCC development is clearly highly complex. Here, we discussed the effect of AFP deletion in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. AFP deletion in HepG2 cells inhibited the cell proliferation by inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling. Surprisingly, AFP KO HepG2 cells appeared the increasing metastatic capacity and EMT phenotype, which was attributed to the activation of WNT5A/β-catenin signal. Further studies revealed that the activating mutations of CTNNB1 was closely related with the unconventional pro-metastatic roles of AFP deletion. Consistently, the results of DEN/CCl4-induced HCC mouse model also suggested that AFP knockout suppressed the growth of HCC primary tumors, but promoted lung metastasis. Despite the discordant effect of AFP deletion in HCC progression, a drug candidate named OA showed the potent suppression of HCC tumor growth by interrupting AFP-PTEN interaction and, importantly, reduced the lung metastasis of HCC via angiogenesis suppression. Thus, this study demonstrates an unconventional effect of AFP in HCC progression, and suggests a potent candidate strategy for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Tripod Preclinincal Research Laboratories Co., Ltd., No. 9 Xinglong Road, Nanjing, 211800, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruitian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuening Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengju Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Libin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Li J, Wang X, Ren M, He S, Zhao Y. Advances in experimental animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15261-15276. [PMID: 37248746 PMCID: PMC10417182 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with insidious early symptoms, easy metastasis, postoperative recurrence, poor drug efficacy, and a high drug resistance rate when surgery is missed, leading to a low 5-year survival rate. Research on the pathogenesis and drugs is particularly important for clinical treatment. Animal models are crucial for basic research, which is conducive to studying pathogenesis and drug screening more conveniently and effectively. An appropriate animal model can better reflect disease occurrence and development, and the process of anti-tumor immune response in the human body. This review summarizes the classification, characteristics, and advances in experimental animal models of HCC to provide a reference for researchers on model selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
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5
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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6
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Liang B, Zhou Y, Qian M, Xu M, Wang J, Zhang Y, Song X, Wang H, Lin S, Ren C, Monga SP, Wang B, Evert M, Chen Y, Chen X, Huang Z, Calvisi DF, Chen X. TBX3 functions as a tumor suppressor downstream of activated CTNNB1 mutants during hepatocarcinogenesis. J Hepatol 2021; 75:120-131. [PMID: 33577921 PMCID: PMC8217095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gain of function (GOF) mutations in the CTNNB1 gene are one of the most frequent genetic events in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) is a liver-specific target of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and thought to be an oncogene mediating activated β-catenin-driven HCC formation. METHODS We evaluated the expression pattern of TBX3 in human HCC specimens. Tbx3 was conditionally knocked out in murine HCC models by hydrodynamic tail vein injection of Cre together with c-Met and ΔN90-β-catenin (c-Met/β-catenin) in Tbx3flox/flox mice. TBX3 was overexpressed in human HCC cell lines to investigate the functions of TBX3 in vitro. RESULTS A bimodal expression pattern of TBX3 in human HCC samples was detected: high expression of TBX3 in GOF CTNNB1 HCC and downregulation of TBX3 in non-CTNNB1 mutant tumors. High expression of TBX3 was associated with increased differentiation and decreased expression signatures of tumor growth. Using Tbx3flox/flox mice, we found that ablation of Tbx3 significantly accelerates c-Met/β-catenin-driven HCC formation. Moreover, Tbx3(-) HCC demonstrated increased YAP/TAZ activity. The accelerated tumor growth induced by loss of TBX3 in c-Met/β-catenin mouse HCC was successfully prevented by overexpression of LATS2, which inhibited YAP/TAZ activity. In human HCC cell lines, overexpression of TBX3 inhibited HCC cell growth as well as YAP/TAZ activation. A negative correlation between TBX3 and YAP/TAZ target genes was observed in human HCC samples. Mechanistically, phospholipase D1 (PLD1), a known positive regulator of YAP/TAZ, was identified as a novel transcriptional target repressed by TBX3. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that TBX3 is induced by GOF CTNNB1 mutants and suppresses HCC growth by inactivating PLD1, thus leading to the inhibition of YAP/TAZ oncogenes. LAY SUMMARY TBX3 is a liver-specific target of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and thought to be an oncogene in promoting liver cancer development. Herein, we demonstrate that TBX3 is in fact a tumor suppressor gene that restricts liver tumor growth. Strategies which increase TBX3 expression and/or activities may be effective for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Manning Qian
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; College of Clinical Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shumei Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chuanli Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bruce Wang
- Department of Medicine and Liver Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yifa Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Huang D, Yang B, Yao Y, Liao M, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Zhang F, Wang N, Tong G. Autophagic Inhibition of Caveolin-1 by Compound Phyllanthus urinaria L. Activates Ubiquitination and Proteasome Degradation of β-catenin to Suppress Metastasis of Hepatitis B-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:659325. [PMID: 34168559 PMCID: PMC8217966 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.659325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Compound Phyllanthus urinaria L. (CP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for cancer treatment in the clinic, particularly during progression of hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-associated HCC). Nevertheless, its anti-metastatic action and mechanisms are not well elucidated. In this study, CP was found to exert remarkable inhibitory effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HBV-associated HCC cells. The following network and biological analyses predicted that CP mainly targeted Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) to induce anti-metastatic effects, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway was one of the core mechanisms of CP action against HBV-associated HCC. Further experimental validation implied that Cav-1 overexpression promoted metastasis of HBV-associated HCC by stabilizing β-catenin, while CP administration induced autophagic degradation of Cav-1, activated the Akt/GSK3β-mediated proteasome degradation of β-catenin via ubiquitination activation, and subsequently attenuated the metastasis-promoting effect of Cav-1. In addition, the anti-cancer and anti-metastatic action of CP was further confirmed by in vivo and ex vivo experiments. It was found that CP inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis of HBV-associated HCC in both mice liver cancer xenograft and zebrafish xenotransplantation models. Taken together, our study not only highlights the novel function of CP formula in suppressing metastasis of HBV-associated HCC, but it also addresses the critical role of Cav-1 in mediating Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin axis to control the late-phase of cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danping Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bowen Yang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoyao Yao
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mianmian Liao
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihao Zeng
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengxue Zhang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Neng Wang
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangdong Tong
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Agmatine Attenuates Liver Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Activating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Mice. Transplantation 2020; 104:1906-1916. [PMID: 32032294 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver ischemia reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a common problem during surgical procedures of the liver. It causes severe inflammatory responses and cell death, eventually leading to serious liver damage. Agmatine (AGM) is an endogenous polyamine with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. However, it is still unknown whether AGM can protect the liver from damage caused by LIRI. METHODS For the in vivo experiments, a mouse model of partial warm hepatic ischemia reperfusion was established using C57BL/6J mice and then serum transaminase concentrations were analyzed. Histopathology was used to evaluate the degree of liver injury and quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the amount of inflammatory cytokines. For the in vitro experiments, a cellular model of cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxia was established using AML12 cells. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the apoptosis levels. Western blotting analysis was conducted to measure the levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We also chose 2 inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling to elucidate the relationship between AGM and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RESULTS AGM showed protective effects against LIRI-induced liver damage, inflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis along with alleviation of CoCl2-induced hepatocyte injury. AGM activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during LIRI and CoCl2-induced hepatocyte injury; however, when the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited, the protective effects of AGM declined. CONCLUSIONS AGM showed protective effects against LIRI by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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9
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Genetically Engineered Mouse Models for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010014. [PMID: 31861541 PMCID: PMC7016809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, comprising approximately 80% of cases. Murine models of HCC, such as chemically-induced models, xenograft models, and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, are valuable tools to reproduce human HCC biopathology and biochemistry. These models can be used to identify potential biomarkers, evaluate potential novel therapeutic drugs in pre-clinical trials, and develop molecular target therapies. Considering molecular target therapies, a novel approach has been developed to create genetically engineered murine models for HCC, employing hydrodynamics-based transfection (HT). The HT method, coupled with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system or the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool, has been used to rapidly and cost-effectively produce a variety of HCC models containing diverse oncogenes or inactivated tumor suppressor genes. The versatility of these models is expected to broaden our knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying human hepatocarcinogenesis, allowing the study of premalignant and malignant liver lesions and the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we review recent advances in GEM models of HCC with an emphasis on new technologies.
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10
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Promotion of growth factor signaling as a critical function of β-catenin during HCC progression. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1909. [PMID: 31015417 PMCID: PMC6478918 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09780-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. β-catenin is widely thought to be a major oncogene in HCC based on the frequency of mutations associated with aberrant Wnt signaling in HCC patients. Challenging this model, our data reveal that β-catenin nuclear accumulation is restricted to the late stage of the disease. Until then, β-catenin is primarily located at the plasma membrane in complex with multiple cadherin family members where it drives tumor cell survival by enhancing the signaling of growth factor receptors such as EGFR. Therefore, our study reveals the evolving nature of β-catenin in HCC to establish it as a compound tumor promoter during the progression of the disease. Aberrant Wnt/b-catenin signaling is thought to be a major driver of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, the authors show that β-Catenin is predominantly integrated within the AJ complex during the early stages of this cancer and enhance EGFR signaling to promote tumour survival.
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11
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Wang Q, Zhang P, Li Z, Feng X, Lv C, Zhang H, Xiao H, Ding J, Chen X. Evaluation of Polymer Nanoformulations in Hepatoma Therapy by Established Rodent Models. Theranostics 2019; 9:1426-1452. [PMID: 30867842 PMCID: PMC6401493 DOI: 10.7150/thno.31683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoma is one of the most severe malignancies usually with poor prognosis, and many patients are insensitive to the existing therapeutic agents, including the drugs for chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. Currently, researchers are committed to developing the advanced formulations with controlled drug delivery to improve the efficacy of hepatoma therapy. Numerous inoculated, induced, and genetically engineered hepatoma rodent models are now available for formulation screening. However, animal models of hepatoma cannot accurately represent human hepatoma in terms of histological characteristics, metastatic pathways, and post-treatment responses. Therefore, advanced animal hepatoma models with comparable pathogenesis and pathological features are in urgent need in the further studies. Moreover, the development of nanomedicines has renewed hope for chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy of advanced hepatoma. As one kind of advanced formulations, the polymer-based nanoformulated drugs have many advantages over the traditional ones, such as improved tumor selectivity and treatment efficacy, and reduced systemic side effects. In this article, the construction of rodent hepatoma model and much information about the current development of polymer nanomedicines were reviewed in order to provide a basis for the development of advanced formulations with clinical therapeutic potential for hepatoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Zhongmin Li
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, P. R. China
| | - Xiangru Feng
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Chengyue Lv
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Huaiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, P. R. China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
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12
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di Bello G, Vendemiale G, Bellanti F. Redox cell signaling and hepatic progenitor cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2018; 97:546-556. [PMID: 30278988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic diseases are widespread in the world and organ transplantation is currently the only treatment for liver failure. New cell-based approaches have been considered, since stem cells may represent a possible source to treat liver diseases. Acute and chronic liver diseases are characterized by high production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, with consequent oxidative modifications of cellular macromolecules and alteration of signaling pathways, metabolism and cell cycle. Although considered harmful molecules, reactive species are involved in cell growth and differentiation processes, modulating the activity of transcription factors, which take part in stemness/proliferation. It is conceivable that redox balance may regulate the development of hepatic progenitor cells, function and survival in synchrony with metabolism during chronic liver diseases. This review aims to summarize diverse redox-sensitive signaling pathways involved in stem cell fate, highlighting the important role of hepatic progenitor cells as a possible source to treat end-stage liver disease for organ regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia di Bello
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellanti
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
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13
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Mattu S, Saliba C, Sulas P, Zavattari P, Perra A, Kowalik MA, Monga SP, Columbano A. High Frequency of β-Catenin Mutations in Mouse Hepatocellular Carcinomas Induced by a Nongenotoxic Constitutive Androstane Receptor Agonist. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:2497-2507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Yim SY, Shim JJ, Shin JH, Jeong YS, Kang SH, Kim SB, Eun YG, Lee DJ, Conner EA, Factor VM, Moore DD, Johnson RL, Thorgeirsson SS, Lee JS. Integrated Genomic Comparison of Mouse Models Reveals Their Clinical Resemblance to Human Liver Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:1713-1723. [PMID: 30082483 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous disease. Mouse models are commonly used as preclinical models to study hepatocarcinogenesis, but how well these models recapitulate molecular subtypes of human HCC is unclear. Here, integration of genomic signatures from molecularly and clinically defined human HCC (n = 11) and mouse models of HCC (n = 9) identified the mouse models that best resembled subtypes of human HCC and determined the clinical relevance of each model. Mst1/2 knockout (KO), Sav1 KO, and SV40 T antigen mouse models effectively recapitulated subtypes of human HCC with a poor prognosis, whereas the Myc transgenic model best resembled human HCCs with a more favorable prognosis. The Myc model was also associated with activation of β-catenin. E2f1, E2f1/Myc, E2f1/Tgfa, and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced models were heterogeneous and were unequally split into poor and favorable prognoses. Mst1/2 KO and Sav1 KO models best resemble human HCC with hepatic stem cell characteristics. Applying a genomic predictor for immunotherapy, the six-gene IFNγ score, the Mst1/2 KO, Sav1 KO, SV40, and DEN models were predicted to be the least responsive to immunotherapy. Further analysis showed that elevated expression of immune-inhibitory genes (Cd276 and Nectin2/Pvrl2) in Mst1/2 KO, Sav1 KO, and SV40 models and decreased expression of immune stimulatory gene (Cd86) in the DEN model might be accountable for the lack of predictive response to immunotherapy.Implication: The current genomic approach identified the most relevant mouse models to human liver cancer and suggests immunotherapeutic potential for the treatment of specific subtypes. Mol Cancer Res; 16(11); 1713-23. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Yim
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Shin
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yun Seong Jeong
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sang-Hee Kang
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Bae Kim
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Young Gyu Eun
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Jin Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Elizabeth A Conner
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Valentina M Factor
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David D Moore
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Randy L Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Snorri S Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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15
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Lemberger UJ, Fuchs CD, Karer M, Haas S, Stojakovic T, Schöfer C, Marschall HU, Wrba F, Taketo MM, Egger G, Trauner M, Österreicher CH. Hepatocyte specific expression of an oncogenic variant of β-catenin results in cholestatic liver disease. Oncotarget 2018; 7:86985-86998. [PMID: 27895309 PMCID: PMC5349966 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, wound healing and malignant transformation in different organs including the liver. The consequences of continuous β-catenin signaling in hepatocytes remain elusive. RESULTS Livers of Ctnnb1CA hep mice were characterized by disturbed liver architecture, proliferating cholangiocytes and biliary type of fibrosis. Serum ALT and bile acid levels were significantly increased in Ctnnb1CA hep mice. The primary bile acid synthesis enzyme Cyp7a1 was increased whereas Cyp27 and Cyp8b1 were reduced in Ctnnb1CA hep mice. Expression of compensatory bile acid transporters including Abcb1, Abcb4, Abcc2 and Abcc4 were significantly increased in Ctnnb1CA hep mice while Ntcp was reduced. Accompanying changes of bile acid transporters favoring excretion of bile acids were observed in intestine and kidneys of Ctnnb1CA hep mice. Additionally, disturbed bile acid regulation through the FXR-FGF15-FGFR4 pathway was observed in mice with activated β-catenin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice with a loxP-flanked exon 3 of the Ctnnb1 gene were crossed to Albumin-Cre mice to obtain mice with hepatocyte-specific expression of a dominant stable form of β-catenin (Ctnnb1CA hep mice). Ctnnb1CA hep mice were analyzed by histology, serum biochemistry and mRNA profiling. CONCLUSIONS Expression of a dominant stable form of β-catenin in hepatocytes results in severe cholestasis and biliary type fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula J Lemberger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia D Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Karer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Haas
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Schöfer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fritz Wrba
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Makoto M Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gerda Egger
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory for Molecular Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Brar TS, Hilgenfeldt E, Soldevila-Pico C. Etiology and Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-68082-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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He L, Tian DA, Li PY, He XX. Mouse models of liver cancer: Progress and recommendations. Oncotarget 2016; 6:23306-22. [PMID: 26259234 PMCID: PMC4695120 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To clarify the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and investigate the effects of potential therapies, a number of mouse models have been developed. Subcutaneous xenograft models are widely used in the past decades. Yet, with the advent of in vivo imaging technology, investigators are more and more concerned with the orthotopic models nowadays. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEM) have greatly facilitated studies of gene function in HCC development. Recently, GEM of miR-122 and miR-221 provided new approaches for better understanding of the in vivo functions of microRNA in hepatocarcinogenesis. Chemically induced liver tumors in animals share many of the morphological, histogenic, and biochemical features of human HCC. Yet, the complicated and obscure genomic alternation restricts their applications. In this review, we highlight both the frequently used mouse models and some emerging ones with emphasis on their merits or defects, and give advises for investigators to chose a “best-fit” animal model in HCC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - De-An Tian
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing-Xing He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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18
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Loaiza-Bonilla A, Furth EE, Morrissette JJD. Next-generation sequencing and personalized genomic medicine in hepatobiliary malignancies. Hepat Oncol 2015; 2:359-370. [PMID: 30191018 PMCID: PMC6095428 DOI: 10.2217/hep.15.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by significant molecular and genomic heterogeneity. The advent of powerful genomic technologies has allowed detection of recurrent somatic alterations in liver cancer, including mutations, copy number alterations as well as changes in transcriptomes and epigenomes, with the potential to translate these data into clinically relevant predictive and prognostic factors. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the application of high-throughput genomic technologies in liver cancer and the integration of such cancer genome profiling data, highlighting specific relevant subgroups and explain how this knowledge can be used in translational clinical research, 'basket trials', molecular tumor boards, targeted therapy and for personalized genomic medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emma E Furth
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer JD Morrissette
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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19
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Chung W, Kim M, de la Monte S, Longato L, Carlson R, Slagle BL, Dong X, Wands JR. Activation of signal transduction pathways during hepatic oncogenesis. Cancer Lett 2015; 370:1-9. [PMID: 26433160 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential to identify therapeutic targets. A hepatitis B virus (HBV) related double transgenic murine model was developed. METHODS Liver specific expression of HBV X protein (HBx) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) was achieved and transgenic mice were followed from birth to age 21 months. Liver and tumor tissue were assessed for histologic changes as well as activation of signal transduction pathways by qRT-PCR and multiplex ELISA protein assays. RESULTS Overexpression of HBx and IRS1 stimulates liver cell proliferation in the double transgenic mice. Only the male mice developed HCC starting at age 15-18 months. The IN/IGF1/IRS1/MAPK/ERK and IN/IGF1/IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β cascades were activated early (6-9 months) in the liver followed by WNT/β-catenin and Notch signaling. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) was found to link these upstream growth factor signaling pathways to downstream Notch activation in tumor tissues. CONCLUSIONS Sustained overexpression of HBx and IRS1 led to constitutive activation of a tripartite growth factor signal transduction cascade in the liver and was necessary and sufficient to promote HCC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waihong Chung
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Miran Kim
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Suzanne de la Monte
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Lisa Longato
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Rolf Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Betty L Slagle
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jack R Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI 02903, USA.
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20
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Pavlova GV, Vergun AA, Rybalkina EY, Butovskaya PR, Ryskov AP. Identification of structural DNA variations in human cell cultures after long-term passage. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:200-5. [PMID: 25607645 PMCID: PMC4353222 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.974427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was adapted for genomic identification of cell cultures and evaluation of DNA stability in cells of different origin at different culture passages. DNA stability was observed in cultures after no more than 5 passages. Adipose-derived stromal cells demonstrated increased DNA instability. RAPD fragments from different cell lines after different number of passages were cloned and sequenced. The chromosomal localization of these fragments was identified and single-nucleotide variations in RAPD fragments isolated from cell lines after 8–12 passages were revealed. Some of them had permanent localization, while most variations demonstrated random distribution and can be considered as de novo mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Pavlova
- a Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences ; Moscow , Russia
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21
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Abstract
Liver cancer is an extraordinarily heterogeneous malignant disease among the tumors that have so far been identified. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises most frequently in the setting of chronic liver inflammation and fibrosis, and takes a variety of course in individual patients to process to tumor. The risk factors such as HBV and/or HCV infections, aflatoxin infection, abuse alcohol intake, metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes are closely related to the environmental and genetic susceptibilities to HCC. The consequent resulting genomic instability, molecular and signal transduction network disorders and microenvironmental discrepancies are characterized by the extraordinary heterogeneity of liver cancer. The histology-based definition of the morphological heterogeneity of liver cancer has been modified and refined to treat patients with targeted therapies, but this still cannot solve all the problems. Lack of consistent outcome for anticancer agents and conventional therapies in liver cancer treatment calls for assessing the benefits of new molecularly targeted drugs and combined therapy, under the heterogeneity condition of tumor. The present review article will provide the complex mechanism and phenotype of liver cancer heterogeneity, and help us to execute precision medicine in a really personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; National Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Cancer Institute, RenJi Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200441, China.
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22
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Chen X, Yamamoto M, Fujii K, Nagahama Y, Ooshio T, Xin B, Okada Y, Furukawa H, Nishikawa Y. Differential reactivation of fetal/neonatal genes in mouse liver tumors induced in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic conditions. Cancer Sci 2015; 106:972-81. [PMID: 26011625 PMCID: PMC4556385 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma develops in either chronically injured or seemingly intact livers. To explore the tumorigenic mechanisms underlying these different conditions, we compared the mRNA expression profiles of mouse hepatocellular tumors induced by the repeated injection of CCl4 or a single diethylnitrosamine (DEN) injection using a cDNA microarray. We identified tumor-associated genes that were expressed differentially in the cirrhotic CCl4 model (H19, Igf2, Cbr3, and Krt20) and the non-cirrhotic DEN model (Tff3, Akr1c18, Gpc3, Afp, and Abcd2) as well as genes that were expressed comparably in both models (Ly6d, Slpi, Spink3, Scd2, and Cpe). The levels and patterns of mRNA expression of these genes were validated by quantitative RT-PCR analyses. Most of these genes were highly expressed in mouse livers during the fetal/neonatal periods. We also examined the mRNA expression of these genes in mouse tumors induced by thioacetamide, another cirrhotic inducer, and those that developed spontaneously in non-cirrhotic livers and found that they shared a similar expression profile as that observed in CCl4-induced and DEN-induced tumors, respectively. There was a close relationship between the expression levels of Igf2 and H19 mRNA, which were activated in the cirrhotic models. Our results show that mouse liver tumors reactivate fetal/neonatal genes, some of which are specific to cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic modes of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Kiyonaga Fujii
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Nagahama
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Takako Ooshio
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Bing Xin
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yoko Okada
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Furukawa
- Division of Gastroenterological and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishikawa
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
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Molecular signalling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Role of and crosstalk among WNT/ß-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Notch and Dickkopf-1. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 29:209-17. [PMID: 25965442 PMCID: PMC4444031 DOI: 10.1155/2015/172356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. In the majority of cases, there is evidence of existing chronic liver disease from a variety of causes including viral hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Identification of the signalling pathways used by hepatocellular carcinoma cells to proliferate, invade or metastasize is of paramount importance in the discovery and implementation of successfully targeted therapies. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin, Notch and Hedgehog pathways play a critical role in regulating liver cell proliferation during development and in controlling crucial functions of the adult liver in the initiation and progression of human cancers. β-catenin was identified as a protein interacting with the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin at the cell-cell junction, and has been shown to be one of the most important mediators of the Wnt signalling pathway in tumourigenesis. Investigations into the role of Dikkopf-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma have demonstrated controversial results, with a decreased expression of Dickkopf-1 and soluble frizzled-related protein in various cancers on one hand, and as a possible negative prognostic indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma on the other. In the present review, the authors focus on the Wnt⁄β-catenin, Notch and Sonic Hedgehog pathways, and their interaction with Dikkopf-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Activating CAR and β-catenin induces uncontrolled liver growth and tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:5944. [PMID: 25661872 PMCID: PMC4324535 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant β-catenin activation contributes to a third or more of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but β-catenin activation alone is not sufficient to induce liver cancer in mice. Differentiated hepatocytes proliferate upon acute activation of either β-catenin or the nuclear xenobiotic receptor CAR. These responses are strictly limited and are tightly linked, since β-catenin is activated in nearly all of the CAR-dependent tumors generated by the tumor promoter phenobarbital. Here we show that full activation of β-catenin in the liver induces senescence and growth arrest, which is overcome by combined CAR activation, resulting in uncontrolled hepatocyte proliferation, hepatomegaly, and rapid lethality despite maintenance of normal liver function. Combining CAR activation with limited β-catenin activation induces tumorigenesis, and the tumors share a conserved gene expression signature with β-catenin positive human HCC. These results reveal an unexpected route for hepatocyte proliferation and define a murine model of hepatocarcinogenesis with direct relevance to human HCC.
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Abstract
Neonatal or perinatal tumours frequently relate to prenatal or developmental events and have a short exposure window which provides an opportunity to study tumours in a selective sensitive period of development. As a result, they display a number of host-specific features which include occasional spontaneous maturational changes with cells still responding to developmental influences. Neonatal tumours (NNT) are studied for a number of important reasons. Firstly, many of the benign tumours arising from soft tissue appear to result from disturbances in growth and development and some are associated with other congenital anomalies. Study of these aspects may open the door for investigation of genetic and epigenetic changes in genes controlling foetal development as well as environmental and drug effects during pregnancy. Secondly, the clinical behaviour of NNT differs from that of similar tumours occurring later in childhood. In addition, certain apparently malignant NNT can 'change course' in infancy leading to the maturation of apparently highly malignant tumours. Thirdly, NNT underline the genetic associations of most tumours but appear to differ in the effects of proto-oncogenes and other oncogenic factors. In this context, there are also connections between the foetal and neonatal period and some "adult" cancers. Fourthly, they appear to arise in a period in which minimal environmental interference has occurred, thus providing a unique potential window of opportunity to study the pathogenesis of tumour behaviour. This study will seek to review what is currently known in each of these areas of study as they apply to NNT. Further study of the provocative differences in tumour behaviour in neonates provides insights into the natural history of cancer in humans and promotes novel cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Moore
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa,
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26
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Evert M, Frau M, Tomasi ML, Latte G, Simile MM, Seddaiu MA, Zimmermann A, Ladu S, Staniscia T, Brozzetti S, Solinas G, Dombrowski F, Feo F, Pascale RM, Calvisi DF. Deregulation of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit contributes to human hepatocarcinogenesis development and has a putative prognostic value. Br J Cancer 2013; 109:2654-64. [PMID: 24136149 PMCID: PMC3833205 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The DNA-repair gene DNA-dependent kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) favours or inhibits carcinogenesis, depending on the cancer type. Its role in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. Methods: DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subuni, H2A histone family member X (H2AFX) and heat shock transcription factor-1 (HSF1) levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry and/or immunoblotting and qRT–PCR in a collection of human HCC. Rates of proliferation, apoptosis, microvessel density and genomic instability were also determined. Heat shock factor-1 cDNA or DNA-PKcs-specific siRNA were used to explore the role of both genes in HCC. Activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding to DNA-PKcs promoter was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox model were used to study the impact on clinical outcome. Results: Total and phosphorylated DNA-PKcs and H2AFX were upregulated in HCC. Activated DNA-PKcs positively correlated with HCC proliferation, genomic instability and microvessel density, and negatively with apoptosis and patient's survival. Proliferation decline and massive apoptosis followed DNA-PKcs silencing in HCC cell lines. Total and phosphorylated HSF1 protein, mRNA and activity were upregulated in HCC. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that HSF1 induces DNA-PKcs upregulation through the activation of the MAPK/JNK/AP-1 axis. Conclusion: DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit transduces HSF1 effects in HCC cells, and might represent a novel target and prognostic factor in human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Evert
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Kim JR, Moon YJ, Kwon KS, Bae JS, Wagle S, Yu TK, Kim KM, Park HS, Lee JH, Moon WS, Lee H, Chung MJ, Jang KY. Expression of SIRT1 and DBC1 is associated with poor prognosis of soft tissue sarcomas. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74738. [PMID: 24019980 PMCID: PMC3760851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the roles of SIRT1 and deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1) in human cancer have been extensively studied and it has been demonstrated that they are involved in many human carcinomas. However, their clinical significance for soft-tissue sarcomas has not been examined. In this study, we evaluated the expression and prognostic significance of the expression of SIRT1, DBC1, P53, β-catenin, cyclin D1, and KI67 in 104 cases of soft-tissue sarcomas. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical expression of SIRT1, DBC1, P53, β-catenin, and cyclin D1 were seen in 71%, 74%, 53%, 48%, and 73% of sarcomas, respectively. The expression of SIRT1, DBC1, P53, β-catenin, and cyclin D1 were significantly correlated with advanced clinicopathological parameters such as higher clinical stage, higher histological grade, increased mitotic counts, and distant metastasis. The expression of SIRT1, DBC1, P53, β-catenin, cyclin D1, and KI67 were significantly correlated with each other and positive expression of all of these predicted shorter overall survival and event-free survival by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed the expression of SIRT1 as an independent prognostic indicator for overall survival and event-free survival of sarcoma patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SIRT1- and DBC1-related pathways may be involved in the progression of soft-tissue sarcomas and can be used as clinically significant prognostic indicators for sarcoma patients. Moreover, the SIRT1- and DBC1-related pathways could be new therapeutic targets for the treatment of sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Ryul Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine and Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
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Calvisi DF, Frau M, Tomasi ML, Feo F, Pascale RM. Deregulation of signalling pathways in prognostic subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma: novel insights from interspecies comparison. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2013; 1826:215-37. [PMID: 23393659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a frequent and fatal disease. Recent researches on rodent models and human hepatocarcinogenesis contributed to unravel the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma dedifferentiation and progression, and allowed the discovery of several alterations underlying the deregulation of cell cycle and signalling pathways. This review provides an interpretive analysis of the results of these studies. Mounting evidence emphasises the role of up-regulation of RAS/ERK, P13K/AKT, IKK/NF-kB, WNT, TGF-ß, NOTCH, Hedgehog, and Hippo signalling pathways as well as of aberrant proteasomal activity in hepatocarcinogenesis. Signalling deregulation often occurs in preneoplastic stages of rodent and human hepatocarcinogenesis and progressively increases in carcinomas, being most pronounced in more aggressive tumours. Numerous changes in signalling cascades are involved in the deregulation of carbohydrate, lipid, and methionine metabolism, which play a role in the maintenance of the transformed phenotype. Recent studies on the role of microRNAs in signalling deregulation, and on the interplay between signalling pathways led to crucial achievements in the knowledge of the network of signalling cascades, essential for the development of adjuvant therapies of liver cancer. Furthermore, the analysis of the mechanisms involved in signalling deregulation allowed the identification of numerous putative prognostic markers and novel therapeutic targets of specific hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes associated with different biologic and clinical features. This is of prime importance for the selection of patient subgroups that are most likely to obtain clinical benefit and, hence, for successful development of targeted therapies for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Calvisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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29
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Lehwald N, Tao GZ, Jang KY, Papandreou I, Liu B, Liu B, Pysz MA, Willmann JK, Knoefel WT, Denko NC, Sylvester KG. β-Catenin regulates hepatic mitochondrial function and energy balance in mice. Gastroenterology 2012; 143:754-764. [PMID: 22684045 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Wnt signaling regulates hepatic function and nutrient homeostasis. However, little is known about the roles of β-catenin in cellular respiration or mitochondria of hepatocytes. METHODS We investigated β-catenin's role in the metabolic function of hepatocytes under homeostatic conditions and in response to metabolic stress using mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of β-catenin and their wild-type littermates, given either saline (sham) or ethanol (as a model of binge drinking and acute ethanol intoxication). RESULTS Under homeostatic conditions, β-catenin-deficient hepatocytes demonstrated mitochondrial dysfunctions that included impairments to the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). There was no evidence for redox imbalance or oxidative cellular injury in the absence of metabolic stress. In mice with β-catenin-deficient hepatocytes, ethanol intoxication led to significant redox imbalance in the hepatocytes and further deterioration in mitochondrial function that included reduced OXPHOS, fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and ATP production. Ethanol feeding significantly increased liver steatosis and oxidative damage, compared with wild-type mice, and disrupted the ratio of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. β-catenin-deficient hepatocytes also had showed disrupted signaling of Sirt1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α signaling. CONCLUSIONS β-catenin has an important role in the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis, regulating ATP production via the tricarboxylic acid cycle, OXPHOS, and fatty acid oxidation; β-catenin function in these systems is compromised under conditions of nutrient oxidative stress. Reagents that alter Wnt-β-catenin signaling might be developed as a useful new therapeutic strategy for treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Lehwald
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Guo-Zhong Tao
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Kyu Yun Jang
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Pathology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, South Korea
| | - Ioanna Papandreou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Bowen Liu
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Marybeth A Pysz
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Wolfram T Knoefel
- Department of General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicholas C Denko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Karl G Sylvester
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, California.
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30
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White BD, Chien AJ, Dawson DW. Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in gastrointestinal cancers. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:219-32. [PMID: 22155636 PMCID: PMC3285553 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 379] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is widely implicated in numerous malignancies, including cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Dysregulation of signaling is traditionally attributed to mutations in Axin, adenomatous polyposis coli, and β-catenin that lead to constitutive hyperactivation of the pathway. However, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is also modulated through various other mechanisms in cancer, including cross talk with other altered signaling pathways. A more complex view of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in gastrointestinal cancers is now emerging as divergent phenotypic outcomes are found to be dictated by temporospatial context and relative levels of pathway activation. This review summarizes the dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, with particular emphasis on the latter two. We conclude by addressing some of the major challenges faced in attempting to target the pathway in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D. White
- Science and Technology Program University of Washington Bothell Bothell, WA, USA
| | - Andy J. Chien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David W. Dawson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Marquardt JU, Galle PR, Teufel A. Molecular diagnosis and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): an emerging field for advanced technologies. J Hepatol 2012; 56:267-75. [PMID: 21782758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite great progress in diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the exact biology of the tumor remains poorly understood overall limiting the patients' outcome. Detailed analysis and characterization of the molecular mechanisms and subsequently individual prediction of corresponding prognostic traits would revolutionize both diagnosis and treatment of HCC and is the key goal of modern personalized medicine. Over the recent years systematic approaches for the analysis of whole tumor genomes and transcriptomes as well as epigenomes became affordable tools in translational research. This includes simultaneous analyses of thousands of molecular targets using microarray-based technologies as well as next-generation sequencing. Although currently diagnosis and classification of hepatocellular cancers still rely on histological examination of tumor sections, these technologies show great promise to advance the current knowledge of hepatocarcinogenesis, complement diagnostic classification in a setting of microarray-aided pathology, and rationalize the individual drug selection. This review aims to summarize recent progress of system biological approaches in hepatocarcinogenesis and outline potential areas for translational application in a clinical setting. Further, we give an update about known signaling pathways active in HCC, summarize the historical application of whole genomic approaches in liver cancer and indicate ongoing experimental research utilizing novel technologies in diagnosis and treatment of this deadly disease. This will also include the discussion and characterization of new molecular and cellular targets such as Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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32
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Fatima S, Lee NP, Luk JM. Dickkopfs and Wnt/β-catenin signalling in liver cancer. World J Clin Oncol 2011; 2:311-25. [PMID: 21876852 PMCID: PMC3163259 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v2.i8.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth and seventh most common cause of cancer in men and women, respectively. Wnt/β-catenin signalling has emerged as a critical player in both the development of normal liver as well as an oncogenic driver in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on the current understanding, this article summarizes the possible mechanisms for the aberrant activation of this pathway with specific focus on HCC. Furthermore, we will discuss the role of dickkopfs (DKKs) in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which is poorly understood and understudied. DKKs are a family of secreted proteins that comprise at least four members, namely DKK1-DKK4, which act as inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Nevertheless, not all members antagonize Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Their functional significance in hepatocarcinogenesis remains to be further characterized for which these studies should provide new insights into the regulatory role of DKKs in Wnt/β-catenin signalling in hepatic carcinogenesis. Because of the important oncogenic roles, there are an increasing number of therapeutic molecules targeting β-catenin and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway for potential therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Fatima
- Sarwat Fatima, Nikki P Lee, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Lehwald N, Tao GZ, Jang KY, Sorkin M, Knoefel WT, Sylvester KG. Wnt-β-catenin signaling protects against hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice. Gastroenterology 2011; 141:707-18, 718.e1-5. [PMID: 21679710 PMCID: PMC4084974 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ischemia and reperfusion injury are common causes of oxidative tissue damage associated with many liver diseases and hepatic surgery. The Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway is an important regulator of hepatic development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis. However, the role of Wnt signaling in the hepatocellular response to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has not been determined. METHODS Hepatic injury following ischemia or I/R was investigated in hepatocyte-specific, β-catenin-deficient mice, as well as Wnt1-overexpressing and wild-type (control) mice. RESULTS Wnt-β-catenin signaling was affected by the cellular redox balance in hepatocytes. Following ischemia or I/R, mice with β-catenin-deficient hepatocytes were significantly more susceptible to liver injury. Conversely, mice that overexpressed Wnt1 in hepatocytes were resistant to hepatic I/R injury. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α signaling was reduced in β-catenin-deficient liver but increased in hepatocytes that overexpressed Wnt1 under hypoxia and following I/R, indicating an interaction between β-catenin and HIF-1α signaling in the liver. The mechanism by which Wnt signaling protects against liver injury involves the role of β-catenin as a transcriptional coactivator of HIF-1α signaling, which promotes hepatocyte survival under hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS Cellular redox balance affects Wnt-β-catenin signaling, which protects against hypoxia and I/R injury. These findings might be used to develop strategies for protection of hepatocytes, regeneration of liver, and inhibition of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Lehwald
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California,Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Guo-Zhong Tao
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Kyu Yun Jang
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California,Department of Pathology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, South Korea
| | - Michael Sorkin
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Plastic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Wolfram T. Knoefel
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl G. Sylvester
- Department of Surgery, Divison of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California,The Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford, California
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Vivekanandan P, Torbenson M, Ramakrishna B. Hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma from India: role of viral genotype and mutations in CTNNB1 (beta-catenin) and TP53 genes. J Gastrointest Cancer 2011; 42:20-5. [PMID: 20963515 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-010-9222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in India. Studies from other countries have linked HBV genotype C to a higher risk for HCC. This study was carried out to determine the association between genotype and HCC and also the frequency of mutations in CTNNB1 (beta-catenin) and TP53 genes in HBV-related HCC. METHODS Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from 20 (15 autopsy, five resected specimens) cases of HBV-associated HCC were examined. Viral genotype was determined by sequencing portions of the HBV S gene using four overlapping PCR amplicons. Exon 3 of CTNNB1 and exon 7 of TP53 were sequenced. RESULTS HBV genotyping was possible in 14 of 20 cases; genotype D was most common (n = 11) followed by C (n = 2) and A (n = 1). CTNNB1 mutations were noted in two of 15 amplifiable cases while two of 10 specimens showed TP53 mutations. CONCLUSIONS HBV genotype can be ascertained from FFPE sections by sequencing multiple overlapping fragments to avoid the limitation of fragmented DNA. Genotype D was the common genotype in HBV-associated HCC. The very low frequency of TP53 mutation suggests low levels of aflatoxin B₁ exposure. The beta-catenin pathway appears not to be significantly involved in HBV-related HCC in India. However, further larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perumal Vivekanandan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Functional interactions between retinoblastoma and c-MYC in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19758. [PMID: 21573126 PMCID: PMC3089631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivation of the RB tumor suppressor and activation of the MYC family of oncogenes are frequent events in a large spectrum of human cancers. Loss of RB function and MYC activation are thought to control both overlapping and distinct cellular processes during cell cycle progression. However, how these two major cancer genes functionally interact during tumorigenesis is still unclear. Here, we sought to test whether loss of RB function would affect cancer development in a mouse model of c-MYC-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a deadly cancer type in which RB is frequently inactivated and c-MYC often activated. We found that RB inactivation has minimal effects on the cell cycle, cell death, and differentiation features of liver tumors driven by increased levels of c-MYC. However, combined loss of RB and activation of c-MYC led to an increase in polyploidy in mature hepatocytes before the development of tumors. There was a trend for decreased survival in double mutant animals compared to mice developing c-MYC-induced tumors. Thus, loss of RB function does not provide a proliferative advantage to c-MYC-expressing HCC cells but the RB and c-MYC pathways may cooperate to control the polyploidy of mature hepatocytes.
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Calvisi DF, Simile MM, Ladu S, Frau M, Evert M, Tomasi ML, Demartis MI, Daino L, Seddaiu MA, Brozzetti S, Feo F, Pascale RM. Activation of v-Myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog-like2 (MYBL2)-LIN9 complex contributes to human hepatocarcinogenesis and identifies a subset of hepatocellular carcinoma with mutant p53. Hepatology 2011; 53:1226-36. [PMID: 21480327 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Up-regulation of the v-Myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog-like2 B-Myb (MYBL2) gene occurs in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with faster progression of rodent hepatocarcinogenesis. We evaluated, in distinct human HCC prognostic subtypes (as defined by patient survival length), activation of MYBL2 and MYBL2-related genes, and relationships of p53 status with MYBL2 activity. Highest total and phosphorylated protein levels of MYBL2, E2F1-DP1, inactivated retinoblastoma protein (pRB), and cyclin B1 occurred in HCC with poorer outcome (HCCP), compared to HCC with better outcome (HCCB). In HCCP, highest LIN9-MYBL2 complex (LINC) and lowest inactive LIN9-p130 complex levels occurred. MYBL2 positively correlated with HCC genomic instability, proliferation, and microvessel density, and negatively with apoptosis. Higher MYBL2/LINC activation in HCC with mutated p53 was in contrast with LINC inactivation in HCC harboring wildtype p53. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated MYBL2/LINC silencing reduced proliferation, induced apoptosis, and DNA damage at similar levels in HCC cell lines, irrespective of p53 status. However, association of MYBL2/LINC silencing with doxorubicin-induced DNA damage caused stronger growth restraint in p53(-/-) Huh7 and Hep3B cells than in p53(+/+) Huh6 and HepG2 cells. Doxorubicin triggered LIN9 dissociation from MYBL2 in p53(+/+) cell lines and increased MYBL2-LIN9 complexes in p53(-/-) cells. Doxorubicin-induced MYBL2 dissociation from LIN9 led to p21(WAF1) up-regulation in p53(+/+) but not in p53(-/-) cell lines. Suppression of p53 or p21(WAF1) genes abolished DNA damage response, enhanced apoptosis, and inhibited growth in doxorubicin-treated cells harboring p53(+/+) . CONCLUSION We show that MYBL2 activation is crucial for human HCC progression. In particular, our data indicate that MYBL2-LIN9 complex integrity contributes to survival of DNA damaged p53(-/-) cells. Thus, MYBL2 inhibition could represent a valuable adjuvant for treatments against human HCC with mutated p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Calvisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Oncology, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Wolfe A, Thomas A, Edwards G, Jaseja R, Guo GL, Apte U. Increased activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma observed in farnesoid X receptor knockout mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2011; 338:12-21. [PMID: 21430080 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.111.179390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), the primary bile acid-sensing nuclear receptor, also is known for its anticancer properties. It is known that FXR deficiency in mice results in spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanisms are not completely understood. We report that sustained activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is associated with spontaneous HCC in FXR-knockout (KO) mice. HCC development was studied in FXR-KO mice at 3, 8, and 14 months of age. No tumors were observed at either 3 or 8 months, but the presence of HCC was observed in 100% of the FXR-KO mice at the age of 14 months. Further analysis revealed no change in β-catenin activation in the livers of 3-month-old FXR-KO mice, but a moderate increase was observed in 8-month-old FXR-KO mice. β-Catenin activation further increased significantly in 14-month-old tumor-bearing mice. Further analysis revealed that two independent mechanisms might be involved in β-catenin activation in the livers of FXR-KO mice. Activation of canonical Wnt signaling was evident as indicated by increased Wnt4 and dishevelled expression along with glycogen synthase kinase-3β inactivation. We also observed decreased expression of E-cadherin, a known regulator of β-catenin, in FXR-KO mice. The decrease in E-cadherin expression was accompanied by increased expression of its transcriptional repressor, Snail. Consistent with the increased HCC in FXR-KO mice, we observed a significant decrease in FXR expression and activity in human HCC samples. Taken together, these data indicate that a temporal increase in the activation of Wnt/β-catenin is observed during spontaneous HCC development in FXR-KO mice and is potentially critical for tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Wolfe
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas Life Sciences Innovation Center 4087, Mail Stop 1018, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Llorente Izquierdo C, Mayoral R, Flores JM, García-Palencia P, Cucarella C, Boscá L, Casado M, Martín-Sanz P. Transgenic mice expressing cyclooxygenase-2 in hepatocytes reveal a minor contribution of this enzyme to chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 178:1361-73. [PMID: 21356386 PMCID: PMC3069875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2010.11.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been associated with cell growth regulation, tissue remodeling, and carcinogenesis. Ectopic expression of COX-2 in hepatocytes constitutes a nonphysiological condition ideal for evaluating the role of prostaglandins (PGs) in liver pathogenesis. The effect of COX-2-dependent PGs in chronic liver disease, hepatitis, fibrosis, and chemical hepatocarcinogenesis, has been investigated in transgenic (Tg) mice that express human COX-2 in hepatocytes and in Tg hepatic human cell lines. We have used three different complementary approaches: i) diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in COX-2 Tg mice, ii) DEN/phenobarbital treatment of human COX-2 Tg hepatocyte-like cells, and iii) COX-2 Tg hepatocyte-like cells implants in nude mice. The data suggest that PGs produced by COX-2 in hepatocytes promoted mild hepatitis in 60-week-old mice, as assessed by histological examination, but failed to contribute to the development of liver fibrogenesis after methionine- and choline-deficient diet treatment. Moreover, liver injury, collagen content, and hepatic stellate cell activation were equally severe in wild-type and COX-2 Tg mice. The contribution of COX-2-dependent PGs to the development of DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis was evaluated in Tg mice, Tg hepatocyte-like cells, and nude mice and the analysis revealed that COX-2 expression favors the development of preneoplastic foci without affecting malignant transformation. Endogenous COX-2 expression in wild-type mice is a late event in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Mayoral
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre Network of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juana María Flores
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar García-Palencia
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carme Cucarella
- Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lisardo Boscá
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre Network of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Casado
- Biomedical Research Centre Network of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
- Address reprint requests to Paloma Martín-Sanz, Ph.D., or Marta Casado, Ph.D., Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM Madrid, Arturo Duperier, 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Martín-Sanz
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre Network of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Address reprint requests to Paloma Martín-Sanz, Ph.D., or Marta Casado, Ph.D., Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM Madrid, Arturo Duperier, 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Calvisi DF. Of mice and men: the nonrandom genomic instability in hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2011; 53:723-5. [PMID: 21374655 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Aleksic K, Lackner C, Geigl JB, Schwarz M, Auer M, Ulz P, Fischer M, Trajanoski Z, Otte M, Speicher MR. Evolution of genomic instability in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Hepatology 2011; 53:895-904. [PMID: 21374661 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a hepatic procarcinogen which is frequently used as an inducer of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice. Although mice after DEN exposure are among the most widely used models for liver tumorigenesis, a detailed, mechanistic characterization of the longitudinal changes in the respective tumor genomes has never been performed. Here we established the chronological order of genetic alterations during DEN carcinogenesis by examining mice at different points in time. Tumor samples were isolated by laser microdissection and subjected to array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) and sequencing analysis. Chromosomal gains and losses were observed in tumors by week 32 and increased significantly by week 56. Loss of distal chromosome 4q, including the tumor suppressors Runx3 and Nr0b2/Shp, was a frequent early event and persisted during all tumor stages. Surprisingly, sequencing revealed that β-catenin mutations occurred late and were clearly preceded by chromosomal instability. Thus, contrary to common belief, β-catenin mutations and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are not involved in tumor initiation in this model of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the majority of the current knowledge about genomic changes in HCC is based on advanced tumor lesions and that systematic analyses of the chronologic order including early lesions may reveal new, unexpected findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Aleksic
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Stein TJ, Jochem A, Holmes KE, Sandgren EP. Effect of mutant β-catenin on liver growth homeostasis and hepatocarcinogenesis in transgenic mice. Liver Int 2011; 31:303-12. [PMID: 21281430 PMCID: PMC3093768 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02430.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the Wnt signalling pathway molecule β-catenin are associated with liver cancer. AIMS Our aim was to confirm the effects of stabilized β-catenin on liver growth, identify whether those effects were reversible and cell autonomous or non-cell autonomous and to model β-catenin-induced liver cancer in mice. METHODS Using a liver-specific inducible promoter, we generated transgenic mice in which the expression of mutant β-catenin can be induced or repressed within hepatocytes in mice of different ages. RESULTS Similar to other models, the hepatic expression of mutant β-catenin in our model beginning in utero or induced in quiescent adult liver resulted in a two-fold liver enlargement and development of disease with a latency of 1-5 months, and mice displayed elevated blood ammonia and altered hepatic gene expression. Our model additionally allowed us to discover that molecular and phenotypic abnormalities were reversible following the inhibition of transgene expression. Hepatocyte transplant studies indicated that mutant β-catenin could not increase the growth of transgene-expressing foci in either growth-permissive or -restrictive hepatic environments, but still directly altered hepatocyte gene expression. Mice with continuous but focal transgene expression developed hepatic neoplasms after the age of 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that hepatocyte gene expression is directly affected by mutant β-catenin in a cell autonomous manner. However, hepatomegaly associated with diffuse hepatocyte-specific expression of mutant β-catenin is secondary to liver functional alteration or non-cell autonomous. Both phenotypes are reversible. Nevertheless, some foci of transgene-expressing cells progressed to carcinoma, confirming the association of mutant β-catenin with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Stein
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adam Jochem
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katie E. Holmes
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric P. Sandgren
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Recent advances in the research of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: epidemiologic and molecular biological aspects. Adv Cancer Res 2011; 108:21-72. [PMID: 21034965 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-380888-2.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest cancers worldwide, and more than half of HCC patients are attributable to persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. The best and cheapest way to prevent HBV-related HCC is the implementation of universal hepatitis B vaccination program, by which the incidence rates of childhood HCC have been reduced in several countries, including Taiwan. However, there are still hundreds of millions of HBV carriers in the world that remain a global health challenge. In the past decade, several hepatitis B viral factors such as serum HBV DNA level, genotype, and naturally occurring mutants have already been identified to influence liver disease progression and HCC development in HBV carriers. Several easy-to-use scoring systems based on clinical and viral characteristics are developed to predict HCC risk in HBV carriers and may facilitate the communication between practicing physicians and patients in clinical practice. In addition, the role of nonviral factors in HBV-related HCC has also been increasingly recognized. On the basis of these emerging data, it is recommended that HBV carriers should be screened and monitored to identify those who have a higher risk of liver disease progression and require antiviral treatments. Regarding the molecular carcinogenesis of HCC development, despite some progress in the research of cell biology of HCC in the past decade, aberrant pathways involved in maintaining HCC phenotypes have not been completely elucidated yet. In the future, through comprehensive and integrated approaches to analyze the genomes of human HCC, novel target genes or pathways critically involved in hepatocarcinogenesis may hopefully be identified.
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Li R, Yang Y, An Y, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Yu Q, Lu D, Wang H, Jin L, Zhou W, Qian J, Shugart YY. Genetic polymorphisms in DNA double-strand break repair genes XRCC5, XRCC6 and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2011; 32:530-6. [PMID: 21304054 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgr018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental risk factors cause DNA damages. Imprecise DNA repair leads to chromosome aberrations, genome destabilization and hepatocarcinogenesis. Ku is a key DNA double-strand break repair protein. We hypothesized that the genetic variants in Ku subunits encoding genes, XRCC5/XRCC6, may contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) susceptibility. We genotyped 13 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in XRCC5 and XRCC6 and evaluated their associations with HCC risk in 689 pathologically confirmed cases and 690 cancer-free controls from a Chinese population. We found that a significantly reduced risk for HCC was associated with XRCC5 rs16855458 [odds ratio (OR)=0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.43-0.81; CA+AA versus CC] and a significantly increased risk for HCC was associated with XRCC5 rs9288516 (OR=2.02; 95% CI=1.42-2.86; TA+AA versus TT) even after Bonferroni correction (Pcorrected=0.026 and 0.002, respectively). The effects of rs16855458 (OR=0.57; 95% CI=0.37-0.86, P=0.008) and rs9288516 (OR=1.86; 95% CI=1.19-2.90, P=0.007) were more significant in hepatitis B surface antigen-infected subjects than non-infected subjects. The haplotype-based analysis revealed that in XRCC5, AA in block 1 (OR=0.63; 95% CI=0.48-0.83) and CGGTT in block 2 (OR=0.52; 95% CI=0.39-0.69) were associated with decreased HCC risk (Pcorrected=0.013 and <0.001, respectively). The aforementioned two SNPs exhibited a significant cumulative risk effect (Ptrend<0.001). Additionally, potential interaction among XRCC5 rs9288516 and rs2267437, rs5751131 in XRCC6 was indicated by the multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis. In conclusion, XRCC5 variants may play a role in determining individual's HCC susceptibility, which warranted validation in larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433 China
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Figueiredo ML, Wentworth KM, Sandgren EP. Quantifying growth and transformation frequency of oncogene-expressing mouse hepatocytes in vivo. Hepatology 2010; 52:634-43. [PMID: 20683961 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Gene changes can affect cancer cells in many ways, but changes that increase disease severity--by allowing cells to proliferate when they should be quiescent, by enhancing their rate of growth under growth permissive conditions, or by increasing the risk that they will accumulate additional carcinogenic alterations--must be identified so that strategies to counter their effects can be developed. We describe a novel in vivo assay system based on hepatocyte transplantation that permits us to accomplish this objective for genetically modified hepatocytes. We find that the oncogenes c-myc and transforming growth factor alpha, but not simian virus 40 T-antigen, increase the rate of hepatocyte growth under growth permissive conditions. However, no single oncogene can induce hepatocyte growth in quiescent liver. In contrast, at least one oncogene combination, transforming growth factor alpha/T-antigen, was sufficient to direct cell autonomous growth even in this nonpermissive environment. Furthermore, we could quantify risk for progression to neoplasia associated with oncogene expression; increased transformation frequency was the principal carcinogenic effect of T-antigen. CONCLUSION This system identifies biological mechanistic role(s) in carcinogenesis for candidate genetic changes implicated in development of human liver cancer. The quantitative and comparative evaluation of gene effects on liver cancer allows us to prioritize targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marxa L Figueiredo
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Giandomenico V. Molecular pathology of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours – selected topics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Dal Bello B, Rosa L, Campanini N, Tinelli C, Torello Viera F, D'Ambrosio G, Rossi S, Silini EM. Glutamine synthetase immunostaining correlates with pathologic features of hepatocellular carcinoma and better survival after radiofrequency thermal ablation. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:2157-66. [PMID: 20233882 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-1978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Activation of the wnt pathway identifies a subgroup of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) with specific epidemiologic and genetic profiles. Wnt activation is predicted by mutation and/or nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and by glutamine synthetase (GS) immunoreactivity. We investigated whether GS staining associates with specific pathologic features of HCC and with survival after radiofrequency thermal ablation. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Monoistitutional retrospective-prospective study in a tertiary hospital setting. Two hundred and seven cirrhotics (mean age, 70 years; 63% males, 82.1% hepatitis C virus positive) with early HCC were consecutively treated with radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA). Mean tumor size was 2.7 cm; 20.3% of patients had multiple nodules; and median follow-up was 36 months with 54.6% overall mortality. Tumor samples were mainly obtained by biopsy (92,5%) and examined by H&E and immunostaining for beta-catenin and GS. Main outcome measures were overall and tumor-specific mortality by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models corrected for competing risks. RESULTS Ninety-one patients (43.9%) had GS-positive HCCs by immunostaining. These tumors had larger size (P = 0.012) and characteristic histology (low grade, pseudoacini, hydropic changes, bile staining, lack of steatosis, and fibrosis). Other clinical or treatment variables were similar between groups. Variables correlating with tumor-specific and overall mortality by univariate analysis were tumor recurrence, advanced disease, posttreatment alpha-fetoprotein levels, and GS staining. Yearly, overall mortality rate was lower in GS-positive patients (12.4 versus 20% yearly; P = 0.006). By multivariate analysis, GS immunostaining correlated with reduced specific (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.97) and overall mortality (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.96). CONCLUSIONS Standard histology and GS status identify a HCC subset with distinct clinical and pathologic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Dal Bello
- Departments of Pathology, VI Internal Medicine, and Biostatistics, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Pellegrino R, Calvisi DF, Ladu S, Ehemann V, Staniscia T, Evert M, Dombrowski F, Schirmacher P, Longerich T. Oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles of polo-like kinases in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2010; 51:857-68. [PMID: 20112253 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Polo-like kinase (PLK) proteins play critical roles in the control of cell cycle progression, either favoring or inhibiting cell proliferation, and in DNA damage response. Although either overexpression or down-regulation of PLK proteins occurs frequently in various cancer types, no comprehensive analysis on their function in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been performed to date. In the present study, we define roles for PLK1, PLK2, PLK3, and PLK4 during hepatocarcinogenesis. Levels of PLK1, as assessed by means of real-time reverse-transcription PCR and western blot analysis, were progressively increased from nonneoplastic surrounding liver tissues to HCC, reaching the highest expression in tumors with poorer outcome (as defined by the length of patients' survival) compared with normal livers. In sharp contrast, PLK2, PLK3, and PLK4 messenger RNA and protein expression gradually declined from nontumorous liver to HCC, with the lowest levels being detected in HCC with shorter survival. In liver tumors, PLK2-4 down-regulation was paralleled by promoter hypermethylation and/or loss of heterozygosity at the PLK2-4 loci. Subsequent functional studies revealed that PLK1 inhibition led to suppression of cell growth in vitro, whereas opposite effects followed PLK2-4 silencing in HCC cell lines. In particular, suppression of PLK1 resulted in a block in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and in massive apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro regardless of p53 status. CONCLUSION PLK1-4 proteins are aberrantly regulated and possess different roles in human HCC, with PLK1 acting as an oncogene and PLK2-4 being presumably tumor suppressor genes. Thus, therapeutic approaches aimed at inactivating PLK1 and/or reactivating PLK2-4 might be highly useful in the treatment of human liver cancer.
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Abstract
Childhood tumours are associated with congenital abnormalities suggesting that disruption of normal developmental processes may be linked with oncogenesis. Genetic and environmental exposures may combine to disrupt critical epigenetic processes during development, thus affecting gene-related signalling pathways and cellular function. This review examines the role of critical genes and processes regulating development such as the polycomb family and sonic hedgehog (SHH) as well as the Wnt signalling pathways and epigenetic variations (Snf5), methylation and loss of heterozygosity in controlling homeotic gene transcription and intracellular chromatin structure. The developmental and perinatal periods appears important as a window of opportunity for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam W Moore
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa.
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TOMASI MARIALAUDA, IGLESIAS–ARA AINHOA, YANG HEPING, RAMANI KOMAL, FEO FRANCESCO, PASCALE MARIAROSA, MARTÍNEZ–CHANTAR MLUZ, MATO JOSÉM, LU SHELLYC. S-adenosylmethionine regulates apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 stability: implication in hepatocarcinogenesis. Gastroenterology 2009; 136:1025-36. [PMID: 18983843 PMCID: PMC3600984 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2008.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2008] [Revised: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Genomic instability participates in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APEX1) participates in the base excision repair of premutagenic apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites. Mice deficient in methionine adenosyltransferase 1a (Mat1a KO) have chronic hepatic deficiency of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and increased oxidative stress, and develop HCC. We examined livers of Mat1a KO mice for genomic instability and dysregulation of APEX1. METHODS Studies were conducted using Mat1a KO mice livers and cultured mouse and human hepatocytes. RESULTS Genomic instability increased in the livers of 1-month-old Mat1a KO mice, compared with wild-type mice, whereas Apex1 mRNA and protein levels were reduced by 20% and 50%, respectively, in Mat1a KO mice of all ages. These changes correlated with increased numbers of AP sites and reduced expression of Bax, Fas, and p21 (all APEX targets). When human and mouse hepatocytes were placed in culture, transcription of MAT1A mRNA decreased whereas that of APEX1 and c-MYC increased. However, the protein levels of APEX1 decreased to 60% of baseline. Addition of 2 mmol/L SAMe prevented increases in APEX1 and c-MYC mRNA levels, as well as decreases in MAT1A expression and cytosolic and nuclear APEX1 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS By 1 month of age, genomic instability increases in livers of Mat1a KO mice, possibly due to reduced APEX1 levels. Although SAMe inhibits APEX1 transcription, it stabilizes the APEX1 protein. This novel aspect of SAMe on APEX1 regulation might explain the chemopreventive action of SAMe and the reason that chronic SAMe deficiency predisposes to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- MARIA LAUDA TOMASI
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, USC-UCLA Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine USC, Los Angeles, California,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - AINHOA IGLESIAS–ARA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, USC-UCLA Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - HEPING YANG
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, USC-UCLA Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - KOMAL RAMANI
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, USC-UCLA Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - FRANCESCO FEO
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - MARIA ROSA PASCALE
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - M. LUZ MARTÍNEZ–CHANTAR
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology, Park of Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - JOSÉ M. MATO
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology, Park of Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - SHELLY C. LU
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, USC-UCLA Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine USC, Los Angeles, California
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Patil MA, Lee SA, Macias E, Lam ET, Xu C, Jones KD, Ho C, Rodriguez-Puebla M, Chen X. Role of cyclin D1 as a mediator of c-Met- and beta-catenin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Res 2009; 69:253-61. [PMID: 19118010 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-2514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Activation of c-Met signaling and beta-catenin mutations are frequent genetic events observed in liver cancer development. Recently, we demonstrated that activated beta-catenin can cooperate with c-Met to induce liver cancer formation in a mouse model. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) is an important cell cycle regulator that is considered to be a downstream target of beta-catenin. To determine the importance of CCND1 as a mediator of c-Met- and beta-catenin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, we investigated the genetic interactions between CCND1, beta-catenin, and c-Met in liver cancer development using mouse models. We coexpressed CCND1 with c-Met in mice and found CCND1 to cooperate with c-Met to promote liver cancer formation. Tumors induced by CCND1/c-Met had a longer latency period, formed at a lower frequency, and seemed to be more benign compared with those induced by beta-catenin/c-Met. In addition, when activated beta-catenin and c-Met were coinjected into CCND1-null mice, liver tumors developed despite the absence of CCND1. Intriguingly, we observed a moderate accelerated tumor growth and increased tumor malignancy in these CCND1-null mice. Molecular analysis showed an up-regulation of cyclin D2 (CCND2) expression in CCND1-null tumor samples, indicating that CCND2 may replace CCND1 in hepatic tumorigenesis. Together, our results suggest that CCND1 functions as a mediator of beta-catenin during HCC pathogenesis, although other molecules may be required to fully propagate beta-catenin signaling. Moreover, our data suggest that CCND1 expression is not essential for liver tumor development induced by c-Met and beta-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini A Patil
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0446, USA
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