1
|
Milosevic I, Todorovic N, Filipovic A, Simic J, Markovic M, Stevanovic O, Malinic J, Katanic N, Mitrovic N, Nikolic N. HCV and HCC Tango-Deciphering the Intricate Dance of Disease: A Review Article. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16048. [PMID: 38003240 PMCID: PMC10671156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216048] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for around one-third of all HCC cases. Prolonged inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), maintained through a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, is one of the aspects of carcinogenesis, followed by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Immune response dysfunction including the innate and adaptive immunity also plays a role in the development, as well as in the recurrence of HCC after treatment. Some of the tumor suppressor genes inhibited by the HCV proteins are p53, p73, and retinoblastoma 1. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and the oncogene catenin beta 1 are two more important carcinogenic signaling pathways in HCC associated with HCV. Furthermore, in HCV-related HCC, numerous tumor suppressor and seven oncogenic genes are dysregulated by epigenetic changes. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is considered as a lasting "epigenetic memory", suggesting that HCV-induced changes persist and are associated with liver carcinogenesis even after cure. Epigenetic changes and immune response dysfunction are recognized targets for potential therapy of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Milosevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Nevena Todorovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Ana Filipovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jelena Simic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Marko Markovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Olja Stevanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jovan Malinic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Katanic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Situated in Kosovska Mitrovica, 28000 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Nikola Mitrovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chaudhary P, Proulx J, Park IW. Ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) mediation of viral infection and human diseases. Virus Res 2023; 335:199191. [PMID: 37541588 PMCID: PMC10430597 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The Ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A, UBE3A, also known as E6-associated protein (E6-AP), is known to play an essential role in regulating the degradation of various proteins by transferring Ub from E2 Ub conjugating enzymes to the substrate proteins. Several studies indicate that UBE3A regulates the stabilities of key viral proteins in the virus-infected cells and, thereby, the infected virus-mediated diseases, even if it were reported that UBE3A participates in non-viral-related human diseases. Furthermore, mutations such as deletions and duplications in the maternally inherited gene in the brain cause human neurodevelopmental disorders such as Angelman syndrome (AS) and autism. It is also known that UBE3A functions as a transcriptional coactivator for the expression of steroid hormone receptors. These reports establish that UBE3A is distinguished by its multitudinous functions that are paramount to viral pathology and human diseases. This review is focused on molecular mechanisms for such intensive participation of UBE3A in disease formation and virus regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chaudhary
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
| | - Jessica Proulx
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - In-Woo Park
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pisaturo M, Di Fraia A, Occhiello L, Minichini C, Starace M, Iodice V, Farella N, Stanzione M, Coppola N. Genetic Variability in Patients with HCV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:5199-5208. [PMID: 34908854 PMCID: PMC8665876 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s337647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present paper evaluates the genetic variability of HCV in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Amino acid substitutions (aas) in NS3, NS5A and core regions were analyzed in 17 patients with HCC (Cases) and 13 without HCC (Controls), all naïve to DAAs. For the Cases, a sample of neoplastic liver tissue, non-neoplastic liver tissue and a serum sample were collected; for the Controls, a sample of liver tissue was collected. Sanger sequencing of three regions was performed using homemade protocols. Results Phylogenetic trees showed that there was no difference in the virus populations in the three compartments analyzed for the three HCV regions in patients with HCC. Low variability and no difference between the Cases and Controls were observed in the core and NS5A regions; however, in the NS3 region, a higher variability was observed in the Cases. No difference was observed in the core region between Cases and Controls. In NS3, aa substitutions at positions 103 and 122 were more frequently found in Cases than Controls (in both cases 50% vs 9.1%, p<0.05); moreover, aas in positions 32, 44 (p=0.035 for both), 79 (p=0.008) and 121 (p=0.018) were observed in the Cases and absent in the Controls. Finally, considering the NS5A region, aa substitutions at positions 37 and 54 were more frequently identified in the Cases than the Controls, but without statistical significance. Conclusion These data may suggest a higher aa variability in patients with HCC than in those without, especially in the NS3 region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariantonietta Pisaturo
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Fraia
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Occhiello
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Minichini
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Starace
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Nunzia Farella
- IX Infectious Disease Unit, AORN dei Colli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Stanzione
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wen X, Ge X, Zhou L, Zhang Y, Guo X, Yang H. PRRSV Promotes MARC-145 Cells Entry Into S Phase of the Cell Cycle to Facilitate Viral Replication via Degradation of p21 by nsp11. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:642095. [PMID: 33869322 PMCID: PMC8044838 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.642095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains one of the most economically significant pathogens that seriously affect the global swine industry. Despite sustained efforts, the factors that affect PRRSV replication in host cells are far from being fully elucidated and thus warrants further investigation. In this study, we first demonstrated that PRRSV infection can cause downregulation of endogenous p21 protein in MARC-145 cells in a virus dose-dependent manner. Next, we analyzed the effect of p21 knockdown by RNA interference on cell cycle progression using flow cytometric analysis, and found that knockdown of p21 promotes MARC-145 cells entry into S phase of the cell cycle. Interestingly, we further discovered PRRSV infection is also able to promote MARC-145 cells entry into the S phase. Subsequently, we synchronized MARC-145 cells into G0/G1, S and G2/M phases, respectively, and then determined PRRSV replication in these cells. Results here show that the MARC-145 cells synchronized into the S phase exhibited the highest viral titer among the cells synchronized to different phases. Additionally, to reliably analyze the potential role of endogenous p21 protein in PRRSV replication, we constructed a p21 gene-knockout MARC-145 cell line (p21-/-) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and evaluated its capability to support PRRSV replication. Our results indicate that knockout of p21 is conducive to PRRSV replication in MARC-145 cells. Furthermore, through construction of a series of eukaryotic plasmids expressing each of individual PRRSV proteins combined with cell transfection, we demonstrated that the nonstructural protein 11 (nsp11) of PRRSV mediates p21 degradation, which was further confirmed by generating a stable MARC-145 cell line constitutively expressing nsp11 using a lentivirus system. Notably, we further demonstrated that the endoribonuclease activity rather than the deubiquitinating activity of nsp11 is essential for p21 degradation via mutagenic analysis. Finally, we demonstrated that nsp11 mediates p21 degradation via a ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation manner. Altogether, our study not only uncovers a new pathogenesis of PRRSV, but also provides new insights into development of novel antiviral strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuexia Wen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinna Ge
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanchun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal diseases. In pancreatic cancer development and progression, genetic (gene mutations and activation of oncogenes) and environmental factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity) play an essential role. Recently, molecular studies revealed that dysbiosis of microbiota also has influence on cancer development. Research indicates that bacteria and viruses can lead to chronic inflammation, antiapoptotic changes, cell survival, and cell invasion. This review presents bacteria and viruses oncogenic for the pancreas. Possible mechanisms of carcinogenic action are also described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz M Karpiński
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Wieniawskiego 3, Poznań 61-712, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tornesello ML, Buonaguro L, Izzo F, Buonaguro FM. Molecular alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections. Oncotarget 2018; 7:25087-102. [PMID: 26943571 PMCID: PMC5041890 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C viruses (HCV) are the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Both viruses encode multifunctional regulatory proteins activating several oncogenic pathways, which induce accumulation of multiple genetic alterations in the infected hepatocytes. Gene mutations in HBV- and HCV-induced HCCs frequently impair the TP53, Wnt/b-catenin, RAS/RAF/MAPK kinase and AKT/mTOR pathways, which represent important anti-cancer targets. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of primary liver cancer, with particular emphasis on the host genetic variations identified by high-throughput technologies. In addition, we discuss the importance of genetic alterations, such as mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter, for the diagnosis, prognosis, and tumor stratification for development of more effective treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Department of Research, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Department of Research, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Hepato-Biliary Surgery Department, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Department of Research, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most common human cancers with a high mortality rate. Therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain ineffective, due to the heterogeneity of HCC with regard to both the etiology and mutation spectrum, as well as its chemotherapy resistant nature; thus surgical resection and liver transplantation remain the gold standard of patient care. The most common etiologies of HCC are extrinsic factors. Humans have multiple defense mechanisms against extrinsic factor-induced carcinogenesis, of which tumor suppressors play crucial roles in preventing normal cells from becoming cancerous. The tumor suppressor p53 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in liver cancer. p53 regulates expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, cell death, and cellular metabolism to avert tumor development due to carcinogens. This review article mainly summarizes extrinsic factors that induce liver cancer and potentially have etiological association with p53, including aflatoxin B1, vinyl chloride, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, iron overload, and infection of hepatitis viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Link
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Tomoo Iwakuma
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arora P, Basu A, Schmidt ML, Clark GJ, Donninger H, Nichols DB, Calvisi DF, Kaushik-Basu N. Nonstructural protein 5B promotes degradation of the NORE1A tumor suppressor to facilitate hepatitis C virus replication. Hepatology 2017; 65:1462-1477. [PMID: 28090674 PMCID: PMC5397368 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common risk factor for the development of liver cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are only partially understood. Here, we show that the HCV protein, nonstructural protein (NS) 5B, directly binds to the tumor suppressor, NORE1A (RASSF5), and promotes its proteosomal degradation. In addition, we show that NORE1A colocalizes to sites of HCV viral replication and suppresses the replication process. Thus, NORE1A has antiviral activity, which is specifically antagonized by NS5B. Moreover, the suppression of NORE1A protein levels correlated almost perfectly with elevation of Ras activity in primary human samples. Therefore, NORE1A inactivation by NS5B may be essential for maximal HCV replication and may make a major contribution to HCV-induced liver cancer by shifting Ras signaling away from prosenescent/proapoptotic signaling pathways. CONCLUSION HCV uses NS5B to specifically suppress NORE1A, facilitating viral replication and elevated Ras signaling. (Hepatology 2017;65:1462-1477).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Payal Arora
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Amartya Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - M. Lee Schmidt
- Dept. Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Rm 417, CTRB 505, S. Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Geoffrey J. Clark
- Dept. Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Rm 417, CTRB 505, S. Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed: ,
| | - Howard Donninger
- Dept. Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Rm 417, CTRB 505, S. Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Daniel B. Nichols
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA,Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Neerja Kaushik-Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed: ,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hepatitis C Virus Indirectly Disrupts DNA Damage-Induced p53 Responses by Activating Protein Kinase R. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.00121-17. [PMID: 28442604 PMCID: PMC5405228 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00121-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many DNA tumor viruses promote cellular transformation by inactivating the critically important tumor suppressor protein p53. In contrast, it is not known whether p53 function is disrupted by hepatitis C virus (HCV), a unique, oncogenic RNA virus that is the leading infectious cause of liver cancer in many regions of the world. Here we show that HCV-permissive, liver-derived HepG2 cells engineered to constitutively express microRNA-122 (HepG2/miR-122 cells) have normal p53-mediated responses to DNA damage and that HCV replication in these cells potently suppresses p53 responses to etoposide, an inducer of DNA damage, or nutlin-3, an inhibitor of p53 degradation pathways. Upregulation of p53-dependent targets is consequently repressed within HCV-infected cells, with potential consequences for cell survival. Despite this, p53 function is not disrupted by overexpression of the complete HCV polyprotein, suggesting that altered p53 function may result from the host response to viral RNA replication intermediates. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated ablation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase R (PKR) restored p53 responses while boosting HCV replication, showing that p53 inhibition results directly from viral activation of PKR. The hepatocellular abundance of phosphorylated PKR is elevated in HCV-infected chimpanzees, suggesting that PKR activation and consequent p53 inhibition accompany HCV infection in vivo. These findings reveal a feature of the host response to HCV infection that may contribute to hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of liver cancer in most developed nations. However, the mechanisms whereby HCV infection promotes carcinogenesis remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that HCV infection inhibits the activation of p53 following DNA damage. Contrary to previous reports, HCV protein expression is insufficient to inhibit p53. Rather, p53 inhibition is mediated by cellular protein kinase R (PKR), which is activated by HCV RNA replication and subsequently suppresses global protein synthesis. These results redefine our understanding of how HCV infection influences p53 function. We speculate that persistent disruption of p53-mediated DNA damage responses may contribute to hepatocellular carcinogenesis in chronically infected individuals.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ezzat WM, Amr KS. Insights for hepatitis C virus related hepatocellular carcinoma genetic biomarkers: Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:1251-1261. [PMID: 27843535 PMCID: PMC5084054 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i30.1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The current review explores the role of emerging molecular contributing factors in liver carcinogenesis on top of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here we will try to discuss the role genetic and epigenetic factors in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the role of these factors will help in discovering the mystery of liver carcinogenesis on top of chronic HCV infection. Moreover, use of the studied molecular factors will provide the hepatologists with tailored diagnostic promising biomarkers and flatten the way for establishment of emerging molecular treatment based on exploring the molecular subscription of this aggressive liver cancer.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hepatocarcinogenesis associated with hepatitis B, delta and C viruses. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 20:1-10. [PMID: 27504999 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globally, over half a billion people are persistently infected with hepatitis B (HBV) and/or hepatitis C viruses. Chronic HBV and HCV infection frequently lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Co-infections with hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a subviral satellite requiring HBV for its propagation, accelerates the progression of liver disease toward HCC. The mechanisms by which these viruses cause malignant transformation, culminating in HCC, remain incompletely understood, partially due to the lack of adequate experimental models for dissecting these complex disease processes in vivo.
Collapse
|
12
|
Nonstructural 3 Protein of Hepatitis C Virus Modulates the Tribbles Homolog 3/Akt Signaling Pathway for Persistent Viral Infection. J Virol 2016; 90:7231-7247. [PMID: 27252525 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00326-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often causes chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanisms underlying HCV-induced liver pathogenesis are still not fully understood. By transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis, we recently identified host genes that were significantly differentially expressed in cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells. Of these, tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) was selected for further characterization. TRIB3 was initially identified as a binding partner of protein kinase B (also known as Akt). TRIB3 blocks the phosphorylation of Akt and induces apoptosis under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions. HCV has been shown to enhance Akt phosphorylation for its own propagation. In the present study, we demonstrated that both mRNA and protein levels of TRIB3 were increased in the context of HCV replication. We further showed that promoter activity of TRIB3 was increased by HCV-induced ER stress. Silencing of TRIB3 resulted in increased RNA and protein levels of HCV, whereas overexpression of TRIB3 decreased HCV replication. By employing an HCV pseudoparticle entry assay, we further showed that TRIB3 was a negative host factor involved in HCV entry. Both in vitro binding and immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that HCV NS3 specifically interacted with TRIB3. Consequently, the association of TRIB3 and Akt was disrupted by HCV NS3, and thus, TRIB3-Akt signaling was impaired in HCV-infected cells. Moreover, HCV modulated TRIB3 to promote extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, activator protein 1 (AP-1) activity, and cell migration. Collectively, these data indicate that HCV exploits the TRIB3-Akt signaling pathway to promote persistent viral infection and may contribute to HCV-mediated pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE TRIB3 is a pseudokinase protein that acts as an adaptor in signaling pathways for important cellular processes. So far, the functional involvement of TRIB3 in virus-infected cells has not yet been demonstrated. We showed that both mRNA and protein expression levels of TRIB3 were increased in the context of HCV RNA replication. Gene silencing of TRIB3 increased HCV RNA and protein levels, and thus, overexpression of TRIB3 decreased HCV replication. TRIB3 is known to promote apoptosis by negatively regulating the Akt signaling pathway under ER stress conditions. Most importantly, we demonstrated that the TRIB3-Akt signaling pathway was disrupted by NS3 in HCV-infected cells. These data provide evidence that HCV modulates the TRIB3-Akt signaling pathway to establish persistent viral infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hepatitis C Virus Infection Induces Autophagy as a Prosurvival Mechanism to Alleviate Hepatic ER-Stress Response. Viruses 2016; 8:v8050150. [PMID: 27223299 PMCID: PMC4885105 DOI: 10.3390/v8050150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection frequently leads to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The molecular mechanisms by which HCV infection leads to chronic liver disease and HCC are not well understood. The infection cycle of HCV is initiated by the attachment and entry of virus particles into a hepatocyte. Replication of the HCV genome inside hepatocytes leads to accumulation of large amounts of viral proteins and RNA replication intermediates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), resulting in production of thousands of new virus particles. HCV-infected hepatocytes mount a substantial stress response. How the infected hepatocyte integrates the viral-induced stress response with chronic infection is unknown. The unfolded protein response (UPR), an ER-associated cellular transcriptional response, is activated in HCV infected hepatocytes. Over the past several years, research performed by a number of laboratories, including ours, has shown that HCV induced UPR robustly activates autophagy to sustain viral replication in the infected hepatocyte. Induction of the cellular autophagy response is required to improve survival of infected cells by inhibition of cellular apoptosis. The autophagy response also inhibits the cellular innate antiviral program that usually inhibits HCV replication. In this review, we discuss the physiological implications of the HCV-induced chronic ER-stress response in the liver disease progression.
Collapse
|
14
|
Han Y, Niu J, Wang D, Li Y. Hepatitis C Virus Protein Interaction Network Analysis Based on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153882. [PMID: 27115606 PMCID: PMC4846009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have validated the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An increasing number of studies show that protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between HCV proteins and host proteins play a vital role in infection and mediate HCC progression. In this work, we collected all published interaction between HCV and human proteins, which include 455 unique human proteins participating in 524 HCV-human interactions. Then, we construct the HCV-human and HCV-HCC protein interaction networks, which display the biological knowledge regarding the mechanism of HCV pathogenesis, particularly with respect to pathogenesis of HCC. Through in-depth analysis of the HCV-HCC interaction network, we found that interactors are enriched in the JAK/STAT, p53, MAPK, TNF, Wnt, and cell cycle pathways. Using a random walk with restart algorithm, we predicted the importance of each protein in the HCV-HCC network and found that AKT1 may play a key role in the HCC progression. Moreover, we found that NS5A promotes HCC cells proliferation and metastasis by activating AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway. This work provides a basis for a detailed map tracking new cellular interactions of HCV and identifying potential targets for HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuewen Han
- Xi’an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi’an, China
| | - Jun Niu
- The General Hospital of Shenyang Military, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Air Force Aviation Medicine Identification and Training Center, Dalian, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Xi’an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi’an, China
- Air Force Aviation Medicine Identification and Training Center, Dalian, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Poortahmasebi V, Poorebrahim M, Najafi S, Jazayeri SM, Alavian SM, Arab SS, Ghavami S, Alavian SE, Rezaei Moghadam A, Amiri M. How Hepatitis C Virus Leads to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Network-Based Study. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2016; 16:e36005. [PMID: 27148389 PMCID: PMC4852094 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.36005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been known as a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. However, the distinct molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of HCV proteins on the HCC progression have remained unclear. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we studied the possible role of HCV in the HCC initiation and invasion using topological analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. MATERIALS AND METHODS After analysis with GEO2R, a PPI network of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was constructed for both chronic HCV and HCC samples. The STRING and GeneMANIA databases were used to determine the putative interactions between DEGs. In parallel, the functional annotation of DEGs was performed using g: Profiler web tool. The topological analysis and network visualization was carried outperformed using Cytoscape software and the top hub genes were identified. We determined the hub genes-related miRNAs using miRTarBase server and reconstructed a miRNA-Hubgene network. RESULTS Based on the topological analysis of miRNA-Hubgene network, we identified the key hub miRNAs. In order to identify the most important common sub-network, we aligned two PPI networks using NETAL tool. The c-Jun gene was identified as the most important hub gene in both HCV and HCC networks. Furthermore, the hsa-miR-34a, hsa-miR-155, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-744 and hsa-miR-92a were recognized as the most important hub miRNAs with positive correlation in the chronic HCV and HCC samples. Functional annotation of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) using the tool for annotations of human miRNAs (TAM) revealed that there is a considerable overlap between miRNA gene expression profiles of HCV-infected and HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the possible crucial genes and miRNAs involved in the initiation and progression of HCC cells infected with HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mansour Poorebrahim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Mansour Poorebrahim, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9120192664, E-mail:
| | - Saeideh Najafi
- Department of Microbiology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Jazayeri
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Seyed Shahriar Arab
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Adel Rezaei Moghadam
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mehdi Amiri
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang J, Ishigaki Y, Takegami T. Hepatitis C virus NS3 protein modulates the biological behaviors of malignant hepatocytes by altering the expression of host cell microRNA. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:5109-15. [PMID: 26151503 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The HCV non‑structural protein 3 (NS3) protein is considered to affect normal cellular functions and to be involved in HCV carcinogenesis. The expression of microRNA (miRNA) is altered in human HCC, thus implicating its role in hepatocarcinogenesis. To investigate the mechanisms by which the HCV NS3 protein affects the expression of miRNA in malignant hepatocytes, if any, the present study constructed expression vectors encoding the HCV NS3 and NS3/4A proteins, which were stably transfected into HepG2 cells. The biological behaviors of the HepG2 transfectants and their differential expression levels of miRNA expression were investigated. Compared with the HepG2‑vector cells, the HepG2‑NS3 cells grew at a slower rate, were arrested in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase, formed more colonies and developed larger tumors at a faster rate. Co‑expression of HCV NS4A resulted in the inhibition of HCV NS3‑stimulated tumorigenicity. A total of 35 miRNAs were dysregulated, 26 of which were downregulated and nine of which were upregulated, in the HepG2‑NS3 cells, and 75 miRNAs were altered in HepG2‑NS3/4A cells, of which 20 were downregulated and 55 were upregulated). In addition, significant decreases in the mRNA levels of p53 and p21 were observed, which confirmed differential expression of miRNA. These results suggested that differential miRNA profiling in malignant hepatocytes may account for the variable pathophysiological manifestations associated with the HCV NS3 protein. These differentially expressed miRNAs may offer potential as candidates for the development of miRNA‑based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Comprehensive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yasuhito Ishigaki
- Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920‑0293, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takegami
- Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920‑0293, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
About 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections especially in the setting of established cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis, making HCC prevention a major goal of antiviral therapy. HCC tumors are highly complex and heterogeneous resulting from the aberrant function of multiple molecular pathways. The roles of HCV or HBV in promoting HCC development are still either directly or indirectly are still speculative, but the evidence for both effects is compelling. In patients with chronic hepatitis viral infection, cirrhosis is not a prerequisite for tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziv Ben Ari
- Liver Disease Center, Sheba Medical Center, Derech Sheba No 1, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel; Liver Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Ella Weitzman
- Liver Disease Center, Sheba Medical Center, Derech Sheba No 1, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Michal Safran
- Liver Disease Center, Sheba Medical Center, Derech Sheba No 1, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel; Liver Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly virulent malignancy with diverse etiology. Identification of a common mediator of aggressive progression of HCC would be extremely beneficial not only for diagnostic/prognostic purposes but also for developing targeted therapies. AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC gene is amplified in human HCC patients, and overexpression of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC has been identified in a high percentage of both hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus positive HCC cases, suggesting its key role in regulating hepatocarcinogenesis. Important insights into the molecular mechanisms mediating oncogenic properties of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC, especially regulating chemoresistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis, have been obtained from studies using HCC model. Additionally, analysis of HCC model has facilitated the identification of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC downstream genes and interacting proteins, thereby unraveling novel players regulating HCC development and progression leading to the development of novel interventional strategies. Characterization of a hepatocyte-specific AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC transgenic mouse (Alb/AEG-1) has revealed novel aspects of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC function in in vivo contexts. Combination of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC inhibition and chemotherapy has documented significant efficacy in abrogating human HCC xenografts in nude mice indicating the need for developing effective AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC inhibition strategies to obtain objective response and survival benefits in terminal HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
To replicate their genomes in cells and generate new progeny, viruses typically require factors provided by the cells that they have infected. Subversion of the cellular machinery that controls replication of the infected host cell is a common activity of many viruses. Viruses employ different strategies to deregulate cell cycle checkpoint controls and modulate cell proliferation pathways. A number of DNA and RNA viruses encode proteins that target critical cell cycle regulators to achieve cellular conditions that are beneficial for viral replication. Many DNA viruses induce quiescent cells to enter the cell cycle; this is thought to increase pools of deoxynucleotides and thus, facilitate viral replication. In contrast, some viruses can arrest cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle that is favorable for replication of the specific virus. Cell cycle arrest may inhibit early cell death of infected cells, allow the cells to evade immune defenses, or help promote virus assembly. Although beneficial for the viral life cycle, virus-mediated alterations in normal cell cycle control mechanisms could have detrimental effects on cellular physiology and may ultimately contribute to pathologies associated with the viral infection, including cell transformation and cancer progression and maintenance. In this chapter, we summarize various strategies employed by DNA and RNA viruses to modulate the replication cycle of the virus-infected cell. When known, we describe how these virus-associated effects influence replication of the virus and contribute to diseases associated with infection by that specific virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eishi Noguchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA
| | - Mariana C. Gadaleta
- Dept of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim MN, Kim BK, Han KH. Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the Asia-Pacific region. J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:681-8. [PMID: 23463401 PMCID: PMC3698419 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-013-0770-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although hepatitis B still remains the most common risk factor worldwide, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the driving force for the increased incidence of HCC especially in Western countries and Japan. In hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic areas, after successful vaccination programs against HBV, chronic HCV infection is now emerging as an important cause of chronic liver diseases. Unlike patients with chronic hepatitis B, those with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) develop HCC in the presence of established cirrhosis in most cases. However, a significant minority of CHC develops HCC in the absence of cirrhosis. Although HCV is a RNA virus with little potential for integrating its genetic material into host genome, various HCV proteins, including core, envelope, and nonstructural proteins, have oncogenic properties by inducing oxidative stress, disturbing cellular regulatory pathways associated with proliferation and apoptosis, and suppressing host immune responses. Overall, a combination of virus-specific, host genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors are likely to determine progression to HCC. Strategies aimed at eliminating the virus may provide opportunities for effective prevention of the development of HCC. Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy appears to be effective at reducing the risk of HCC in patients who achieve sustained virologic responses. In summary, with the emerging importance of CHC, mechanisms of HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis should be clarified to provide insight into advanced therapeutic and preventive approaches, which eventually decrease the incidence and mortality of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Na Kim
- />Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- />Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- />Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- />Yonsei Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- />Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- />Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
|
22
|
Jeong SW, Jang JY, Chung RT. Hepatitis C virus and hepatocarcinogenesis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2012; 18:347-56. [PMID: 23323249 PMCID: PMC3540370 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2012.18.4.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus that is unable to integrate into the host genome. However, its proteins interact with various host proteins and induce host responses. The oncogenic process of HCV infection is slow and insidious and probably requires multiple steps of genetic and epigenetic alterations, the activation of cellular oncogenes, the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, and dysregulation of multiple signal transduction pathways. Stellate cells may transdifferentiate into progenitor cells and possibly be linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Viral proteins also have been implicated in several cellular signal transduction pathways that affect cell survival, proliferation, migration and transformation. Current advances in gene expression profile and selective messenger RNA analysis have improved approach to the pathogenesis of HCC. The heterogeneity of genetic events observed in HCV-related HCCs has suggested that complex mechanisms underlie malignant transformation induced by HCV infection. Considering the complexity and heterogeneity of HCCs of both etiological and genetic aspects, further molecular classification is required and an understanding of these molecular complexities may provide the opportunity for effective chemoprevention and personalized therapy for HCV-related HCC patients in the future. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soung Won Jeong
- Institute for Digestive Research, Digestive Disease Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kasprzak A, Adamek A. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling axis and hepatitis C virus-associated carcinogenesis (review). Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1919-31. [PMID: 23076735 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling plays an important autocrine, paracrine and endocrine role in growth promotion involving various tissues and organs. Synthesis of both IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2) in normal conditions takes place mainly in the liver even if the proteins can be produced in every cell of the human body. The alterations in the IGF signaling axis in human hepatocarcinogenesis are described, but mechanisms of the interactions between expression of oncogenic hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins and components of the IGF system in progression of chronic hepatitis C to primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been poorly recognised. In advanced stages of liver diseases, lowered serum levels of IGF-1 and IGF-2 have been documented. This was supposed to reflect significant damage to liver parenchyma, a decreased number of growth hormone receptors and a decreased genomic expression of IGF binding proteins (IGF BPs). In HCC, a decreased tissue expression of IGF-1, and an increased expression of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) were noted, compared to the control. Potential mechanisms of augmented IGF-2 expression in HCC were also described and dysregulation of IGF signaling in HCC was concluded to occur predominantly at the level of IGF-2 bioavailability. The review aimed at presentation of involvement of IGF-1, IGF-1R and IGF BPs (mostly IGF BP-3 and IGF BP-6) in HCV-related hepatocarcinogenesis. Manifestation of various mRNA transcripts and IGF-1 proteins and their potential involvement in carcinogenesis are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznań, Poland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bouchard MJ, Navas-Martin S. Hepatitis B and C virus hepatocarcinogenesis: lessons learned and future challenges. Cancer Lett 2011; 305:123-43. [PMID: 21168955 PMCID: PMC3071446 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers. It is thought that 80% of hepatocellular carcinomas are linked to chronic infections with the hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) viruses. Chronic HBV and HCV infections can alter hepatocyte physiology in similar ways and may utilize similar mechanisms to influence the development of HCC. There has been significant progress towards understanding the molecular biology of HBV and HCV and identifying the cellular signal transduction pathways that are altered by HBV and HCV infections. Although the precise molecular mechanisms that link HBV and HCV infections to the development of HCC are not entirely understood, there is considerable evidence that both inflammatory responses to infections with these viruses, and associated destruction and regeneration of hepatocytes, as well as activities of HBV- or HCV-encoded proteins, contribute to hepatocyte transformation. In this review, we summarize progress in defining mechanisms that may link HBV and HCV infections to the development of HCC, discuss the challenges of directly defining the processes that underlie HBV- and HCV-associated HCC, and describe areas that remain to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Iwai A, Takegami T, Shiozaki T, Miyazaki T. Hepatitis C virus NS3 protein can activate the Notch-signaling pathway through binding to a transcription factor, SRCAP. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20718. [PMID: 21673954 PMCID: PMC3108961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent infections of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are known to be a major risk factor for causing hepatocellular carcinomas. Nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) of HCV has serine protease and RNA helicase domains, and is essential for the viral replication. Further, NS3 is also considered to be involved in the development of HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinomas. In this report, we focus on the function of NS3 protein, and propose a novel possible molecular mechanism which is thought to be related to the tumorigenesis caused by the persistent infection of HCV. We identified SRCAP (Snf2-related CBP activator protein) as a NS3 binding protein using yeast two-hybrid screening, and a co-immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that NS3 can bind to SRCAP in mammalian cells. The results of a reporter gene assay using Hes-1 promoter which is known to be a target gene activated by Notch, indicate that NS3 and SRCAP cooperatively activate the Hes-1 promoter in Hep3B cells. In addition, we show in this report that also p400, which is known as a protein closely resembling SRCAP, would be targeted by NS3. NS3 exhibited binding activity also to the 1449–1808 region of p400 by a co-immunoprecipitation assay, and further the activation of the Notch-mediated transcription of Hes-1 promoter by NS3 decreased significantly by the combined silencing of SRCAP and p400 mRNA using short hairpin RNA. These results suggest that the HCV NS3 protein is involved in the activation of the Notch-signaling pathway through the targeting to both SRCAP and p400.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Iwai
- Department of Bioresources, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takegami
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takuya Shiozaki
- Department of Bioresources, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Miyazaki
- Department of Bioresources, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
McGivern DR, Lemon SM. Virus-specific mechanisms of carcinogenesis in hepatitis C virus associated liver cancer. Oncogene 2011; 30:1969-83. [PMID: 21258404 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in persons who are persistently infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a growing problem worldwide. Current antiviral therapies are not effective in many patients with chronic hepatitis C, and a greater understanding of the factors leading to progression of HCC will be necessary to design novel approaches to prevention of HCV-associated HCC. The lack of a small animal model of chronic HCV infection has hampered understanding of these factors. As HCV is an RNA virus with little potential for integration of its genetic material into the host genome, the mechanisms underlying HCV promotion of cancer are likely to differ from other models of viral carcinogenesis. In patients persistently infected with HCV, chronic inflammation resulting from immune responses against infected hepatocytes is associated with progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is an important risk factor for HCC independent of HCV infection, and a majority of HCV-associated HCC arises in the setting of cirrhosis. However, a significant minority arises in the absence of cirrhosis, indicating that cirrhosis is not a prerequisite for cancer. Other lines of evidence suggest that direct, virus-specific mechanisms may be involved. Transgenic mice expressing HCV proteins develop cancer in the absence of inflammation or immune recognition of the transgene. In vitro studies have revealed multiple interactions of HCV-encoded proteins with cell cycle regulators and tumor suppressor proteins, raising the possibility that HCV can disrupt control of cellular proliferation, or impair the cell's response to DNA damage. A combination of virus-specific, host genetic, environmental and immune-related factors are likely to determine the progression to HCC in patients who are chronically infected with HCV. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the virus-specific mechanisms that may contribute to HCV-associated HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D R McGivern
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Translational Research, Inflammatory Diseases Institute, and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7292, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sanjo M, Saito T, Ishii R, Nishise Y, Haga H, Okumoto K, Ito J, Watanabe H, Saito K, Togashi H, Fukuda K, Imai Y, El-Shamy A, Deng L, Shoji I, Hotta H, Kawata S. Secondary structure of the amino-terminal region of HCV NS3 and virological response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C. J Med Virol 2010; 82:1364-70. [PMID: 20572079 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify a predictive marker for the virological response in hepatitis C virus 1b (HCV-1b)-infected patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy. A total of 139 patients with chronic hepatitis C who received therapy for 48 weeks were enrolled. The secondary structure of the 120 residues of the amino-terminal HCV-1b non-structural region 3 (NS3) deduced from the amino acid sequence was classified into two major groups: A and B. The association between HCV NS3 protein polymorphism and virological response was analyzed in patients infected with group A (n = 28) and B (n = 40) isolates who had good adherence to both pegylated interferon and ribavirin administration (>95% of the scheduled dosage) for 48 weeks. A sustained virological response (SVR) representing successful HCV eradication occurred in 33 (49%) in the 68 patients. Of the 28 patients infected with the group A isolate, 18 (64%) were SVR, whereas of the 40 patients infected with the group B isolate only 15 (38%) were SVR. The proportion of virological responses differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that polymorphism in the secondary structure of the HCV-1b NS3 amino-terminal region influences the virological response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy, and that virus grouping based on this polymorphism can contribute to prediction of the outcome of this therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Sanjo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ierardi E, Rosania R, Zotti M, Giorgio F, Prencipe S, Valle ND, Francesco VD, Panella C. From chronic liver disorders to hepatocellular carcinoma: Molecular and genetic pathways. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2010; 2:259-64. [PMID: 21160638 PMCID: PMC2998843 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v2.i6.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2009] [Revised: 11/24/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis is a process attributed to progressive genomic changes that alter the hepatocellular phenotype producing cellular intermediates that evolve into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During the preneoplastic phase, the liver is often the site of chronic hepatitis and/or cirrhosis, and these conditions induce liver regeneration with accelerated hepatocyte cycling in an organ that is otherwise proliferatively at rest. Hepatocyte regeneration is accelerated by upregulation of mitogenic pathways involving molecular and genetic mechanisms. Hepatic growth factors, inhibitors and triggers may also play a role. This process leads to the production of monoclonal populations of aberrant and dysplastic hepatocytes that have telomerase re-expression, microsatellite instability, and occasionally structural aberrations in genes and chromosomes. Development of dysplastic hepatocytes in foci and nodules and the emergence of HCC are associated with the accumulation of irreversible structural alterations in genes and chromosomes even if the genomic basis of the malignant phenotype is largely heterogeneous. Therefore, a malignant hepatocyte phenotype may be produced by changes in genes acting through different regulatory pathways, thus producing several molecular variants of HCC. On these bases, a key point for future research will be to determine whether the deletions are specific, due to particular loci in the minimally deleted regions of affected chromosome arms, or whether they are non-specific with loss of large portions of chromosomes or entire chromosome arms leading to passive deletion of loci. The final aim is the possibility of identifying a step where carcinogenetic processes could be terminated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Ierardi
- Enzo Ierardi, Rosa Rosania, Mariangela Zotti, Floriana Giorgio, Simonetta Prencipe, Nicola Della Valle, Vincenzo De Francesco, Carmine Panella, Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale L. Pinto 71100-Foggia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
p21/Wafl/Cipl cellular expression in chronic long-lasting hepatitis C: correlation with HCV proteins (C, NS3, NS5A), other cell-cycle related proteins and selected clinical data. Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2010; 47:385-94. [PMID: 20164022 DOI: 10.2478/v10042-009-0096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies indicate that proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disturb expression of cell-cycle-related proteins. A disturbed cell-cycle control is a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk factor in patients with HCV-related liver damage. The present study aimed to analyse the cellular expression of p21/Wafl/Cipl (p21) in long-lasting chronic hepatitis C (CH-C), its correlation with the key oncogenic HCV proteins (C, NS3, NS5A), other cell-cycle-related proteins (PCNA, Ki-67, cyclin D1, p53) and selected clinical data. Archival liver biopsies, obtained from patients with CH-C, normal livers, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens were analysed by immunocytochemistry and ImmunoMax technique. In CH-C overexpression of p21 protein was demonstrated. Positive correlations of p21 protein expression in CH-C involved age of the patients, grading, and liver steatosis. Moreover, expression of p21 correlated significantly with expression of p53 protein, of D1 cyclin and Ki-67. Although Ki-67 antigen was related to p21 expression, only Ki-67 expression proved to be directly related to liver staging. Expression of the NS3 protein, which prevailed in CH-C patients, manifested correlation with p21 expression, and that of cyclin D1. In presence of preserved potential for regeneration, overexpression of p21 indicates inhibition of cell cycle in hepatocytes, which probably plays a protective role for the chronically damaged cells. Out of the three HCV proteins only NS3 seems to affect control of p21 protein expression in in vivo infection. Nevertheless, the studies indicate that neither expression of p21 protein nor that of viral NS3 protein can serve as a marker of progression of CH-C to HCC in vivo.
Collapse
|
30
|
Tsai WL, Chung RT. Viral hepatocarcinogenesis. Oncogene 2010; 29:2309-24. [PMID: 20228847 PMCID: PMC3148694 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Revised: 12/29/2009] [Accepted: 01/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, its prognosis remains dismal. Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the major risk factors for HCC. Although both are hepatotropic viral infections, there are important differences between the oncogenic mechanisms of these two viruses. In addition to the oncogenic potential of its viral proteins, HBV, as a DNA virus, can integrate into host DNA and directly transform hepatocytes. In contrast, HCV, an RNA virus, is unable to integrate into the host genome, and viral protein expression has a more critical function in hepatocarcinogenesis. Both HBV and HCV proteins have been implicated in disrupting cellular signal transduction pathways that lead to unchecked cell growth. Most HCC develops in the cirrhotic liver, but the linkage between cirrhosis and HCC is likely multifactorial. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the pathogenetic mechanisms of viral HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W-L Tsai
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - RT Chung
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are the most important causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for the majority of the cases worldwide. The geographical distribution of HCC therefore coincides with the distribution of HBV and HCV infections in those areas. Similar to nonviral liver diseases, HBV and HCV infection can cause chronic injury to the liver, with subsequent progression to severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. The presence of cirrhosis is a major risk factor for the development of HCC. However, HCC can occur in the absence of cirrhosis, suggesting that both HBV and HCV may be directly involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Several HBV factors have been implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis, including the HBx gene, the pre-S2/S gene and the HBV spliced protein. Furthermore, HBV can be integrated into the host genome, leading to changes in genomic function or chromosomal instability. By contrast to HBV, HCV cannot integrate into the host genome. Various HCV proteins, including the core, envelope and nonstructural proteins, have been shown to have oncogenic properties. For HBV infection, antiviral therapy and vaccination have been shown to decrease the risk of HCC. Antiviral therapy for HCV can also reduce the risk of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Fung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
McGivern DR, Lemon SM. Tumor suppressors, chromosomal instability, and hepatitis C virus-associated liver cancer. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2009; 4:399-415. [PMID: 18928409 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.pathol.4.110807.092202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the only known RNA virus with an exclusively cytoplasmic life cycle that is associated with cancer. The mechanisms by which it causes cancer are unclear, but chronic immune-mediated inflammation and associated oxidative chromosomal DNA damage probably play a role. Compelling data suggest that the path to hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C shares some important features with the mechanisms of transformation employed by DNA tumor viruses. Interactions of viral proteins with key regulators of the cell cycle, the retinoblastoma-susceptibility protein, p53, and possibly DDX5 and DDX3 lead to enhanced cellular proliferation and may also compromise multiple cell-cycle checkpoints that maintain genomic integrity, thus setting the stage for carcinogenesis. Dysfunctional DNA damage and mitotic spindle checkpoints resulting from these interactions may promote chromosomal instability and leave the hepatocyte unable to control DNA damage caused by oxidative stress mediated by HCV proteins, alcohol, and immune-mediated inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R McGivern
- The Center for Hepatitis Research, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yoo BK, Emdad L, Su ZZ, Villanueva A, Chiang DY, Mukhopadhyay ND, Mills AS, Waxman S, Fisher RA, Llovet JM, Fisher PB, Sarkar D. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression. J Clin Invest 2009; 119:465-77. [PMID: 19221438 DOI: 10.1172/jci36460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive vascular cancer characterized by diverse etiology, activation of multiple signal transduction pathways, and various gene mutations. Here, we have determined a specific role for astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG1) in HCC pathogenesis. Expression of AEG1 was extremely low in human hepatocytes, but its levels were significantly increased in human HCC. Stable overexpression of AEG1 converted nontumorigenic human HCC cells into highly aggressive vascular tumors, and inhibition of AEG1 abrogated tumorigenesis by aggressive HCC cells in a xenograft model of nude mice. In human HCC, AEG1 overexpression was associated with elevated copy numbers. Microarray analysis revealed that AEG1 modulated the expression of genes associated with invasion, metastasis, chemoresistance, angiogenesis, and senescence. AEG1 also was found to activate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling via ERK42/44 activation and upregulated lymphoid-enhancing factor 1/T cell factor 1 (LEF1/TCF1), the ultimate executor of the Wnt pathway, important for HCC progression. Inhibition studies further demonstrated that activation of Wnt signaling played a key role in mediating AEG1 function. AEG1 also activated the NF-kappaB pathway, which may play a role in the chronic inflammatory changes preceding HCC development. These data indicate that AEG1 plays a central role in regulating diverse aspects of HCC pathogenesis. Targeted inhibition of AEG1 might lead to the shutdown of key elemental characteristics of HCC and could lead to an effective therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byoung Kwon Yoo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sarfraz S, Hamid S, Siddiqui A, Hussain S, Pervez S, Alexander G. Altered expression of cell cycle and apoptotic proteins in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. BMC Microbiol 2008; 8:133. [PMID: 18680610 PMCID: PMC2518161 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-8-133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A disrupted cell cycle progression of hepatocytes was reported in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which can contribute significantly in the associated pathogenesis. The present study aimed to further elaborate these disruptions by evaluating the expression of key cell cycle and apoptotic proteins in chronic HCV infection with particular reference to genotype 3. Archival liver biopsy specimens of chronic HCV-infection (n = 46) and normal histology (n = 5) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against proliferation marker Mcm-2, G1 phase marker Cyclin D1, S phase marker Cyclin A, cell cycle regulators p21 (CDK inhibitor) and p53 (tumor suppressor protein), apoptotic protein Caspase-3 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Results Elevated Mcm-2 expression was observed in hepatocytes in chronic HCV infection, indicating increased cell cycle entry. Cyclin D1 expression was higher than cyclin A, which suggests a slow progression through the G1 phase. Expression of cell cycle regulators p21 and p53 was elevated, with no concordance between their expressions. The Mcm-2 and p21 expressions were associated with the fibrosis stage (p = 0.0001 and 0.001 respectively) and that of p53 with the inflammation grade (p = 0.051). Apoptotic marker, Caspase-3, was mostly confined to sinusoidal lining cells with little expression in hepatocytes. Anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, was negligible in hepatocytes and detected principally in infiltrating lymphocytes. Expression of all these proteins was unrelated to the HCV genotype and were detected only rarely in the hepatocytes of normal liver. Conclusion The results showed an arrested cell cycle state in the hepatocytes of chronic HCV infection, regardless of any association with genotype 3. Cell cycle arrest is characterized by an increased expression of p21, in relation to fibrosis, and of p53 in relation to inflammation. Furthermore, expression of p21 was independent of the p53 expression and coincided with the reduced expression of apoptotic protein Caspase-3 in hepatocytes. The altered expression of these cell cycle proteins in hepatocytes is suggestive of an impaired cell cycle progression that could limit the regenerative response of the liver to ongoing injury, leading to the progression of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saira Sarfraz
- 1Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yan XB, Mei L, Feng X, Wan MR, Chen Z, Pavio N, Brechot C. Hepatitis C virus core proteins derived from different quasispecies of genotype 1b inhibit the growth of Chang liver cells. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:2877-81. [PMID: 18473414 PMCID: PMC2710731 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.2877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the influence of different quasispecies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b core protein on growth of Chang liver cells.
METHODS: Three eukaryotic expression plasmids (pEGFP-N1/core) that contained different quasispecies truncated core proteins of HCV genotype 1b were constructed. These were derived from tumor (T) and non-tumor (NT) tissues of a patient infected with HCV and C191 (HCV-J6). The core protein expression plasmids were transiently transfected into Chang liver cells. At different times, the cell cycle and apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation was assayed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay.
RESULTS: The proportion of S-phase Chang liver cells transfected with pEGFP-N1/core was significantly lower than that of cells transfected with blank plasmid at three different times after transfection (all P < 0.05). The proliferation ratio of cells transfected with pEGFP-N1/core was significantly lower than that of cells transfected with blank plasmid. Among three different quasispecies, T, NT and C191 core expression cells, there was no significant difference in the proportion of S- and G0/G1-phase cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells was highest for T (T > NT > C191), and apoptosis was increased in cells transfected with pEGFP-N1/core as the transfection time increased (72 h > 48 h > 24 h).
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HCV genotype 1b core protein induces apoptosis, and inhibits cell-cycle progression and proliferation of Chang liver cells. Different quasispecies core proteins of HCV genotype 1b might have some differences in the pathogenesis of HCV persistent infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a worldwide health issue that has started receiving attention but is still poorly understood. However, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are known to be two major causative agents of HCC. They differ in their modes of infection, their treatment options, their genomes and their carcinogenic abilities. However, both share a link with HCC through alterations of the host genome. In order to continue in our search for the mechanisms behind viral hepatocarcinogenesis, the individual entities (HBV, HCV, HCC and host), their natural history, treatment options and genomic properties must be further understood. Additionally, an understanding of the genomics, the link between the entities, is crucial for the success of the ongoing search for therapeutic options for HCC. Similar to most types of cancer, hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process involving different genetic alterations that ultimately lead to malignant transformation of the hepatocyte. As technology advances and research continues, the genetic changes and influences among these entities will prove essential to improved diagnostic and therapeutic options. It remains a challenge to provide a clear picture of the connection between virus and cancer. We review (i) the epidemiological link between HBV/HCV infection to HCC; (ii) prevention and control of chronic hepatitis B or C in reducing HCC risk; and (iii) genetic characters of viruses and hosts and the mechanisms associated with HCC susceptibilities, with the intention of providing a direction for future research and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pang RWC, Joh JW, Johnson PJ, Monden M, Pawlik TM, Poon RTP. Biology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2008; 15:962-71. [PMID: 18236113 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-007-9730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2007] [Revised: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 09/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta W C Pang
- Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
In recent years, the effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins on hepatocarcinogenesis have undergone intense investigations. The potentially oncogenic proteins include at least three HCV proteins: core (C) protein, NS3, and NS5A. Several authors indicated relationships between subcellular localization, concentration, a specific molecular form of the proteins (full length, truncated, phosphorylated), the presence of specific domains (the nuclear localization signal homologous to e.g. Bcl-2) and their effects on the mechanisms linked to oncogenesis. The involvement of all the proteins has been described as being in control of the cell cycle, through interactions with key proteins of the process (p53, p21, cyclins, proliferating cell nuclear antigen), transcription factors, proto-oncogenes, growth factors/cytokines and their receptors, and proteins linked to the apoptotic process. Untilnow, the involvement of the core protein of HCV in liver carcinogenesis is the most recognized. One of the most common proteins affected by HCV proteins is the p53 tumor-suppressor protein. The p21/WAF1 gene is a major target of p53, and the effect of HCV proteins on the gene is frequently considered in parallel. The results of studies on the effects of HCV proteins on the apoptotic process are controversial. This work summarizes the information collected thus far in the field of HCV molecular virology and principal intracellular signaling pathways in which HCV oncogenic proteins are involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University, Poznań, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pang RWC, Poon RTP. From molecular biology to targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: the future is now. Oncology 2007; 72 Suppl 1:30-44. [PMID: 18087180 DOI: 10.1159/000111705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized as a highly chemoresistant cancer with no effective systemic therapy. Despite surgical or locoregional therapies, prognosis remains poor because of high tumor recurrence or tumor progression, and currently there are no well-established effective adjuvant therapies. The molecular biology of carcinogenesis and tumor progression of HCC has been increasingly understood with intense research in recent years. Several important intracellular signaling pathways such as the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway and PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway have been recognized, and the role of several growth factors and angiogenic factors such as EGF and VEGF has been confirmed. Effective agents targeting these molecular abnormalities have been developed and widely tested in preclinical studies of HCC cell lines or xenograft models. Several agents have entered clinical trials in HCC patients, and recent data indicated that a multikinase inhibitor targeting Ras kinase and VEGFR-2, sorafenib, is effective in prolonging survival of patients with advanced HCC. The management of advanced HCC is entering the era of molecular targeting therapy, which is of particular significance for HCC in view of the lack of existing effective systemic therapy for this cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta W C Pang
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
He Q, Cheng R, Chen Z, Xiao X, Xiao Z, Li C, Li B, Zhang P, Zheng H, Feng D. Cell transformation and proteome alteration in QSG7701 cells transfected with hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 3. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2007; 39:751-62. [PMID: 17928924 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7270.2007.00344.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-structural protein 3 (NS3), an important part of HCV, has been implicated in the life cycle of the virus and interacts with host cellular proteins. In this study, we investigated the effect of NS3 protein on cell tranformation and related protein alteration in human hepatocyte QSG7701 cells. The results indicated that stable expression of the NS3 protein in QSG7701 cells induced transformed characters with reduced population doubling time, anchorage-independent growth and tumor development. Fifteen differentially-expressed proteins were separated and identified using 2-D electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis confirmed that the increase of phospho-p44/42 and phospho-p38 proteins was associated with transformed cells. These results supported the view that HCV NS3 protein plays a transforming role and provided some clues to elucidate the carcinogenesis mechanism of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiongqiong He
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical College, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Munakata T, Liang Y, Kim S, McGivern DR, Huibregtse J, Nomoto A, Lemon SM. Hepatitis C virus induces E6AP-dependent degradation of the retinoblastoma protein. PLoS Pathog 2007; 3:1335-47. [PMID: 17907805 PMCID: PMC2323300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0030139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-strand RNA virus that frequently causes persistent infections and is uniquely associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. While the mechanism(s) by which the virus promotes cancer are poorly defined, previous studies indicate that the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B), forms a complex with the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb), targeting it for degradation, activating E2F-responsive promoters, and stimulating cellular proliferation. Here, we describe the mechanism underlying pRb regulation by HCV and its relevance to HCV infection. We show that the abundance of pRb is strongly downregulated, and its normal nuclear localization altered to include a major cytoplasmic component, following infection of cultured hepatoma cells with either genotype 1a or 2a HCV. We further demonstrate that this is due to NS5B-dependent ubiquitination of pRb and its subsequent degradation via the proteasome. The NS5B-dependent ubiquitination of pRb requires the ubiquitin ligase activity of E6-associated protein (E6AP), as pRb abundance was restored by siRNA knockdown of E6AP or overexpression of a dominant-negative E6AP mutant in cells containing HCV RNA replicons. E6AP also forms a complex with pRb in an NS5B-dependent manner. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for the regulation of pRb in which the HCV NS5B protein traps pRb in the cytoplasm, and subsequently recruits E6AP to this complex in a process that leads to the ubiquitination of pRb. The disruption of pRb/E2F regulatory pathways in cells infected with HCV is likely to promote hepatocellular proliferation and chromosomal instability, factors important for the development of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Munakata
- Center for Hepatitis Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuqiong Liang
- Center for Hepatitis Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Seungtaek Kim
- Center for Hepatitis Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David R McGivern
- Center for Hepatitis Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jon Huibregtse
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Akio Nomoto
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stanley M Lemon
- Center for Hepatitis Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Balsano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Sanità Pubblica (MISP), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Vallet S, Gouriou S, Nkontchou G, Hotta H, Vilerio M, Legrand-Quillien MC, Beaugrand M, Trinchet JC, Nousbaum JB, Dény P, Gaudy C, Goudeau A, Picard B, Payan C. Is hepatitis C virus NS3 protease quasispecies heterogeneity predictive of progression from cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma? J Viral Hepat 2007; 14:96-106. [PMID: 17244249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2006.00773.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether an HCV NS3 protease quasispecies heterogeneity was associated with progression from viral cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The NS3 protease quasispecies structure of 10 HCV-1b cirrhotic patients (controls) was compared with that of 10 paired HCV-1b cirrhotic patients who displayed progression to HCC (cases). NS3 protease genetic complexity and diversity did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Amino acid substitutions were detected at 20 (11%) and 25 (14%) sites in at least two variants of the NS3 protease in cases and controls, respectively. Significant differences in the percentage of substituted clones were observed for 10 NS3 sites. Mutations Y56F, I71V, T72I, Q86P, P89S, S101G/D, R117H, S122G/T/N, V132I and V170I were more frequently observed in the NS3 protease sequences of controls than in those of cases. Residue V107 was substituted in NS3 cases but not in controls. However, these differences did not allow the definition of a specific NS3 profile related to HCC occurrence. The NS3 secondary structure B1-1 previously identified as potentially predictive of HCC was identified with a higher frequency in cases quasispecies (84.2%) than in controls (55.9%; P < 0.05). Our results suggest that there may be a relationship to fibrosis progression when diversity parameters are considered together with secondary structure profiles. Further investigations are required to determine the cellular interactions of HCV NS3 protease in the context of carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Vallet
- Microbiologie, CHU Morvan, Brest, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Stankovic-Djordjevic D, Djordjevic N, Tasic G, Dinic M, Karanikolic A, Pesic M. Hepatitis C virus genotypes and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Dig Dis 2007; 8:42-7. [PMID: 17261134 DOI: 10.1111/j.1443-9573.2007.00282.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in our geographic area, and to determine if there is a correlation between HCV genotypes and the development of HCC. METHODS Thirty-six patients with HCV-related HCC and 35 controls with HCV-associated cirrhosis without HCC were studied. The diagnosis of HCV infection was performed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for the detection of HCV-RNA. HCV genotyping was performed by line probe assay-Inno-LIPA HCV II. The diagnosis of underlying disease in the patients with HCC was performed on the basis of clinical, biochemical or histological evidence. RESULTS Genotype 1b was found in 28 (77.77%) patients with HCC, and in 16 (45.71%) controls. There was significant difference in the prevalence of genotype 1b between the patients with HCC and those with cirrhosis without HCC (P<0.05). Having analyzed the diagnosis of underlying diseases, underlying cirrhosis in 29 (80.55%) and chronic active hepatitis in 7 (19.44%) patients with HCC was found. CONCLUSION Results of the present study suggest that there is a correlation between HCV genotype 1b and the development of HCC. Our findings also add support to the hypothesis that cirrhosis is a major step in liver carcinogenesis associated with HCV, which suggests an indirect role of HCV in the pathogenesis of HCC.
Collapse
|
45
|
Deng L, Nagano-Fujii M, Tanaka M, Nomura-Takigawa Y, Ikeda M, Kato N, Sada K, Hotta H. NS3 protein of Hepatitis C virus associates with the tumour suppressor p53 and inhibits its function in an NS3 sequence-dependent manner. J Gen Virol 2006; 87:1703-1713. [PMID: 16690937 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.81735-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The N-terminal 198 residues of NS3 (NS3-N) of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 1b obtained from 29 patients, as well as full-length NS3 (NS3-Full), were analysed for their subcellular localization, interaction with the tumour suppressor p53 and serine protease activity in the presence and absence of the viral cofactor NS4A. Based on the subcellular-localization patterns in the absence of NS4A, NS3-N sequences were classified into three groups, with each group exhibiting either dot-like, diffuse or a mixed type of localization. Chimeric NS3-Full sequences, each consisting of an individual NS3-N and a shared C-terminal sequence, showed the same localization patterns as those of the respective NS3-N. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that a single or a few amino acid substitutions at a particular position(s) of NS3-N altered the localization pattern. Interestingly, NS3 of the dot-like type, either NS3-N or NS3-Full, interacted with p53 more strongly than that of the diffuse type, in both the presence and the absence of NS4A. Moreover, NS3-N of the dot-like type suppressed trans-activating activity of p53 more strongly than that of the diffuse type. Serine protease activity did not differ significantly between the two types of NS3. In HCV RNA replicon-harbouring cells, physical interaction between NS3 and p53 was observed consistently and p53-mediated transcriptional activation was suppressed significantly compared with HCV RNA-negative control cells. Our results collectively suggest the possibility that NS3 plays an important role in the hepatocarcinogenesis of HCV by interacting differentially with p53 in an NS3 sequence-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Deng
- Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Motoko Nagano-Fujii
- Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Motofumi Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yuki Nomura-Takigawa
- Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masanori Ikeda
- Department of Molecular Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kato
- Department of Molecular Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kiyonao Sada
- Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hak Hotta
- Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tanaka M, Nagano-Fujii M, Deng L, Ishido S, Sada K, Hotta H. Single-point mutations of hepatitis C virus NS3 that impair p53 interaction and anti-apoptotic activity of NS3. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 340:792-9. [PMID: 16380082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.12.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2005] [Accepted: 12/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The N-terminal domain of NS3 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) possesses serine protease activity, which is essential for virus replication. This portion is also implicated in malignant transformation of hepatocytes. We previously demonstrated that an N-terminal portion of NS3 formed a complex with the tumor suppressor p53 and suppressed actinomycin D-induced apoptosis. We report here that single-point mutations of NS3 at position 106 from Leu to Ala (L106A), and position 43 from Phe to Ala (F43A) to a lesser extent, significantly impaired complex formation with p53. Moreover, the L106A mutation impaired an otherwise more distinct anti-apoptotic activity of NS3. F43A and L106A mutations also inhibited serine protease activity of NS3. These results collectively suggest the possibility that Leu106 and Phe43 are involved in p53 interaction and serine protease activity, and therefore, can be a good target for certain low-molecular-weight compound(s) to inhibit both oncogenic and replicative abilities of HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motofumi Tanaka
- Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Bahnassi AA, Zekri ARN, El-Houssini S, Mokhtar NM, Abdel-Aziz AO, Sherif GM, El-Mishad AM, Khaled HM. Hepatitis C virus-NS3P in relation to p53, p21waf, mdm2, p21-ras and c-erbB2 in hepatocarcinogenesis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005; 20:1731-40. [PMID: 16246194 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2005.04002.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The non-structural protein 3 (NS3P) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome was linked to the neoplastic transformation of normal hepatocytes in chronically infected patients. However, the exact mechanisms involved in this process are unidentified yet, especially in the Egyptian population where the commonest type is genotype 4. METHODS We investigated 32 HCV reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases and 18 morphologically normal hepatic tissues distant to tumors (MNT) for the correlation between HCV-NS3P, p53, p21(waf), mdm2, p21ras and c-erbB2 and DNA content by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. RESULTS The NS3P expression was lower in HCC (65.6%) than in MNT (94.4%) patients. The expression level of studied genes in HCC was: p53 (56.25%), p21(waf) (43.7%), mdm2 (59.4%), p21-ras (73.3%) and c-erbB2 (75%). Whereas in MNT, it was 22.2, 61.1, 44.4, 41.2 and 77.8%, respectively. The NS3P expression showed a significant correlation with the presence of cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and tumor grade (P < 0.05). c-erbB2 overexpression and p21(waf) loss were higher in MNT than in HCC patients, however, this did not reach a statistically significant level. There was a statistically significant correlation between NS3P, c-erbB2 and p21(waf) (P < 0.01). There was also a significant correlation between p21(waf) loss and CAH (P = 0.01) as well as between mdm2, c-erbB2 and cirrhosis (P = 0.025 and 0.001) in HCC cases. There was a statistically significant difference in the ploidy status between HCC and MNT, but there was no significant relationship between the ploidy status and other clinicopathological features. CONCLUSION The carcinogenic effect of NS3P is probably exerted at an early stage of HCC possibly through a pathway involving c-erbB2 and p21(waf) alterations. In contrast, p53, p21ras and mdm2 alterations are late events in hepatocarcinogenesis and are usually associated with an aggressive phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abeer A Bahnassi
- Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pang R, Tse E, Poon RTP. Molecular pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2005; 240:157-69. [PMID: 16239065 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2005] [Accepted: 08/31/2005] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Research over the past decade has unraveled important molecular pathways involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and several chromosomal and genetic aberrations have been identified to be responsible for initiation of the carcinogenic process. HBx protein and HCV core protein appear to play a pivotal role in hepatocarcinogenesis related to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, respectively. These viral oncoproteins allow cells to bypass some of the multi-steps in hepatocarcinogenesis, accounting for the etiological role of the two viruses in HCC. Understanding of the molecular pathways of HCC facilitates the development of novel molecular strategies for chemoprevention and therapy of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pang
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Siavoshian S, Abraham JD, Thumann C, Kieny MP, Schuster C. Hepatitis C virus core, NS3, NS5A, NS5B proteins induce apoptosis in mature dendritic cells. J Med Virol 2005; 75:402-11. [PMID: 15648076 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although reasons for hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence are still unknown, specific cellular immune responses appear to influence the pathogenesis and outcome of the infection. Apoptosis of cells infected by viruses may appear suicidal to the viruses that induce programmed cell death of its host. However, apoptosis has been suggested to be a response to virus infection as a mean of facilitating virus dissemination. Annexin V-propidium iodide staining and DNA fragmentation, were used to show that expression of the core, NS3, NS5A, or NS5B protein induces apoptosis in mature dendritic cells. In addition, immunoblotting was used to demonstrate that expression level of p21waf1/cip1 protein decreased in cells expressing one of these HCV proteins. No expression of p53 could be detected and expression of Akt was independent of HCV proteins expression. These results suggest that the effect of these HCV proteins on HCV associated pathogenesis may be linked (at least partially) to its ability to modulate apoptosis pathways in mature dendritic cells.
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 is a major player in cell cycle control and it is mainly regulated at the transcriptional level. Whereas induction of p21 predominantly leads to cell cycle arrest, repression of p21 may have a variety of outcomes depending on the context. In this review, we concentrate on transcriptional repression of p21 by cellular and viral factors, and delve in detail into its possible biological implications and its role in cancer. It seems that the major mode of p21 transcriptional repression by negative regulators is the interference with positive transcription factors without direct binding to the p21 promoter. Specifically, the negative factors may either inhibit binding of positive regulators to the promoter or hinder their transcriptional activity. The ability of p21 to inhibit proliferation may contribute to its tumor suppressor function. Because of this, it is not surprising that a number of oncogenes repress p21 to promote cell growth and tumorigenesis. However, p21 is also an inhibitor of apoptosis and p21 repression may also have an anticancer effect. For example, c-Myc and chemical p21 inhibitors, which repress p21, sensitize tumor cells to apoptosis by anticancer drugs. Further identification of factors that repress p21 is likely to contribute to the better understanding of its role in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei L Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|