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Zhou S, Lin N, Yu L, Su X, Liu Z, Yu X, Gao H, Lin S, Zeng Y. Single-cell multi-omics in the study of digestive system cancers. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:431-445. [PMID: 38223343 PMCID: PMC10787224 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.007] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Digestive system cancers are prevalent diseases with a high mortality rate, posing a significant threat to public health and economic burden. The diagnosis and treatment of digestive system cancer confront conventional cancer problems, such as tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) emerged at times required and has developed from single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) to the single-cell multi-omics era represented by single-cell spatial transcriptomics (ST). This article comprehensively reviews the advances of single-cell omics technology in the study of digestive system tumors. While analyzing and summarizing the research cases, vital details on the sequencing platform, sample information, sampling method, and key findings are provided. Meanwhile, we summarize the commonly used SCS platforms and their features, as well as the advantages of multi-omics technologies in combination. Finally, the development trends and prospects of the application of single-cell multi-omics technology in digestive system cancer research are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Nanfei Lin
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liying Yu
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoshan Su
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Zhenlong Liu
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, & Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaowan Yu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hongzhi Gao
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Lung Stem Cells, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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Li K, Zhang R, Wen F, Zhao Y, Meng F, Li Q, Hao A, Yang B, Lu Z, Cui Y, Zhou M. Single-cell dissection of the multicellular ecosystem and molecular features underlying microvascular invasion in HCC. Hepatology 2024; 79:1293-1309. [PMID: 37972953 PMCID: PMC11095903 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a crucial pathological hallmark of HCC that is closely associated with poor outcomes, early recurrence, and intrahepatic metastasis following surgical resection and transplantation. However, the intricate tumor microenvironment and transcriptional programs underlying MVI in HCC remain poorly understood. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of 46,789 individual cells from 10 samples of MVI+ (MVI present) and MVI- (MVI absent) patients with HCC. We conducted comprehensive and comparative analyses to characterize cellular and molecular features associated with MVI and validated key findings using external bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomic datasets coupled with multiplex immunofluorescence assays. The comparison identified specific subtypes of immune and stromal cells critical to the formation of the immunosuppressive and pro-metastatic microenvironment in MVI+ tumors, including cycling T cells, lysosomal associated membrane protein 3+ dendritic cells, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2+ macrophages, myofibroblasts, and arterial i endothelial cells. MVI+ malignant cells are characterized by high proliferation rates, whereas MVI- malignant cells exhibit an inflammatory milieu. Additionally, we identified the midkine-dominated interaction between triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2+ macrophages and malignant cells as a contributor to MVI formation and tumor progression. Notably, we unveiled a spatially co-located multicellular community exerting a dominant role in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment of MVI and correlating with unfavorable prognosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive single-cell atlas of MVI in HCC, shedding light on the complex multicellular ecosystem and molecular features associated with MVI. These findings deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving MVI and provide valuable insights for improving clinical diagnosis and developing more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Fukai Wen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Yunzheng Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Fanshuai Meng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Qingyu Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Aimin Hao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Bailu Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Yifeng Cui
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P. R. China
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Liu B, Li S, Cheng Y, Song P, Xu M, Li Z, Shao W, Xin J, Fu Z, Gu D, Du M, Zhang Z, Wang M. Distinctive multicellular immunosuppressive hubs confer different intervention strategies for left- and right-sided colon cancers. Cell Rep Med 2024:101589. [PMID: 38806057 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Primary colon cancers arising from the left and right sides exhibit distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. Sidedness-associated heterogeneity relies intricately on the oncogenic properties of cancer cells and multicellular interactions in tumor microenvironments. Here, combining transcriptomic profiling of 426,863 single cells from 105 colon cancer patients and validation with spatial transcriptomics and large-scale histological analysis, we capture common transcriptional heterogeneity patterns between left- and right-sided malignant epithelia through delineating two side-specific expression meta-programs. The proliferation stemness meta-program is notably enriched in left-sided malignant epithelia that colocalize with Mph-PLTP cells, activated regulatory T cells (Tregs), and exhausted CD8-LAYN cells, constituting the glucose metabolism reprogramming niche. The immune secretory (IS) meta-program exhibits specific enrichment in right-sided malignant epithelia, especially in smoking patients with right-sided colon cancer. The IShigh malignant epithelia spatially localize in hypoxic regions and facilitate immune evasion through attenuating Mph-SPP1 cell antigen presentation and recruiting innate-like cytotoxicity-reduced CD8-CD161 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxin Liu
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuwei Li
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifei Cheng
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Menghuan Xu
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyi Li
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junyi Xin
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zan Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongying Gu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mulong Du
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengdong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
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Fu Y, Maccioni L, Wang XW, Greten TF, Gao B. Alcohol-associated liver cancer. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00837. [PMID: 38607725 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Heavy alcohol intake induces a wide spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Although alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for the development, morbidity, and mortality of HCC globally, alcohol-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (A-HCC) is poorly characterized compared to viral hepatitis-associated HCC. Most A-HCCs develop after alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC), but the direct carcinogenesis from ethanol and its metabolites to A-HCC remains obscure. The differences between A-HCC and HCCs caused by other etiologies have not been well investigated in terms of clinical prognosis, genetic or epigenetic landscape, molecular mechanisms, and heterogeneity. Moreover, there is a huge gap between basic research and clinical practice due to the lack of preclinical models of A-HCC. In the current review, we discuss the pathogenesis, heterogeneity, preclinical approaches, epigenetic, and genetic profiles of A-HCC, and discuss the current insights into and the prospects for future research on A-HCC. The potential effect of alcohol on cholangiocarcinoma and liver metastasis is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Fu
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Luca Maccioni
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Liver Carcinogenesis Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Hong W, Zhang Y, Wang S, Li Z, Zheng D, Hsu S, Zhou J, Fan J, Chen Z, Xia X, Zeng Z, Gao Q, Yu M, Du S. RECQL4 Inhibits Radiation-Induced Tumor Immune Awakening via Suppressing the cGAS-STING Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308009. [PMID: 38381090 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond poorly to radiotherapy despite remarkable advances in treatment. A deeper insight into the mechanism of sensitivity of HCC to this therapy is urgently required. It is demonstrated that RECQL4 is upregulated in the malignant cells of patients with HCC. Elevated RECQL4 levels reduce the sensitivity of HCC to radiotherapy by repairing radiation-induced double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragments. Mechanistically, the inhibitory effect of RECQL4 on radiotherapy is due to the reduced recruitment of dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RECQL4 disrupts the radiation-induced transformation of the TME into a tumoricidal niche by inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway in dendritic cells. Knocking out STING in dendritic cells can block the impact of RECQL4 on HCC radiosensitivity. Notably, high RECQL4 expressions in HCC is significantly associated with poor prognosis in multiple independent cohorts. In conclusion, this study highlights how HCC-derived RECQL4 disrupts cGAS-STING pathway activation in dendritic cells through DNA repair, thus reducing the radiosensitivity of HCC. These findings provide new perspectives on the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Siwei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Zongjuan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Danxue Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Shujung Hsu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Zhesheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Institute for Biotechnology, St. John's University, Queens, New York, NY10003, USA
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhaochong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Pancreas Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, China
| | - Shisuo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
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Wang B, Wu H, Wang S, Zhang ZY, Wu W, Yan K, Yang W. A novel nomogram for prediction of intrahepatic recurrence-free survival in patients with HCC followed by radiofrequency ablation. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:844-849. [PMID: 38346708 PMCID: PMC11027320 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been considered as the favourable treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there still exist some challenges for new recurrence after RFA. The present study aims to determine the factors affecting recurrence and develop an effective model to predict intrahepatic recurrence-free survival (RFS). METHODS Patients with HCC followed by RFA between 2000 and 2021 were included in this study. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent prognostic factors and establish the nomogram predicting intrahepatic RFS after RFA. The predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed according to the C-index, calibration plots, and Kaplan-Meier curves stratified by the tertiles. RESULTS A total of 801 sessions in 660 patients (including 1155 lesions) were enrolled into this study. Intrahepatic new recurrence was observed in all patients during the follow-up, and the mean intrahepatic RFS was 21.9 months in the present cohort. According to multivariate COX regression analysis, five independent prognostic factors affecting intrahepatic RFS were determined, including age, Child-Pugh class, tumour distribution, number of tumours, and a-fetoprotein (AFP). Based on all independent prognostic factors, the nomogram model was developed and evaluated, which achieved favourable discrimination and calibration. CONCLUSION This study established five independent prognostic factors and constructed a nomogram model to predict intrahepatic RFS for HCC patients followed by RFA. It could better help clinicians select RFA candidates, as well as offering the important information about whether patients need receive comprehensive treatment to prevent new recurrence after RFA. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE (1) In this study, 5 preoperative clinic-pathological variables were determined as the independent prognostic factors affecting RFS after RFA in the current largest sample size. (2) Based on these independent prognostic factors, a prognostic nomogram predicting RFS after RFA was established, which may be used to select patients who benefit from RFA and could help both surgeons and patients provide useful information for choosing the personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Song Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhong-yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Kun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
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Wang X, Zhang L, Dong B. Molecular mechanisms in MASLD/MASH-related HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00739. [PMID: 38349726 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. NAFLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and its more severe manifestation, NASH or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), pose a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 20%-25% of the population. The increased prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and MASH is parallel to the increasing rates of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver diseases. MASH can progress to MASH-related HCC (MASH-HCC) in about 2% of cases each year, influenced by various factors such as genetic mutations, carcinogen exposure, immune microenvironment, and microbiome. MASH-HCC exhibits distinct molecular and immune characteristics compared to other causes of HCC and affects both men and women equally. The management of early to intermediate-stage MASH-HCC typically involves surgery and locoregional therapies, while advanced HCC is treated with systemic therapies, including anti-angiogenic therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we consolidate previous research findings while also providing the most current insights into the intricate molecular processes underlying MASH-HCC development. We delve into MASH-HCC-associated genetic variations and somatic mutations, disease progression and research models, multiomics analysis, immunological and microenvironmental impacts, and discuss targeted/combined therapies to overcome immune evasion and the biomarkers to recognize treatment responders. By furthering our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying MASH-HCC, our goal is to catalyze the advancement of more potent treatment strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bingning Dong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Liang T, Tao T, Wu K, Liu L, Xu W, Zhou D, Fang H, Ding Q, Huang G, Wu S. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Induced Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment in Recurrent Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303230. [PMID: 37743226 PMCID: PMC10625065 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Bladder carcinoma (BC) recurrence is a major clinical challenge, and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a promising therapy. However, the relationship between individual TME components, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor recurrence is unclear. Here, TME heterogeneity in primary and recurrent BC is investigated using single-cell RNA sequence profiling of 62 460 cells. Two cancer stem cell (CSC) subtypes are identified in recurrent BC. An inflammatory CAF subtype, ICAM1+ iCAFs, specifically associated with BC recurrence is also identified. iCAFs are found to secrete FGF2, which acts on the CD44 receptor of rCSC-M, thereby maintaining tumor stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, THBS1+ monocytes, a group of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are enriched in recurrent BC and interacted with CAFs. ICAM1+ iCAFs are found to secrete CCL2, which binds to CCR2 in MDSCs. Moreover, elevated STAT3, NFKB2, VEGFA, and CTGF levels in iCAFs reshape the TME in recurrent tumors. CCL2 inhibition in an in situ BC mouse model suppressed tumor growth, decreased MDSCs and Tregs, and fostered tumor immune suppression. The study results highlight the role of iCAFs in TME cell-cell crosstalk during recurrent BC. The identification of pivotal signaling factors driving BC relapse is promising for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Tao Tao
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Kai Wu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Lisha Liu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Wuwu Xu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Dewang Zhou
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Hu Fang
- Department of UrologySouth China Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Qiuxia Ding
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Guixiao Huang
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
- Department of UrologySouth China Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
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9
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Xu Y, Fu S, Liu K, Mao Y, Wu J. Lenvatinib Plus PD-1 Inhibitors versus Regorafenib in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma After the Failure of Sorafenib: A Retrospective Study. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:853-863. [PMID: 37899984 PMCID: PMC10612499 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s420371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcomes of lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors (LP) and regorafenib (R) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sorafenib failure. Methods From June 2018 to September 2021, 68 patients from a single center who received lenvatinib combined with PD-1 inhibitors or regorafenib after sorafenib treatment failure were analyzed. The tumor response and survival outcomes were compared between the LP group and R group. Prognostic factors for OS and PFS were determined using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results The ORR increased in the LP group (19.5% vs 7.4%, p =0.294), and the DCR was better in the R group (73.2% vs 44.4%, p =0.017). Additionally, median PFS and OS were not significantly different between the LP group and R two groups in survival analysis (PFS: 5.3 months vs 3.0 months, p =0.633; OS: 11.8 months vs 8.0 months, p =0.699). The common adverse events (≥grade 3) were hand-foot skin reactions (13.1%). In multivariate analyses, AFP≥400 ng/mL and ECOG PS 2 were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Conclusion The LP group appeared to have a trend of greater tumor response and a higher disease control rate than the R group among patients with sorafenib-resistant HCC, although PFS and OS did not differ significantly between the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shumin Fu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Mao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Swain AK, Pandey P, Sera R, Yadav P. Single-cell transcriptome analysis identifies novel biomarkers involved in major liver cancer subtypes. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:235. [PMID: 37438675 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are the two aggressive subtypes of liver cancer (LC). Immense cellular heterogeneity and cross-talk between cancer and healthy cells make it challenging to treat these cancer subtypes. To address these challenges, the study aims to systematically characterize the tumor heterogeneity of LC subtypes using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets. The study combined 51,927 single cells from HCC, ICC, and healthy scRNA-seq datasets. After integrating the datasets, cell groups with similar gene expression patterns are clustered and cluster annotation has been performed based on gene markers. Cell-cell communication analysis (CCA) was implemented to understand the cross-talk between various cell types. Further, differential gene expression analysis and enrichment analysis were carried out to identify unique molecular drivers associated with HCC and ICC. Our analysis identified T cells, hepatocytes, epithelial cells, and monocyte as the major cell types present in the tumor microenvironment. Among them, abundance of natural killer (NK) cells in HCC, epithelial cells, and hepatocytes in ICC was detected. CCA revealed key interaction between T cells to NK cells in HCC and smooth muscle cells to epithelial cells in the ICC. Additionally, SOX4 and DTHD1 are the top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC, while keratin and CCL4 are in ICC. Enrichment analysis of DEGs reveals major upregulated genes in HCC affect protein folding mechanism and in ICC alter pathways involved in cell adhesion. The findings suggest potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these two aggressive subtypes of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asish Kumar Swain
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342030, India
| | - Prashant Pandey
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342030, India
| | - Riddhi Sera
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342030, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342030, India.
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342030, India.
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11
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Wu C, Zhang J, Wang H, Zhang W, Liu J, Zhou N, Chen K, Wang Y, Peng S, Fu L. TRAF2 as a key candidate gene in clinical hepatitis B-associated liver fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1168250. [PMID: 37091870 PMCID: PMC10113534 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1168250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Approximately 240 million individuals are infected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. HBV infection can develop into liver fibrosis. The mechanism of HBV-related liver fibrosis has not been fully understood, and there are few effective treatment options. The goal of this study was to use transcriptomics in conjunction with experimental validation to identify new targets to treat HBV-related liver fibrosis. Methods: To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), five liver tissues were collected from both healthy individuals and patients with chronic hepatitis B. NovoMagic and Java GSEA were used to screen DEGs and key genes, respectively. Immunocell infiltration analysis of RNA-seq data was, and the results were confirmed by Western blotting (WB), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry. Results: We evaluated 1,105 genes with differential expression, and 462 and 643 genes showed down- and upregulation, respectively. The essential genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor-2 (TRAF2), were screened out of DEGs. TRAF2 expression was abnormally high in hepatic fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B compared with healthy controls. The degree of hepatic fibrosis and serum levels of glutamate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) were positively linked with TRAF2 expression. TRAF2 may be crucial in controlling T lymphocyte-mediated liver fibrosis. Conclusion: Our findings imply that TRAF2 is essential for HBV-induced liver fibrosis progression, and it may potentially be a promising target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cichun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huiwen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingqing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nianqi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Keyu Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shifang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Fu, ; Shifang Peng,
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Fu, ; Shifang Peng,
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