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Sukowati CH, El-Khobar K, Jasirwan COM, Kurniawan J, Gani RA. Stemness markers in hepatocellular carcinoma of Eastern vs. Western population: Etiology matters? Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101153. [PMID: 37734662 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate. HCC development is associated with its underlying etiologies, mostly caused by infection of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and exposure to aflatoxins. These variables, together with human genetic susceptibility, contribute to HCC molecular heterogeneity, including at the cellular level. HCC initiation, tumor recurrence, and drug resistance rates have been attributed to the presence of liver cancer stem cells (CSC). This review summarizes available data regarding whether various HCC etiologies may be associated to the appearance of CSC biomarkers. It also described the genetic variations of tumoral tissues obtained from Western and Eastern populations, in particular to the oncogenic effect of HBV in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caecilia Hc Sukowati
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy; Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Building, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia.
| | - Korri El-Khobar
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Building, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Chyntia Olivia Maurine Jasirwan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Medical Staff Group of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.71, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Juferdy Kurniawan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Medical Staff Group of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.71, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Rino Alvani Gani
- Hepatobiliary Division, Medical Staff Group of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.71, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
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2
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Amin MN, El-Far YM, El-Mowafy M, Elgaml A. Tazemetostat decreases β-catenin and CD13 protein expression in HEPG-2 and Hepatitis B virus-transfected HEPG-2 with decreased cell viability. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:180. [PMID: 37941056 PMCID: PMC10634085 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01593-8] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the global health concerns. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of HCC. Poor clinical outcome of HCC patients is attributed to a small population of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this work, we studied the effect of inhibiting the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase known to be overexpressed in CSCs, using tazemetostat (Taz). The effect of Taz was assessed in the HCC cell line (HEPG2) and Hepatitis B virus-transfected HEPG2 (HBV/HEPG2) cells. MTT assay showed a significant decrease in HEPG2 cells viability after 48 h treatment with either 0.5, 1, 4 or 6 μM Taz. HEPG2 and HBV/HEPG2 cells were incubated with either 0.5 or 1 μM Taz for 48 h, and then, the cells and supernatants were collected for protein expression analysis of EZH2, CD13, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and β-catenin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taz showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition of EZH2, CD13 and β-catenin in HEPG2 and HBV/HEPG2 cells. Also, EpCAM protein levels were significantly decreased in HBV/HEPG2 but not in HEPG2 cell line alone. Our results indicate that Taz inhibition of EZH2 leads to downregulation of β-catenin signaling and eventually decreased expression of CD13 and EpCAM, which are characteristic for CSCs. The present study suggests that Taz could be a promising treatment for HCC including HBV-induced HCC that might be used in combination with radio/chemotherapy to target CSCs and prevent tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N Amin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Yousra M El-Far
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El-Mowafy
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Abdelaziz Elgaml
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt.
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3
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Saikia PJ, Pathak L, Mitra S, Das B. The emerging role of oral microbiota in oral cancer initiation, progression and stemness. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1198269. [PMID: 37954619 PMCID: PMC10639169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1198269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy among the Head and Neck cancer. OSCCs are highly inflammatory, immune-suppressive, and aggressive tumors. Recent sequencing based studies demonstrated the involvement of different oral microbiota in oral cavity diseases leading OSCC carcinogenesis, initiation and progression. Researches showed that oral microbiota can activate different inflammatory pathways and cancer stem cells (CSCs) associated stemness pathways for tumor progression. We speculate that CSCs and their niche cells may interact with the microbiotas to promote tumor progression and stemness. Certain oral microbiotas are reported to be involved in dysbiosis, pre-cancerous lesions, and OSCC development. Identification of these specific microbiota including Human papillomavirus (HPV), Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) provides us with a new opportunity to study the bacteria/stem cell, as well as bacteria/OSCC cells interaction that promote OSCC initiation, progression and stemness. Importantly, these evidences enabled us to develop in-vitro and in-vivo models to study microbiota interaction with stem cell niche defense as well as CSC niche defense. Thus in this review, the role of oral microbiota in OSCC has been explored with a special focus on how oral microbiota induces OSCC initiation and stemness by modulating the oral mucosal stem cell and CSC niche defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Jyoti Saikia
- Department of Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
- Department of Stem Cell and Infectious Diseases, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
| | - Lekhika Pathak
- Department of Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
- Department of Stem Cell and Infectious Diseases, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
| | - Shirsajit Mitra
- Department of Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
- Department of Stem Cell and Infectious Diseases, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
| | - Bikul Das
- Department of Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
- Department of Stem Cell and Infectious Diseases, KaviKrishna Laboratory, Research Park, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Thoreau Laboratory for Global Health, M2D2, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, United States
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4
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Faghihkhorasani A, Dalvand A, Derafsh E, Tavakoli F, Younis NK, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Shokri P. The role of oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes in the cancer stem cells: a review of virus in cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:250. [PMID: 37880659 PMCID: PMC10599042 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03099-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are the main "seeds" for the initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. According to many studies, several viral infections, including the human papillomaviruses, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C virus, promote the aggressiveness of cancer by encouraging the development of CSC features. Therefore, a better method for the targeted elimination of CSCs and knowledge of their regulatory mechanisms in human carcinogenesis may lead to the development of a future tool for the management and treatment of cancer. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which include the herpes virus, adenovirus, vaccinia, and reovirus, are also a new class of cancer therapeutics that have favorable properties such as selective replication in tumor cells, delivery of numerous eukaryotic transgene payloads, induction of immunogenic cell death and promotion of antitumor immunity, as well as a tolerable safety profile that essentially differs from that of other cancer therapeutics. The effects of viral infection on the development of CSCs and the suppression of CSCs by OV therapy were examined in this paper. The purpose of this review is to investigate the dual role of viruses in CSCs (oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaleh Dalvand
- Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Derafsh
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Windsor University School of Medicine, Brighton's Estate, Cayton, St. Kitts And Nevis
| | - Farnaz Tavakoli
- Nephrology and Transplantation Ward, Shariati Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Pooria Shokri
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medical Science, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
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Feitelson MA, Arzumanyan A, Medhat A, Spector I. Short-chain fatty acids in cancer pathogenesis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:677-698. [PMID: 37432606 PMCID: PMC10584782 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10117-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step process that can be viewed as a cellular and immunological shift away from homeostasis in response to selected infectious agents, mutations, diet, and environmental carcinogens. Homeostasis, which contributes importantly to the definition of "health," is maintained, in part by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites of specific gut bacteria. Alteration in the composition of gut bacteria, or dysbiosis, is often a major risk factor for some two dozen tumor types. Dysbiosis is often characterized by diminished levels of SCFAs in the stool, and the presence of a "leaky gut," permitting the penetration of microbes and microbial derived molecules (e.g., lipopolysaccharides) through the gut wall, thereby triggering chronic inflammation. SCFAs attenuate inflammation by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, by stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta, and by promoting the differentiation of naïve T cells into T regulatory cells, which down-regulate immune responses by immunomodulation. SCFA function epigenetically by inhibiting selected histone acetyltransferases that alter the expression of multiple genes and the activity of many signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Hedgehog, Hippo, and Notch) that contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. SCFAs block cancer stem cell proliferation, thereby potentially delaying or inhibiting cancer development or relapse by targeting genes and pathways that are mutated in tumors (e.g., epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, and MET) and by promoting the expression of tumor suppressors (e.g., by up-regulating PTEN and p53). When administered properly, SCFAs have many advantages compared to probiotic bacteria and fecal transplants. In carcinogenesis, SCFAs are toxic against tumor cells but not to surrounding tissue due to differences in their metabolic fate. Multiple hallmarks of cancer are also targets of SCFAs. These data suggest that SCFAs may re-establish homeostasis without overt toxicity and either delay or prevent the development of various tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Feitelson
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, 1975933411, Iran
| | - Ira Spector
- SFA Therapeutics, Jenkintown, PA, 19046, USA
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6
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Lawson A, Kamarajah SK, Parente A, Pufal K, Sundareyan R, Pawlik TM, Ma YT, Shah T, Kharkhanis S, Dasari BVM. Outcomes of Transarterial Embolisation (TAE) vs. Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3166. [PMID: 37370776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hepatocellular carcinoma is increasingly common, debate exists surrounding the management of patients with unresectable disease comparing transarterial embolisation (TAE) or transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving TAE and TACE. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until August 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events. Five studies with 609 patients were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in the OS (p = 0.36) and PFS (p = 0.81). There was no difference in OS among patients treated with a single TACE/TAE versus repeat treatments. Post-procedural adverse effects were higher in the TACE group but were not statistically significant. TACE has comparable long-term survival and complications profile to TAE for patients with HCC. However, the low-to-moderate quality of current RCTs warrants high-quality RCTs are necessary to provide enough evidence to give a definitive answer and inform treatment plans for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lawson
- Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sivesh K Kamarajah
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Alessandro Parente
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Kamil Pufal
- Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yuk Ting Ma
- Department of Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Tahir Shah
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Salil Kharkhanis
- Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Bobby V M Dasari
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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7
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ, Wang CH. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer Stem Cells of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1417. [PMID: 36674932 PMCID: PMC9861908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally. The cancer stem cells (CSCs) of HCC are responsible for tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, chemoresistance, target therapy resistance and radioresistance. The reported main surface markers used to identify liver CSCs include epithelial cell adhesion/activating molecule (EpCAM), cluster differentiation 90 (CD90), CD44 and CD133. The main molecular signaling pathways include the Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β), sonic hedgehog (SHH), PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Notch. Patients with EpCAM-positive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-positive HCC are usually young but have advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages. CD90-positive HCCs are usually poorly differentiated with worse prognosis. Those with CD44-positive HCC cells develop early metastases. Those with CD133 expression have a higher recurrence rate and a shorter overall survival. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway triggers angiogenesis, tumor infiltration and metastasis through the enhancement of angiogenic factors. All CD133+ liver CSCs, CD133+/EpCAM+ liver CSCs and CD44+ liver CSCs contribute to sorafenib resistance. SHH signaling could protect HCC cells against ionizing radiation in an autocrine manner. Reducing the CSC population of HCC is crucial for the improvement of the therapy of advanced HCC. However, targeting CSCs of HCC is still challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
| | - I-Shyang Sheen
- Department of Hepato Gastroenterology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Postgraduate of Institute of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsuan Wang
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
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Liu L, Huang Y, Fu Y, Rao J, Zeng F, Ji M, Xu X, Zhu J, Du W, Liu Z. Hepatitis B virus promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development by activating GP73 to repress the innate immune response. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:52. [PMID: 36195933 PMCID: PMC9533540 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00462-y] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic infection in the clinic. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely linked to HBV infection. Serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) increases during HBV infection. However, the role of GP73 during HBV infection and the occurrence of HBV-related HCC is still poorly understood. Methods The underlying role of HBV-induced GP73 in regulating HCC development was investigated in this study. GP73 expression in HBV-related clinical HCC tissues and in HBV-infected hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Tumorigenicity of GP73 overexpressed cells was detected by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, xenograft nude mouse analyses and sphere formation assays. The effects of GP73 and HBV infection on host innate immune responses in hepatocytes were further investigated by Western blotting and qRT-PCR analysis. Results Initially, we confirmed that HBV-positive HCC tissues had significantly higher expression of GP73. Ectopic expression of the HBV gene could induce GP73 expression in primary human hepatocytes and hepatoma cells in vitro. In addition, we discovered that GP73 promotes HCC in both normal liver cells and hepatoma cells. We also found that ectopic expression of HBV genes increases GP73 expression, suppressing the host's innate immune responses in hepatocytes. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that HBV facilitates HCC development by activating GP73 to repress the host's innate immune response. This study adds to our understanding of the pathogenesis of HBV infection-induced HCC. The findings also provide preclinical support for GP73 as a potential HCC prevention or treatment target. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13027-022-00462-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Institution of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Institution of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yanan Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Institution of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jingjing Rao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Institution of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Feng Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Institution of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Manshan Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jianyong Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Respiratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China. .,Institution of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.
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Xiao Y, Cao J, Zhang Z, Zeng C, Ou G, Shi J, Liu Z, Li Y, Deng J, Xu Y, Zhang W, Li J, Li T, Zhuang H, Lu S, Xiang K. Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA Reflecting Viral Replication in Distal Non-tumor Tissues as a Determinant of the Stemness and Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:830741. [PMID: 35464922 PMCID: PMC9021960 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.830741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The existence of hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributes to chemotherapy resistance and cancer recurrence after treatment or surgery. However, very little is known about the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and its relationship with the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HBV-related HCC patients. Methods We collected tumor tissues (T), matched adjacent non-tumor tissues (NT), and distal non-tumor tissues (FNT) from 55 HCC patients for analysis. Results We found HBV DNA levels were higher in T samples than NT and FNT samples, but HBV pgRNA and total RNA expressed lower in T samples. HBV pgRNA and total RNA correlate to HBV DNA among the T, NT, and FNT samples. Further evidence for HBV replication in T samples was provided by HBV S, reverse transcriptase, and X genes sequencing, showing that HBV sequences and genotypes differed between T and matched NT and FNT samples. HBV pgRNA and total RNA showed more frequent significant correlations with CSC markers in NT samples in HBsAg-positive patients. The markers CD133 and OCT4 expressed higher in FNT samples, and HBV replication marker of pgRNA levels was significantly positively correlated to these two markers only in FNT samples. The detection of pgRNA and OCT4 in FNT was correlated to the recurrence of HCC in the resection of HCC patients. Analysis of HBV receptor, sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), showed that NTCP was correlated negatively to CSC markers in T samples, except for the CD44. Conclusion HBV replication may present in HCC with a weak transcriptomic signature. Moreover, the expression level of HBV pgRNA in distal non-tumor tissues is a sensitive marker for HBV replication and prognosis, which is associated with CSC-related markers especially with OCT4 in distal non-tumor tissues and recurrence of HCC in HBV-related HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Junning Cao
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoting Zeng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guomin Ou
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jihang Shi
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixiu Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital, Langfang, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Deng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yinzhe Xu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Peking University-YHLO Joint Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostic of Infectious Disease, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Peking University-YHLO Joint Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostic of Infectious Disease, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shichun Lu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kuanhui Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Peking University-YHLO Joint Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostic of Infectious Disease, Peking University, Beijing, China
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10
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Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma - from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:26-44. [PMID: 34504325 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical outcome. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumour growth is powered by a subset of tumour stem cells within cancers. This model explains several clinical observations in HCC (as well as in other cancers), including the almost inevitable recurrence of tumours after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, as well as the phenomena of tumour dormancy and treatment resistance. The past two decades have seen a marked increase in research on the identification and characterization of liver CSCs, which has encouraged the design of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. These studies revealed novel aspects of liver CSCs, including their heterogeneity and unique immunobiology, which are suggestive of opportunities for new research directions and potential therapies. In this Review, we summarize the present knowledge of liver CSC markers and the regulators of stemness in HCC. We also comprehensively describe developments in the liver CSC field with emphasis on experiments utilizing single-cell transcriptomics to understand liver CSC heterogeneity, lineage-tracing and cell-ablation studies of liver CSCs, and the influence of the CSC niche and tumour microenvironment on liver cancer stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system. We also discuss the potential application of liver CSC-based therapies for treatment of HCC.
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11
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Medhat A, Arzumanyan A, Feitelson MA. Hepatitis B x antigen (HBx) is an important therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2421-2433. [PMID: 34853663 PMCID: PMC8629409 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28077] [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: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human pathogen that has infected an estimated two billion people worldwide. Despite the availability of highly efficacious vaccines, universal screening of the blood supply for virus, and potent direct acting anti-viral drugs, there are more than 250 million carriers of HBV who are at risk for the sequential development of hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). More than 800,000 deaths per year are attributed to chronic hepatitis B. Many different therapeutic approaches have been developed to block virus replication, and although effective, none are curative. These treatments have little or no impact upon the portions of integrated HBV DNA, which often encode the virus regulatory protein, HBx. Although given little attention, HBx is an important therapeutic target because it contributes importantly to (a) HBV replication, (b) in protecting infected cells from immune mediated destruction during chronic infection, and (c) in the development of HCC. Thus, the development of therapies targeting HBx, combined with other established therapies, will provide a functional cure that will target virus replication and further reduce or eliminate both the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic liver disease and HCC. Simultaneous targeting of all these characteristics underscores the importance of developing therapies against HBx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Azad University, North Unit, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark A Feitelson
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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12
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Trivedi P, Patel SK, Bellavia D, Messina E, Palermo R, Ceccarelli S, Marchese C, Anastasiadou E, Minter LM, Felli MP. When Viruses Cross Developmental Pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:691644. [PMID: 34422814 PMCID: PMC8375270 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.691644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of developmental pathways plays a key role in tumorigenesis. Tumor cells differ from normal cells in their sustained proliferation, replicative immortality, resistance to cell death and growth inhibition, angiogenesis, and metastatic behavior. Often they acquire these features as a consequence of dysregulated Hedgehog, Notch, or WNT signaling pathways. Human tumor viruses affect the cancer cell hallmarks by encoding oncogenic proteins, and/or by modifying the microenvironment, as well as by conveying genomic instability to accelerate cancer development. In addition, viral immune evasion mechanisms may compromise developmental pathways to accelerate tumor growth. Viruses achieve this by influencing both coding and non-coding gene regulatory pathways. Elucidating how oncogenic viruses intersect with and modulate developmental pathways is crucial to understanding viral tumorigenesis. Many currently available antiviral therapies target viral lytic cycle replication but with low efficacy and severe side effects. A greater understanding of the cross-signaling between oncogenic viruses and developmental pathways will improve the efficacy of next-generation inhibitors and pave the way to more targeted antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Trivedi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Messina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lisa M Minter
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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13
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Liao R, Liu L, Zhou J, Wei X, Huang P. Current Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Strategy Status and Prospects for circRNAs in HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:697747. [PMID: 34277444 PMCID: PMC8284075 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.697747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly classified noncoding RNA (ncRNA) members with a covalently closed continuous loop structure that are involved in immune responses against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and play important biological roles in the occurrence and pathogenesis of HCC progression. The roles of circRNAs in HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) have gained increasing attention. Substantial evidence has revealed that both tissue and circulating circRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. So far, at least four circRNA/miRNA regulatory axes such as circRNA_101764/miR-181, circRNA_100338/miR-141-3p, circ-ARL3/miR-1305, circ-ATP5H/miR-138-5p, and several circulating circRNAs were reported to be associated with HBV-HCC development. Notably, TGF/SMAD, JAK/STAT, Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways may play pivotal roles in this HBV-driven HCC via several circRNAs. Moreover, in non-HBV HCC patients or HCC patients partially infected by HBV, numerous circRNAs have been identified to be important regulators impacting the malignant biological behavior of HCC. Furthermore, the role of circRNAs in HCC drug resistance has become a focus of research with the aim of reversing chemoresistance and immune resistance. Herein, we review the molecular biology of circRNAs in HBV-HCC and their potential in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The People's Rongchang Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xufu Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Downregulation of HBx Restrains Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of HepG2 Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2021:6615979. [PMID: 34094815 PMCID: PMC8140855 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6615979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is a major contributor to cancer-related death with poor survival for sufferers. Meanwhile, Hepatic B virus X protein (HBx) and XB130 are likely to participate in the pathogenesis of liver cancer. However, the detailed mechanism of HBx/XB130 in liver cancer remains to be further investigated. Our study explored the effects of HBx/XB130 on liver cancer progression. HBx and XB130 expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Overexpression of HBx and XB130 was found in liver cancer tissues and cells. Mechanistic study revealed that HBx could bind to and positively regulate XB130 in HepG2 cells. Subsequently, HBx expression was knocked down, while XB130 was overexpressed in HepG2 cells in order to observe the specific role of HBx/XB130 in liver cancer in vitro. Results of CCK-8, Transwell, wound healing, and colony formation assays suggested that HBx could mediate biological function of HepG2 cells by activating the XB130-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway. In summary, our data illustrate that inhibition of HBx effectively suppressed proliferation and metastasis and induced apoptosis of liver cancer cells, which might be partially reversed by XB130. HBx and XB130 may be potential targets for liver cancer pathogenesis.
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15
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Zarębska I, Gzil A, Durślewicz J, Jaworski D, Antosik P, Ahmadi N, Smolińska-Świtała M, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. The clinical, prognostic and therapeutic significance of liver cancer stem cells and their markers. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101664. [PMID: 33667731 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cause of death among cancers. The poor prognosis of HCC might be caused by a population of cancer stem cells (CSC). CSC have similar characteristics to normal stem cells and are responsible for cancer recurrence, chemoresistance, radioresistance and metastasis. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSC) are identified via specific surface markers, such as CD44, CD90, CD133, and EpCAM (CD326). Recent studies suggested a complex interaction between mentioned LCSC markers and clinical features of HCC. A high expression of CSC is correlated with a negative prognostic factor after surgical resection of HCC and is connected with more aggressive tumor behavior. Moreover, LCSC might be responsible for increasing resistance to sorafenib, a kinase inhibitor drug. A reduction in the LCSC population may be crucial to successful advanced HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Damian Jaworski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Paulina Antosik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Chair and Department of Oncologic Pathology and Prophylactics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | - Marta Smolińska-Świtała
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland; Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Center, Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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16
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Liu L, Borlak J. Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Isolation and their Characterization. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1215-1238. [PMID: 33432485 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade research on cancer stem cells (CSC) significantly contributed to a better understanding of tumor biology. Given their similarity to normal stem cells, i.e. self-renewal and pluripotency the need arises to develop robust protocols for the isolation and characterization of CSCs. As with other malignancies, hepatic tumors are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells including liver cancer stem cells (LCSC). Yet, a precise understanding of why stem cells become cancerous is still lacking. There is unmet need to develop robust protocols for the successful isolation of LCSCs from human tissue resection material as to assist in the development of molecular targeted therapies. Here we review the research progress made in the isolation and characterization of LCSCs by considering a wide range of cell surface markers and sorting methods, as applied to side populations, microsphere cultures and the gradient centrifugation method. We emphasize the different fluorescence activated cell sorting methods and the possibility to enrich LCSCs by immunomagnetic beads. We review the specificity of functional assays by considering ABCG transporter and ALDH1 enzyme activities and evaluate the in vivo tumorigenicity of LCSCs in highly sensitive bioassays. Finally, we evaluate different LCSC markers in association with viral and non-viral liver disease and explore the potential of novel drug delivery systems targeting CD133, EpCAM, CD13 and CD90 for the development of molecular targeted therapies. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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17
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Sze KM, Ho DW, Chiu Y, Tsui Y, Chan L, Lee JM, Chok KS, Chan AC, Tang C, Tang VW, Lo IL, Yau DT, Cheung T, Ng IO. Hepatitis B Virus-Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter Integration Harnesses Host ELF4, Resulting in Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Gene Transcription in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2021; 73:23-40. [PMID: 32170761 PMCID: PMC7898544 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) integrations are common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In particular, alterations of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene by HBV integrations are frequent; however, the molecular mechanism and functional consequence underlying TERT HBV integration are unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS We adopted a targeted sequencing strategy to survey HBV integrations in human HBV-associated HCCs (n = 95). HBV integration at the TERT promoter was frequent (35.8%, n = 34/95) in HCC tumors and was associated with increased TERT mRNA expression and more aggressive tumor behavior. To investigate the functional importance of various integrated HBV components, we employed different luciferase reporter constructs and found that HBV enhancer I (EnhI) was the key viral component leading to TERT activation on integration at the TERT promoter. In addition, the orientation of the HBV integration at the TERT promoter further modulated the degree of TERT transcription activation in HCC cell lines and patients' HCCs. Furthermore, we performed array-based small interfering RNA library functional screening to interrogate the potential major transcription factors that physically interacted with HBV and investigated the cis-activation of host TERT gene transcription on viral integration. We identified a molecular mechanism of TERT activation through the E74 like ETS transcription factor 4 (ELF4), which normally could drive HBV gene transcription. ELF4 bound to the chimeric HBV EnhI at the TERT promoter, resulting in telomerase activation. Stable knockdown of ELF4 significantly reduced the TERT expression and sphere-forming ability in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal a cis-activating mechanism harnessing host ELF4 and HBV integrated at the TERT promoter and uncover how TERT HBV-integrated HCCs may achieve TERT activation in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Man‐Fong Sze
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Daniel Wai‐Hung Ho
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yung‐Tuen Chiu
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yu‐Man Tsui
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Lo‐Kong Chan
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Joyce Man‐Fong Lee
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Kenneth Siu‐Ho Chok
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Albert Chi‐Yan Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | | | | | | | | | - Tan‐To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Irene Oi‐Lin Ng
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
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18
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Li Y, Han Q, Zhao H, Guo Q, Zhang J. Napabucasin Reduces Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:597520. [PMID: 33343368 PMCID: PMC7744694 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.597520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare population with self-renewal and multipotent differentiation capacity, and reside among the more differentiated cancer cells. CSCs are associated with tumor recurrence, drug resistance and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of napabucasin against HCC and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Napabucasin significantly decreased the viability of HCC cells in vitro by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In addition, it suppressed CSC-related gene expression and spheroid formation in vitro, indicating depletion of CSCs. The anti-neoplastic effects of napabucasin was also evident in homograft tumor-bearing mouse models. Our findings provide the scientific basis of conducting clinical trials on napabucasin as a new therapeutic agent against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Li
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Quanjuan Guo
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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19
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Zhang Y, Yan Q, Gong L, Xu H, Liu B, Fang X, Yu D, Li L, Wei T, Wang Y, Wong CN, Lyu Z, Tang Y, Sham PC, Guan XY. C-terminal truncated HBx initiates hepatocarcinogenesis by downregulating TXNIP and reprogramming glucose metabolism. Oncogene 2020; 40:1147-1161. [PMID: 33323975 PMCID: PMC7878188 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is strongly associated with the initiation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the genetic alterations and pathogenesis mechanisms remain significantly unexplored, especially for HBV-induced metabolic reprogramming. Analysis of integration breakpoints in HBV-positive HCC samples revealed the preferential clustering pattern within the 3′-end of X gene in the HBV genome, leading to the production of C-terminal truncated X protein (Ct-HBx). In this study, we not only characterized the oncogenic role of two Ct-HBx (HBx-120 and HBx-134) via in vitro and in vivo functional assays but also deciphered their underlying molecular mechanisms. Gene expression profiling by transcriptome sequencing identified potential targets of Ct-HBx and novel malignant hallmarks such as glycolysis, cell cycle, and m-TORC1 signaling in Ct-HBx-expressing cells. TXNIP, a well-established regulator of glucose metabolism, was shown to be downregulated by Ct-HBx and play a pivotal role in Ct-HBx-mediated HCC progression. Suppression of TXNIP is frequently observed in HCC patients with Ct-HBx expression and significantly (P = 0.015) correlated to a poorer prognosis. Re-introduction of TXNIP attenuated the metabolic reprogramming induced by the Ct-HBx and inhibited the tumor growth in the mice model. Further study suggested that Ct-HBx could downregulate TXNIP via a transcriptional repressor nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFACT2). Collectively, our findings indicate that TXNIP plays a critical role in Ct-HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis, serving as a novel therapeutic strategy in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Qian Yan
- Research Center of Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510030, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Lanqi Gong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaona Fang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dandan Yu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Biology, The Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ting Wei
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ching Ngar Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhaojie Lyu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pak Chung Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. .,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. .,Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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20
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Aventaggiato M, Vernucci E, Barreca F, Russo MA, Tafani M. Sirtuins' control of autophagy and mitophagy in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 221:107748. [PMID: 33245993 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian cells use a specialized and complex machinery for the removal of altered proteins or dysfunctional organelles. Such machinery is part of a mechanism called autophagy. Moreover, when autophagy is specifically employed for the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, it is called mitophagy. Autophagy and mitophagy have important physiological implications and roles associated with cellular differentiation, resistance to stresses such as starvation, metabolic control and adaptation to the changing microenvironment. Unfortunately, transformed cancer cells often exploit autophagy and mitophagy for sustaining their metabolic reprogramming and growth to a point that autophagy and mitophagy are recognized as promising targets for ongoing and future antitumoral therapies. Sirtuins are NAD+ dependent deacylases with a fundamental role in sensing and modulating cellular response to external stresses such as nutrients availability and therefore involved in aging, oxidative stress control, inflammation, differentiation and cancer. It is clear, therefore, that autophagy, mitophagy and sirtuins share many common aspects to a point that, recently, sirtuins have been linked to the control of autophagy and mitophagy. In the context of cancer, such a control is obtained by modulating transcription of autophagy and mitophagy genes, by post translational modification of proteins belonging to the autophagy and mitophagy machinery, by controlling ROS production or major metabolic pathways such as Krebs cycle or glutamine metabolism. The present review details current knowledge on the role of sirtuins, autophagy and mitophagy in cancer to then proceed to discuss how sirtuins can control autophagy and mitophagy in cancer cells. Finally, we discuss sirtuins role in the context of tumor progression and metastasis indicating glutamine metabolism as an example of how a concerted activation and/or inhibition of sirtuins in cancer cells can control autophagy and mitophagy by impinging on the metabolism of this fundamental amino acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Aventaggiato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enza Vernucci
- Department of Internistic, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences, Italy; MEBIC Consortium, San Raffaele Open University, Via val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo A Russo
- MEBIC Consortium, San Raffaele Open University, Via val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele, Via val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Lee HY, Hong IS. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102746. [PMID: 32987767 PMCID: PMC7598600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of cancer stem cell (CSC) from Bruce et al. has demonstrated the relatively rare population of stem-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery of leukemic CSCs prompted further identification of CSCs in multiple types of solid tumor. Recently, extensive research has attempted to identity CSCs in multiple types of solid tumors in the brain, colon, head and neck, liver, and lung. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that the initiation and progression of most malignant tumors rely largely on the CSC population. Recent studies indicated that stem cell-related markers or signaling pathways, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Notch signaling, contribute to the initiation and progression of various liver cancer types. Importantly, CSCs are markedly resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches and current targeted therapeutics. Therefore, it is believed that selectively targeting specific markers and/or signaling pathways of hepatic CSCs is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the hepatic CSC hypothesis and discuss the specific surface markers and critical signaling pathways involved in the development and maintenance of hepatic CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367700, Korea;
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406840, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6315; Fax: +82-32-899-6350
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Xu J, An P, Winkler CA, Yu Y. Dysregulated microRNAs in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1271. [PMID: 32850386 PMCID: PMC7399632 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that can function as gene regulators and are involved in tumorigenesis. We review the commonly dysregulated miRNAs in liver tumor tissues and plasma/serum of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The frequently reported up-regulated miRNAs in liver tumor tissues include miR-18a, miR-21, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-224, whereas down-regulated miRNAs include miR-26a, miR-101, miR-122, miR-125b, miR-145, miR-199a, miR-199b, miR-200a, and miR-223. For a subset of these miRNAs (up-regulated miR-222 and miR-224, down-regulated miR-26a and miR-125b), the pattern of dysregulated circulating miRNAs in plasma/serum is mirrored in tumor tissue based on multiple independent studies. Dysregulated miRNAs target oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Normalization of dysregulated miRNAs by up- or down-regulation has been shown to inhibit HCC cell proliferation or sensitize liver cancer cells to chemotherapeutic treatment. miRNAs hold as yet unrealized potential as biomarkers for early detection of HCC and as precision therapeutic targets, but further studies in diverse populations and across all stages of HCC are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghang Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ping An
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Cheryl A. Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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BNIP3L-Dependent Mitophagy Promotes HBx-Induced Cancer Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Glycolysis Metabolism Reprogramming. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030655. [PMID: 32168902 PMCID: PMC7139741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of predisposing factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of HBV x protein (HBx) in mediating the induction and maintenance of cancer stemness during HBV-related HCC attracts considerable attention, but the exact mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. Here, ABCG2-dependent stem-like side population (SP) cells, which are thought to be liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), were present in HCC cells, and the fraction of this subset was increased in HBx-expressing HCC cells. In addition, glycolysis was upregulated in LCSCs and HBx-expressing HCC cells, and intervention of glycolysis attenuated cancer stem-like phenotypes. Mitochondria play an important role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis, BNIP3L-dependent mitophagy was also activated in LCSCs and HBx-expressing HCC cells, which triggered a metabolic shift toward glycolysis. In summary, we proposed a positive feedback loop, in which HBx induced BNIP3L-dependent mitophagy which upregulated glycolytic metabolism, increasing cancer stemness of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. BNIP3L might be a potential therapeutic target for intervention of LCSCs-associated HCC. Anti-HBx, a monoclonal antibody targeting intracellular HBx, had the potential to delay the progression of HBV infection related-HCC.
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Multiple novel hepatocellular carcinoma signature genes are commonly controlled by the master pluripotency factor OCT4. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 43:279-295. [PMID: 31848930 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid tumor with a poor prognosis. HCC is often due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. As yet, efficacious HCC treatment regimens for late-stage HCC patients are lacking. Therefore, the identification of more specific and sensitive biomarkers for its early diagnosis and treatment remains an urgent need. METHODS Total RNAs from paired HBV-derived HCC tumors and adjacent peritumor tissues (APTs) were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC tumors and APTs were selected and verified. RESULTS We identified 166 DEGs and found that eight top-ranked and verified DEGs (TK1, CTTN, CEP72, TRIP13, FTH1, FLAD1, CHRM2, AMBP) all contained putative OCT4 binding motifs in their promoter regions. TK1, TRIP13 and OCT4 were found to exhibit concurrent higher expression levels in HCC tumors than in APTs. The mRNA levels of TK1, TRIP13 and OCT4 in a cohort of 384 HCC samples from the TCGA database were all found to be negatively correlated with patient overall survival, relapse-free survival and progression-free survival, underscoring the HCC biomarker status of TK1 and TRIP13 on one hand, and implicating their association with OCT4 on the other hand. Furthermore, OCT4 proteins were found to bind to the promoters of both genes in vitro and in vivo. Knocking out OCT4 in HCC-derived cell lines reduced the expression of TK1 and TRIP13 and significantly decreased their tumorigenicity. CONCLUSIONS Using RNA-seq, we identified several novel HCC signature genes that may serve as biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis. Their common transcriptional regulation by OCT4 suggests key roles in the development of HCC, and indicates that OCT4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Dong KS, Chen Y, Yang G, Liao ZB, Zhang HW, Liang HF, Chen XP, Dong HH. TGF-β1 accelerates the hepatitis B virus X-induced malignant transformation of hepatic progenitor cells by upregulating miR-199a-3p. Oncogene 2019; 39:1807-1820. [PMID: 31740785 PMCID: PMC7033045 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has suggested that liver cancer arises partially from transformed hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying HPC transformation are poorly understood. In this study, we provide evidence linking the coexistence of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) with miR-199a-3p in the malignant transformation of HPCs. The examination of liver cancer specimens demonstrated that HBx and TGF-β1 expression was positively correlated with epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and cluster of differentiation 90 (CD90). Importantly, EpCAM and CD90 expression was much higher in the specimens expressing both high HBx and high TGF-β1 than in those with high HBx or high TGF-β1 and the double-low-expression group. HBx and TGF-β1 double-high expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in primary liver cancer. We also found that HBx and TGF-β1 induced the transformation of HPCs into hepatic cancer stem cells and promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, which was further enhanced by concomitant HBx and TGF-β1 exposure. Moreover, activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-Jun pathway was involved in the malignant transformation of HPCs. miR-199a-3p was identified as a significantly upregulated microRNA in HPCs upon HBx and TGF-β1 exposure, which were shown to promote miR-199a-3p expression via c-Jun-mediated activation. Finally, we found that miR-199a-3p was responsible for the malignant transformation of HPCs. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that TGF-β1 cooperates with HBx to promote the malignant transformation of HPCs through a JNK/c-Jun/miR-199a-3p-dependent pathway. This may open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting the malignant transformation of HPCs in treating liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Shuai Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Laparoscopic Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han-Hua Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Yilmaz V, Strati K. Regulating cellular plasticity to persist: a way for tumor viruses to triumph. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 39:1-7. [PMID: 31302443 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vural Yilmaz
- University of Cyprus, Department of Biological Sciences, 1 University Avenue, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- University of Cyprus, Department of Biological Sciences, 1 University Avenue, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Bautista WW, Osiowy C, Klein J, Minuk GY. Hepatitis B Virus Infection of Normal Hepatic Stem/Progenitor Cells. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 9:34-42. [PMID: 30765937 PMCID: PMC6363946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Whether the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects normal hepatic stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) and if so, whether such infections play a role in the pathogenesis of HBV-induced chronic liver disease (CLD) and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be determined. The objectives of this study were to determine whether HBV infects NSCs and whether such infections alter NSC activity in a manner likely to contribute to the development of CLD and/or HCC. METHODS Liver biopsies from five hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients were co-stained for HBcAg and HBx and the stem cell markers EpCAM, Oct-4 and Nanog. In addition, primary NSCs derived from healthy human livers were exposed to HBV contaminated serum in vitro. Supernatant and/or cellular HBsAg, HBcAg and HBV-DNA expression were documented over the subsequent 30 days of culture. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, membrane potential differences (PDs), proliferative and telomerase activities of HBV-infected NSCs were also documented. RESULTS Markers of HBV infection were present within the NSC population of all five biopsy specimens. In vitro, HBV markers appeared within three days of exposure, peaked in expression after 10-15 days and remained positive thereafter for the duration of cell viability. There were no consistent changes in HBV-infected NSC pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, membrane PDs, proliferative or telomerase activities. CONCLUSIONS Although the results of this study need to be confirmed, they suggest that HBV infects human NSCs but in the short term, do not alter those NSC features or activities associated with CLD and/or HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy W. Bautista
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Julianne Klein
- Diagnostic Services Manitoba, Department of Pathology, St. Boniface General Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Gerald Y. Minuk
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada,Address for correspondence: Gerald Y. Minuk, Morberg Family Chair in Hepatology, University of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, 715 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg MB R3E 3P4, Canada. Tel.: +1 204 789 3204; fax: +1 204 789 3987.
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He B, Peng F, Li W, Jiang Y. Interaction of lncRNA-MALAT1 and miR-124 regulates HBx-induced cancer stem cell properties in HepG2 through PI3K/Akt signaling. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:2908-2918. [PMID: 30500989 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays a crucial role in initiating and promoting HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Reports indicated that HBx promotes cancer stem cell (CSC) generation, which may be associated with HBV-related HCC. Noncoding RNA miR-124 and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) were considered to be involved deeply in the progress of HBx-related HCC. Hence, the underlying mechanism of miR-124 and lncRNA-MALAT1 in regulating HBx-promoted CSC needs to be studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS In present study, HepG2-X cell line was induced by transfect HBx into HepG2 cells. Overexpressing of miR-124 or silencing of lncRNA-MALAT1 was completed by transfecting miR-124 mimic or shMALAT1 into HepG2-X cells. HBx-induced CSC properties and tumorigenic potential of HepG2 cells were determined by detecting CSC marker expression, colony formation assay, and xenograft tumorigenesis. The mechanism of HBx-induced CSC properties was explored by PI3K/Akt inhibitor. Interaction of miR-124 and lncRNA-MALAT1 was detected by luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS HBx promoted CSC properties through upregulating stemness markers and reprogramming proteins, and contributed to tumorigenicity of HepG2-X cells both in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of Akt activation blocked the HBx-stimulated reprogramming proteins and stemness markers. HBx upregulated lncRNA-MALAT1 expression while downregulating miR-124 expression in HepG2-X cells. miR-124 interacts with lncRNA-MALAT1 by direct targeting. Overexpression of miR-124 or silencing of lncRNA-MALAT1 both blocked HBx-induced CSC generation, stemness-related factor activation and tumorigenicity via PI3K/Akt signaling. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that miR-124 interact with lncRNA-MALAT1 and involve in regulating HBx-induced CSC properties via PI3K/Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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Activation of hepatic stem cells compartment during hepatocarcinogenesis in a HBsAg HBV-transgenic mouse model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13168. [PMID: 30177788 PMCID: PMC6120871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31406-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is one of the highest risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The accumulation of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) into hepatocytes induces inflammation and oxidative stress, impairing their replicative ability and allowing the activation of the hepatic stem cells (SC) compartment. This study aimed to understand the involvement of SC during hepatocarcinogenesis in HBsAg-related liver damage, from early injury until HCC. HBsAg-transgenic (TG) and wild type (WT) mouse were followed at several stages of the liver damage: inflammation, early hepatocytes damage, dysplasia, and HCC. Serum transaminases, liver histology, and diagnostic data were collected. The expressions of SC and cancer stem cells (CSC) markers was analyzed by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Starting from 3 months, TG animals showed a progressive liver damage characterized by transaminases increase. The up-regulations of SCs markers Cd34 and Sca-1 started from the beginning of the inflammatory stage while progressive increase of Krt19 and Sox9 and CSCs markers Epcam and Cd133 from early hepatic injury. The expressions of Cd133, Cd34, and Afp were significantly higher in HCC compared to paired non-HCC tissue, in contrast to Epcam and Krt19. Western blot and IHC confirmed the positivity of Cd34 and Cd133 in small cells subpopulation.
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Immunohistochemical Coexpression of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule and Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:5970852. [PMID: 30112355 PMCID: PMC6077358 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5970852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has been proposed as a marker for cancer stem cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as in the development of novel target therapies. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of EpCAM and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in HCC patients and their association with clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS This study included Child-Pugh A HCC patients undergoing curative surgical resection. RESULTS A significant difference was observed in the ratio between the different phenotypes (p = 0.002), identifying 12 (29.3%) EPCAM positive tumors and 29 (70.7%) negative tumors. EpCAM+ expression was associated with AFP + (OR = 12.5, 95% CI, 1.9-84.1, p<0.001). In univariate analysis, a significant association was observed between AFP+ and EPCAM+ and the serum AFP level. A diameter of ≤ 5 cm was associated with EPCAM+, while angiolymphatic invasion was associated with APF+. In a multivariate analysis, only tumors of ≤ 5 cm were significantly associated with EpCAM+ (OR = 8.7; 95%CI, 1.27-100.0; p = 0.022). The overall survival rate was 74.9%, 69.4%, 69.4%, and 53.5% at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. CONCLUSION A considerable number of patients with EpCAM+ HCC would benefit from a specific target therapy.
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31
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Xie Y. Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1018:11-21. [PMID: 29052129 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5765-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide in men and the ninth in women. It is also the second most common cause of cancer mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. About 350 million people globally are chronically infected with HBV. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for at least 50% cases of HCC worldwide. Other non-HBV factors may increase HCC risk among persons with chronic HBV infection. Both indirect and direct mechanisms are involved in HCC oncogenesis by HBV. HCC-promoting HBV factors include long-lasting infection, high levels of HBV replication, HBV genotype, HBV integration, specific HBV mutants, and HBV-encoded oncoproteins (e.g., HBx and truncated preS2/S proteins). Recurrent liver inflammation caused by host immune responses during chronic HBV infection can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and accelerate hepatocyte turnover rate and promote accumulation of mutations. Major breakthroughs have been achieved in the prevention of HBV-associated HCC with HBV vaccines and antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministries of Education and Health), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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32
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Mani SKK, Andrisani O. Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9030137. [PMID: 29498629 PMCID: PMC5867858 DOI: 10.3390/genes9030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis. Despite the availability of a HBV vaccine, current treatments for HCC are inadequate. Globally, 257 million people are chronic HBV carriers, and children born from HBV-infected mothers become chronic carriers, destined to develop liver cancer. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are needed to target essential pathways involved in HCC pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence supports existence of hepatic cancer stem cells (hCSCs), which contribute to chemotherapy resistance and cancer recurrence after treatment or surgery. Understanding how hCSCs form will enable development of therapeutic strategies to prevent their formation. Recent studies have identified an epigenetic mechanism involving the downregulation of the chromatin modifying Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) during HBV infection, which results in re-expression of hCSC marker genes in infected hepatocytes and HBV-associated liver tumors. However, the genesis of hCSCs requires, in addition to the expression of hCSC markers cellular changes, rewiring of metabolism, cell survival, escape from programmed cell death, and immune evasion. How these changes occur in chronically HBV-infected hepatocytes is not yet understood. In this review, we will present the basics about HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. Next, we will discuss studies describing the mutational landscape of liver cancers and how epigenetic mechanisms likely orchestrate cellular reprograming of hepatocytes to enable formation of hCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravana Kumar Kailasam Mani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Ourania Andrisani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X protein promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis through induction of cancer and stem cell-like properties. Oncotarget 2018; 7:24005-17. [PMID: 27006468 PMCID: PMC5029680 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor relapse after chemotherapy typifies hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is believed to be attributable to residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) that survive initial treatment. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) has long been linked to the development of HCC. Upon infection, random HBV genome integration can lead to truncation of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein at the C-terminus. The resulting C-terminal-truncated HBx (HBx-ΔC) was previously shown to confer enhanced invasiveness and diminished apoptotic response in HCC cells. Here, we found HBx-ΔC to promote the appearance of a CD133 liver CSC subset and confer cancer and stem cell-like features in HCC. HBx-ΔC was exclusively detected in HCC cell lines that were raised from patients presented with a HBV background with concomitant CD133 expression. Stable overexpression of the naturally occurring HBx-ΔC mutants, HBx-Δ14 or HBx-Δ35, in HCC cells Huh7 and immortalized normal liver cells MIHA resulted in a significant increase in the cells ability to self-renew, resist chemotherapy and targeted therapy, migrate and induce angiogenesis. MIHA cells with the mutants stably overexpressed also resulted in the induction of CD133, mediated through STAT3 activation. RNA sequencing profiling of MIHA cells with or without HBx-ΔC mutants stably overexpressed identified altered FXR activation. This, together with rescue experiments using a selective FXR inhibitor suggested that C-terminal truncated HBx can mediate cancer stemness via FXR activation. Collectively, we find C-terminal truncated HBx mutants to confer cancer and stem cell-like features in vitro and to play an important role in driving tumor relapse in HCC.
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C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X protein regulates tumorigenicity, self-renewal and drug resistance via STAT3/Nanog signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:23507-23516. [PMID: 28186991 PMCID: PMC5410322 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Random integration of HBV DNA into the host genome is frequent in HCC leading to truncation of the HBV DNA, particularly at the C-terminal end of the HBV X protein (HBx). C-terminally truncated HBx (HBx-ΔC) has been implicated in playing a pro-oncogenic role in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the mechanism whereby HBx-ΔC1 contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the functional role of HBx-ΔC1 in regulating liver cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Using Tet-on inducible system, we found that HBx-ΔC1 enhanced CSC properties including self-renewal, tumorigenicity, chemoresistance, migration and expression of liver CSC markers, when compared with the full-length HBx counterpart and vector control. Interestingly, HBx-ΔC1 conferred resistance in HCC cells towards sorafenib treatment through suppression of apoptotic cascade. In addition, HBx-ΔC1 upregulated a panel of stemness genes, in which Nanog was found to be among the most significant one in both trasnfected cell lines. Consistently, Nanog was upregulated in human HCC samples which had HBx-ΔC1 expression. Furthermore, the induction of CSC properties by HBx-ΔC1 was via the Stat3/Nanog pathway, as administration of Stat3 inhibitor abolished the HBx-ΔC1-induced self-renewing capacity. In conclusion, our data suggest that HBx-ΔC1 enhances liver CSCs properties through Stat3/Nanog cascade, and provide a new insight for the therapeutic intervention for HBV-related HCC.
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Wang Z, Wu Z, Huang P. The function of miRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by hepatitis B virus X protein. Oncol Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Dai R, Peng F, Xiao X, Gong X, Jiang Y, Zhang M, Tian Y, Xu Y, Ma J, Li M, Luo Y, Gong G. Hepatitis B virus X protein-induced upregulation of CAT-1 stimulates proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:60962-60974. [PMID: 28977838 PMCID: PMC5617398 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17631] [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] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The HBx protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is widely recognized to be a critical oncoprotein contributing to the development of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) gene is a target of miR-122. In this study, we found that CAT-1 protein levels were higher in HBV-related HCC carcinomatous tissues than in para-cancerous tumor tissues, and that CAT-1 promoted HCC cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis. Moreover, HBx-induced decreases in Gld2 and miR-122 levels that contributed to the upregulation of CAT-1 in HCC. These results indicate that a Gld2/miR-122/CAT-1 pathway regulated by HBx likely participates in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjuan Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Feng Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Xinqiang Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Xing Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Yi Tian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Mingming Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Guozhong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hepatology Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
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Liu Z, Dai X, Wang T, Zhang C, Zhang W, Zhang W, Zhang Q, Wu K, Liu F, Liu Y, Wu J. Hepatitis B virus PreS1 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma development by promoting appearance and self-renewal of liver cancer stem cells. Cancer Lett 2017; 400:149-160. [PMID: 28455240 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major etiologic agent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanism by which HBV infection contributes to HCC development is not fully understood. Here, we initially showed that HBV stimulates the production of cancer stem cells (CSCs)-related markers (CD133, CD117 and CD90) and CSCs-related genes (Klf4, Sox2, Nanog, c-Myc and Oct4) and facilitates the self-renewal of CSCs in human hepatoma cells. Cellular and clinical studies revealed that HBV facilitates hepatoma cell growth and migration, enhances white blood cell (WBC) production in the sera of patients, stimulates CD133 and CD117 expression in HCC tissues, and promotes the CSCs generation of human hepatoma cells and clinical cancer tissues. Detailed studies revealed that PreS1 protein of HBV is required for HBV-mediated CSCs generation. PreS1 activates CD133, CD117 and CD90 expression in normal hepatocyte derived cell line (L02) and human hepatoma cell line (HepG2 and Huh-7); facilitates L02 cells migration, growth and sphere formation; and finally enhances the abilities of L02 cells and HepG2 cells to induce tumorigeneses in nude mice. Thus, PreS1 acts as a new oncoprotein to play a key role in the appearance and self-renewal of CSCs during HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xuechen Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tianci Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kailang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yingle Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Jianguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Abstract
Liver cancer is an often fatal malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate and chemoresistance. The major malignant phenotypes of cancer, including recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance, are related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In the past few decades, CSCs have been identified and characterized in many tumors including liver cancer. Accumulated evidence has revealed many aspects of the biological behavior of liver CSCs and the mechanism of their regulation. Based on these findings, a number of studies have investigated eradication of liver CSCs. This review focuses on the recent advances in our understanding of the biology of liver CSCs and the development of strategies for their treatment.
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Yoo JE, Kim YJ, Rhee H, Kim H, Ahn EY, Choi JS, Roncalli M, Park YN. Progressive Enrichment of Stemness Features and Tumor Stromal Alterations in Multistep Hepatocarcinogenesis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170465. [PMID: 28114366 PMCID: PMC5256873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells, contribute to an aggressive biological behavior, which is also affected by the tumor stroma. Despite the role of CSCs and the tumor stroma in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), features of stemness have not yet been studied in relation to tumor stromal alterations in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated the expression status of stemness markers and tumor stromal changes in B viral carcinogenesis, which is the main etiology of HCC in Asia. Stemness features of tumoral hepatocytes (EpCAM, K19, Oct3/4, c-KIT, c-MET, and CD133), and tumor stromal cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD68, CD163, and IL-6 were analyzed in 36 low grade dysplastic nodules (DNs), 48 high grade DNs, 30 early HCCs (eHCCs), and 51 progressed HCCs (pHCCs) by immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR. Stemness features (EpCAM and K19 in particular) were progressively acquired during hepatocarcinogenesis in combination with enrichment of stromal cells (CAFs, TAMs, IL-6+ cells). Stemness features were seen sporadically in DNs, more consistent in eHCCs, and peaked in pHCCs. Likewise, stromal cells were discernable in DNs, showed up as consistent cell densities in eHCCs and peaked in pHCCs. The stemness features and tumor stromal alterations also peaked in less differentiated or larger HCCs. In conclusion, progression of B viral multistep hepatocarcinogenesis is characterized by an enrichment of stemness features of neoplastic hepatocytes and a parallel alteration of the tumor stroma. The modulation of neoplastic hepatocytes and stromal cells was at low levels in precancerous lesions (DNs), consistently increased in incipient cancer (eHCCs) and peaked in pHCCs. Thus, in B viral hepatocarcinogenesis, interactions between CSCs and the tumor stroma, although starting early, seem to play a major role in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Joo Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Republic of Korea
| | - Ei Yong Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sub Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei Liver Cancer Special clinic, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital and Hunimed University of Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Wang C, Wang MD, Cheng P, Huang H, Dong W, Zhang WW, Li PP, Lin C, Pan ZY, Wu MC, Zhou WP. Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes the stem-like properties of OV6 + cancer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2560. [PMID: 28102846 PMCID: PMC5386392 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) and cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) have both been implicated in the occurrence and development of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether HBx contributes to the stem-like properties of OV6+ CSCs in HCC remains elusive. In this study, we showed that the concomitant expression of HBx and OV6 was closely associated with the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC. HBx was required for the stem-like properties of OV6+ liver CSCs, including self-renewal, stem cell-associated gene expression, tumorigenicity and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, HBx enhanced expression of MDM2 by directly binding with MDM2 and inhibiting its ubiquitin-directed self-degradation. MDM2 translocation into the nucleus was also upregulated by HBx and resulted in enhanced transcriptional activity and expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 independent of p53. This change in expression activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and promoted the stem-like properties of OV6+ liver CSCs. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of any two indicators from the HBx/MDM2/CXCR4/OV6 axis in HCC biopsies could predict the prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC. Taken together, our findings indicate the functional role of HBx in regulating the stem-like properties of OV6+ CSCs in HCC through the MDM2/CXCL12/CXCR4/β-catenin signaling axis, and identify HBx, MDM2, CXCR4 and OV6 as a novel prognostic pathway and potential therapeutic targets for patients with HBV-related HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China.,Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ming-da Wang
- The Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hai Huang
- Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Fengyang Road Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Data Scientist, Liberty Mutual Group, 157 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Wei-Wei Zhang
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Peng-Peng Li
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chuan Lin
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ze-Ya Pan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Meng-Chao Wu
- The Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
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Balaha M, Kandeel S, Barakat W. Carvedilol suppresses circulating and hepatic IL-6 responsible for hepatocarcinogenesis of chronically damaged liver in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 311:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Lanza E, Donadon M, Poretti D, Pedicini V, Tramarin M, Roncalli M, Rhee H, Park YN, Torzilli G. Transarterial Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Liver Cancer 2016; 6:27-33. [PMID: 27995085 PMCID: PMC5159740 DOI: 10.1159/000449347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major health issue because of its increasing incidence and because of the complexity of its management. Transarterial embolization (TAE) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are two widely used locoregional therapies in the treatment of HCC, especially for unresectable intermediate and advanced HCCs. SUMMARY The modern use of TAE and TACE opens new scenarios for the treatment of unresectable HCC and has yielded interesting results. The present work describes the role of transarterial therapies for HCC and focuses on the different Western and Eastern approaches to the study of response predictors. KEY MESSAGES Recent refinements in interventional radiology techniques and in HCC patient selection have facilitated better local control of the disease. The molecular profiling of HCC to predict the response to TACE and TAE will greatly help clinicians identify the optimum therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezio Lanza
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Poretti
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittorio Pedicini
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Tramarin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Milan, Italy,*Guido Torzilli, MD, PhD Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Via Manzoni, 56, IT–20089 Rozzano, Milano (Italy), Tel. +39 02 8224 4502, E-Mail:
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Fu S, Zhou RR, Li N, Huang Y, Fan XG. Hepatitis B virus X protein in liver tumor microenvironment. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10.1007/s13277-016-5406-2. [PMID: 27658781 PMCID: PMC5250643 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5406-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Encoded by the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a multifunctional, potentially oncogenic protein that acts primarily during the progression from chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In recent decades, it has been established that chronic inflammation generates a tumor-supporting microenvironment. HCC is a typical chronic inflammation-related cancer, and inflammation is the main risk factor for HCC progression. The viral transactivator HBx plays a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of hepatic inflammatory processes through interactions with components of the tumor microenvironment including tumor cells and the surrounding peritumoral stroma. The complex interactions between HBx and this microenvironment are thought to regulate tumor growth, progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In this review, we have summarized the current evidence evaluating the function of HBx and its contribution to the inflammatory liver tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, P. O. Box: 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Rong-Rong Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, P. O. Box: 410008, Changsha, China.
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, P. O. Box: 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Xue-Gong Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, P. O. Box: 410008, Changsha, China.
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USP16 Downregulation by Carboxyl-terminal Truncated HBx Promotes the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33039. [PMID: 27633997 PMCID: PMC5025738 DOI: 10.1038/srep33039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major factor that contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV X protein (HBx) has been shown to accelerate HCC progression by promoting tumour growth and metastasis. In the clinic, carboxyl-terminal truncated HBx (Ct-HBx) proteins are frequently present in HCC tumour tissues, but not in non-tumorous tissues. In this study, we analysed deubiquitinase expression profiles in cells with or without ectopic expression of the Ct-HBx proteins and observed that the expression of ubiquitin specific peptidase 16 (USP16) was substantially inhibited by Ct-HBx proteins. Liver tumour cells with forced down-regulation of USP16 exhibited increased capabilities for colony formation and tumour growth in vivo. In addition, USP16 inhibition promoted stem-like properties in tumour cells, as evidenced by their spheroid formation and chemo-responsiveness. Furthermore, ectopic expression of USP16 in tumour cells significantly abrogated the tumour promoting activities of the Ct-HBx proteins (HBxΔ35), leading to decreased tumour cell viability and tumour growth. In human HCCs, USP16 was frequently downregulated, and the decreased expression of USP16 was correlated with high tumour stages and poor differentiation status. Taken together, our study suggests that USP16 downregulation is a critical event in Ct-HBx-mediated promotion of HCC tumorigenicity and malignancy.
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Rhee H, Nahm JH, Kim H, Choi GH, Yoo JE, Lee HS, Koh MJ, Park YN. Poor outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma with stemness marker under hypoxia: resistance to transarterial chemoembolization. Mod Pathol 2016; 29:1038-49. [PMID: 27312064 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2016.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is known to be important in the generation and maintenance of stemness; however, its clinical significance is yet to be determined in human hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression of stemness (K19, EpCAM) and hypoxia (carbonic anhydrase-IX (CAIX))-related markers were investigated by immunohistochemistry in three hepatocellular carcinoma cohorts. The clinicopathologic features, response to transarterial chemoembolization, and outcomes were compared. In cohort 1 (n=14, biopsy-transarterial chemoembolization-resection-matched hepatocellular carcinoma), all K19-, EpCAM-, or CAIX-positive hepatocellular carcinomas on initial biopsy (6/6, 100%) showed residual tumors after transarterial chemoembolization, whereas 75% (6/8) of all-negative hepatocellular carcinomas on biopsy showed complete necrosis in the post-transarterial chemoembolization-resected specimens. In cohort 2 (n=85, explanted hepatocellular carcinomas with/without transarterial chemoembolization; totally necrotic hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization was not included), the expression of K19, EpCAM, and CAIX, and their coexpression, was more frequently observed with a greater number of transarterial chemoembolization sessions, and the expression of these markers was also correlated to each other. CAIX expression was shown to be an independent factor for recurrence and survival, and combination of CAIX with Milan criteria significantly increased the time-dependent integrative area under the curve values for recurrence and survival. In cohort 3 (n=339, resected hepatocellular carcinomas without transarterial chemoembolization), CAIX(+) hepatocellular carcinomas exhibited higher K19 and EpCAM expression, and more invasive pathological features. CAIX expression and TNM stage were independent predictors of extrahepatic recurrence, and the addition of CAIX to the TNM stage significantly increased time-dependent integrative area under the curve values. In conclusion, the expression of stemness (K19, EpCAM) and hypoxia (CAIX)-related markers were correlated each other, and hepatocellular carcinoma expressing these markers showed resistance to transarterial chemoembolization and poorer outcome. Evaluation for both markers of stemness and hypoxia may have an additional value in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma outcome, especially for transarterial chemoembolization-treated hepatocellular carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hae Nahm
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Gi Hong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Sun Lee
- Biostatistics Collaboration Unit, Department of Research Affairs, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myoung Ju Koh
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Integrated Genomic Research Center for Metabolic Regulation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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46
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Zhou JJ, Meng Z, Zhou Y, Cheng D, Ye HL, Zhou QB, Deng XG, Chen RF. Hepatitis C virus core protein regulates OCT4 expression and promotes cell cycle progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:582-8. [PMID: 27121765 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. octamer-binding protein 4 (OCT4) is critically essential for the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. Abnormal expression of OCT4 has been detected in several human solid tumors. However, the relationship between HCV core and OCT4 remains uncertain. In the present study, we found that HCV core is capable of upregulating OCT4 expression. The effect of HCV core-induced OCT4 overexpression was abolished by RNAi-mediated scilencing of HCV core. In addition, HCV core-induced OCT4 overexpression resulted in enhanced cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Inhibition of OCT4 reduced the CCND1 expression and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, OCT4 protein directly binds to CCND1 promoter and transactivates CCND1. These findings suggest that HCV core protein regulates OCT4 expression and promotes cell cycle progression in hepatocellular carcinoma providing new insight into the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis by HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Di Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Lin Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Quan-Bo Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Geng Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Ru-Fu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
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47
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Montalbano R, Honrath B, Wissniowski TT, Elxnat M, Roth S, Ocker M, Quint K, Churin Y, Roederfeld M, Schroeder D, Glebe D, Roeb E, Fazio PD. Exogenous hepatitis B virus envelope proteins induce endoplasmic reticulum stress: involvement of cannabinoid axis in liver cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:20312-23. [PMID: 26967385 PMCID: PMC4991457 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HBV represents the most common chronic viral infection and major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although its exact role in liver tumorigenesis is unclear. Massive storage of the small (SHBs), middle (MHBs) and large surface (LHBs) HBV envelope proteins leads to cell stress and sustained inflammatory responses. Cannabinoid (CB) system is involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, stimulating acute and chronic inflammation, liver damage and fibrogenesis; it triggers endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. The aim of our work was to investigate the activation of ER stress pathway after ectopic HBV envelope proteins expression, in liver cancer cells, and the role exerted by CB receptors. PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting showed that exogenous LHBs and MHBs induce a clear ER stress response in Huh-7 cells expressing CB1 receptor. Up-regulation of the chaperone BiP/GRP78 (Binding Immunoglobulin Protein/Glucose-Regulated Protein 78) and of the transcription factor CHOP/GADD153 (C/EBP Homologous Protein/Growth Arrest and DNA Damage inducible gene 153), phosphorylation of PERK (PKR-like ER Kinase) and eIF2α (Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α) and splicing of XBP1 (X-box binding protein 1) was observed. CB1-/- HepG2 cells did not show any ER stress activation. Inhibition of CB1 receptor counteracted BiP expression in transfected Huh-7 and in HBV+ PLC/PRF/5 cells; whereas no effect was observed in HBV- HLF cells. These results suggest that HBV envelope proteins are able to induce the ER stress pathway. CB1 expression is directly correlated with ER stress function. Further investigations are needed to clarify the involvement of cannabinoid in HCC progression after HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Montalbano
- 1 Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Honrath
- 1 Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Moritz Elxnat
- 1 Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Roth
- 1 Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Ocker
- 3 Institute for Surgical Research, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- 6 Present address: Department of Gastroenterology CBF, Charité University Medicine Berlin and Bayer Pharma AG, Experimental Medicine Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl Quint
- 3 Institute for Surgical Research, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Yuri Churin
- 4 Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Roederfeld
- 4 Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schroeder
- 4 Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dieter Glebe
- 5 Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis B and D Viruses, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elke Roeb
- 4 Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Pietro Di Fazio
- 1 Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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48
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Minuk GY, Baruch Y. Hepatitis B viral infection of hepatic progenitor cells. Resolving unresolved questions? Med Hypotheses 2016; 91:24-27. [PMID: 27142136 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Accumulated data to date do not entirely explain the; propensity of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to cause chronic infections in newborns; failure of antiviral agents to resolve infections or precise mechanism whereby HBV causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on the increased numbers of hepatic stem/progenitor cells (HPCs) present within the neonatal liver, the refractoriness of these cells to the effects of interferons and xenobiotics and their ability to undergo malignant transformation, we hypothesize that HBV infection of HPCs could explain these and perhaps other clinical features of chronic HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Y Minuk
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Y Baruch
- Liver Unit, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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49
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Levrero M, Zucman-Rossi J. Mechanisms of HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2016; 64:S84-S101. [PMID: 27084040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 571] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development through direct and indirect mechanisms. HBV DNA integration into the host genome occurs at early steps of clonal tumor expansion and induces both genomic instability and direct insertional mutagenesis of diverse cancer-related genes. Prolonged expression of the viral regulatory protein HBx and/or altered versions of the preS/S envelope proteins dysregulates cell transcription and proliferation control and sensitizes liver cells to carcinogenic factors. Accumulation of preS1 large envelope proteins and/or preS2/S mutant proteins activates the unfold proteins response, that can contribute to hepatocyte transformation. Epigenetic changes targeting the expression of tumor suppressor genes occur early in the development of HCC. A major role is played by the HBV protein, HBx, which is recruited on cellular chromatin and modulates chromatin dynamics at specific gene loci. Compared with tumors associated with other risk factors, HBV-related tumors have a higher rate of chromosomal alterations, p53 inactivation by mutations and overexpression of fetal liver/hepatic progenitor cells genes. The WNT/β-catenin pathway is also often activated but HBV-related tumors display a low rate of activating β-catenin mutations. HBV-related HCCs may arise on non-cirrhotic livers, further supporting the notion that HBV plays a direct role in liver transformation by triggering both common and etiology specific oncogenic pathways in addition to stimulating the host immune response and driving liver chronic necro-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL) - INSERM U1052, Lyon, France; IIT Centre for Life Nanoscience (CLNS), Rome, Italy; Dept of Internal Medicine (DMISM), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique Fonctionnelle des Tumeurs Solides, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire d'Hematologie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé, Médecine, Biologie Humaine, Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.
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50
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Evidence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Cancer and Noncancer Stem Cells Associated with Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 2016:8931591. [PMID: 27366184 PMCID: PMC4904564 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8931591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Both the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been independently implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, there have been no reports describing HBV infection within CSCs. In this report we describe HBV core (HBcAg) and HBx protein expression within CSCs associated with human HCC. HBV markers were also identified in nonmalignant stem cells present in adjacent nontumor tissue. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HBV-induced HCC and are potentially relevant to the treatment of both HCC and chronic HBV.
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