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Sun F, Chen H, Dai X, Hou Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Huang L, Guo B, Yang D. Liposome-lentivirus for miRNA therapy with molecular mechanism study. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:329. [PMID: 38858736 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02534-0] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in the occurrence, maintenance, and recurrence of solid tumors. Although, miR-145-5p can inhibit CSCs survival, poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms hamperes further therapeutic optimization for patients. Lentivirus with remarkable transduction efficiency is the most commonly used RNA carrier in research, but has shown limited tumor-targeting capability. METHODS We have applied liposome to decorate lentivirus surface thereby yielding liposome-lentivirus hybrid-based carriers, termed miR-145-5p-lentivirus nanoliposome (MRL145), and systematically analyzed their potential therapeutic effects on liver CSCs (LCSCs). RESULTS MRL145 exhibited high delivery efficiency and potent anti-tumor efficacy under in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the overexpressed miR-145-5p can significantly suppress the self-renewal, migration, and invasion abilities of LCSCs by targeting Collagen Type IV Alpha 3 Chain (COL4A3). Importantly, COL4A3 can promote phosphorylating GSK-3β at ser 9 (p-GSK-3β S9) to inactivate GSK3β, and facilitate translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby promoting self-renewal, migration, and invasion of LCSCs. Interestingly, COL4A3 could attenuate the cellular autophagy through modulating GSK3β/Gli3/VMP1 axis to promote self-renewal, migration, and invasion of LCSCs. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights in mode of action of miR-145-5p in LCSCs therapy and indicates that liposome-virus hybrid carriers hold great promise in miRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Sun
- Institute of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huaqing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaoyong Dai
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yibo Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yinghe Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Carbon Materials Research and Comprehensive Application, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Laiqiang Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Bing Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Carbon Materials Research and Comprehensive Application, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Dongye Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of Hongkong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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Abstract
All cancers arise from normal cells whose progeny acquire the cancer-initiating mutations and epigenetic modifications leading to frank tumorigenesis. The identity of those "cells-of-origin" has historically been a source of controversy across tumor types, as it has not been possible to witness the dynamic events giving rise to human tumors. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cancer provide an invaluable substitute, enabling researchers to interrogate the competence of various naive cellular compartments to initiate tumors in vivo. Researchers using these models have relied on lineage-specific promoters, knowledge of preneoplastic disease states in humans, and technical advances allowing more precise manipulations of the mouse germline. These approaches have given rise to the emerging view that multiple lineages within a given organ may generate tumors with similar histopathology. Here, we review some of the key studies leading to this conclusion in solid tumors and highlight the biological and clinical ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Pitarresi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA
| | - Ben Z Stanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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3
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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024:10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Mokkapati S, Narayan VM, Manyam GC, Lim AH, Duplisea JJ, Kokorovic A, Miest TS, Mitra AP, Plote D, Anand SS, Metcalfe MJ, Dunner K, Johnson BA, Czerniak BA, Nieminen T, Heikura T, Yla-Herttuala S, Parker NR, Schluns KS, McConkey DJ, Dinney CP. Lentiviral interferon: A novel method for gene therapy in bladder cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:141-157. [PMID: 35847448 PMCID: PMC9251210 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon alpha (IFNα) gene therapy is emerging as a new treatment option for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Adenoviral vectors expressing IFNα have shown clinical efficacy treating bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive bladder cancer (BLCA). However, transient transgene expression and adenoviral immunogenicity may limit therapeutic activity. Lentiviral vectors can achieve stable transgene expression and are less immunogenic. In this study, we evaluated lentiviral vectors expressing murine IFNα (LV-IFNα) and demonstrate IFNα expression by transduced murine BLCA cell lines, bladder urothelium, and within the urine following intravesical instillation. Murine BLCA cell lines (MB49 and UPPL1541) were sensitive to IFN-mediated cell death after LV-IFNα, whereas BBN975 was inherently resistant. Upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) predicted sensitivity to IFN-mediated cell death mediated by caspase signaling, which when inhibited abrogated IFN-mediated cell killing. Intravesical therapy with LV-IFNα/Syn3 in a syngeneic BLCA model significantly improved survival, and molecular analysis of treated tumors revealed upregulation of apoptotic and immune-cell-mediated death pathways. In particular, biomarker discovery analysis identified three clinically actionable targets, PD-L1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and ALDHA1A, in murine tumors treated with LV-IFNα/Syn3. Our findings warrant the comparison of adenoviral and LV-IFNα and the study of novel combination strategies with IFNα gene therapy for the BLCA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharada Mokkapati
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
- Corresponding author Sharada Mokkapati, PhD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA.
| | - Vikram M. Narayan
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Ganiraju C. Manyam
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Amy H. Lim
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Duplisea
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Andrea Kokorovic
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Tanner S. Miest
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Anirban P. Mitra
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Devin Plote
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Selvalakshmi Selvaraj Anand
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Michael J. Metcalfe
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Kenneth Dunner
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Burles A. Johnson
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, John Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, John Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bogdan A. Czerniak
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Tiina Nieminen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tommi Heikura
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - Seppo Yla-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Kimberley S. Schluns
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
| | - David J. McConkey
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, John Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, John Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Colin P. Dinney
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smith Research Building, 7777 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77584, USA
- Corresponding author Colin P. Dinney, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, CPB7.3279, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Loesch R, Caruso S, Paradis V, Godard C, Gougelet A, Renault G, Picard S, Tanaka I, Renoux-Martin Y, Perret C, Taketo MM, Zucman-Rossi J, Colnot S. Deleting the β-catenin degradation domain in mouse hepatocytes drives hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma-like tumor growth. J Hepatol 2022; 77:424-435. [PMID: 35257829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS One-third of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) harbor mutations activating the β-catenin pathway, predominantly via mutations in the CTNNB1 gene itself. Mouse models of Apc loss-of-function are widely used to mimic β-catenin-dependent tumorigenesis. Given the low prevalence of APC mutations in human HCCs, we aimed to generate liver tumors through CTNNB1 exon 3 deletion (βcatΔex3). We then compared βcatΔex3 liver tumors with liver tumors generated via frameshift in exon 15 of Apc (Apcfs-ex15). METHODS We used hepatocyte-specific and inducible mouse models generated through either a Cre-Lox or a CRISPR/Cas9 approach using adeno-associated virus vectors. Tumors generated by the Cre-Lox models were phenotypically analyzed using immunohistochemistry and were selected for transcriptomic analysis by RNA-sequencing (RNAseq). Mouse RNAseq data were compared to human RNAseq data (8 normal tissues, 48 HCCs, 9 hepatoblastomas) in an integrative analysis. Tumors generated via CRISPR were analyzed using DNA sequencing and immuno-histochemistry. RESULTS Mice with CTNNB1 exon 3 deletion in hepatocytes developed liver tumors indistinguishable from Apcfs-ex15 liver tumors. Both Apcfs-ex15 and βcatΔex3 mouse models induced growth of phenotypically distinct tumors (differentiated or undifferentiated). Integrative analysis of human and mouse tumors showed that differentiated mouse tumors cluster with well-differentiated human CTNNB1-mutated tumors. Conversely, undifferentiated mouse tumors cluster with human mesenchymal hepatoblastomas and harbor activated YAP signaling. CONCLUSION Apcfs-ex15 and βcatΔex3 mouse models both induce growth of tumors that are transcriptionally similar to either well-differentiated and β-catenin-activated human HCCs or mesenchymal hepatoblastomas. LAY SUMMARY New and easy-to-use transgenic mouse models of primary liver cancers have been generated, with mutations in the gene encoding beta-catenin, which are frequent in both adult and pediatric primary liver cancers. The mice develop both types of cancer, constituting a strong preclinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Loesch
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France
| | | | - Cecile Godard
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Gilles Renault
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut COCHIN, F-75014, France; Plateforme Imageries du Vivant, Université de Paris, France
| | - Simon Picard
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Ingrid Tanaka
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Yoan Renoux-Martin
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | | | | | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France
| | - Sabine Colnot
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), F-75006, France; Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France.
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Yu S, Gao J, Wang H, Liu L, Liu X, Xu Y, Shi J, Guo W, Zhang S. Significance of Liver Zonation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:806408. [PMID: 35813194 PMCID: PMC9260020 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.806408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver zonation is fundamental to normal liver function, and numerous studies have investigated the microstructure of normal liver lobules. However, only a few studies have explored the zonation signature in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the significance of liver zonation in HCC with the help of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and multicolor immunofluorescence staining. Liver zonation-related genes were extracted from the literature, and a three-gene model was established for HCC prognosis. The model reliability was validated using bulk RNA and single-cell RNA-level data, and the underlying biological mechanism was revealed by a functional enrichment analysis. The results showed that the signaling pathways of high-risk groups were similar to those of perivenous zones in the normal liver, indicating the possible regulating role of hypoxia in HCC zonation. Furthermore, the co-staining results showed that the low-grade tumors lost their zonation features whereas the high-grade tumors lost the expression of zonation-related genes, which supported the results obtained from the sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhe Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Technology Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Technology Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haoren Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Technology Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xudong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Technology Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuantong Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Kunming, Calmette Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Jihua Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Technology Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Technology Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Technology Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuijun Zhang,
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Marayati R, Julson JR, Bownes LV, Quinn CH, Hutchins SC, Williams AP, Markert HR, Beierle AM, Stewart JE, Hjelmeland AB, Mroczek-Musulman E, Beierle EA. Metastatic human hepatoblastoma cells exhibit enhanced tumorigenicity, invasiveness and a stem cell-like phenotype. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:1018-1025. [PMID: 35300860 PMCID: PMC9119922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.01.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Metastatic hepatoblastoma continues to pose a significant treatment challenge, primarily because the precise mechanisms involved in metastasis are not fully understood, making cell lines and preclinical models that depict the progression of disease and metastasis-related biology paramount. We aimed to generate and characterize a metastatic hepatoblastoma cell line to create a model for investigation of the molecular mechanisms associated with metastasis. MATERIALS/METHODS Using a murine model of serial tail vein injections of the human hepatoblastoma HuH6 cell line, non-invasive bioluminescence imaging, and dissociation of metastatic pulmonary lesions, we successfully established and characterized the metastatic human hepatoblastoma cell line, HLM_3. RESULTS The HLM_3 cells exhibited enhanced tumorigenicity and invasiveness, both in vitro and in vivo compared to the parent HuH6 cell line. Moreover, HLM_3 metastatic hepatoblastoma cells exhibited a stem cell-like phenotype and were more resistant to the standard chemotherapeutic cisplatin. CONCLUSION This newly described metastatic hepatoblastoma cell line offers a novel tool to study mechanisms of tumor metastasis and evaluate new therapeutic strategies for metastatic hepatoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoud Marayati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Janet R. Julson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Laura V. Bownes
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Colin H. Quinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Sara C. Hutchins
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Adele P. Williams
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Hooper R. Markert
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Andee M. Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Jerry E. Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Anita B. Hjelmeland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA,Corresponding Author: Elizabeth A. Beierle, MD, 1600 7th Ave. South, Lowder Building, Suite 300, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA, Phone: (205) 638-9688, Fax: (205) 975-4972,
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8
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Target Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040585. [PMID: 35453784 PMCID: PMC9027240 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and its incidence is steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a complex, multi-step process that is accompanied by alterations in multiple signaling cascades. Recent years have seen advancement in understanding molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, or Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently found in a subset of HCC patients. Targeting the signaling pathway via small molecule inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic option for the subset of patients. In this review, we will introduce the signaling pathways, discuss their roles in the development of HCC, and propose a therapeutic approach targeting the signaling pathways in the context of HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. To date, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are the most favored molecular targets for the treatment of HCC, followed by immune checkpoint regulators such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. With less than desirable clinical outcomes from RTK inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) so far, novel molecular target therapies have been proposed for HCC. In this review, we will introduce diverse molecular signaling pathways that are aberrantly activated in HCC, focusing on YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathways in HCC.
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9
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Holczbauer Á, Wangensteen KJ, Shin S. Cellular origins of regenerating liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100416. [PMID: 35243280 PMCID: PMC8873941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant primary cancer arising from the liver and is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The cellular origin of HCC has been a topic of great interest due to conflicting findings regarding whether it originates in hepatocytes, biliary cells, or facultative stem cells. These cell types all undergo changes during liver injury, and there is controversy about their contribution to regenerative responses in the liver. Most HCCs emerge in the setting of chronic liver injury from viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol, and environmental exposures. The injuries are marked by liver parenchymal changes such as hepatocyte regenerative nodules, biliary duct cellular changes, expansion of myofibroblasts that cause fibrosis and cirrhosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, all of which may contribute to carcinogenesis. Addressing the cellular origin of HCC is the key to identifying the earliest events that trigger it. Herein, we review data on the cells of origin in regenerating liver and HCC and the implications of these findings for prevention and treatment. We also review the origins of childhood liver cancer and other rare cancers of the liver.
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Zhang J, Chen X, Wang J, Zhang P, Han X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Yang X. Bioinformatics Analysis of Prognostic Value of SPC24 in ccRCC and Pan-Cancer. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:817-836. [PMID: 35125884 PMCID: PMC8807948 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s348859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common diseases in the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have revealed the important role of SPC24, a subunit of the Ndc80 complex, in the occurrence and development of carcinoma. However, the latent effect of SPC24 in the progress of ccRCC remains to be further explored. The intent of this research is to investigate whether SPC24 can be used as an index to predict the progression of ccRCC and to explore its relationship with the immune microenvironment and pan-cancer. Materials and Methods Based on data from public databases, we determined the expression level and clinical value of SPC24 in ccRCC and human pan-cancer. RT-qPCR analysis was carried out to detect the expression level of SPC24 in the OSRC/786O (human ccRCC cells) cell lines and HK2 (human normal kidney cells) cell line. The signal transduction pathways activated by different levels of SPC24 expression were explored by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and the CIBERSORT algorithm was applied to analyze the relationship between infiltrating immune cells and SPC24 expression in ccRCC and pan-cancer tissues. Results SPC24 is overexpressed in ccRCC and several types of tumors, which is associated with poor prognosis. GSEA and CIBERSORT algorithms suggested that the high expression group of SPC24 enriched various pathways including immune-related pathways, and the several infiltrated immunocytes were related to the expression of SPC24. Conclusion Our study revealed that SPC24 is a prognostic factor in ccRCC related to immunomodulation and has generalized value in pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinlei Chen
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jirong Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youzhi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yonghua Wang; Xiaokun Yang, Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16, Jiangsu Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
| | - Xiaokun Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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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: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [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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Xie X, Chen J, Wo D, Ma E, Ning Y, Peng J, Zhu W, Ren DN. Babao Dan is a robust anti-tumor agent via inhibiting wnt/β-catenin activation and cancer cell stemness. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114449. [PMID: 34332067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is being increasingly used worldwide due to its diverse efficacy and relatively low side effects. Babao Dan (BBD) is a well-known TCM formula that is currently used for the effective treatment of various cancers, however its underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY Tumor growth and tumor recurrence are characterized by two distinct populations of cells, namely the well-differentiated cancer cells composing the majority of tumor bulk, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) involved in tumor relapse, which are both strongly associated with excessive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our study aims to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the anti-tumor proliferative effects of Babao Dan (BBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 with stem cell-like traits that harbors a constitutively active mutant of β-catenin in order to study the anti-tumor ability of BBD via targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RESULTS BBD robustly attenuated both the intrinsic and extrinsic activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells, as well as Wnt target genes. Moreover, BBD significantly inhibited both the proliferation of well-differentiated cancer cells, as well as the stem-like property of CSCs as evidenced by EpCAM, a Wnt target gene and a novel marker of cancer cell stemness. In addition, mice administered with BBD using HepG2 cell line derived xenograft model had marked reductions in tumor size and weight, as well as significantly decreased expressions of Wnt target genes and cancer cell stemness. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the robust anti-tumor effects of BBD via potent inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and implicate its use in the clinical treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xie
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jinxiao Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Da Wo
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - En Ma
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Research Institute of Heart Failure Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of Ministry of Education, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongling Ning
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weidong Zhu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Dan-Ni Ren
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatric, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Kotiyal S, Evason KJ. Exploring the Interplay of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase and β-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164202. [PMID: 34439356 PMCID: PMC8393605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers. Two of the most common molecular aberrations in liver cancer are: (1) activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin (CTNNB1); and (2) promoter mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Here, we review recent findings regarding the interplay between TERT and β-catenin in order to better understand their role in liver cancer. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human cancers. Activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are widespread in HCC (~50% and ~30%, respectively). TERTp mutations are predicted to increase TERT transcription and telomerase activity. This review focuses on exploring the role of TERT and β-catenin in HCC and the current findings regarding their interplay. TERT can have contradictory effects on tumorigenesis via both its canonical and non-canonical functions. As a critical regulator of proliferation and differentiation in progenitor and stem cells, activated β-catenin drives HCC; however, inhibiting endogenous β-catenin can also have pro-tumor effects. Clinical studies revealed a significant concordance between TERTp and CTNNB1 mutations in HCC. In stem cells, TERT acts as a co-factor in β-catenin transcriptional complexes driving the expression of WNT/β-catenin target genes, and β-catenin can bind to the TERTp to drive its transcription. A few studies have examined potential interactions between TERT and β-catenin in HCC in vivo, and their results suggest that the coexpression of these two genes promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are required with vertebrate models to better understand how TERT and β-catenin influence hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Abd Elhameed AG, Helal MG, Said E, Salem HA. Saxagliptin defers thioacetamide-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats: A novel suppressive impact on Wnt/Hedgehog/Notch1 signaling. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:103668. [PMID: 33945853 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly invasive form of hepatic cancer. It is a highly intricate disease with multiple pathophysiological mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The results of the current investigation shed light on the ability of saxagliptin (SAXA) (12.5 mg/kg) to defer HCC progression in an experimental model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. RESULTS SAXA administration improved liver function biomarkers, with a concomitant histopathological recovery. Mechanistically, the observed hepatoprotective impact was associated with significant suppression of the hepatic content of Wnt3a, β-catenin, Notch1, Smo, and Gli2 and enhanced expression of GSK 3β. Nevertheless, the hepatic expression of PCNA, P53, and cyclin D1 was significantly enhanced, with a parallel increase in the tumor expression of caspase-3. Thus, it appears that SAXA significantly enhanced tumor apoptosis, with concomitant suppression of HCC proliferation. CONCLUSION SAXA deferred experimentally-induced HCC via suppressing Wnt/Hedgehog/Notch1 Signaling, with enhanced tumor apoptosis and suppressed proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed G Abd Elhameed
- Dep. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Dep. of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - Manar G Helal
- Dep. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Eman Said
- Dep. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Hatem A Salem
- Dep. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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15
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Lv D, Chen L, Du L, Zhou L, Tang H. Emerging Regulatory Mechanisms Involved in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:691410. [PMID: 34368140 PMCID: PMC8339910 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.691410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that HCC is driven by a population of cells called liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LCSCs have been proposed to contribute to malignant HCC progression, including promoting tumor occurrence and growth, mediating tumor metastasis, and treatment resistance, but the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC remains unclear. Understanding the signaling pathways responsible for LCSC maintenance and survival may provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review the current literature about the origin of LCSCs and the niche composition, describe the current evidence of signaling pathways that mediate LCSC stemness, then highlight several mechanisms that modulate LCSC properties in HCC progression, and finally, summarize the new developments in therapeutic strategies targeting LCSCs markers and regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Lv
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyao Du
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Mir IH, Guha S, Behera J, Thirunavukkarasu C. Targeting molecular signal transduction pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma and its implications for cancer therapy. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:2161-2177. [PMID: 34270844 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a substantial health concern. It is currently the third dominating cause of mortality associated with cancer worldwide. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma is an intricate process that encompasses the impairment of genetic, epigenetic, and signal transduction mechanisms contributing to an aberrant metabolic system, enabling tumorigenesis. Throughout the past decade, research has led to the revelation of molecular pathways implicated in the progression of this notorious disorder. The altered signal transduction pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, phosphoinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, WNT/β-catenin pathway, hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET pathway, and just another kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway is of much therapeutic significance, as targeting them may avail to revert, retard or avert hepatocarcinogenesis. The present review article sums up the contemporary knowledge of such signaling mechanisms, including their therapeutic targets and betokens that novel and efficacious therapies can be developed only by the keen understanding of their character in hepatocarcinogenesis. In additament, we address the role of consequential therapeutic agents and preclinical nondrug therapies known for combating hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishfaq Hassan Mir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| | - Shreyoshi Guha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| | - Jajnasenee Behera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
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Gan G, Shi Z, Liu D, Zhang S, Zhu H, Wang Y, Mi J. 3-hydroxyanthranic acid increases the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib by decreasing tumor cell stemness. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:173. [PMID: 34230478 PMCID: PMC8260721 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the FDA-approved first-line target drug for HCC patients. However, sorafenib only confers 3–5 months of survival benefit with <30% of HCC patients. Thus, it is necessary to develop a sensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to sorafenib. Here, we report that in representative HCC cell lines (SMMC-7721 and PLC8024) that are insensitive to sorafenib, 3-HAA (50 μM) significantly enhances cell sensitivity to sorafenib to an extent that could not be explained by additive effects. In nude mice carrying HCC xenograft, tumor growth is inhibited by sorafenib (10 mg/kg/day) or 3-HAA (100 mg/kg/day) alone. When used in combination, the treatment effectively prevents the xenograft from growing. In a set of mechanistic experiments, we find enhanced AKT activation and increased proportion of CD44+CD133+ cells in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues. The proportion of CD44+CD133+ cells is reduced upon 3-HAA treatment in both cultured cells and mouse xenografts, suggesting that 3-HAA could decrease the stemness of HCC. We also detect decreased phosphorylation of AKT, a regulator of the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling upon 3-HAA treatment. The AKT activator SC79 activates GSK3 β/β-catenin signaling while the Wnt inhibitor XAV-939 abolishes 3-HAA inhibition of HCC growth in vitro and in mice. The current study demonstrates that 3-HAA sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib by reducing tumor stemness, suggesting it is a promising molecule for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Gan
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratories, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.,Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaopeng Shi
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyi Zhang
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yugang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Mi
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
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Yang X, Shao C, Duan L, Hou X, Huang Y, Gao L, Zong C, Liu W, Jiang J, Ye F, Shi J, Zhao Q, Wu D, Wei L. Oncostatin M promotes hepatic progenitor cell activation and hepatocarcinogenesis via macrophage-derived tumor necrosis factor-α. Cancer Lett 2021; 517:46-54. [PMID: 34102284 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually occurs at the late stage of chronic liver injury. Oncostatin M (OSM) is a tumor-associated cytokine highly expressed in cirrhosis and HCC patients; however, its role in hepatocarcinogenesis has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of OSM on HCC occurrence in a rat model of N-diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC. OSM overexpression significantly increased the number of tumor nodules and shortened the overall survival of the rats. Notably, OSM promoted HPC activation in vivo but did not directly regulate the proliferation of the HPC cell line in vitro. Further, OSM induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion and CD68+ macrophage accumulation, which were positively correlated with HPC activation. Additionally, TNF-α or macrophage depletion inhibited the promoting effect of OSM on hepatocarcinogenesis and HPC activation. Furthermore, OSM expression in the peritumoral tissues of HCC was positively correlated with poor overall survival of patients. In conclusion, OSM plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis by regulating the liver inflammation environment. Hence, OSM could be used as a potential target for HCC prevention and therapy or as an indicator of HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Changchun Shao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lixia Duan
- Department of Breast, Bone &Soft Tissue Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojuan Hou
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yihua Huang
- Department of Pathology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chen Zong
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wenting Liu
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Junxia Shi
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Qiudong Zhao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery Ⅳ, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Lixin Wei
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Demyashkin G, Zatsepina M. Peliosis hepatis complicated by portal hypertension following renal transplantation. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5220-5222. [PMID: 32982120 PMCID: PMC7495034 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i34.5220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peliosis hepatis is a rare benign disease, but in last years the number of identified cases has increased. This disease is known to be sometimes accompanied by hepatocellular carcinoma. In the recent article, Yu et al describe a case of liver peliosis, characterized by an increased proliferative index. Therefore, additional diagnosis of patients should include analyzing other tumor markers expression in order to assess the risk of malignant cell transformation in peliosis hepatis.
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20
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Zhang X, Zhang C, Ren Z, Zhang F, Xu J, Zhang X, Zheng H. Curcumin Affects Gastric Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion and Cytoskeletal Remodeling Through Gli1-β-Catenin. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:3795-3806. [PMID: 32547215 PMCID: PMC7247599 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s244384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The function of curcumin on the gastric cancer cell line, SGC-7901 is unknown. The present study aimed to observe the effects of curcumin on gastric cancer cells through the Shh and Wnt signaling pathways. Methods SGC-7901 cells were transfected with si-Gli1 and si-β-catenin siRNA, then cells were stimulated with curcumin and its effects on cell migration, invasion, cytoskeleton remodeling, EMT, apoptosis and cell cycle were investigated by transwell assays, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays. The interaction between Gli1 and β-catenin was observed by co-immunoprecipitation. Results We show that curcumin suppressed the expression of Shh, Gli1 and Foxm1 in the Shh signaling pathway, and the expression of β-catenin in the Wnt signaling pathway in SGC-7901 cells, both in mRNA and protein. As a result, cellular migration, invasion and cytoskeletal remodeling ability decreased. Our results revealed that when stimulated with curcumin, cells showed decreased cellular migration and invasion, while enhanced apoptosis. In addition, curcumin induced cytoskeletal remodeling and S phase cell cycle arrest. The inhibition of Shh and Wnt signaling pathway and the addition of curcumin also inhibited the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Furthermore, a physical interaction was observed between Gli1 of the Shh signaling and β-catenin of the Wnt signaling in these cells, but curcumin inhibited the interaction of these two proteins. Conclusion The present study indicated that curcumin plays an anti-tumor role through Gli1-β-catenin pathway in gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenli Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiheng Ren
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyu Xu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixue Zheng
- National Foot and Mouth Diseases Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
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The Cancer Stem Cell in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030684. [PMID: 32183251 PMCID: PMC7140091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The recognition of intra-tumoral cellular heterogeneity has given way to the concept of the cancer stem cell (CSC). According to this concept, CSCs are able to self-renew and differentiate into all of the cancer cell lineages present within the tumor, placing the CSC at the top of a hierarchical tree. The observation that these cells—in contrast to bulk tumor cells—are able to exclusively initiate new tumors, initiate metastatic spread and resist chemotherapy implies that CSCs are solely responsible for tumor recurrence and should be therapeutically targeted. Toward this end, dissecting and understanding the biology of CSCs should translate into new clinical therapeutic approaches. In this article, we review the CSC concept in cancer, with a special focus on hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Targeting Jak/Stat pathway as a therapeutic strategy against SP/CD44+ tumorigenic cells in Akt/β-catenin-driven hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2020; 72:104-118. [PMID: 31541681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic resection and liver transplantation with adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy are the mainstay of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, but the 5-year survival rate remains poor because of frequent recurrence and intrahepatic metastasis. Only sorafenib and lenvatinib are currently approved for the first-line treatment of advanced, unresected HCC, but they yield modest survival benefits. Thus, there is a need to identify new therapeutic targets to improve current HCC treatment modalities. METHODS The HCC tumor model was generated by hydrodynamic transfection of AKT1 and β-catenin (CTNNB1) oncogenes. Cancer cells with stemness properties were characterized following isolation using side population (SP) and CD44 surface markers by flow cytometry. The effect of Jak/Stat inhibitors was analyzed in vitro by using tumorsphere culture and in vivo using an allograft mouse model. RESULTS Co-activation of both Wnt/β-catenin and Akt/mTOR pathways was found in 14.4% of our HCC patient cohort. More importantly, these patients showed poorer survival than those with either Wnt/β-catenin or Akt/mTOR pathway activation alone, demonstrating the clinical relevance of our study. In addition, we observed that Akt/β-catenin tumors contained a subpopulation of cells with stem/progenitor-like characteristics identified through SP analysis and expression of the cancer stem cell-like marker CD44, which may contribute to tumor self-renewal and drug resistance. Consequently, we identified small molecule inhibitors of the Jak/Stat pathway that demonstrated efficacy in mitigating tumor proliferation and formation in Akt/β-catenin-driven HCC. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we have shown that Akt/β-catenin tumors contain a subpopulation of tumor-initiating cells with stem/progenitor-like characteristics which can be effectively targeted with inhibitors of the Jak/Stat pathway, demonstrating that inhibition of the Jak/Stat pathway could be an alternative method to overcome drug resistance and effectively treat Akt/β-catenin-driven HCC tumors. LAY SUMMARY The prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is poor, partly because of the lack of effective treatment options for those with more advanced disease. In this study, we identified a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell-like properties that were critical for tumor maintenance and growth in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Through further experiments, we demonstrated that the Jak/Stat pathway is a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Kalasekar SM, Kotiyal S, Conley C, Phan C, Young A, Evason KJ. Heterogeneous beta-catenin activation is sufficient to cause hepatocellular carcinoma in zebrafish. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio047829. [PMID: 31575545 PMCID: PMC6826293 DOI: 10.1242/bio.047829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 41% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) result from activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin. HCC-associated CTNNB1 mutations stabilize the β-catenin protein, leading to nuclear and/or cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin and downstream activation of Wnt target genes. In patient HCC samples, β-catenin nuclear and cytoplasmic localization are typically patchy, even among HCC with highly active CTNNB1 mutations. The functional and clinical relevance of this heterogeneity in β-catenin activation are not well understood. To define mechanisms of β-catenin-driven HCC initiation, we generated a Cre-lox system that enabled switching on activated β-catenin in (1) a small number of hepatocytes in early development; or (2) the majority of hepatocytes in later development or adulthood. We discovered that switching on activated β-catenin in a subset of larval hepatocytes was sufficient to drive HCC initiation. To determine the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling heterogeneity later in hepatocarcinogenesis, we performed RNA-seq analysis of zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC. At the single-cell level, 2.9% to 15.2% of hepatocytes from zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC expressed two or more of the Wnt target genes axin2, mtor, glula, myca and wif1, indicating focal activation of Wnt signaling in established tumors. Thus, heterogeneous β-catenin activation drives HCC initiation and persists throughout hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya M Kalasekar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Srishti Kotiyal
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christopher Conley
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cindy Phan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Annika Young
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kimberley J Evason
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a useful therapeutic target in hepatoblastoma. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20192466. [PMID: 31511432 PMCID: PMC6757184 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is a malignant tumor in the liver of children that generally occurs at the age of 2–3 years. There have been ample evidence from the preclinical as well as clinical studies suggesting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatoblastoma, which is mainly attributed to the somatic mutations in the exon 3 of β-catenin gene. There is increased translocation of β-catenin protein from the cell surface to cytoplasm and nucleus and intracellular accumulation is directly linked to the severity of the cancer. Accordingly, the alterations in β-catenin and its target genes may be used as markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of pediatric live tumors. Furthermore, scientists have reported the therapeutic usefulness of inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatoblastoma and this inhibition of signaling has been done using different methods including short interfering RNA (siRNA), miRNA and pharmacological agents. Wnt/β-catenin works in association with other signaling pathways to induce the development of hepatoblastoma including Yes-associated protein (YAP)1 (YAP-1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) 1 (mTOR-1), SLC38A1, glypican 3 (GPC3), nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), epidermal growth factor receptor, ERK1/2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), regenerating islet-derived 1 and 3 α (REG1A and 3A), substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor and PARP-1. The present review describes the key role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the development of hepatoblastoma. Moreover, the role of other signaling pathways in hepatoblastoma in association with Wnt/β-catenin has also been described.
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The Emerging Roles of Cancer Stem Cells and Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signaling in Hepatoblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101406. [PMID: 31547062 PMCID: PMC6826653 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common form of primary liver malignancy found in pediatric populations. HB is considered to be clonal and arises from hepatoblasts, or embryonic liver progenitor cells. These less differentiated tumor-initiating progenitor cells, or cancer stem cells (CSCs), may contribute to tumor recurrence and resistance to therapies, and have high metastatic abilities. Phenotypic heterogeneity, undesired genetic and epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated signaling pathways provide CSCs with a survival advantage over current therapies. The molecular and cellular basis of HB and the mechanism of CSC induction are not fully understood. The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is one of the major developmental pathways and is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HB and CSC formation. This review summarizes the cellular and molecular characteristics of HB with a specific emphasis on CSCs and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
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Neureiter D, Stintzing S, Kiesslich T, Ocker M. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic advances in signaling, epigenetic and immune targets. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3136-3150. [PMID: 31333307 PMCID: PMC6626722 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i25.3136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global medical burden with rising incidence due to chronic viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Treatment of advanced disease stages is still unsatisfying. Besides first and second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become central for the treatment of HCC. New modalities like epigenetic therapy using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and cell therapy approaches with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Development of such novel drugs is closely linked to the availability and improvement of novel preclinical and animal models and the identification of predictive biomarkers. The current status of treatment options for advanced HCC, emerging novel therapeutic approaches and different preclinical models for HCC drug discovery and development are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University/Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK), Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Sebastian Stintzing
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Tobias Kiesslich
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Paracelsus Medical University/Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK) and Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Translational Medicine Oncology, Bayer AG, Berlin 13353, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
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27
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Jiang Y, Han QJ, Zhang J. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanisms of progression and immunotherapy. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3151-3167. [PMID: 31333308 PMCID: PMC6626719 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i25.3151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and various pathogenic factors can lead to its occurrence and development. Among all primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common. With extensive studies, an increasing number of molecular mechanisms that promote HCC are being discovered. Surgical resection is still the most effective treatment for patients with early HCC. However, early detection and treatment are difficult for most HCC patients, and the postoperative recurrence rate is high, resulting in poor clinical prognosis of HCC. Although immunotherapy takes longer than conventional chemotherapy to produce therapeutic effects, it persists for longer. In recent years, the emergence of many new immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, has given new hope for the treatment of HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Disease Progression
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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Jiang G, Huang CK, Zhang X, Lv X, Wang Y, Yu T, Cai X. Wnt signaling in liver disease: emerging trends from a bibliometric perspective. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7073. [PMID: 31275745 PMCID: PMC6590390 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Wnt signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved molecular transduction cascade, has been identified as playing a pivotal role in various physiological and pathological processes of the liver, including homeostasis, regeneration, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to use a bibliometric method to evaluate the emerging trends on Wnt signaling in liver diseases. Methods Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. We used a bibliometric software, CiteSpace V 5.3.R4, to analyze the active countries or institutions in the research field, the landmark manuscripts, important subtopics, and evolution of scientific ideas. Results In total, 1,768 manuscripts were published, and each was cited 33.12 times on average. The U.S. published most of the articles, and the most active center was the University of Pittsburgh. The top 5 landmark papers were identified by four bibliometric indexes including citation, burstness, centrality, and usage 2013. The clustering process divided the whole area into nine research subtopics, and the two major important subtopics were "liver zonation" and "HCC." Using the "Part-of-Speech" technique, 1,743 terms representing scientific ideas were identified. After 2008, the bursting phrases were "liver development," "progenitor cells," "hepatic stellate cells," "liver regeneration," "liver fibrosis," "epithelial-mesenchymal transition," and etc. Conclusion Using bibliometric methods, we quantitatively summarized the advancements and emerging trends in Wnt signaling in liver diseases. These bibliometric findings may pioneer the future direction of this field in the next few years, and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chiung-Kuei Huang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xinjie Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingyu Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tunan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Lin S, Zhang K, Zhang J, Wang M, Velani B, Zhu Y. Long-term outcomes of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute on chronic liver failure: An observational cohort study. Liver Int 2019; 39:854-860. [PMID: 30753752 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The long-term outcomes of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute on chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) remain unclear. The main aim of the study was to compare the 5-year survival rate and incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between patients with HBV-ACLF and HBV-cirrhosis. METHODS Clinical data of patients with ACLF, compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis who survived more than 3 months after diagnosis were collected. The survival rate and cumulative incidence of HCC were compared. The Cox regression was used to evaluate risk factors for outcomes. RESULTS A total of 814 patients were included in the analysis, including 122 (14.99%) patients with ACLF, 450 (55.28%) patients with compensated cirrhosis and 242 (29.73%) patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The 5-year survival rate of patients with ACLF (97.2%) was higher than patients with decompensated cirrhosis (86.0%), but was lower than patients with compensated cirrhosis (99.1%). The 5-year HCC incidence rate was the highest in the decompensated cirrhosis group (14.6%, P < 0.05), while no statistical differences were found between patients with ACLF (3.5%) and compensated cirrhosis (9.5%). The episode of ACLF did not increase the risk of HCC and the overall survival when compared with patients with cirrhosis. In ACLF subgroup analysis, the age, rather than the presence of cirrhosis, was independently associated with both mortality and incidence of HCC. CONCLUSIONS ACLF patients who survived the first 3 months had a better long-term prognosis than decompensated cirrhosis, while the HCC risk was comparable to compensated cirrhosis. HCC surveillance is strongly recommended for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Lin
- Liver Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Liver Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junchao Zhang
- Liver Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingfang Wang
- Liver Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bharat Velani
- Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon, England
| | - Yueyong Zhu
- Liver Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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30
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Eberherr C, Beck A, Vokuhl C, Becker K, Häberle B, Von Schweinitz D, Kappler R. Targeting excessive MYCN expression using MLN8237 and JQ1 impairs the growth of hepatoblastoma cells. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1853-1863. [PMID: 30864675 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver tumor in children under the age of 3 years worldwide. While many patients achieve good outcomes with surgical resection and conventional chemotherapy, there is still a high‑risk population that exhibits a poor treatment response and unfavorable prognosis, which warrants the search for novel treatment options. In recent years, it has become clear that genetic events alone are not sufficient to explain the aggressive phenotype of this embryonal malignancy. Instead, epigenetic modifications and aberrant gene expression seem to be key drivers of HB. In the present study, expression analyses such as reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that the oncogene, MYCN proto‑oncogene basic‑helix‑loop‑helix transcription factor (MYCN) was upregulated in HB and other pediatric liver tumors, due to the transcriptional activity of its antisense transcript MYCN opposite strand (MYCNOS). Pyrosequencing demonstrated the hypomethylated regions in the promoter of MYCN and MYCNOS, suggesting that an epigenetic mechanism may underlie the induction of aberrant expression. Transient MYCN knockdown in HB cells resulted in growth inhibition over time. In addition, treating HB cells with the MYCN inhibitors JQ1 and MLN8237 led to the significant downregulation of MYCN either at the mRNA or protein levels, respectively. The underlying mechanism of action of the two inhibitors was revealed to be associated with the induction of dose‑dependent growth arrest, by arresting cells at either the G1/G0 or G2 phase. Furthermore, MLN8237 and JQ1 were able to cause spindle disturbances and/or apoptosis in HB cells. The present results suggest that MYCN may be a promising biomarker for HB and a potential therapeutic target in patients with tumors overexpressing MYCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Eberherr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Beck
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Vokuhl
- Institute of Paidopathology, Pediatric Tumor Registry, Christian‑Albrecht's‑University Kiel, D‑24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Kristina Becker
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Beate Häberle
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Dietrich Von Schweinitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Kappler
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
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Abstract
The canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway is a complex, evolutionarily conserved signalling mechanism that regulates fundamental physiological and pathological processes. Wnt-β-catenin signalling tightly controls embryogenesis, including hepatobiliary development, maturation and zonation. In the mature healthy liver, the Wnt-β-catenin pathway is mostly inactive but can become re-activated during cell renewal and/or regenerative processes, as well as in certain pathological conditions, diseases, pre-malignant conditions and cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the two most prevalent primary liver tumours in adults, Wnt-β-catenin signalling is frequently hyperactivated and promotes tumour growth and dissemination. A substantial proportion of liver tumours (mainly HCC and, to a lesser extent, CCA) have mutations in genes encoding key components of the Wnt-β-catenin signalling pathway. Likewise, hepatoblastoma, the most common paediatric liver cancer, is characterized by Wnt-β-catenin activation, mostly as a result of β-catenin mutations. In this Review, we discuss the most relevant molecular mechanisms of action and regulation of Wnt-β-catenin signalling in liver development and pathophysiology. Moreover, we highlight important preclinical and clinical studies and future directions in basic and clinical research.
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32
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Wang G, Zhang ZJ, Jian WG, Liu PH, Xue W, Wang TD, Meng YY, Yuan C, Li HM, Yu YP, Liu ZX, Wu Q, Zhang DM, Zhang C. Novel long noncoding RNA OTUD6B-AS1 indicates poor prognosis and inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:15. [PMID: 30670025 PMCID: PMC6341572 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-0942-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) OTUD6B antisense RNA 1 (OTUD6B-AS1) is oriented in an antisense direction to the protein-coding gene OTUD6B on the opposite DNA strand. TCGA database data show that the expression of the lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 is downregulated and that OTUD6B-AS1 acts as an antioncogene in a variety of tumors. However, the expression and biological functions of the lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 are still unknown in tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS The expression level of OTUD6B-AS1 was measured in 75 paired human ccRCC tissue and corresponding adjacent normal renal tissue samples. The correlations between the OTUD6B-AS1 expression level and clinicopathological features were evaluated using the chi-square test. The effects of OTUD6B-AS1 on ccRCC cells were determined via MTT assay, clone formation assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the impact of OTUD6B-AS1 overexpression on the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was investigated. Finally, ACHN cells with OTUD6B-AS1 overexpression were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to evaluate the influence of OTUD6B-AS1 on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS In this study, we found that the expression of the lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 was downregulated in ccRCC tissue samples and that patients with low OTUD6B-AS1 expression had shorter overall survival than patients with high OTUD6B-AS1 expression, which showed that the different expression level of OTUD6B-AS1 indirectly correlated with survival of patients. Lentivirus-mediated OTUD6B-AS1 overexpression significantly decreased the proliferation of ccRCC cells and promoted the apoptosis of the cells. Furthermore, OTUD6B-AS1 overexpression partly inhibited cell migration and invasion. The overexpression of OTUD6B-AS1 decreased the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and suppressed the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Snail) in ccRCC cells. In addition, compared with the parental ACHN cells, OTUD6B-AS1-overexpressing ACHN cells injected into nude mice exhibited decreased tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings present a road map for targeting the newly identified lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 to suppress ccRCC progression in cell lines, and these results elucidate a novel potential therapeutic target for ccRCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Zi-jian Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Wen-gang Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Pan-hong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, KaiFeng Central Hospital, KaiFeng, Henan Province China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Teng-da Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Yu-yang Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Chao Yuan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Hao-ming Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Yi-peng Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Zhan-xin Liu
- Department of Venous Injection Distribution Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province China
| | - Qiong Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Da-ming Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang China
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Wang W, Li S, Liu P, Sideras K, van de Werken HJG, van der Heide M, Cao W, Lavrijsen M, Peppelenbosch MP, Bruno M, Pan Q, Smits R. Oncogenic STRAP Supports Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Enhancing Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 17:521-531. [PMID: 30257989 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in the onset and development of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), with about half of them acquiring mutations in either CTNNB1 or AXIN1. The serine/threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), a scaffold protein, was recently shown to facilitate the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancers. However, the function of STRAP in HCC remains completely unknown. Here, increased levels of STRAP were observed in human and mouse HCCs. RNA sequencing of STRAP knockout clones generated by gene editing of Huh6 and Huh7 HCC cells revealed a significant reduction in expression of various metabolic and cell-cycle-related transcripts, in line with their general slower growth observed during culture. Importantly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was impaired in all STRAP knockout/down cell lines tested, regardless of the underlying CTNNB1 or AXIN1 mutation. In accordance with β-catenin's role in (cancer) stem cell maintenance, the expressions of various stem cell markers, such as AXIN2 and LGR5, were reduced and concomitantly differentiation-associated genes were increased. Together, these results show that the increased STRAP protein levels observed in HCC provide growth advantage among others by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These observations also identify STRAP as a new player in regulating β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular cancers. IMPLICATIONS: Elevated STRAP levels in hepatocellular cancers provide a growth advantage by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pengyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kostandinos Sideras
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harmen J G van de Werken
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Cancer Computational Biology Center, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke van der Heide
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wanlu Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Pandit H, Li Y, Li X, Zhang W, Li S, Martin RCG. Enrichment of cancer stem cells via β-catenin contributing to the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:783. [PMID: 30075764 PMCID: PMC6091111 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the deadliest cancers due to its heterogeneity, contributing to chemoresistance and recurrence. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are suggested to play an important role in HCC tumorigenesis. This study investigates the role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CSC enrichment and the capabilities of these CSCs in tumor initiation in orthotopic immunocompetent mouse model. Methods HCC-CSCs were enriched using established serum-free culture method. Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation and its components were analyzed by western blot and qRT-PCR. The role of β-catenin in enrichment of CSC spheroids was confirmed using siRNA interference. Tumorigenic capabilities were confirmed using orthotopic immunocompetent mouse model by injecting 2 × 106 Hepa1–6 CSC spheroids or control cells in upper left liver lobe. Results The serum-free cultured Hepa1–6 cells demonstrated self-renewal, spheroid formation, higher EpCAM expression, increased Hoechst-33342 efflux, and upregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Wnt/β-catenin pathway upregulation was implicated with the downstream targets, i.e., c-MYC, Cyclin-D1, and LEF1. Also, we found that GSK-3β serine-9 phosphorylation increased in Hepa1–6 spheroids. Silencing β-catenin by siRNA reversed spheroid formation phenotype. Mice injected with Hepa1–6 CSC spheroids showed aggressive tumor initiation and growth compared with mice injected with control cells. Conclusions Successfully induced Hepa1–6 spheroids were identified with CSC-like properties. Aberrant β-catenin upregulation mediated by GSK-3β was observed in the Hepa1–6 spheroids. The β-catenin mediated CSC enrichment in the induced spheroids possesses the capability of tumor initiation in immunocompetent mice. Our study suggests plausible cell dedifferentiation mediated by β-catenin contributes to CSC-initiated HCC tumor growth in vivo. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4683-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshul Pandit
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hiram C. Polk Jr. M.D. Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S Floyd ST MDR Bldg Rm326A, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hiram C. Polk Jr. M.D. Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S Floyd ST MDR Bldg Rm326A, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Xuanyi Li
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hiram C. Polk Jr. M.D. Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S Floyd ST MDR Bldg Rm326A, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Weizhong Zhang
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Suping Li
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hiram C. Polk Jr. M.D. Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S Floyd ST MDR Bldg Rm326A, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Robert C G Martin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hiram C. Polk Jr. M.D. Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S Floyd ST MDR Bldg Rm326A, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA. .,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 315 E. Broadway - #312, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
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Crippa S, Ancey PB, Vazquez J, Angelino P, Rougemont AL, Guettier C, Zoete V, Delorenzi M, Michielin O, Meylan E. Mutant CTNNB1 and histological heterogeneity define metabolic subtypes of hepatoblastoma. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:1589-1604. [PMID: 28923827 PMCID: PMC5666308 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201707814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric liver cancer. Histological evaluation of tumor biopsies is used to distinguish among the different subtypes of hepatoblastoma, with fetal and embryonal representing the two main epithelial components. With frequent CTNNB1 mutations, hepatoblastoma is a Wnt/β‐catenin‐driven malignancy. Considering that Wnt activation has been associated with tumor metabolic reprogramming, we characterized the metabolic profile of cells from hepatoblastoma and compared it to cells from hepatocellular carcinoma. First, we demonstrated that glucose transporter GLUT3 is a direct TCF4/β‐catenin target gene. RNA sequencing enabled to identify molecular and metabolic features specific to hepatoblastoma and revealed that several glycolytic enzymes are overexpressed in embryonal‐like compared to fetal‐like tumor cells. This led us to implement successfully three biomarkers to distinguish embryonal from fetal components by immunohistochemistry from a large panel of human hepatoblastoma samples. Functional analyses demonstrated that embryonal‐like hepatoblastoma cells are highly glycolytic and sensitive to hexokinase‐1 silencing. Altogether, our findings reveal a new, metabolic classification of human hepatoblastoma, with potential future implications for patients’ diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Crippa
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Benoit Ancey
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Vazquez
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Angelino
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Rougemont
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Guettier
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Bicêtre, HUPS, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM U1193, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Sud, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Zoete
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Delorenzi
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Ludwig Center for Cancer Research and Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Etienne Meylan
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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36
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DDX39 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis through activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:675. [PMID: 29867138 PMCID: PMC5986742 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer related death worldwide; however, the molecular mechanisms regulating HCC progression remain largely unknown. In this study, we determined the role of DDX39 which a DEAD-box RNA helicase in HCC progression, and found DDX39 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells, DDX39 expression was positive correlated with advanced clinical stage, survival analysis showed patients with high-DDX39 levels had poor outcome, it was an independent prognostic factor. Functional analysis revealed that DDX39 overexpression promoted HCC cell migration, invasion, growth, and metastasis, DDX39 knockdown inhibited HCC cell migration, invasion, growth, and metastasis. Mechanism analysis suggested DDX39 overexpression increased β-catenin expression in nucleus and increased Wnt/β-catenin pathway target genes levels, while DDX39 knockdown reduced this effect. Knockdown of Wnt/β-catenin pathway co-activators TCF4 and LEF1 in DDX39 overexpressing HCC cells inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway target genes. The invasion ability was also reduced, confirming DDX39 regulates HCC progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, we found DDX39 is a target and prognostic factor for HCC, and promotes HCC migration, invasion, growth, and metastasis by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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37
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β2 spectrin-mediated differentiation repressed the properties of liver cancer stem cells through β-catenin. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:424. [PMID: 29555987 PMCID: PMC5859291 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
βII-Spectrin (β2SP), a Smad3/4 adaptor protein during transforming growth factor (TGF) β/Smad signal pathway, plays a critical role in suppressing hepatocarcinogenesis. Dedifferentiation is a distinctive feature of cancer progression. Therefore, we investigated whether the disruption of β2SP contributed to tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through the dedifferentiation. Down-regulation of β2SP in hepatocytes was observed in cirrhotic liver and HCC. The level of β2SP expression was closely associated with the differentiation status of hepatocytes in rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis and clinical specimens. Transgenic expression of β2SP in HCC cells promoted the differentiation of HCC cells and suppressed the growth of HCC cells in vitro. Efficient transduction of β2SP into liver CSCs resulted in a reduction in colony formation ability, spheroid formation capacity, invasive activity, chemo-resistance properties, tumorigenicity in vivo. In addition, β2 spectrin exerted its effect through β catenin in liver CSCs. In conclusion, β2 spectrin repressed the properties of liver CSCs through inducing differentiation; thus, strategies to restore its levels and activities would be a novel strategy for HCC prevention and differentiation therapy
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38
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Noncoding RNAs in liver cancer stem cells: The big impact of little things. Cancer Lett 2018; 418:51-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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39
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Ding Z, Shi C, Jiang L, Tolstykh T, Cao H, Bangari DS, Ryan S, Levit M, Jin T, Mamaat K, Yu Q, Qu H, Hopke J, Cindhuchao M, Hoffmann D, Sun F, Helms MW, Jahn-Hofmann K, Scheidler S, Schweizer L, Fang DD, Pollard J, Winter C, Wiederschain D. Oncogenic dependency on β-catenin in liver cancer cell lines correlates with pathway activation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:114526-114539. [PMID: 29383099 PMCID: PMC5777711 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a serious public health challenge with few therapeutic options available to cancer patients.Wnt/β-catenin pathway is thought to play a significant role in HCC pathogenesis. In this study, we confirmed high frequency of CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutations in two independent cohorts of HCC patients and demonstrated significant upregulation of β-catenin protein in the overwhelming majority of HCC patient samples, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and established cell lines. Using genetic tools validated for target specificity through phenotypic rescue experiments, we went on to investigate oncogenic dependency on β-catenin in an extensive collection of human HCC cells lines. Our results demonstrate that dependency on β-catenin generally tracks with its activation status. HCC cell lines that harbored activating mutations in CTNNB1 or displayed elevated levels of non-phosphorylated (active) β-catenin were significantly more sensitive to β-catenin siRNA treatment than cell lines with wild-type CTNNB1 and lower active β-catenin. Finally, significant therapeutic benefit of β-catenin knock-down was demonstrated in established HCC tumor xenografts using doxycycline-inducible shRNA system. β-catenin downregulation and tumor growth inhibition was associated with reduction in AXIN2, direct transcriptional target of β-catenin, and decreased cancer cell proliferation as measured by Ki67 staining. Taken together, our data highlight fundamental importance of aberrant β-catenin signaling in the maintenance of oncogenic phenotype in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihu Ding
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chaomei Shi
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Hui Cao
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Susan Ryan
- Sanofi Translational In Vivo Models, Framingham, MA, USA
| | | | - Taiguang Jin
- Sanofi Asia Pacific R&D Hub, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Karl Mamaat
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Current address: Leica Biosystems, Boston, MA
| | - Qunyan Yu
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hui Qu
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joern Hopke
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Molecular Screening Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - May Cindhuchao
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Molecular Screening Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dietmar Hoffmann
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Molecular Screening Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fangxian Sun
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mike W. Helms
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Sabine Scheidler
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Liang Schweizer
- Sanofi Asia Pacific R&D Hub, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Current address: Harbour BioMed, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Douglas D. Fang
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Shanghai, China
- Current address: Ascentage Pharma Group, Ltd., Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jack Pollard
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Leung CON, Mak WN, Kai AKL, Chan KS, Lee TKW, Ng IOL, Lo RCL. Sox9 confers stemness properties in hepatocellular carcinoma through Frizzled-7 mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 7:29371-86. [PMID: 27105493 PMCID: PMC5045402 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sox9, an SRY-related HMG box transcription factor, is a progenitor/precursor cell marker of the liver expressed during embryogenesis and following liver injury. In this study, we investigated the role of Sox9 and its molecular mechanism with reference to stemness properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we observed upregulation of Sox9 in human HCC tissues compared with the non-tumorous liver counterparts (p < 0.001). Upregulation of Sox9 transcript level was associated with poorer tumor cell differentiation (p = 0.003), venous invasion (p = 0.026), advanced tumor stage (p = 0.044) and shorter overall survival (p = 0.042). Transcript levels of Sox9 and CD24 were positively correlated. Silencing of Sox9 in HCC cells inhibited in vitro cell proliferation and tumorsphere formation, sensitized HCC cells to chemotherapeutic agents, and suppressed in vivo tumorigenicity. In addition, knockdown of Sox9 suppressed HCC cell migration, invasion, and in vivo lung metastasis. Further studies showed that Sox9 endowed stemness features through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which was confirmed by the partial rescue effect on tumorigenicity and self-renewal upon transfection of active β-catenin in Sox9 knockdown cells. By ChIP and luciferase promoter assays, Frizzled-7 was identified to be the direct transcriptional target of Sox9. In conclusion, Sox9 confers stemness properties of HCC through Frizzled-7 mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Oi-Ning Leung
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wing-Nga Mak
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Alan Ka-Lun Kai
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan-Shuen Chan
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Regina Cheuk-Lam Lo
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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41
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Castelli G, Pelosi E, Testa U. Liver Cancer: Molecular Characterization, Clonal Evolution and Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9090127. [PMID: 28930164 PMCID: PMC5615342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9090127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death. The major forms of primary liver cancer are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Both these tumors develop against a background of cirrhotic liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic liver damage and fibrosis. HCC is a heterogeneous disease which usually develops within liver cirrhosis related to various etiologies: hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (frequent in Asia and Africa), hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic alcohol abuse, or metabolic syndrome (frequent in Western countries). In cirrhosis, hepatocarcinogenesis is a multi-step process where pre-cancerous dysplastic macronodules transform progressively into HCC. The patterns of genomic alterations observed in these tumors were recently identified and were instrumental for the identification of potential targeted therapies that could improve patient care. Liver cancer stem cells are a small subset of undifferentiated liver tumor cells, responsible for cancer initiation, metastasis, relapse and chemoresistance, enriched and isolated according to immunophenotypic and functional properties: cell surface proteins (CD133, CD90, CD44, EpCAM, OV-6, CD13, CD24, DLK1, α2δ1, ICAM-1 and CD47); the functional markers corresponding to side population, high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and autofluorescence. The identification and definition of liver cancer stem cells requires both immunophenotypic and functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Castelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00141, Italy.
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00141, Italy.
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00141, Italy.
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Li L, Guo L, Wang Q, Liu X, Zeng Y, Wen Q, Zhang S, Kwok HF, Lin Y, Liu J. DAPK1 as an independent prognostic marker in liver cancer. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3568. [PMID: 28740751 PMCID: PMC5520959 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) can act as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene depending on the cellular context as well as external stimuli. Our study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of DAPK1 in liver cancer in both mRNA and protein levels. The mRNA expression of DAPK1 was extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database in three independent liver cancer datasets while protein expression of DAPK1 was detected by immunohistochemistry in our Chinese liver cancer patient cohort. The associations between DAPK1 expression and clinical characteristics were tested. DAPK1 mRNA expression was down-regulated in liver cancer. Low levels of DAPK1 mRNA were associated with shorter survival in a liver cancer patient cohort (n = 115; p = 0.041), while negative staining of DAPK1 protein was significantly correlated with shorter time to progression (p = 0.002) and overall survival (p = 0.02). DAPK1 was an independent prognostic marker for both time to progression and overall survival by multivariate analysis. Liver cancer with the b-catenin mutation has a lower DAPK1 expression, suggesting that DAPK1 may be regulated under the b-catenin pathway. In addition, we also identified genes that are co-regulated with DAPK1. DAPK1 expression was positively correlated with IRF2, IL7R, PCOLCE and ZBTB16, and negatively correlated with SLC16A3 in both liver cancer datasets. Among these genes, PCOLCE and ZBTB16 were significantly down-regulated, while SLC16A3 was significantly upregulated in liver cancer. By using connectivity mapping of these co-regulated genes, we have identified amcinonide and sulpiride as potential small molecules that could potentially reverse DAPK1/PCOLCE/ZBTB16/SLC16A3 expression. Our study demonstrated for the first time that both DAPK1 mRNA and protein expression levels are important prognostic markers in liver cancer, and have identified genes that may contribute to DAPK1-mediated liver carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.,United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Libin Guo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau.,College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qingshui Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau.,College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yongyi Zeng
- United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing Wen
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shudong Zhang
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Yao Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.,United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Abstract
There are few treatment options for patients with unresectable or refractory hepatoblastoma which has failed to respond to the standard treatment. The rarity of the disease and lack of experimental materials have hampered the development of new treatments. In this study, the collagen gel droplet-embedded culture drug sensitivity test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and sunitinib, and other drugs, in relapsed hepatoblastoma tumor tissues. Tumor samples from 6 patients with relapsed hepatoblastoma were tested for drug sensitivity by the collagen gel droplet-embedded culture drug sensitivity test; evaluable results were obtained from 5 of them. All samples were judged to be sensitive to sorafenib with a 50% growth inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.5 to 3.1 μg/mL. Sunitinib did not achieve IC50 in 2 of 3 samples within the tested concentration range based on clinically observed serum concentrations. In the drug combination assay using a hepatoblastoma cell line, sorafenib showed synergistic effects with SN-38, an active metabolite of irinotecan. Our results provide the basic science background warranting future clinical trials of a combination of sorafenib and irinotecan for relapsed or refractory hepatoblastoma.
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44
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Tao J, Zhang R, Singh S, Poddar M, Xu E, Oertel M, Chen X, Ganesh S, Abrams M, Monga SP. Targeting β-catenin in hepatocellular cancers induced by coexpression of mutant β-catenin and K-Ras in mice. Hepatology 2017; 65:1581-1599. [PMID: 27981621 PMCID: PMC5397318 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Recently, we have shown that coexpression of hMet and mutant-β-catenin using sleeping beauty transposon/transposase leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice that corresponds to around 10% of human HCC. In the current study, we investigate whether Ras activation, which can occur downstream of Met signaling, is sufficient to cause HCC in association with mutant-β-catenin. We also tested therapeutic efficacy of targeting β-catenin in an HCC model. We show that mutant-K-Ras (G12D), which leads to Ras activation, cooperates with β-catenin mutants (S33Y, S45Y) to yield HCC in mice. Affymetrix microarray showed > 90% similarity in gene expression in mutant-K-Ras-β-catenin and Met-β-catenin HCC. K-Ras-β-catenin tumors showed up-regulation of β-catenin targets like glutamine synthetase (GS), leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2, Regucalcin, and Cyclin-D1 and of K-Ras effectors, including phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphorylated protein kinase B, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E, phosphorylated 4E-binding protein 1, and p-S6 ribosomal protein. Inclusion of dominant-negative transcription factor 4 at the time of K-Ras-β-catenin injection prevented HCC and downstream β-catenin and Ras signaling. To address whether targeting β-catenin has any benefit postestablishment of HCC, we administered K-Ras-β-catenin mice with EnCore lipid nanoparticles (LNP) loaded with a Dicer substrate small interfering RNA targeting catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1; CTNNB1-LNP), scrambled sequence (Scr-LNP), or phosphate-buffered saline for multiple cycles. A significant decrease in tumor burden was evident in the CTNNB1-LNP group versus all controls, which was associated with dramatic decreases in β-catenin targets and some K-Ras effectors, leading to reduced tumor cell proliferation and viability. Intriguingly, in relatively few mice, non-GS-positive tumors, which were evident as a small subset of overall tumor burden, were not affected by β-catenin suppression. CONCLUSION Ras activation downstream of c-Met is sufficient to induce clinically relevant HCC in cooperation with mutant β-catenin. β-catenin suppression by a clinically relevant modality is effective in treatment of β-catenin-positive, GS-positive HCCs. (Hepatology 2017;65:1581-1599).
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Emily Xu
- Raleigh Charter High School, Raleigh, NC
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University California, San Francisco, CA,Liver Center, University California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Shanthi Ganesh
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 87 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, MA
| | - Marc Abrams
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 87 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, MA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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45
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Ji H, Lu Y, Shi Y. Seeds in the liver. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:349-356. [PMID: 28389020 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a crucial organ for homeostasis and has a tremendous self-renewal and regenerative capacity. It has long been believed that the self-renewal and repair of the liver within a given physiological condition or its repopulation in chronic liver diseases, when hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, will primarily be conducted by the proliferating duct cells, termed "oval cells" or hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). In addition, numerous studies have revealed that HPCs are the initial tumor cells of liver cancer under certain micro-environments. However, benefit from the extensive application of lineage tracing strategies using the Cre/LoxP system, researchers have redefined the fate of these bipotential cells, raising obvious controversies regarding the capacity of liver cells to control their own biology and differentiation. Here, we review the relevant articles, focusing on cell-lineage tracing to better understanding seed cells and their distinct fate in the liver.
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46
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Cai X, Feng L, Liu H, Xu M, Qu Y, Wan X, Gao C, Lu L. Cytokeratin19 positive hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with increased peritumoral ductular reaction. Ann Hepatol 2017; 15:386-93. [PMID: 27049492 DOI: 10.5604/16652681.1198813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cytokeratin19 positive (CK19+) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is thought to derive from liver progenitor cells (LPC). However, whether peritumoralductular reaction (DR) differs between CK19+ and CK19 negative (CK19-) HCC patients remains unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and twenty HBV-related HCC patients were enrolled in this study. Clinicopathological variables were collected, and immunohistochemistry staining for CK19, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and β-catenin were performed in tumor and peritumor liver tissues. RESULTS CK19+ HCC patients had higher grade of peritumoral DR and proportion of proliferative DR than the CK19- group. The mean number or the proportion of cytoplasmic β-catenin+ DR was higher in the CK19+ group than in the CK19- group. Furthermore, there were more patients with nuclear β-catenin+ peritumoral DR in the CK19+ group as compared to the CK19- group. CONCLUSION Peritumoral DR was more abundant and proliferative in CK19+ HCC patients, with higher level of nuclear translocation of β-catenin. However, it is unclear whether peritumoral DR is the cause or result of poor prognosis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinjian Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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47
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Maschietto M, Rodrigues TC, Kashiwabara AY, de Araujo ÉSS, Marques Aguiar TF, da Costa CML, da Cunha IW, Dos Reis Vasques L, Cypriano M, Brentani H, de Toledo SRC, Pearson PL, Carraro DM, Rosenberg C, Krepischi ACV. DNA methylation landscape of hepatoblastomas reveals arrest at early stages of liver differentiation and cancer-related alterations. Oncotarget 2016; 8:97871-97889. [PMID: 29228658 PMCID: PMC5716698 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastomas are uncommon embryonal liver tumors accounting for approximately 80% of childhood hepatic cancer. We hypothesized that epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, could be relevant to hepatoblastoma onset. The methylomes of eight matched hepatoblastomas and non-tumoral liver tissues were characterized, and data were validated in an independent group (11 hepatoblastomas). In comparison to differentiated livers, hepatoblastomas exhibited a widespread and non-stochastic pattern of global low-level hypomethylation. The analysis revealed 1,359 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMSs) between hepatoblastomas and control livers, which are associated with 765 genes. Hypomethylation was detected in hepatoblastomas for ~58% of the DMSs with enrichment at intergenic sites, and most of the hypermethylated CpGs were located in CpG islands. Functional analyses revealed enrichment in signaling pathways involved in metabolism, negative regulation of cell differentiation, liver development, cancer, and Wnt signaling pathway. Strikingly, an important overlap was observed between the 1,359 DMSs and the CpG sites reported to exhibit methylation changes through liver development (p<0.0001), with similar patterns of methylation in both hepatoblastomas and fetal livers compared to adult livers. Overall, our results suggest an arrest at early stages of liver cell differentiation, in line with the hypothesis that hepatoblastoma ontogeny involves the disruption of liver development. This genome-wide methylation dysfunction, taken together with a relatively small number of driver genetic mutations reported for both adult and pediatric liver cancers, shed light on the relevance of epigenetic mechanisms for hepatic tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Maschietto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Cristina Rodrigues
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luciana Dos Reis Vasques
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica Cypriano
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Peter Lees Pearson
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dirce Maria Carraro
- International Research Center, A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Rosenberg
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C V Krepischi
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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48
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Huang L, Mokkapati S, Hu Q, Ruteshouser EC, Hicks MJ, Huff V. Nephron Progenitor But Not Stromal Progenitor Cells Give Rise to Wilms Tumors in Mouse Models with β-Catenin Activation or Wt1 Ablation and Igf2 Upregulation. Neoplasia 2016; 18:71-81. [PMID: 26936393 PMCID: PMC5005262 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms tumor, a common childhood tumor of the kidney, is thought to arise from undifferentiated renal mesenchyme. Variable tumor histology and the identification of tumor subsets displaying different gene expression profiles suggest that tumors may arise at different stages of mesenchyme differentiation and that this ontogenic variability impacts tumor pathology, biology, and clinical outcome. To test the tumorigenic potential of different cell types in the developing kidney, we used kidney progenitor-specific Cre recombinase alleles to introduce Wt1 and Ctnnb1 mutations, two alterations observed in Wilms tumor, into embryonic mouse kidney, with and without biallelic Igf2 expression, another alteration that is observed in a majority of tumors. Use of a Cre allele that targets nephron progenitors to introduce a Ctnnb1 mutation that stabilizes β-catenin resulted in the development of tumors with a predominant epithelial histology and a gene expression profile in which genes characteristic of early renal mesenchyme were not expressed. Nephron progenitors with Wt1 ablation and Igf2 biallelic expression were also tumorigenic but displayed a more triphasic histology and expressed early metanephric mesenchyme genes. In contrast, the targeting of these genetic alterations to stromal progenitors did not result in tumors. These data demonstrate that committed nephron progenitors can give rise to Wilms tumors and that committed stromal progenitors are less tumorigenic, suggesting that human Wilms tumors that display a predominantly stromal histology arise from mesenchyme before commitment to a stromal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Huang
- Graduate Program in Genes and Development, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Sharada Mokkapati
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Qianghua Hu
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - E Cristy Ruteshouser
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - M John Hicks
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030; Department of Pathology, Immunology and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Vicki Huff
- Graduate Program in Genes and Development, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030; Graduate Program in Human and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030; Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030; Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030.
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49
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Comerford SA, Hinnant EA, Chen Y, Bansal H, Klapproth S, Rakheja D, Finegold MJ, Lopez-Terrada D, O'Donnell KA, Tomlinson GE, Hammer RE. Hepatoblastoma modeling in mice places Nrf2 within a cancer field established by mutant β-catenin. JCI Insight 2016; 1:e88549. [PMID: 27734029 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.88549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant wnt/β-catenin signaling and amplification/overexpression of Myc are associated with hepatoblastoma (HB), the most prevalent type of childhood liver cancer. To address their roles in the pathogenesis of HB, we generated mice in which Myc and mutant β-catenin were targeted to immature cells of the developing mouse liver. Perinatal coexpression of both genes promoted the preferential development of HBs over other tumor types in neonatal mice, all of which bore striking resemblance to their human counterparts. Integrated analysis indicated that tumors emerged as a consequence of Myc-driven alterations in hepatoblast fate in a background of pan-hepatic injury, inflammation, and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2/Nrf2-dependent antioxidant signaling, which was specifically associated with expression of mutant β-catenin but not Myc. Immunoprofiling of human HBs confirmed that approximately 50% of tumors demonstrated aberrant activation of either Myc or Nfe2l2/Nrf2, while knockdown of Nrf2 in a cell line-derived from a human HB with NFE2L2 gene amplification reduced tumor cell growth and viability. Taken together, these data indicate that β-catenin creates a protumorigenic hepatic environment in part by indirectly activating Nrf2 and implicate oxidative stress as a possible driving force for a subset of β-catenin-driven liver tumors in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth A Hinnant
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and.,Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hima Bansal
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Dinesh Rakheja
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Dolores Lopez-Terrada
- Department of Pathology, and.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kathryn A O'Donnell
- Department of Molecular Biology.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Gail E Tomlinson
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Robert E Hammer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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50
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Tiao G, Geller J, Timchenko NA. Generation of pediatric liver cancer patient-derived xenograft platforms for pediatric liver cancer: A critical stage in the development of anticancer treatments. Hepatology 2016; 64:1017-9. [PMID: 27359258 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Tiao
- Division of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - James Geller
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Nikolai A Timchenko
- Division of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
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