1
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Kraj L, Chmiel P, Gryziak M, Grabowska-Derlatka L, Szymański Ł, Wysokińska E. Impact of Thrombocytopenia on Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1293. [PMID: 38610973 PMCID: PMC11011012 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071293] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelets (PLT) have a role in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and could represent a readily measurable laboratory parameter to enhance the comprehensive evaluation of HCC patients. METHODS The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched with a focus on survival as well as patient and tumor-specific characteristics in correlation to reported PLT counts. Survival outcomes were analyzed with both common-effect and random-effects models. The hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) from analyzed trials were incorporated. Studies that did not provide survival data but focused on platelet count correlation with HCC characteristics were reviewed. RESULTS In total, 26 studies, including a total of 9403 patients, met our criteria. The results showed that thrombocytopenia in HCC patients was associated with poor overall survival (common-effect HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.25; random-effect HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05-1.63). Moreover, three studies reveal significant correlations between PLT indices and tumor characteristics such as size, foci number, and etiology of HCC development. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis confirmed that PLT count could act as a prognostic marker in HCC, especially with a PLT count cut off <100 × 103/mm3. Further prospective studies focusing on the role of PLT in clearly defined subgroups are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Kraj
- Department of Oncology, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, 01-447 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Paulina Chmiel
- University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Gryziak
- Department of Oncology, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laretta Grabowska-Derlatka
- 2nd Department of Clinical Radiology, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szymański
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, 01-447 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Ewa Wysokińska
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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2
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Sariyar E, Firtina Karagonlar Z. Modelling the Sorafenib-resistant Liver Cancer Microenvironment by Using 3-D Spheroids. Altern Lab Anim 2023; 51:301-312. [PMID: 37555318 DOI: 10.1177/02611929231193421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, and it usually occurs in the setting of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. For patients with advanced HCC, systemic treatment is the first choice - however, resistance occurs frequently. Sorafenib was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for advanced HCC, and resistance to the therapy is a serious concern. When sorafenib therapy fails in a patient, it can be challenging to decide whether they can undergo a second-line therapy, and to determine which therapy they will be able to tolerate. Thus, physiologically relevant in vitro preclinical models are crucial for screening potential therapies, and 3-D tumour spheroids permit studies of tumour pathobiology. In this study, a drug-resistant 3-D tumour spheroid model was developed, based on sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells, LX2 stellate cells and THP-1 monocytes. Model tumour spheroids that were formed with the sorafenib-resistant cells demonstrated lower diffusion of doxorubicin and exhibited increased resistance to regorafenib. Moreover, in the sorafenib-resistant spheroids, there was increased presence of CD68-positive cells and a reduction in inflammatory marker secretion. The sorafenib-resistant cell line-derived spheroids also showed a higher expression of FGF-19, PDGF-AA and GDF-15, which are known to be involved in malignancies. This multi-cell type spheroid model represents a potentially useful system to test drug candidates in a microenvironment that mimics the drug-resistant tumour microenvironment in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Sariyar
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey
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3
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Tsuzuki S, Yamaguchi T, Okumura T, Kasai T, Ueno Y, Taniguchi H. PDGF Receptors and Signaling Are Required for 3D-Structure Formation and Differentiation of Human iPSC-Derived Hepatic Spheroids. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087075. [PMID: 37108241 PMCID: PMC10138705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human iPSC-derived liver organoids (LO) or hepatic spheroids (HS) have attracted widespread interest, and the numerous studies on them have recently provided various production protocols. However, the mechanism by which the 3D structures of LO and HS are formed from the 2D-cultured cells and the mechanism of the LO and HS maturation remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that PDGFRA is specifically induced in the cells that are suitable for HS formation and that PDGF receptors and signaling are required for HS formation and maturation. Additionally, in vivo, we show that the localization of PDGFRα is in complete agreement with mouse E9.5 hepatoblasts, which begin to form the 3D-structural liver bud from the single layer. Our results present that PDGFRA play important roles for 3D structure formation and maturation of hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo and provide a clue to elucidate the hepatocyte differentiation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syusaku Tsuzuki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Takashi Okumura
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Kasai
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Ueno
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Hideki Taniguchi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
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4
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Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Dimitroulis D, Garmpi A, Psilopatis I, Sarantis P, Koustas E, Kanavidis P, Prevezanos D, Kouraklis G, Karamouzis MV, Marinos G, Kontzoglou K, Antoniou EA. Targeted Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment: A New Era Ahead-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214117. [PMID: 36430594 PMCID: PMC9698799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common malignancies and the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with surgery being the best prognostic tool. Among the well-known causative factors of HCC are chronic liver virus infections, chronic virus hepatitis B (HBV) and chronic hepatitis virus C (HCV), aflatoxins, tobacco consumption, and non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). There is a need for the development of efficient molecular markers and alternative therapeutic targets of great significance. In this review, we describe the general characteristics of HCC and present a variety of targeted therapies that resulted in progress in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Damaskos
- Renal Transplantation Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-694-846-7790
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Dimitroulis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Iason Psilopatis
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt—Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Kanavidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Gregory Kouraklis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Michail V. Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Marinos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontzoglou
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios A. Antoniou
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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5
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Yan Y, Yuan J, Luo X, Yu X, Lu J, Hou W, He X, Zhang L, Cao J, Wang H. microRNA-140 Regulates PDGFRα and Is Involved in Adipocyte Differentiation. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:907148. [PMID: 35832736 PMCID: PMC9271708 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.907148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the studies of the role of microRNAs in adipogenesis and adipocyte development and the corresponding molecular mechanisms have received great attention. In this work, we investigated the function of miR-140 in the process of adipogenesis and the molecular pathways involved, and we found that adipogenic treatment promoted the miR-140-5p RNA level in preadipocytes. Over-expression of miR-140-5p in preadipocytes accelerated lipogenesis along with adipogenic differentiation by transcriptional modulation of adipogenesis-linked genes. Meanwhile, silencing endogenous miR-140-5p dampened adipogenesis. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) was shown to be a miR-140-5p target gene. miR-140-5p over-expression in preadipocyte 3T3-L1 diminished PDGFRα expression, but silencing of miR-140-5p augmented it. In addition, over-expression of PDGFRα suppressed adipogenic differentiation and lipogenesis, while its knockdown enhanced these biological processes of preadipocyte 3T3-L1. Altogether, our current findings reveal that miR-140-5p induces lipogenesis and adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells by targeting PDGFRα, therefore regulating adipogenesis. Our research provides molecular targets and a theoretical basis for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Jiahui Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaomao Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiuju Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Jiayin Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wei Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, GA, United States
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Haidong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- *Correspondence: Haidong Wang,
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6
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Ao J, Chiba T, Shibata S, Kurosugi A, Qiang N, Ma Y, Kan M, Iwanaga T, Sakuma T, Kanzaki H, Kanayama K, Kojima R, Kusakabe Y, Nakamura M, Saito T, Nakagawa R, Kondo T, Ogasawara S, Suzuki E, Muroyama R, Kato J, Mimura N, Kanda T, Maruyama H, Kato N. Acquisition of mesenchymal-like phenotypes and overproduction of angiogenic factors in lenvatinib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 549:171-178. [PMID: 33676186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is one of the first-line drugs for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and widely used around the world. However, the mechanisms underlying resistance to lenvatinib remain unclear. In this study, we conducted characteristic analyses of lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells. Lenvatinib-resistant HCC cell lines were established by exposure to serially escalated doses of lenvatinib over 2 months. The biological characteristics of these cells were examined by in vitro assays. To investigate the cytokine profile of lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells, the supernatant derived from lenvatinib-resistant Huh7 cells was subjected to nitrocellulose membrane-based sandwich immunoassay. Both activation of the MAPK/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and upregulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition markers were observed in lenvatinib-resistant cells. Concordant with these findings, proliferation and invasion abilities were enhanced in these cells compared with control cells. Screening of a cytokine array spotted with 105 different antibodies to human cytokines enabled us to identify 16 upregulated cytokines in lenvatinib-resistant cells. Among them, 3 angiogenic cytokines: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), and angiogenin, were increased significantly. Conditioned medium from lenvatinib-resistant cells accelerated tube formation of human umbilical vein cells. In conclusion, lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells were characterized by enhanced proliferation and invasion abilities. These findings might contribute to the establishment of new combination therapies with lenvatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Chiba
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akane Kurosugi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Na Qiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yaojia Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Motoyasu Kan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Terunao Iwanaga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takafumi Sakuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kanzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kengo Kanayama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryuta Kojima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuko Kusakabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masato Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kondo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Sadahisa Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Muroyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jun Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoya Mimura
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Maruyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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7
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Wan X, Zhou M, Huang F, Zhao N, Chen X, Wu Y, Zhu W, Ni Z, Jin F, Wang Y, Hu Z, Chen X, Ren M, Zhang H, Zha X. AKT1-CREB stimulation of PDGFRα expression is pivotal for PTEN deficient tumor development. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:172. [PMID: 33568640 PMCID: PMC7876135 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As evidenced by the behavior of loss-of-function mutants of PTEN in the context of a gain-of-function mutation of AKT1, the PTEN-AKT1 signaling pathway plays a critical role in human cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that a deficiency in PTEN or activation of AKT1 potentiated the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) based on studies on Pten-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts, human cancer cell lines, the hepatic tissues of Pten conditional knockout mice, and human cancer tissues. Loss of PTEN enhanced PDGFRα expression via activation of the AKT1-CREB signaling cascade. CREB transactivated PDGFRα expression by direct binding of the promoter of the PDGFRα gene. Depletion of PDGFRα attenuated the tumorigenicity of Pten-null cells in nude mice. Moreover, the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway has been shown to positively correlate with PDGFRα expression in multiple cancers. Augmented PDGFRα was associated with poor survival of cancer patients. Lastly, combination treatment with the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 and the PDGFR inhibitor CP-673451 displayed synergistic anti-tumor effects. Therefore, activation of the AKT1-CREB-PDGFRα signaling pathway contributes to the tumor growth induced by PTEN deficiency and should be targeted for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fuqiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuncui Wu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wanhui Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaofei Ni
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fuquan Jin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yani Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xianguo Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Ren
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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8
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Nakayama J, Gong Z. Transgenic zebrafish for modeling hepatocellular carcinoma. MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:140-156. [PMID: 34766114 PMCID: PMC8491243 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths throughout the world, and more than 0.6 million people die from liver cancer annually. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies to eliminate malignant cells from liver cancer patients are urgently needed. Recent advances in high‐throughput genomic technologies have identified de novo candidates for oncogenes and pharmacological targets. However, testing and understanding the mechanism of oncogenic transformation as well as probing the kinetics and therapeutic responses of spontaneous tumors in an intact microenvironment require in vivo examination using genetically modified animal models. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has attracted increasing attention as a new model for studying cancer biology since the organs in the model are strikingly similar to human organs and the model can be genetically modified in a short time and at a low cost. This review summarizes the current knowledge of epidemiological data and genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), zebrafish models of HCC, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting HCC based on knowledge from the models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji Nakayama
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore
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9
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Barry AE, Baldeosingh R, Lamm R, Patel K, Zhang K, Dominguez DA, Kirton KJ, Shah AP, Dang H. Hepatic Stellate Cells and Hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:709. [PMID: 32850829 PMCID: PMC7419619 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a significant component of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor microenvironment (TME). Activated HSCs transform into myofibroblast-like cells to promote fibrosis in response to liver injury or chronic inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and HCC. The hepatic TME is comprised of cellular components, including activated HSCs, tumor-associated macrophages, endothelial cells, immune cells, and non-cellular components, such as growth factors, proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors, and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Interactions between HCC cells and their microenvironment have become topics under active investigation. These interactions within the hepatic TME have the potential to drive carcinogenesis and create challenges in generating effective therapies. Current studies reveal potential mechanisms through which activated HSCs drive hepatocarcinogenesis utilizing matricellular proteins and paracrine crosstalk within the TME. Since activated HSCs are primary secretors of ECM proteins during liver injury and inflammation, they help promote fibrogenesis, infiltrate the HCC stroma, and contribute to HCC development. In this review, we examine several recent studies revealing the roles of HSCs and their clinical implications in the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis within the hepatic TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Barry
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rajkumar Baldeosingh
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ryan Lamm
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Keyur Patel
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dana A Dominguez
- Department of General Surgery, UCSF East Bay, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Kayla J Kirton
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ashesh P Shah
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hien Dang
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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10
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Du ZQ, Dong J, Li MX, Zhang JF, Bi JB, Ren YF, Zhang LN, Wu RQ, Monga SPS, Lv Y, Zhang XF, Wang HC. Overexpression of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Α D842V Mutants Prevents Liver Regeneration and Chemically Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis via Inhibition of MET and EGFR. J Cancer 2020; 11:4614-4624. [PMID: 32489479 PMCID: PMC7255377 DOI: 10.7150/jca.44492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth receptor α (PDGFRα) is a key factor in many pathophysiological processes. The expression level of PDGFRα is significantly elevated in the early stage of liver development and maintained at a lower level in adult normal livers. In this study, we constructed a liver-specific PDGFRαD842 mutant transgenic (TG) mice model to explore the effect of continuous activation of PDGFRα on liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis. 14-day-old TG and wild-type (WT) mice were intraperitoneally injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) at a dose of 25 μg/g body weight. Two-month-old male TG and WT mice were subjected to partial hepatectomy (PH). The liver tissues were collected for further analysis at different time points. Overexpression of PDGFRα D842V and its target genes, Akt, c-myc and cyclin D1 in hepatocytes with no overt phenotype versus WT mice were compared. Unexpectedly, a dramatic decrease in hepatocyte proliferation was noted after PH in TG versus WT mice, possibly due to the downregulation of hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). No TG mice developed HCC spontaneously after 14 months follow-up. However, TG mice were more resistant to DEN-induced hapatocarcinogenesis at 6, 10, and 12 months of age, showing delayed hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis, lower tumor incidence, smaller size and fewer number, compared with age-matched WTs, partially through downregulation of MET and EGFR. In conclusion, continuous activation of PDGFRα signaling by expression of PDGFRα D842V does not promote, but inhibit hepatic regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis, possibly through compensatory downregulation of MET and EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Qing Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Mu-Xing Li
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jian-Fei Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Jian-Bin Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Yi-Fan Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Li-Na Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rong-Qian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Satdarshan P S Monga
- Department of Pathology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Xu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Hai-Chen Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
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11
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Li X, Qiu M, Wang S, Zhu H, Feng B, Zheng L. A Phase I dose-escalation, pharmacokinetics and food-effect study of oral donafenib in patients with advanced solid tumours. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 85:593-604. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04031-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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12
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Platelets and Hepatocellular Cancer: Bridging the Bench to the Clinics. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101568. [PMID: 31618961 PMCID: PMC6826649 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing interest is recently being focused on the role played by the platelets in favoring hepatocellular cancer (HCC) growth and dissemination. The present review reports in detail both the experimental and clinical evidence published on this topic. Several growth factors and angiogenic molecules specifically secreted by platelets are directly connected with tumor progression and neo-angiogenesis. Among them, we can list the platelet-derived growth factor, the vascular endothelial growth factor, the endothelial growth factor, and serotonin. Platelets are also involved in tumor spread, favoring endothelium permeabilization and tumor cells’ extravasation and survival in the bloodstream. From the bench to the clinics, all of these aspects were also investigated in clinical series, showing an evident correlation between platelet count and size of HCC, tumor biological behavior, metastatic spread, and overall survival rates. Moreover, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the platelet–tumor axis represents a paramount aspect for optimizing both current tumor treatment and development of new therapeutic strategies against HCC.
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13
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Olaratumab combined with doxorubicin and ifosfamide overcomes individual doxorubicin and olaratumab resistance of an undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcoma in a PDOX mouse model. Cancer Lett 2019; 451:122-127. [PMID: 30867142 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Olaratumab (OLA), a monoclonal antibody against platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), has recently been used against soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) combined with doxorubicin (DOX), with limited efficacy. The goal of the present study was to determine the efficacy of OLA in combination with DOX and ifosfamide (IFO) on STS. Undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcoma (USTS) from a striated muscle of a patient was grown orthotopically in the right biceps femoris muscle of nude mice to establish USTS patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model. USTS PDOX tumors were treated with OLA alone, DOX alone, DOX combined with IFO, OLA combined with DOX or IFO, and OLA combined with DOX and IFO. Tumor size and body weight were measured during the 14 days of treatment. Tumor growth was arrested by OLA combined with DOX and IFO. Tumors treated with OLA combined with DOX and IFO had the most necrosis. The present study demonstrates the power of the PDOX model to identify the novel effective treatment strategy of the combination of OLA, DOX and IFO for soft-tissue sarcomas.
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14
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High Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Fibrotic Liver: Role of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030581. [PMID: 30700007 PMCID: PMC6387126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, making up about 80% of cases. Liver fibrosis and its end-stage disease, cirrhosis, are major risk factors for HCC. A fibrotic liver typically shows persistent hepatocyte death and compensatory regeneration, chronic inflammation, and an increase in reactive oxygen species, which collaboratively create a tumor-promoting microenvironment via inducing genetic alterations and chromosomal instability, and activating various oncogenic molecular signaling pathways. In this article, we review recent advances in fields of liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis, and consider several molecular signaling pathways that promote hepato-carcinogenesis under the microenvironment of liver fibrosis. In particular, we pay attention to emerging roles of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway in stromal activation, hepatic fibrosis, and liver cancer.
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15
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Lim BJ, Lee WK, Lee HW, Lee KS, Kim JK, Chang HY, Lee JI. Selective deletion of hepatocyte platelet-derived growth factor receptor α and development of liver fibrosis in mice. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:93. [PMID: 30509307 PMCID: PMC6276164 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) expression is increased in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in cirrhotic liver, while normal hepatocytes express PDGFRα at a negligible level. However, cancerous hepatocytes may show upregulation of PDGFRα, and hepatocellular carcinoma is preceded by chronic liver injury. The role of PDGFRα in non-cancerous hepatocytes and liver fibrosis is unclear. We hypothesized that upon liver injury, PDGFRα in insulted hepatocytes contributes to liver fibrosis by facilitating intercellular crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs. METHODS Hepatocytes were isolated from normal and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced cirrhotic livers for assessment of PDGFRα expression. Conditional knock-out (KO) C57BL/6 mice, in which PDGFRα was selectively deleted in hepatocytes, were generated. Liver fibrosis was induced by injecting TAA for 8 weeks. Hep3B cells were transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) (PDGFRα or control) and co-cultured with LX2 cells. RESULTS PDGFRα expression was increased in hepatocytes from fibrotic livers compared to normal livers. Conditional PDGFRα KO mice had attenuated TAA-induced liver fibrosis with decreased HSC activation and proliferation. Immunoblot analyses revealed decreased expression of phospho-p44/42 MAPK in TAA-treated KO mice; these mice also showed almost complete suppression of the upregulation of mouse double minute 2. Although KO mice exhibited increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and Smad2/3, this was compensated for by increased expression of inhibitory Smad7. LX2 cells co-cultured with PDGFRα siRNA-infected Hep3B cells showed decreased PDGFRα, α smooth muscle actin, collagen α1(I), TGFβ, and Smad2/3 expression. LX2/PDGFRα-deleted hepatocyte co-culture medium showed decreased PDGF-BB and PDGF-CC levels. CONCLUSIONS Deletion of PDGFRα in hepatocytes attenuated the upregulation of PDGFRα in HSCs after TAA treatment, resulting in decreased liver fibrosis and HSC activation. This suggests that in the event of chronic liver injury, PDGFRα in hepatocytes plays an important role in liver fibrosis by affecting PDGFRα expression in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beom Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Kyu Lee
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan Sik Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Young Chang
- Medical Research Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Xu J, Xie L, Guo W. PDGF/PDGFR effects in osteosarcoma and the "add-on" strategy. Clin Sarcoma Res 2018; 8:15. [PMID: 30083310 PMCID: PMC6071404 DOI: 10.1186/s13569-018-0102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
New treatment options for advanced osteosarcoma have remained limited. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) pathway plays an important role in the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma, via either direct autocrine stimulation of tumor cells, or paracrine stimulation on tumor stromal cells. It promotes angiogenesis to overcome hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, and modulates tumor interstitial fluid pressure to control the influx and efflux of other agents. Targeting the PDGF/PDGFR pathway is a promising therapeutic method to overcome drug resistance and improve patients' outcome in osteosarcoma. Further evidence is needed to define the detailed mechanism. Results from clinical trials using PDGF/PDGFR inhibitor as a single agent were disappointing, both in osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma. However, when combined with other agents, named as "add-on" strategy, a synergistic antitumor effect has been confirmed in soft tissue sarcoma, and should be attempted in osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044 China
| | - Lu Xie
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044 China
| | - Wei Guo
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044 China
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17
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Papadopoulos N, Lennartsson J. The PDGF/PDGFR pathway as a drug target. Mol Aspects Med 2018; 62:75-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Soliman B, Salem A, Ghazy M, Abu-Shahba N, El Hefnawi M. Bioinformatics functional analysis of let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199a/b reveals novel insights into immune system pathways and cancer hallmarks for hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2018; 40:1010428318773675. [PMID: 29775159 DOI: 10.1177/1010428318773675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199 a/b have gained a great attention as master regulators for cellular processes. In particular, these three micro-RNAs act as potential onco-suppressors for hepatocellular carcinoma. Bioinformatics can reveal the functionality of these micro-RNAs through target prediction and functional annotation analysis. In the current study, in silico analysis using innovative servers (miRror Suite, DAVID, miRGator V3.0, GeneTrail) has demonstrated the combinatorial and the individual target genes of these micro-RNAs and further explored their roles in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. There were 87 common target messenger RNAs (p ≤ 0.05) that were predicted to be regulated by the three micro-RNAs using miRror 2.0 target prediction tool. In addition, the functional enrichment analysis of these targets that was performed by DAVID functional annotation and REACTOME tools revealed two major immune-related pathways, eight hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks-linked pathways, and two pathways that mediate interconnected processes between immune system and hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks. Moreover, protein-protein interaction network for the predicted common targets was obtained by using STRING database. The individual analysis of target genes and pathways for the three micro-RNAs of interest using miRGator V3.0 and GeneTrail servers revealed some novel predicted target oncogenes such as SOX4, which we validated experimentally, in addition to some regulated pathways of immune system and hepatocarcinogenesis such as insulin signaling pathway and adipocytokine signaling pathway. In general, our results demonstrate that let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199 a/b have novel interactions in different immune system pathways and major hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks. Thus, our findings shed more light on the roles of these miRNAs as cancer silencers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangly Soliman
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,2 Informatics and Systems Department, Biomedical Informatics and Chemo-Informatics Group, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences (CEAS), Division of Engineering Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Salem
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ghazy
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nourhan Abu-Shahba
- 3 Stem Cells Research Group, Medical Centre of Excellence, Medical Molecular Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud El Hefnawi
- 2 Informatics and Systems Department, Biomedical Informatics and Chemo-Informatics Group, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences (CEAS), Division of Engineering Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.,4 Centre for Informatics, Nile University, Sheikh Zayed City, Egypt
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19
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Yu JH, Kim JM, Kim JK, Choi SJ, Lee KS, Lee JW, Chang HY, Lee JI. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α in hepatocellular carcinoma is a prognostic marker independent of underlying liver cirrhosis. Oncotarget 2018; 8:39534-39546. [PMID: 28465473 PMCID: PMC5503630 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is suggested as a prognosis marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since PDGFRα is also known as a marker for activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), this study aimed to investigate whether PDGFRα expression in HCC was dependent on the background liver fibrous condition. Results Strong PDGFRα expression in the tumor lesions was associated with decreased survival after curative HCC resection. Expression of PDGFRα in the tumor correlated with increased collagen α1(I), lecithin retinol acyltransferase, and smooth muscle α-actin suggesting increased HSCs in tumor sites. The expression of PDGFRα in the tumor sites was associated neither with underlying liver fibrosis/cirrhosis nor with the expression of PDGFRα in adjacent non-tumor sites of the liver. Materials and Methods Patients with HCC who underwent liver resection as curative treatment were included in this study. Using liver samples of 95 patients, tissue microarray was constructed and immunohistochemical study of PDGFRα was conducted in both tumor and non-tumor sites. PDGFRα expression in tumor and matching non-tumor sites was compared. Freshly frozen liver tissue specimens of 16 HCC patients were used for gene expression analysis of PDGFRα and fibrosis related genes. Conclusions Our results suggest that PDGFRα overexpression in HCC is a prognostic marker independent of adjacent non-tumor site liver fibrosis status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hwan Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Mee Kim
- Department of Pathology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Jin Choi
- Department of Pathology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan Sik Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Woo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Young Chang
- Medical Research Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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20
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Liu D, Zhang Y, Wei Y, Liu G, Liu Y, Gao Q, Zou L, Zeng W, Zhang N. Activation of AKT pathway by Nrf2/PDGFA feedback loop contributes to HCC progression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:65389-65402. [PMID: 27588483 PMCID: PMC5323163 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master transcription factor in the antioxidant response, has been found to be ubiquitously expressed in various cancer cells and in the regulation tumor proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance activities. The regulatory roles of Nrf2 in controlling Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that Nrf2 was significantly elevated in HCC cells and tissues and was correlated with poor prognosis of HCCs. Consistently, Nrf2 significantly promoted HCC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation suggested a novel association of Nrf2 with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-A (PDGFA). Nrf2 promoted PDGFA transcription by recruiting specificity protein 1 (Sp1) to its promoter, resulting in increased activation of the AKT/p21 pathway and cell cycle progression of HCC cells. As a feedback loop, PDGFA enhanced Nrf2 expression and activation in an AKT dependent manner. In line with these findings, expression of Nrf2 and PDGFA were positively correlated in HCC tissues. Taken together, this study uncovers a novel mechanism of the Nrf2/PDGFA regulatory loop that is crucial for AKT-dependent HCC progression, and thereby provides potential targets for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonglong Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingze Wei
- Department of Pathology, Tumor Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China
| | - Guoyuan Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiongmei Gao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Zou
- Department of Pathology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjiao Zeng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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21
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Wong SH, Law PTY, Zhao S, Yu J, Chan MTV, Wu WKK. Common Deregulation of Seven Biological Processes by MicroRNAs in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3287. [PMID: 29459716 PMCID: PMC5818544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21573-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are frequently dysregulated in human neoplasms, including gastrointestinal cancers. Nevertheless, the global influence of microRNA dysregulation on cellular signaling is still unknown. Here we sought to elucidate cellular signaling dysregulation by microRNAs in gastrointestinal cancers at the systems biology level followed by experimental validation. Signature dysregulated microRNAs in gastric, colorectal and liver cancers were defined based on our previous studies. Targets of signature dysregulated miRNAs were predicted using multiple computer algorithms followed by gene enrichment analysis to identify biological processes perturbed by dysregulated microRNAs. Effects of microRNAs on endocytosis were measured by epidermal growth factor (EGF) internalization assay. Our analysis revealed that, aside from well-established cancer-related signaling pathways, several novel pathways, including axon guidance, neurotrophin/nerve growth factor signaling, and endocytosis, were found to be involved in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancers. The regulation of EGF receptor (EGFR) endocytosis by two predicted miRNAs, namely miR-17 and miR-145, was confirmed experimentally. Functionally, miR-145, which blocked EGFR endocytosis, prolonged EGFR membrane signaling and altered responsiveness of colon cancer cells to EGFR-targeting drugs. In conclusion, our analysis depicts a comprehensive picture of cellular signaling dysregulation, including endocytosis, by microRNAs in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sunny H Wong
- Institute of Digestive Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, LKS Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Priscilla T Y Law
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, LKS Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, LKS Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthew T V Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - William K K Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Institute of Digestive Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, LKS Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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22
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Antoniou G, Lee ATJ, Huang PH, Jones RL. Olaratumab in soft tissue sarcoma - Current status and future perspectives. Eur J Cancer 2018; 92:33-39. [PMID: 29413687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent randomised phase II trial data have indicated that the addition of olaratumab, a novel monoclonal antibody against platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), to doxorubicin confers an unprecedented improvement in overall survival to patients with anthracycline-naïve advanced soft tissue sarcoma. However, this result was disproportionate with progression-free survival and response rate, and consequently there are unanswered questions regarding the precise mechanism of action of olaratumab. While preclinical data show that olaratumab specifically inhibits PDGFRα-mediated oncogenic signalling with attendant anti-tumour effects, a lack of correlation between pharmacodynamics markers of PDGFRα inhibition and clinical benefit from olaratumab suggest other mechanisms beyond modulation of downstream PDGFRα molecular pathways. Proposed mechanisms of olaratumab activity include engagement of anti-tumour immune responses and alterations of the tumour stroma, but these require further evaluation. Meanwhile, the drug-specific contribution of cytotoxic agents to olaratumab-containing combinations has yet to be characterised. Ongoing and future preclinical and translational studies, coupled with the anticipated results of a phase III trial that has completed enrolment, should provide greater insight into the efficacy and mode of action of olaratumab in soft tissue sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander T J Lee
- Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK; Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Paul H Huang
- Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Robin L Jones
- Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK; Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK.
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Okuno SH, Maran A, Robinson SI. Olaratumab for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2017; 17:883-887. [PMID: 28862476 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2017.1374857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Olaratumab, a human monoclonal antibody against platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR- α), is the first drug that in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of patients with advanced/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) that has showed an improved overall survival compared to doxorubicin alone. These initial results are exciting and have the potential to change the landscape of treatment for patients with STS. Areas covered: This article reviews the development of olaratumab for oncology use by reviewing articles in PubMed for 'platelet derived growth factor' and 'receptor' and 'soft tissue sarcoma'. We provide an overview of the published studies to date for olaratumab and specifically the use in soft tissue sarcoma. Expert commentary: Olaratumab is a well-tolerated drug that, when combined with doxorubicin, has shown an improved overall survival compared to doxorubicin alone and the phase III confirmatory study is eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H Okuno
- a Department of Oncology , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN USA
| | - Avudaiappan Maran
- b Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedics , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN USA
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24
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In GK, Hu JS, Tseng WW. Treatment of advanced, metastatic soft tissue sarcoma: latest evidence and clinical considerations. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2017; 9:533-550. [PMID: 28794805 PMCID: PMC5524246 DOI: 10.1177/1758834017712963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a biologically heterogeneous malignancy with over 50 subtypes. Historically, there have been few systemic treatment options for this relatively rare disease. Traditional cytotoxic agents, such as anthracyclines, alkylating agents, and taxanes have limited clinical benefit beyond the first-line setting; across all high-grade STS subtypes, median overall survival remains approximately 12-18 months for advanced metastatic disease. The development of targeted therapies has led to recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of four new treatments for high-grade STS in the advanced metastatic setting. Among these, olaratumab is most notable for its improvement in overall survival for patients with anthracycline-naïve disease. Further progress in STS management will rely on novel trial design, subtype-specific therapies and validation of biomarkers to tailor therapy. Immunotherapy has shown promise as a new, but yet undiscovered frontier in the management of STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino K. In
- Division of Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James S. Hu
- Division of Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William W. Tseng
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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25
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Kikuchi A, Pradhan-Sundd T, Singh S, Nagarajan S, Loizos N, Monga SP. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α Contributes to Human Hepatic Stellate Cell Proliferation and Migration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:2273-2287. [PMID: 28734947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), a tyrosine kinase receptor, is up-regulated in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during chronic liver injury. HSCs mediate hepatic fibrosis through their activation from a quiescent state partially in response to profibrotic growth factors. HSC activation entails enhanced expression of profibrotic genes, increase in proliferation, and increase in motility, which facilitates migration within the hepatic lobule. We show colocalization of PDGFRα in murine carbon tetrachloride, bile duct ligation, and 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine models of chronic liver injury, and investigate the role of PDGFRα on proliferation, profibrotic gene expression, and migration in primary human HSCs (HHSteCs) using the PDGFRα-specific inhibitory monoclonal antibody olaratumab. Although lacking any effects on HHSteC transdifferentiation assessed by gene expression of ACTA2, TGFB1, COL1A1, SYP1, and FN1, olaratumab specifically reduced HHSteC proliferation (AlamarBlue assay) and cell migration (transwell migration assays). Using phospho-specific antibodies, we show that olaratumab attenuates PDGFRα activation in response to PDGF-BB, and reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2, Elk-1, p38, Akt, focal adhesion kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin, C10 regulator of kinase II, and C10 regulator of kinase-like, suggesting that PDGFRα contributes to mitogenesis and actin reorganization through diverse downstream effectors. Our findings support a distinct contribution of PDGFRα signaling to HSC proliferation and migration and provide evidence that inhibition of PDGFRα signaling could alter the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kikuchi
- Department of Pathology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- Department of Pathology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shanmugam Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nick Loizos
- Department of Immunology, Eli Lilly and Company, New York, New York
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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26
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Vincenzi B, Badalamenti G, Napolitano A, Spalato Ceruso M, Pantano F, Grignani G, Russo A, Santini D, Aglietta M, Tonini G. Olaratumab: PDGFR-α inhibition as a novel tool in the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcomas. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2017; 118:1-6. [PMID: 28917265 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced soft tissue sarcomas are aggressive cancers with limited therapeutic options. Recently, inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-α by the monoclonal antibody olaratumab showed promising clinical activity. If confirmed, this would be one of the first examples of targeted therapy effective in advanced soft tissue sarcomas therapy independently of the histologic subtype. Here, we reviewed the biology of the PDGF/PDGFR axis, particularly focusing on its role in cancer, and then we discussed on the effects of PDGFR-α inhibition in the therapy of advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Vincenzi
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Badalamenti
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Napolitano
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Pantano
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grignani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institue-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Daniele Santini
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Medical Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Precision medicine for hepatocellular carcinoma: driver mutations and targeted therapy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:55715-55730. [PMID: 28903454 PMCID: PMC5589693 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most frequent cause of tumor-related mortality and there are an estimated approximately 850,000 new cases annually. Most HCC patients are diagnosed at middle or advanced stage, losing the opportunity of surgery. The development of HCC is promoted by accumulated diverse genetic mutations, which confer selective growth advantages to tumor cells and are called "driver mutations". The discovery of driver mutations provides a novel precision medicine strategy for late stage HCC, called targeted therapy. In this review, we summarized currently discovered driver mutations and corresponding signaling pathways, made an overview of identification methods of driver mutations and genes, and classified targeted drugs for HCC. The knowledge of mutational landscape deepen our understanding of carcinogenesis and promise future precision medicine for HCC patients.
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29
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Lewandowski SA, Fredriksson L, Lawrence DA, Eriksson U. Pharmacological targeting of the PDGF-CC signaling pathway for blood-brain barrier restoration in neurological disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 167:108-119. [PMID: 27524729 PMCID: PMC5341142 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders account for a majority of non-malignant disability in humans and are often associated with dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recent evidence shows that despite apparent variation in the origin of neural damage, the central nervous system has a common injury response mechanism involving platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-CC activation in the neurovascular unit and subsequent dysfunction of BBB integrity. Inhibition of PDGF-CC signaling with imatinib in mice has been shown to prevent BBB dysfunction and have neuroprotective effects in acute damage conditions, including traumatic brain injury, seizures or stroke, as well as in neurodegenerative diseases that develop over time, including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Stroke and traumatic injuries are major risk factors for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders and we speculate that restoring BBB properties through PDGF-CC inhibition might provide a common therapeutic opportunity for treatment of both acute and progressive neuropathology in humans. In this review we will summarize what is known about the role of PDGF-CC in neurovascular signaling events and the variety of seemingly different neuropathologies it is involved in. We will also discuss the pharmacological means of therapeutic interventions for anti-PDGF-CC therapy and ongoing clinical trials. In summary: inhibition of PDGF-CC signaling can be protective for immediate injury and decrease the long-term neurodegenerative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian A Lewandowski
- Tissue Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Scheeles v. 2, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Linda Fredriksson
- Vascular Biology Groups, Division of Vascular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Scheeles v. 2, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 7301 Medical Science Research Building III, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0644, USA
| | - Daniel A Lawrence
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 7301 Medical Science Research Building III, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0644, USA
| | - Ulf Eriksson
- Tissue Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Scheeles v. 2, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Bihari C, Rastogi A, Shasthry SM, Bajpai M, Bhadoria AS, Rajesh S, Mukund A, Kumar A, Sarin SK. Platelets contribute to growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. APMIS 2016; 124:776-86. [PMID: 27457354 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To determine the association of platelets with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and its metastasis. We examined platelets, laboratory, and radiological data of consecutive 420 HCC and 1008 cirrhosis cases. Follow-up information of platelet count in cirrhosis to HCC, pre- to post-therapy, and post-therapy to HCC outcome was analyzed. Cytokine profiling was performed in HCC and cirrhosis (n = 10 each). On the basis of imaging, HCC was divided into six subgroups. Cytosmears of HCC were assessed for platelet clustering around tumor cells. An in vitro Matrigel invasion assay was performed on human HCC cell lines using graded concentration of platelets. Baseline platelet numbers and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (PLRs) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in HCC than cirrhosis. IL-1, IL-6, FGF, G-CSF, thrombopoietin, and VEGF were higher in HCC than cirrhosis. Platelet counts were increased after HCC conversion of cirrhosis (p < 0.001) and decreased (p < 0.001) after therapy. Platelets and PLR in recurrence cases were higher than in responders at baseline. AFP, PIVKAII, platelets, and PLR increase (p < 0.001 each) with advancement in HCC growth. Multivariate analysis showed platelets (p = 0.002), PLR (p = 0.004), and AFP (p < 0.001) associated with distant metastasis. Platelet clustering seen in 75.7% of HCC group 3, 45% in group 2, and 12.5% in group 1 cases (p < 0.001). Invaded cells in Matrigel assay positively correlated with platelet concentration. Platelets can contribute to the development, growth, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Rising platelet count after HCC therapy is indicative of incomplete response or recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhagan Bihari
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Rastogi
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Meenu Bajpai
- Department of Tranfusion Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajeet Singh Bhadoria
- Department of Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Rajesh
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Amar Mukund
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Anupam Kumar
- Department of Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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31
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Murakami H, Ikeda M, Okusaka T, Inaba Y, Iguchi H, Yagawa K, Yamamoto N. A Phase I study of MEDI-575, a PDGFRα monoclonal antibody, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2015. [PMID: 26223436 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2832-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE MEDI-575 is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα). This open-label Phase I study assessed the safety and tolerability of MEDI-575 in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS The study comprised two parts: Part A, dose escalation; Part B, dose expansion in patients with hepatocellular cancer. In Part A, patients were enrolled into three cohorts: MEDI-575 was administered intravenously over a 21-day treatment cycle at doses of 9 and 15 mg/kg/week (cohorts 1, 2) and 35 mg/kg/3-weekly (cohort 3). In Part B, MEDI-575 25 mg/kg/3-weekly was administered. Secondary measures included assessment of the maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and anti-tumor activity. RESULTS Ten and 12 patients were treated in Parts A and B, respectively. There were no dose-limiting toxicities; the maximum tolerated dose was not determined. Common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (30%) and decreased appetite (20%) in Part A and decreased appetite (33.3%) in Part B. All treatment-related adverse events were grade 1 or 2 in severity. No patients discontinued MEDI-575 because of an adverse event and there were no patient deaths due to adverse events. MEDI-575 binding with PDGFRα resulted in a dose-dependent increase in PDGF-AA ligand, with plateau levels observed within 2 days and sustained during the dosing interval. None of the patients in Part A or B experienced complete or partial responses to treatment. CONCLUSIONS MEDI-575 once weekly and 3-weekly was well tolerated with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01102400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruyasu Murakami
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, 1007 Shimonagakubo, Nagaizumicho Sunto-Gun, Shizuoka, 411-8777, Japan,
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32
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Wei T, Zhang LN, Lv Y, Ma XY, Zhi L, Liu C, Ma F, Zhang XF. Overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha promotes tumor progression and indicates poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2015; 5:10307-17. [PMID: 25333264 PMCID: PMC4279374 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) has been documented in various cancers. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. We and others have examined that upregulation of PDGFRα might be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we report that PDGFRα plays a critical role in HCC progression and prognosis. The expression of PDGFRα was markedly higher in human HCC compared to adjacent liver tissues. Although PDGFRA mRNA was decreased in HCC, PDGF-A mRNA was dramatically increased in HCC. Overexpression of PDGFRα was strongly correlated with microvessel density (MVD) of HCC (p<0.05), as well as macroscopic vascular invasion of the tumors (p<0.05). HCC patients with high PDGFRα expression displayed a shorter overall survival and a higher recurrence rate than those with low PDGFRα expression (p<0.05, respectively). Additionally, stable overexpression of PDGFRα in hepatoma cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro. Similarly, an in vivo assay showed that PDGFRα overexpression in hepatoma cells exhibited remarkably tumorigenic potential in tumor size and weight in vivo, which displayed markedly elevated MVD than controls. Thus, our study provided the evidence that PDGFRα may serve as a candidate prognostic marker and a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China. Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Li-Na Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Lei Zhi
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical College, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, 750004, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Feng Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
| | - Xu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, China
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Pang Q, Qu K, Bi JB, Liu SS, Zhang JY, Song SD, Lin T, Xu XS, Wan Y, Tai MH, Liu HC, Dong YF, Liu C. Thrombocytopenia for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence: Systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:7895-7906. [PMID: 26167090 PMCID: PMC4491977 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i25.7895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the association between thrombocytopenia and relapse after treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to obtain eligible studies. The hazard ratios (HRs) values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by random effects model. Subsequently, we estimated the heterogeneity, performed a sensitivity analysis, determined the publication bias, and performed subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Study quality was assessed by using the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine tool.
RESULTS: We identified 18 eligible studies by retrieval (published during 2000-2014). Out of the 4163 patients with HCC who were recruited, 2746 (66.0%) experienced recurrence. In general, our meta-analysis suggested that low platelet count (PLT) before therapy significantly increased the probability of postoperative recurrence (HR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.29-1.81). PLT was also valuable in the prediction of intrahepatic distant recurrence (HR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.25-1.77). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses identified various therapeutic modalities as the source of a high degree of heterogeneity. The pooled HR values showed no obvious change when a single study was removed, but otherwise, an opposite-effects model was used. In addition, no significant publication bias was detected.
CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia before treatment might be an inexpensive and useful predictor of postoperative recurrence in patients with HCC.
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Govaere O, Roskams T. Pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma at the cellular and molecular levels. Clin Liver Dis 2015; 19:261-76. [PMID: 25921662 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Different approaches predict the outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of biliary-hepatic progenitor cell markers generally correlates with poor prognosis. This article focuses on the pathogenesis of HCC, how differentiation or dedifferentiation leads to a phenotype switch, and heterogeneity in the same tumor. A tumor cell decides its fate based on a complex interplay of signaling pathways. Interaction with the microenvironment decides whether it will invade, proliferate, or enter survival mode. Several signaling pathways contribute to stemness features, reflecting a small chemoresistant subpopulation of the tumor that expresses biliary-hepatic progenitor cell markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Govaere
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KULeuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 12, Leuven B3000, Belgium.
| | - Tania Roskams
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KULeuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 12, Leuven B3000, Belgium.
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35
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Mifude C, Kaseda K. PDGF-AA-induced filamentous mitochondria benefit dermal papilla cells in cellular migration. Int J Cosmet Sci 2015; 37:266-71. [DOI: 10.1111/ics.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Mifude
- Saravio Central Institute; Saravio Cosmetics Ltd.; Beppu Japan
| | - K. Kaseda
- Saravio Central Institute; Saravio Cosmetics Ltd.; Beppu Japan
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36
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Fu SR, Zhang YQ, Li Y, Hu BS, He X, Huang JW, Zhan MX, Lu LG, Li JP. Sorafenib continuation after first disease progression could reduce disease flares and provide survival benefits in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot retrospective study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:3151-6. [PMID: 24815462 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.7.3151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib is a promising drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, treatment may be discontinued for multiple reasons, such as progressive disease, adverse events, or the cost of treatment. The consequences of sorafenib discontinuation and continuation are uncertain. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 88 HCC patients treated with sorafenib from July 2007 to January 2013. Overall survival (OS), post-disease progression overall survival (pOS), and time to disease progression (TTP) were compared for survival analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to assess the effect of important factors on OS in the overall patient population and on pOS in patients who continued sorafenib treatment. RESULTS Sorafenib was discontinued and continued in 24 and 64 patients, respectively. The median OS (355 vs 517 days respectively; p=0.015) and median post-PD OS (260 vs 317 days, respectively; p=0.020) were statistically different between the discontinuation and continuation groups. Neither the median time to first PD nor the time to second PD were significantly different between the 2 groups. In the discontinuation group, 3 of the 24 patients (12.5%) suffered disease outbreaks. In Cox proportional hazard regression analysis after correction for confounding factors, BCLC stage (p=0.002) and PD site (p=0.024) were significantly correlated with pOS in patients who continued sorafenib treatment. CONCLUSIONS Sorafenib discontinuation may cause HCC flares or outbreaks. It is advisable to continue sorafenib treatment after first PD, particularly in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B disease or only intrahepatic PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Rui Fu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, ChinaE-mail :
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Berk V, Kaplan MA, Tonyali O, Buyukberber S, Balakan O, Ozkan M, Demirci U, Ozturk T, Bilici A, Tastekin D, Ozdemir N, Unal OU, Oflazoglu U, Turkmen E, Erdogan B, Uyeturk U, Oksuzoglu B, Cinkir HY, Yasar N, Gumus M. Efficiency and side effects of sorafenib therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study by the anatolian society of medical oncology. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 14:7367-9. [PMID: 24460304 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.12.7367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inoperable and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis and low chemotherapeutic efficiency. Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor exerting its effects via the RAF/ MEK/ERK pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β) tyrosine kinases. Randomized studies have shown a significant contribution of sorafenib to life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of sorafenib therapy in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data for 103 patients (82 males, 21 females) receiving sorafenib therapy in 13 centers from February 2008 to December 2012 were evaluated. Median age was 61 years and median ECOG performance status was 1 (range: 0-2). 60 patients (58%) had hepatitis B, 15 patients (15%) had hepatitis C infection and 12 patients (12%) had a history of alcohol consumption. All of the patients had Child scores meeting the utilization permit of the drug in our country (Child A). RESULTS A total of 571 cycles of sorafenib therapy were administered with a median of four per patient. Among the evaluable cases, there was partial response in 15 (15%), stable disease in 52 (50%), and progressive disease in 36 (35%). Median progression-free survival was 18 weeks and median overall survival was 48 weeks. The dose was reduced only in 6 patients and discontinued in 2 patients due to grade 3-4 toxicity, 18 patients (17%) suffering hand-foot syndrome, 7 (7%) diarrhea, and 2 (2%) vomiting. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study demonstrated better efficacy of sorafenib therapy in patients with advanced HCC compared to the literature while progression-free survival and overall survival findings were comparable. The side effect rates indicate that the drug was tolerated well. In conclusion, among the available treatment options, sorafenib is an efficient and tolerable agent in patients with inoperable or metastatic HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veli Berk
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey E-mail :
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Kikuchi A, Monga SP. PDGFRα in liver pathophysiology: emerging roles in development, regeneration, fibrosis, and cancer. Gene Expr 2015; 16:109-27. [PMID: 25700367 PMCID: PMC4410163 DOI: 10.3727/105221615x14181438356210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) is an isoform of the PDGFR family of tyrosine kinase receptors involved in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and growth. In this review, we highlight the role of PDGFRα and the current evidence of its expression and activities in liver development, regeneration, and pathology-including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Studies elucidating PDGFRα signaling in processes ranging from profibrotic signaling, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition point toward PDGFRα as a potential therapeutic target in various hepatic pathologies, including hepatic fibrosis and liver cancer. Furthermore, PDGFRα localization and modulation during liver development and regeneration may lend insight into its potential roles in various pathologic states. We will also briefly discuss some of the current targeted treatments for PDGFRα, including multi receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and PDGFRα-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kikuchi
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Proteinase-activated receptor 1- and 4-promoted migration of Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma cells depends on ROS formation and RTK transactivation. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 141:813-25. [PMID: 25373316 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1863-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is growing evidence for a role of proteinase-activated receptors (PARs), a subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors, in cancer. We have previously shown that PAR1 and PAR4 are able to promote the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells suggesting a function in HCC progression. In this study, we assessed the underlying signalling mechanisms. METHODS Using Hep3B liver carcinoma cells, RTK activation was assessed by Western blot employing phospho-RTK specific antibodies, ROS level were estimated by H2DCF-DA using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and measurement of PTP activity was performed in cell lysates using 6,8-difluoro-4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (DiFMUP) as a substrate. RESULTS Thrombin, the PAR1 selective agonist peptide TFLLRN-NH2 (PAR1-AP), and the PAR4 selective agonist peptide, AYPGKF-NH2 (PAR4-AP), induced a significant increase in Hep3B cell migration that could be blocked by inhibitors targeting formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or activation of hepatocyte-growth factor receptor (Met), or platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), respectively. The involvement of these intracellular effectors in PAR1/4-initiated migratory signalling was further supported by the findings that individual stimulation of Hep3B cells with the PAR1-AP and the PAR4-AP induced an increase in ROS production and the transactivation of Met and PDGFR. In addition, PAR1- and PAR4-mediated inhibition of total PTP activity and specifically PTP1B. ROS inhibition by N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevented the inhibition of PTP1B phosphatase activity induced by PAR1-AP and the PAR4-AP, but had no effect on PAR1/4-mediated activation of Met and PDGFR in Hep3B cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data indicate that PAR1 and PAR4 activate common promigratory signalling pathways in Hep3B liver carcinoma cells including activation of the receptor tyrosine kinases Met and PDGFR, the formation of ROS and the inactivation of PTP1B. However, PAR1/4-triggered Met and PDGFR transactivation seem to be mediated independently from the ROS-PTP1B signalling module.
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Doi T, Ma Y, Dontabhaktuni A, Nippgen C, Nippgen J, Ohtsu A. Phase I study of olaratumab in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Sci 2014; 105:862-9. [PMID: 24816152 PMCID: PMC4317910 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Olaratumab (IMC-3G3) is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds the external domain of human platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α with high affinity and blocks ligand binding. This was a single-center, dose-escalation, phase I trial of olaratumab in Japanese patients with advanced/refractory solid malignancies. Three to six patients were enrolled into each of three cohorts: Patients received i.v. olaratumab: 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks (cohort 1); 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks (cohort 2); and 15 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks (cohort 3). Doses were escalated from cohort 1 through cohort 3. The primary objective was to establish the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of olaratumab. Sixteen patients were treated across three cohorts. There were no dose-limiting toxicities, so the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. The most common olaratumab-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were proteinuria (25.0%) and elevated aspartate transaminase (12.5%). One patient (cohort 2) had two olaratumab-related Grade 3 TEAEs (increased aspartate aminotransferase and tumor hemorrhage); otherwise, olaratumab-related TEAEs were Grade 1/2. Seven patients (43.8%) had a best response of stable disease. Based on the pharmacokinetic concentration profile of olaratumab, the trough concentrations following single and multiple doses at 15 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks (cohort 3) and multiple doses at 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks (cohort 2) were above the 155 μg/mL target. Thus, these two doses could represent an acceptable schedule for future trials in Japanese patients. Olaratumab had an acceptable safety profile and was well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Doi
- National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
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Roh JW, Huang J, Hu W, Yang X, Jennings NB, Sehgal V, Sohn BH, Han HD, Lee SJ, Thanapprapasr D, Bottsford-Miller J, Zand B, Dalton HJ, Previs RA, Davis AN, Matsuo K, Lee JS, Ram P, Coleman RL, Sood AK. Biologic effects of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α blockade in uterine cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:2740-50. [PMID: 24634380 PMCID: PMC4024372 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-2507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) expression is frequently observed in many kinds of cancer and is a candidate for therapeutic targeting. This preclinical study evaluated the biologic significance of PDGFRα and PDGFRα blockade (using a fully humanized monoclonal antibody, 3G3) in uterine cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Expression of PDGFRα was examined in uterine cancer clinical samples and cell lines, and biologic effects of PDGFRα inhibition were evaluated using in vitro (cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion) and in vivo (orthotopic) models of uterine cancer. RESULTS PDGFRα was highly expressed and activated in uterine cancer samples and cell lines. Treatment with 3G3 resulted in substantial inhibition of PDGFRα phosphorylation and of downstream signaling molecules AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Cell viability and invasive potential of uterine cancer cells were also inhibited by 3G3 treatment. In orthotopic mouse models of uterine cancer, 3G3 monotherapy had significant antitumor effects in the PDGFRα-positive models (Hec-1A, Ishikawa, Spec-2) but not in the PDGFRα-negative model (OVCA432). Greater therapeutic effects were observed for 3G3 in combination with chemotherapy than for either drug alone in the PDGFRα-positive models. The antitumor effects of therapy were related to increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation and angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify PDGFRα as an attractive target for therapeutic development in uterine cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Drug Synergism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mice, Nude
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/prevention & control
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/immunology
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Transcriptome/drug effects
- Uterine Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Uterine Neoplasms/genetics
- Uterine Neoplasms/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Won Roh
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandAuthors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jie Huang
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wei Hu
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - XiaoYun Yang
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas B Jennings
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vasudha Sehgal
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bo Hwa Sohn
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Hee Dong Han
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sun Joo Lee
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandAuthors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duangmani Thanapprapasr
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandAuthors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Justin Bottsford-Miller
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Behrouz Zand
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Heather J Dalton
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rebecca A Previs
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ashley N Davis
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Koji Matsuo
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandAuthors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prahlad Ram
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Robert L Coleman
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anil K Sood
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandAuthors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandAuthors' Affiliations: Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Biology, Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University; Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Delgado ER, Yang J, So J, Leimgruber S, Kahn M, Ishitani T, Shin D, Mustata Wilson G, Monga SP. Identification and characterization of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of β-catenin signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:2111-22. [PMID: 24819961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, lacks effective medical therapy. Large subsets of HCC demonstrate Wnt/β-catenin activation, making this an attractive therapeutic target. We report strategy and characterization of a novel small-molecule inhibitor, ICG-001, known to affect Wnt signaling by disrupting β-catenin-CREB binding protein interactions. We queried the ZINC online database for structural similarity to ICG-001 and identified PMED-1 as the lead compound, with ≥70% similarity to ICG-001. PMED-1 significantly reduced β-catenin activity in hepatoblastoma and several HCC cells, as determined by TOPflash reporter assay, with an IC50 ranging from 4.87 to 32 μmol/L. Although no toxicity was observed in primary human hepatocytes, PMED-1 inhibited Wnt target expression in HCC cells, including those with CTNNB1 mutations, and impaired cell proliferation and viability. PMED-1 treatment decreased β-catenin-CREB binding protein interactions without affecting total β-catenin levels or activity of other common kinases. PMED-1 treatment of Tg(OTM:d2EGFP) zebrafish expressing GFP under the β-catenin/Tcf reporter led to a notable decrease in β-catenin activity. The PMED effect on β-catenin signaling lasted from 12 to 24 hours in vitro and 6 to 15 hours in vivo. Thus, using a rapid and cost-effective computational methodology, we have identified a novel and specific small-molecule inhibitor of Wnt signaling that may have implications for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan R Delgado
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephanie Leimgruber
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael Kahn
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tohru Ishitani
- Division of Cell Regulation Systems, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gabriela Mustata Wilson
- Department of Health Services and Health Administration, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana.
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Carr BI, Pancoska P, Giannini EG, Farinati F, Ciccarese F, Rapaccini GL, Marco MD, Benvegnù L, Zoli M, Borzio F, Caturelli E, Chiaramonte M, Trevisani F. Identification of two clinical hepatocellular carcinoma patient phenotypes from results of standard screening parameters. Semin Oncol 2014; 41:406-414. [PMID: 25023357 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous work has shown that two general processes contribute to hepatocellular cancer (HCC) prognosis: liver damage, monitored by indices such as blood bilirubin, prothrombin time (PT), and aspartate aminostransferase (AST); and tumor biology, monitored by indices such as tumor size, tumor number, presence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. These processes may affect one another, with prognostically significant interactions between multiple tumor and host parameters. These interactions form a context that provide personalization of the prognostic meaning of these factors for every patient. Thus, a given level of bilirubin or tumor diameter might have a different significance in different personal contexts. We previously applied network phenotyping strategy (NPS) to characterize interactions between liver function indices of Asian HCC patients and recognized two clinical phenotypes, S and L, differing in tumor size and tumor nodule numbers. Our aim was to validate the applicability of the NPS-based HCC S/L classification on an independent European HCC cohort, for which survival information was additionally available. Four sets of peripheral blood parameters, including AFP-platelets, derived from routine blood parameter levels and tumor indices from the ITA.LI.CA database, were analyzed using NPS, a graph-theory-based approach that compares personal patterns of complete relationships between clinical data values to reference patterns with significant association to disease outcomes. Without reference to the actual tumor sizes, patients were classified by NPS into two subgroups with S and L phenotypes. These two phenotypes were recognized using solely the HCC screening test results, consisting of eight common blood parameters, paired by their significant correlations, including an AFP-platelets relationship. These trends were combined with patient age, gender, and self-reported alcoholism into NPS personal patient profiles. We subsequently validated (using actual scan data) that patients in L phenotype group had 1.5× larger mean tumor masses relative to S, P = 6 × 10(-16). Importantly, with the new data, liver test pattern-identified S-phenotype patients had typically 1.7× longer survival compared to L-phenotype patients. NPS integrated the liver, tumor, and basic demographic factors. Cirrhosis-associated thrombocytopenia was typical for smaller S tumors. In L tumor phenotype, typical platelet levels increased with the tumor mass. Hepatic inflammation and tumor factors contributed to more aggressive L tumors, with parenchymal destruction and shorter survival. NPS provides integrative interpretation for HCC behavior, identifying two tumor and survival phenotypes by clinical parameter patterns. The NPS classifier is provided as an Excel tool. The NPS system shows the importance of considering each tumor marker and parameter in the total context of all the other parameters of an individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I Carr
- Department of Liver Tumor Biology IRCCS de Bellis, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, Castellana Grotte , BA, Italy
| | - Petr Pancoska
- Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edoardo G Giannini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgical Science and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padua
| | | | | | - Maria Di Marco
- Division of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Bolognini, Seriate
| | - Luisa Benvegnù
- Departiment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Unit, University of Padua
| | - Marco Zoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Internal Medicine Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna
| | - Franco Borzio
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, Milan
| | | | | | - Franco Trevisani
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences, Medical Semiotics Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) usually arise in cirrhosis, often with associated thrombocytopenia. Many patients with large HCCs have normal blood platelet counts. In this review, we compare parameter and phenotype patterns of patients with small (≤ 3 cm) and larger HCCs. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of a 4,139-patient HCC database to compare patient demographics, and liver and tumor characteristics associated with small and large HCCs, especially with respect to platelet counts. We found that patients with larger HCCs had more tumor nodules and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) positivity, and had higher blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), bilirubin, and platelet counts. In patients with larger tumors and normal platelets (43.7% of the cohort), tumors were larger and AFP levels were higher, with lower bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels than in patients with larger tumors and thrombocytopenia (17.5%). A parsimonious multinomial regression model showed a high odds ratio for AFP and platelets for tumors>3 cm with PVT. We conclude that platelet levels are associated with distinct large HCC phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I Carr
- Department of Liver Tumor Biology, IRCCS S. de Bellis, Castellana Grotte, Italy.
| | - Chih-Yun Lin
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Chiorean EG, Sweeney C, Youssoufian H, Qin A, Dontabhaktuni A, Loizos N, Nippgen J, Amato R. A phase I study of olaratumab, an anti-platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2014; 73:595-604. [PMID: 24452395 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-014-2389-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) has an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Olaratumab (IMC-3G3) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds human PDGFRα and blocks ligand binding. This phase I study assessed the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase II dose (RP2D), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of olaratumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS Patients were enrolled into five dose-escalating cohorts of 3-6 patients each. Olaratumab was administered intravenously weekly at 4, 8, or 16 mg/kg (cohorts 1-3) or once every other week at 15 or 20 mg/kg (cohorts 4-5), with 4 weeks/cycle. RESULTS Nineteen patients were treated in five cohorts. There were no dose-limiting toxicities; the MTD was not identified with the doses studied. The most common olaratumab-related adverse events (AE) were fatigue and infusion reactions (10.5 % each). With the exception of 1 patient (20 mg/kg) experiencing two grade 3 drug-related AEs after the dose-limiting toxicity assessment period, all drug-related AEs were grade 1 or 2. The trough concentrations (C min) for 16 mg/kg weekly and 20 mg/kg biweekly were higher than 155 μg/mL, and the concentration found to be efficacious in preclinical xenograft models. Twelve patients (63.2 %) had a best response of stable disease [median duration of 3.9 months (95 % CI 2.3-8.7)]. CONCLUSIONS Olaratumab was well tolerated and showed preliminary antitumor activity. RP2Ds are 16 mg/kg weekly and 20 mg/kg biweekly. Phase II studies of olaratumab as monotherapy and in combination are ongoing in several tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gabriela Chiorean
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, 825 Eastlake Ave East, G4830, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA,
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Horváth Z, Kovalszky I, Fullár A, Kiss K, Schaff Z, Iozzo RV, Baghy K. Decorin deficiency promotes hepatic carcinogenesis. Matrix Biol 2013; 35:194-205. [PMID: 24361483 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma represents one of the most-rapidly spreading cancers in the world. In the majority of cases, an inflammation-driven fibrosis or cirrhosis precedes the development of the tumor. During malignant transformation, the tumor microenvironment undergoes qualitative and quantitative changes that modulate the behavior of the malignant cells. A key constituent for the hepatic microenvironment is the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin, known to interfere with cellular events of tumorigenesis mainly by blocking various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) such as EGFR, Met, IGF-IR, PDGFR and VEGFR2. In this study, we characterized cell signaling events evoked by decorin deficiency in two experimental models of hepatocarcinogenesis using thioacetamide or diethyl nitrosamine as carcinogens. Genetic ablation of decorin led to enhanced tumor occurrence as compared to wild-type animals. These findings correlated with decreased levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1) and a concurrent elevation in retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation via cyclin dependent kinase 4. Decreased steady state p21(Waf1/Cip1) levels correlated with enhanced expression of transcription factor AP4, a known transcriptional repressor of p21(Waf1/Cip1), and enhanced c-Myc protein levels. In addition, translocation of β-catenin was a typical event in diethyl nitrosamine-evoked tumors. In parallel, decreased phosphorylation of both c-Myc and β-catenin was observed in Dcn(-/-) livers likely due to the hindered GSK3β-mediated targeting of these proteins to proteasomal degradation. We discovered that in a genetic background lacking decorin, four RTKs were constitutively activated (phosphorylated), including three known targets of decorin such as PDGFRα, EGFR, IGF-IR, and a novel RTK MSPR/RON. Our findings provide powerful genetic evidence for a crucial in vivo role of decorin during hepatocarcinogenesis as lack of decorin in the liver and hepatic stroma facilitates experimental carcinogenesis by providing an environment devoid of this potent pan-RTK inhibitor. Thus, our results support future utilization of decorin as an antitumor agent in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Horváth
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ilona Kovalszky
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Fullár
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Kiss
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Schaff
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renato V Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, and the Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kornélia Baghy
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Suh SJ, Yim HJ. [Current status of molecular targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2013; 61:136-46. [PMID: 23575232 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2013.61.3.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Korea. Curative treatment is only possible when the disease is diagnosed at the early stage. The prognosis of patients with HCC is even dismal in advanced stages. No systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy has proven to be beneficial in overall survival. Recently, the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis led to the development of new therapies. With the evidence of dysregulation of critical genes associated with cellular proliferation, growth factor signaling, cell cycling, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in HCC, a number of molecular target agents are under clinical trials. Sorafenib is the first systemic anticancer drug which has proven to gain survival benefit in the global as well as Asia-Pacific trials. However, the survival gain is still modest, and further efforts to improve outcomes in patients with HCC are necessary by developing novel drugs or combining other forms of therapies. This article will review signaling pathways in HCC and introduce molecular target agents under investigation currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Jun Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Chen WT, Zhu G, Pfaffenbach K, Kanel G, Stiles B, Lee AS. GRP78 as a regulator of liver steatosis and cancer progression mediated by loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN. Oncogene 2013; 33:4997-5005. [PMID: 24141775 PMCID: PMC3994182 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), a molecular chaperone widely elevated in human cancers, is critical for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein folding, stress signaling and PI3K/AKT activation. Genetic knockout models of GRP78 revealed that GRP78 maintains homeostasis of metabolic organs, including liver, pancreas and adipose tissues. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) are the most common liver cancers. There is a lack of effective therapeutics for HCC and CC, highlighting the need to further understand liver tumorigenic mechanisms. PTEN, a tumor suppressor that antagonizes the PI3K/AKT pathway, is inactivated in a wide range of tumors, including 40–50% of human liver cancers. To elucidate the role of GRP78 in liver cancer, we created a mouse model with biallelic liver-specific deletion of Pten and Grp78 mediated by Albumin-Cre-recombinase (cPf/f78f/f). Interestingly, in contrast to PTEN, deletion of GRP78 was progressive but incomplete. At 3 months, cPf/f78f/f livers showed hepatomegaly, activation of lipogenic genes, exacerbated steatosis and liver injury, implying that GRP78 protects the liver against PTEN-null mediated pathogenesis. Furthermore, in response to liver injury, we observed increased proliferation and expansion of bile duct and liver progenitor cells in cPf/f78f/f livers. Strikingly, bile duct cells in cPf/f78f/f livers maintained wild-type (WT) GRP78 level while adjacent areas showed GRP78 reduction. Analysis of signaling pathways revealed selective JNK activation, β-catenin downregulation, along with PDGFRα upregulation, which was unique to cPf/f78f/f livers at 6 months. Development of both HCC and CC was accelerated and evident in cPf/f78f/f livers at 8–9 months, coinciding with intense GRP78 expression in the cancer lesions, and GRP78 expression in adjacent normal areas reverted back to the WT level. In contrast, c78f/f livers showed no malignancy even at 14 months. These studies reveal GRP78 is a novel regulator for PTEN-loss mediated liver injury and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-T Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - G Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K Pfaffenbach
- Department of Biology, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR, USA
| | - G Kanel
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - B Stiles
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A S Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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γ-Catenin at adherens junctions: mechanism and biologic implications in hepatocellular cancer after β-catenin knockdown. Neoplasia 2013; 15:421-34. [PMID: 23555187 DOI: 10.1593/neo.122098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Catenin is important in liver homeostasis as a part of Wnt signaling and adherens junctions (AJs), while its aberrant activation is observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have reported hepatocyte-specific β-catenin knockout (KO) mice to lack adhesive defects as γ-catenin compensated at AJ. Because γ-catenin is a desmosomal protein, we asked if its increase in KO might deregulate desmosomes. No changes in desmosomal proteins or ultrastructure other than increased plakophilin-3 were observed. To further elucidate the role and regulation of γ-catenin, we contemplate an in vitro model and show γ-catenin increase in HCC cells upon β-catenin knockdown (KD). Here, γ-catenin is unable to rescue β-catenin/T cell factor (TCF) reporter activity; however, it sufficiently compensates at AJs as assessed by scratch wound assay, centrifugal assay for cell adhesion (CAFCA), and hanging drop assays. γ-Catenin increase is observed only after β-catenin protein decrease and not after blockade of its transactivation. γ-Catenin increase is associated with enhanced serine/threonine phosphorylation and abrogated by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition. In fact, several PKA-binding sites were detected in γ-catenin by in silico analysis. Intriguingly γ-catenin KD led to increased β-catenin levels and transactivation. Thus, γ-catenin compensates for β-catenin loss at AJ without affecting desmosomes but is unable to fulfill functions in Wnt signaling. γ-Catenin stabilization after β-catenin loss is brought about by PKA. Catenin-sensing mechanism may depend on absolute β-catenin levels and not its activity. Anti-β-catenin therapies for HCC affecting total β-catenin may target aberrant Wnt signaling without negatively impacting intercellular adhesion, provided mechanisms leading to γ-catenin stabilization are spared.
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