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Matthaios D, Balgkouranidou I, Neanidis K, Sofis A, Pikouli A, Romanidis K, Pappa A, Karamouzis M, Zygogianni A, Charalampidis C, Zarogoulidis P, Rigas G, Galanis A. Revisiting Temozolomide's role in solid tumors: Old is gold? J Cancer 2024; 15:3254-3271. [PMID: 38817857 PMCID: PMC11134434 DOI: 10.7150/jca.94109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Temozolomide is an imidazotetrazine with a long history in oncology especially for the high grade malignant glioma and metastatic melanoma. However, last year's new indications for its use are added. Its optimum pharmacodynamic profile, its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the existence of methylation of MGMT in solid tumors which enhances its efficacy, the identification of new agents that can overcome temozolomide's resistance, the promising role of temozolomide in turning immune cold tumors to hot ones, are leading to expand its use in other solid tumors, giving oncologists an additional tool for the treatment of advanced and aggressive neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anastasia Pikouli
- Third Department of Surgery, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Romanidis
- Second Department of Surgery, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Zygogianni
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, Aretaieion University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- Pulmonary-Oncology Department, General Clinic Euromedice, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Rigas
- Oncology Department, Private General Clinic of Volos, Volos, Greece
| | - Alex Galanis
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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2
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Chen Z, Zhou J, Liu Y, Ni H, Zhou B. Targeting MAGI2-AS3-modulated Akt-dependent ATP-binding cassette transporters as a possible strategy to reverse temozolomide resistance in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1482-1495. [PMID: 37551766 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major impediment to the successful treatment of glioma. This study aimed to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of the long noncoding RNA membrane-associated guanylate kinase inverted-2 antisense RNA 3 (MAGI2-AS3) on temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioma cells. MAGI2-AS3 expression in TMZ-resistant glioblastoma (GBM) cells was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus data set GSE113510 and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell viability and TMZ half-maximal inhibitory concentration values were determined using the MTT assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were evaluated using flow cytometry. The expression of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1), ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated Akt was detected using qRT-PCR and/or western blot analysis. MAGI2-AS3 was expressed at low levels in TMZ-resistant GBM cells relative to that in their parental cells. MAGI2-AS3 re-expression alleviated TMZ resistance in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. MAGI2-AS3 overexpression also accelerated TMZ-induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest. Mechanistically, MAGI2-AS3 overexpression reduced MDR1 and ABCG2 expression and inhibited the Akt pathway, whereas Akt overexpression abrogated the reduction in MDR1 and ABCG2 expression induced by MAGI2-AS3. Moreover, activation of the Akt pathway inhibited the effects of MAGI2-AS3 on TMZ resistance. MAGI2-AS3 inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the suppressive effect of TMZ on glioma tumorigenesis in vivo. In conclusion, MAGI2-AS3 reverses TMZ resistance in glioma cells by inactivating the Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjun Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingmin Zhou
- Emergency Department, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongzao Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Botao Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Bai P, Fan T, Wang X, Zhao L, Zhong R, Sun G. Modulating MGMT expression through interfering with cell signaling pathways. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115726. [PMID: 37524206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Guanine O6-alkylating agents are widely used as first-line chemotherapeutic drugs due to their ability to induce cytotoxic DNA damage. However, a major hurdle in their effectiveness is the emergence of chemoresistance, largely attributed to the DNA repair pathway mediated by O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). MGMT plays an important role in removing the alkyl groups from lethal O6-alkylguanine (O6-AlkylG) adducts formed by chemotherapeutic alkylating agents. By doing so, MGMT enables tumor cells to evade apoptosis and develop drug resistance toward DNA alkylating agents. Although covalent inhibitors of MGMT, such as O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) and O6-(4-bromothenyl)guanine (O6-4-BTG or lomeguatrib), have been explored in clinical settings, their utility is limited due to severe delayed hematological toxicity observed in most patients when combined with alkylating agents. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new targets and unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms and to develop alternative therapeutic strategies that can overcome MGMT-mediated tumor resistance. In this context, the regulation of MGMT expression via interfering the specific cell signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, Hedgehog, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT) emerges as a promising strategy for overcoming tumor resistance, and ultimately enhancing the efficacy of DNA alkylating agents in chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Tengjiao Fan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China; Department of Medical Technology, Beijing Pharmaceutical University of Staff and Workers, Beijing 100079, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lijiao Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Rugang Zhong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Guohui Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
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4
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Tang K, Li X, Mo J, Chen Y, Huang C, Li T, Luo T, Zhong Z, Jiang Y, Yang D, Mo W. CD69 serves as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7452. [PMID: 37156819 PMCID: PMC10167346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still increasing. This study aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets related to patient prognosis. Data were downloaded from TCGA, GSE25097, GSE36376, and GSE76427 datasets. Differential analysis and enrichment analysis were performed in HCC. Cell deaths were evaluated, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) regression was analyzed to screen candidate genes. Additionally, immune cell infiltration in HCC was assessed. We identified 4088 common DEGs with the same direction of differential expression in all four datasets, they were mainly enriched in immunoinflammation and cell cycle pathways. Apoptosis was significantly suppressed in HCC in GSEA and GSVA. After LASSO regression analysis, we screened CD69, CDC25B, MGMT, TOP2A, and TXNIP as candidate genes. Among them, CD69 significantly influenced the overall survival of HCC patients in both TCGA and GSE76427. CD69 may be a protective factor for outcome of HCC patients. In addition, CD69 was positive correlation with T cells and CD3E. CD69, CDC25B, MGMT, TOP2A, and TXNIP were potential diagnostic and prognostic target for HCC, especially CD69.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihua Tang
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianwen Mo
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengyu Huang
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Tianjian Luo
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhijian Zhong
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Yongqiang Jiang
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
| | - Dengfeng Yang
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Guangxi Beibu Gulf Marine Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
| | - Weiliang Mo
- Department of Basic Science, YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
- Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
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5
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Mokhtari K, Peymani M, Rashidi M, Hushmandi K, Ghaedi K, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M. Colon cancer transcriptome. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 180-181:49-82. [PMID: 37059270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the last four decades, methodological innovations have continuously changed transcriptome profiling. It is now feasible to sequence and quantify the transcriptional outputs of individual cells or thousands of samples using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). These transcriptomes serve as a connection between cellular behaviors and their underlying molecular mechanisms, such as mutations. This relationship, in the context of cancer, provides a chance to unravel tumor complexity and heterogeneity and uncover novel biomarkers or treatment options. Since colon cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies, its prognosis and diagnosis seem to be critical. The transcriptome technology is developing for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of cancer which can provide better protectivity and prognostic utility to medical teams and patients. A transcriptome is a whole set of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs in an individual or cell population. The cancer transcriptome includes RNA-based changes. The combined genome and transcriptome of a patient may provide a comprehensive picture of their cancer, and this information is beginning to affect treatment decision-making in real-time. A full assessment of the transcriptome of colon (colorectal) cancer has been assessed in this review paper based on risk factors such as age, obesity, gender, alcohol use, race, and also different stages of cancer, as well as non-coding RNAs like circRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and siRNAs. Similarly, they have been examined independently in the transcriptome study of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatere Mokhtari
- Department of Modern Biology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Seydi H, Nouri K, Rezaei N, Tamimi A, Hassan M, Mirzaei H, Vosough M. Autophagy orchestrates resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114487. [PMID: 36963361 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment resistance is one of the major barriers for therapeutic strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Many studies have indicated that chemotherapy and radiotherapy induce autophagy machinery (cell protective autophagy) in HCC cells. In addition, many experiments report a remarkable crosstalk between treatment resistance and autophagy pathways. Thus, autophagy could be one of the key factors enabling tumor cells to hinder induced cell death after medical interventions. Therefore, extensive research on the molecular pathways involved in resistance induction and autophagy have been conducted to achieve the desired therapeutic response. The key molecular pathways related to the therapy resistance are TGF-β, MAPK, NRF2, NF-κB, and non-coding RNAs. In addition, EMT, drug transports, apoptosis evasion, DNA repair, cancer stem cells, and hypoxia could have considerable impact on the hepatoma cell's response to therapies. These mechanisms protect tumor cells against various treatments and many studies have shown that each of them is connected to the molecular pathways of autophagy induction in HCC. Hence, autophagy inhibition may be an effective strategy to improve therapeutic outcome in HCC patients. In this review, we further highlight how autophagy leads to poor response during treatment through a complex molecular network and how it enhances resistance in primary liver cancer. We propose that combinational regimens of approved HCC therapeutic protocols plus autophagy inhibitors may overcome drug resistance in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homeyra Seydi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Kosar Nouri
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Niloufar Rezaei
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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7
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Mai A, Ye S, Tu J, Gao J, Kang Z, Yao Q, Ting W. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:90-100. [PMID: 36176197 PMCID: PMC10087852 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver methyl groups to the purine (guanine) bases of DNA, leading to mispairing during DNA replication and subsequent cell death. However, increased expression of the repair enzyme methyl guanine methyltransferase (MGMT), which removes methyl groups from purine bases, counteracts methylation by TMZ. We evaluated the anticancer potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a hydrophobic flavonoid that inhibits resistance and induces apoptosis in various cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that compared with the Hs683 and M059J cell lines, U251 cells were more sensitive to TMZ. Compared to U251 cells, U251R cells, a TMZ drug-resistant strain established in this study, are characterized by increased expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and MGMT. TQ treatments induced apoptosis in all cell lines. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway was mainly activated in U251 and U251R cells; however, p-ERK and MGMT upregulation could not suppress TQ effects. Furthermore, si-p38 pretreatment of U251R cells in TQ treatments inhibited cell apoptosis. We speculate that TQ contributed to the phosphorylation and activation of p38, but not of ERK-induced apoptosis (irrespective of TMZ resistance). In vivo, U251R-derived tumors subcutaneously inoculated in nude mice exhibited significant tumor volume reduction after TQ or TQ + TMZ cotreatments. High-performance liquid chromatography assay confirmed the presence of TQ in murine brain tissues. Our findings demonstrate that TQ can effectively cross the BBB and function alone or in combination with TMZ to treat glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Mai
- Biomedicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shu‐Wen Ye
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jia‐Yu Tu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhan‐Fang Kang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qian‐Ming Yao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of NeurosurgeryAffiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei‐Jen Ting
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Clinical Significance of TUBGCP4 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:9307468. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/9307468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to investigate the expression and clinical significance of the tubulin gamma complex-associated protein 4 (TUBGCP4) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mRNA expression of TUBGCP4 in HCC tissues was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Paired HCC and adjacent nontumor tissues were obtained from HCC patients to measure the protein expression of TUBGCP4 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to analyze the relationship between TUBGCP4 protein expression and the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of HCC patients. We found that TUBGCP4 mRNA expression was upregulated in HCC tissues from TCGA database. IHC analysis showed that TUBGCP4 was positively expressed in 61.25% (49/80) of HCC tissues and 77.5% (62/80) of adjacent nontumor tissues. The Chi-square analysis indicated that the positive rate of TUBGCP4 expression between HCC tissues and the adjacent nontumor tissues was statistically different (
). Furthermore, we found that TUBGCP4 protein expression was correlated with carbohydrate antigen (CA-199) levels of HCC patients (
). Further, survival analysis showed that the overall survival time and tumor-free survival time in the TUBGCP4 positive group were significantly higher than those of the negative group (
), indicating that the positive expression of TUBGCP4 was related to a better prognosis of HCC patients. COX model showed that TUBGCP4 was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. Our study indicates that TUBGCP4 protein expression is downregulated in HCC tissues and has a relationship with the prognosis of HCC patients.
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Zhang X, Wen J, Zhang G, Fan W, Tan J, Liu H, Li J. Identification and Validation of Novel Immunogenic Cell Death- and DNA Damage Response-Related Molecular Patterns Correlated with Immune Status and Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 27:101600. [PMID: 36481605 PMCID: PMC9731848 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) and DNA damage response (DDR) are involved in cancer progression and prognosis. Currently, chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is mostly based on platinum and anthracyclines that induce DNA damage and ICD. With the treatment of HCC with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), it is important to understand the molecular characteristics and prognostic values of ICD and DDR-related genes (IDRGs). We aimed to explore the characteristics of ICD and DDR-related molecular patterns, immune status, and the association of immunotherapy and prognosis with IDRGs in HCC. We identified IDRGs in HCC and evaluated their differential expression, biological behaviors, molecular characteristics, immune cell infiltration, and prognostic value. Prognostic IDRGs and subtypes were identified and validated. FFAR3, DDX1, POLR3G, FANCL, ADA, PI3KR1, DHX58, TPT1, MGMT, SLAMF6, and EIF2AK4 were determined as risk factors for HCC, and the biological experiments indicated that high FANCL expression is harmful to the treatment and prognosis. HCC was classified into high- and low-risk groups based on the median values of the risk factors to construct a predictive nomogram. These findings provide novel insights into the treatment and prognosis of HCC and provide a new research direction for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiaping Li
- Corresponding author at: Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan 2 Road, 510080, Guangzhou, PR China, Tel: +86-20-13352890908. Fax: +86-20-87755766.
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10
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The E3 ubiquitin ligase MG53 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting RAC1 signaling. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:40. [PMID: 35858925 PMCID: PMC9300626 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00414-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) overexpressiosn and hyperactivation are correlated with aggressive growth and other malignant characteristics in a wide variety of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the regulatory mechanism of RAC1 expression and activation in HCC is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrated that E3 ubiquitin ligase MG53 (also known as tripartite motif 72, TRIM72) acted as a direct inhibitor of RAC1, and it catalyzed the ubiquitination of RAC1 and further inhibited RAC1 activity in HCC cells. Mechanistically, MG53 directly bound with RAC1 through its coiled-coil domain and suppressed RAC1 activity by catalyzing the Lys48 (K48)-linked polyubiquitination of RAC1 at Lys5 residue in HCC cells. We further demonstrated that MG53 significantly suppressed the malignant behaviors of HCC cells and enhanced the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment by inhibiting RAC1-MAPK signaling axis. In summary, we identified MG53 as a novel RAC1 inhibitor and tumor suppressor in HCC, and it suppressed HCC progression by inducing K48-linked polyubiquitination of RAC1 and further inhibiting the RAC1-MAPK signaling. Altogether, our investigation provided a new therapeutic strategy for RAC1 overactivated tumors by modulating MG53.
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11
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Chen Z, Qi L, Fu H, Ma L. Long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through microRNA-221-3p-targeted regulation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase. Bioengineered 2022; 13:14013-14027. [PMID: 35723009 PMCID: PMC9275909 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2086382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) is an important regulator involved in the progression and prognosis of various cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-221-3p expression along with long non-coding RNA X–inactive specific transcript (XIST), which was identified as its upstream regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by bioinformatics analysis, and further validated by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Their expression was measured in tumor tissues and corresponding non-tumor tissues by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), which revealed that XIST was weakly expressed in HCC cells and tumors, while miR-221-3p was overexpressed. Complete knockdown of XIST enhanced HCC cell proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis, as observed by MTT, transwell, and flow cytometry experiments, respectively. Animal studies validated that XIST knockdown induces tumor growth in vivo. In contrast, upregulation of XIST in HCC cells suppressed their proliferation and migration, stimulated apoptosis, and retarded the growth rate of tumors in vivo. These effects were partially reversed by upregulating miR-221-3p expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a downstream target of miR-221-3p. It was weakly expressed in HCC cells and tumors and showed a negative correlation with miR-221-3p. Forced MGMT expression repressed proliferation and migration and enhanced apoptosis in HCC cells. Nevertheless, these anti-tumor effects induced by MGMT overexpression could be abolished by miR-221-3p upregulation. Collectively, our findings reveal that XIST blocks the development of HCC through miR-221-3p-targeted regulation of MGMT. This reveals a new mechanism involved in the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zushun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lunan Qi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongyuan Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Liu Z, Lu J, Fang H, Sheng J, Cui M, Yang Y, Tang B, Zhang X. m6A Modification-Mediated DUXAP8 Regulation of Malignant Phenotype and Chemotherapy Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through miR-584-5p/MAPK1/ERK Pathway Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:783385. [PMID: 34957112 PMCID: PMC8696125 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.783385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis due to its high malignancy, rapid disease progression, and the presence of chemotherapy resistance. Long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect many malignant tumors, including HCC. However, their mechanism of action in HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the role of DUXAP8 in regulating the malignant phenotype and chemotherapy resistance in HCC. Using an in vivo xenograft tumor model, the regulatory functions and mechanisms of lncRNA DUXAP8 in the progression and response of HCC to chemotherapy were explored. It was found that DUXAP8 was significantly upregulated in a patient-derived xenograft tumor model based on sorafenib treatment, which is usually associated with a relatively poor prognosis in patients. In HCC, DUXAP8 maintained its upregulation in the expression by increasing the stability of m6A methylation-mediated RNA. DUXAP8 levels were positively correlated with the proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance of HCC in vivo and in vitro. In the mechanistic study, it was found that DUXAP8 competitively binds to miR-584-5p through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism, thus acting as a molecular sponge for miR-584-5p to regulate MAPK1 expression, which in turn activates the MAPK/ERK pathway. These findings can provide ideas for finding new prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Jin Lu
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - He Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Yongsheng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Health Sciences, Hiroshima Shudo University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Xuewen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Changchun, China
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13
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Mukherjee S, Pillai PP. Current insights on extracellular vesicle-mediated glioblastoma progression: Implications in drug resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1866:130065. [PMID: 34902452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most fatal tumors of the central nervous system with high rate of disease progression, diagnosis, prognosis and low survival rate. Therapeutic approaches that relied on surgical resection and chemotherapy have been unable to curb the disease progression and subsequently leading to increase in incidences of GBM reoccurrence. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW In the recent times, membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been observed as one of the key reasons for the uncontrolled growth of GBM. EVs are shown to have the potential to contribute to the disease progression via mediating drug resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The GBM-derived EVs (GDEVs) with its cargo contents act as the biological trojan horse and lead to disease progression after being received by the recipient target cells. This review article highlights the biophysical, biochemical properties of EVs, its cargo contents and its potential role in the growth and progression of GBM by altering tumour microenvironment. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS EVs are being explored for serving as novel disease biomarkers in a variety of cancer types such as adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, color rectal cancer, gliomas and glioblastomas. Improvement in the EV isolation protocols, polymer-based separation techniques and transcriptomics, have made EVs a key diagnostic marker to unravel the progression and early GBM diagnosis. GDEVs role in tumour progression is under extensive investigations. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Attempts have been also made to discuss and compare the usage of EVs as potential therapeutic targets versus existing therapies targeting drug resistance and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swagatama Mukherjee
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Prakash P Pillai
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
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14
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Gutierrez A, Demond H, Brebi P, Ili CG. Novel Methylation Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Prognosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1722. [PMID: 34827720 PMCID: PMC8615818 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) comprises the third most common cancer worldwide and the second regarding number of deaths. In order to make a correct and early diagnosis to predict metastasis formation, biomarkers are an important tool. Although there are multiple signaling pathways associated with cancer progression, the most recognized are the MAPK pathway, p53 pathway, and TGF-β pathway. These pathways regulate many important functions in the cell, such as cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis formation, among others. Changes in expression in genes belonging to these pathways are drivers of carcinogenesis. Often these expression changes are caused by mutations; however, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are increasingly acknowledged to play a role in the deregulation of oncogenic genes. This makes DNA methylation changes an interesting biomarkers in cancer. Among the newly identified biomarkers for CRC metastasis INHBB, SMOC2, BDNF, and TBRG4 are included, all of which are highly deregulated by methylation and closely associated with metastasis. The identification of such biomarkers in metastasis of CRC may allow a better treatment and early identification of cancer formation in order to perform better diagnostics and improve the life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Priscilla Brebi
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile; (A.G.); (H.D.)
| | - Carmen Gloria Ili
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile; (A.G.); (H.D.)
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15
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Li TT, Mou J, Pan YJ, Huo FC, Du WQ, Liang J, Wang Y, Zhang LS, Pei DS. MicroRNA-138-1-3p sensitizes sorafenib to hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting PAK5 mediated β-catenin/ABCB1 signaling pathway. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:56. [PMID: 34340705 PMCID: PMC8327419 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00752-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib is a kinase inhibitor that is used as a first-line therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the existence of sorafenib resistance has limited its therapeutic effect. Through RNA sequencing, we demonstrated that miR-138-1-3p was downregulated in sorafenib resistant HCC cell lines. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-138-1-3p in sorafenib resistance of HCC. Methods In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western Blot were utilized to detect the levels of PAK5 in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and parental cells. The biological functions of miR-138-1-3p and PAK5 in sorafenib-resistant cells and their parental cells were explored by cell viability assays and flow cytometric analyses. The mechanisms for the involvement of PAK5 were examined via co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), immunofluorescence, dual luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). The effects of miR-138-1-3p and PAK5 on HCC sorafenib resistant characteristics were investigated by a xenotransplantation model. Results We detected significant down-regulation of miR-138-1-3p and up-regulation of PAK5 in sorafenib-resistance HCC cell lines. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-138-1-3p reduced the protein expression of PAK5 by directly targeting the 3′-UTR of PAK5 mRNA. In addition, we verified that PAK5 enhanced the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of β-catenin that increased the transcriptional activity of a multidrug resistance protein ABCB1. Conclusions PAK5 contributed to the sorafenib resistant characteristics of HCC via β-catenin/ABCB1 signaling pathway. Our findings identified the correlation between miR-138-1-3p and PAK5 and the molecular mechanisms of PAK5-mediated sorafenib resistance in HCC, which provided a potential therapeutic target in advanced HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Tong Li
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Mou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221006, China
| | - Yao-Jie Pan
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Chun Huo
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Qi Du
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Liang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Kong DG, Yao FZ. CDC6 is a possible biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2021; 14:811-818. [PMID: 34367412 PMCID: PMC8339721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has proven that the expression of CDC6 is tightly related to tumorigenesis and progression of various tumors. However, the effects of CDC6 in hepatocellular carcinoma remain uncertain. The main purpose of this research is to explore this relationship. METHODS We assessed the expression levels of CDC6 in a serious of cancers from GEPIA database. The expression of CDC6 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and normal liver tissue was compared, and further assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Graphpad software was performed for data analysis, and t-test and χ2 analysis were used to investigate the role of CDC6 in hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS The expression level of CDC6 was significantly higher in malignant carcinoid, melanoma, urothelial tumor, and hepatocellular carcinoma in the GEPIA online database. It was related to clinical progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that the expression of CDC6 was correlated with tumor size (P=0.018) and the number of tumor nodes (P=0.003), but not with age, gender and AFP value (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The expression level of CDC6 in hepatocellular carcinoma is related tightly to clinical findings. Detecting the expression of CDC6 might provide a new biomarker for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Gang Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Secondary Hospital of Tianjin Medical University No. 23 Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Fu-Zhou Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Secondary Hospital of Tianjin Medical University No. 23 Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, China
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