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Guo J, Zhang J, Xiang Y, Zhou S, Yang Y, Zheng J. Long noncoding RNA SNHG3 interacts with microRNA-502-3p to mediate ITGA6 expression in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 38680094 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16190] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SNHG3, a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has been linked to poor outcomes in patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). In this study, we found that SNHG3 was overexpressed in LIHC and associated with poor outcomes in patients with LIHC. Functional assays, including colony formation, spheroid formation, and in vivo assays showed that SNHG3 promoted stemness of cancer stem cells (CSC) and tumor growth in vivo by interacting with microRNA-502-3p (miR-502-3p). miR-502-3p inhibitor repressed the tumor-suppressing effects of SNHG3 depletion. Finally, by RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter assay, m6A methylation level detection, and m6A-IP-qPCR assays, we found that miR-502-3p targeted YTHDF3 to regulate the translation of integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6) and targeted HBXIP to inhibit the m6A modification of ITGA6 through methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). Our study revealed that SNHG3 controls the YTHDF3/ITGA6 and HBXIP/METTL3/ITGA6 pathways by repressing miR-502-3p expression to sustain the self-renewal properties of CSC in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Guo
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jianquan Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yijun Yang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinfang Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
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2
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Yang L, Tian S, Zheng X, Zhang M, Zhou X, Shang Y, Han Y. N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in liver diseases: from mechanism to treatment. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:718-733. [PMID: 37380929 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modification occurring in RNA has become the hotspot of the field. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most abundant RNA internal modification mainly occurring at the consensus motif DR (m6A) CH (D = A/G/U, R = A/G, H = A/C/U) in the 3'-UTR particularly the region near stop codons. The life cycle of m6A methylation includes "writers," "erasers," and "readers", which are responsible for the addition, removal, and recognition of m6A, respectively. m6A modification has been reported changing RNA secondary structure or modulating the stability, localization, transport, and translation of mRNAs to play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological conditions. Liver, as the largest metabolic and digestive organ, modulates vital physiological functions, and its dysfunction gives rise to the occurrence of various diseases. Despite the advanced intervening measures, mortality due to liver diseases is continuously high. Recent studies have explored the roles of m6A RNA methylation in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, providing new insights for studying the molecular mechanism of liver diseases. In the review, we extensively summarize the life cycle of m6A methylation, as well as its function and relevant mechanisms in liver fibrosis (LF), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatitis virus infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and eventually we explore the potential of m6A as a treatment option for these liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.
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Zhou H, Zeng C, Liu J, Luo H, Huang W. F-Box Protein 43, Stabilized by N6-Methyladenosine Methylation, Enhances Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Growth and Invasion via Promoting p53 Degradation in a Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 C-Dependent Manner. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030957. [PMID: 36765911 PMCID: PMC9913344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030957] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of F-box protein 43 (FBXO43) in carcinogenesis have been rarely revealed. The present study investigates the expression, function, and underlying mechanism of FBXO43 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Firstly, the expression and clinical significance of FBXO43 in HCC were investigated bioinformatically and experimentally using online omics data and local tissue samples. The role of N6-methyladenosine modification (m6A) of mRNA in regulating FBXO43 expression and the effects of m6A/FBXO43 axis alteration on cell proliferation and invasion were investigated further. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of the oncogenic FBXO43 was also explored. The results demonstrated that FBXO43 was significantly upregulated in HCC and was positively correlated with advanced progression and poor prognosis in patients. METTL3 and IGF2BP2 expressions were positively correlated with FBXO43 expression and served as the writer and reader of FBXO43 m6A, respectively, which stabilized and upregulated FBXO43 mRNA in HCC. FBXO43 silencing significantly reduced cell proliferation and invasion, and ectopic expression of FBXO43 could significantly restore the inhibitory effects caused by METTL3 and IGF2BP2 depletion in HCC cells. Mechanistically, FBXO43 depletion reduced the expression of UBE2C, a p53 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, suppressed proteasomal degradation of p53, and thus inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in HCC. In summary, the present study revealed that METTL3/IGF2BP2 mediated m6A contributed to the upregulation of FBXO43 that promoted the malignant progression of HCC by stimulating p53 degradation in a UBE2C-dependent manner, highlighting the promising application of FBXO43 as a target in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijun Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Chong Zeng
- Department of Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Haijun Luo
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Research Center of Carcinogenesis and Targeted Therapy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18773187433
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Fu Y, Wang J, Hu Z, Gou Y, Li Y, Jiang Q. A Novel 7-Methylguanosine (m7G)-Related Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction in Patient with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:9645038. [PMID: 37089261 PMCID: PMC10118881 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9645038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common pathology type of renal cancer that has an abysmal prognosis. Although a crucial role for 7-methylguanosine modification in cancer cell development has been reported, its role in ccRCC remains uncertain. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of predictive biomarkers based on m7G-related genes in ccRCC. Firstly, we extracted clinical data and gene expression profiles of ccRCC patients from publicly accessible databases. It identified that 22 of the m7G-related 34 genes were related to overall survival, and 5 of the 22 genes were significantly expressed differently in tumor tissues. Based on Lasso regression analysis, five optimal genes (CYFIP2, EIF4A1, NUDT1, NUDT10, and NUDT4) were chosen to build a new predictive risk model in the TCGA cohort. Validation was carried out with the E-MTAB-1980 cohort. Then, a prognostic nomogram was erected, including the m7G-related gene risk score, age, histological grade, and stage status. Further studies and analysis showed that immune cell infiltration might be associated with the m7G-related risk genes. In addition, the relationship between gene expression and drug response was evaluated by the Pearson correlation test. Therefore, the risk signature with five selected m7G-related genes may be a promising prognostic biomarker and contribute to standardized prognostic assessment for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Fu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiawu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiya Hu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Gou
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yisen Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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5
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Li G, Fu Q, Liu C, Peng Y, Gong J, Li S, Huang Y, Zhang H. The regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in gastric cancer: Molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1074307. [PMID: 36561529 PMCID: PMC9763625 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1074307] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosinen (m6A) methylation is a frequent RNA methylation modification that is regulated by three proteins: "writers", "erasers", and "readers". The m6A modification regulates RNA stability and other mechanisms, including translation, cleavage, and degradation. Interestingly, recent research has linked m6A RNA modification to the occurrence and development of cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. This review summarizes the regulatory role of m6A RNA modification in gastric cancer (GC), including targets, the mechanisms of action, and the potential signaling pathways. Our present findings can facilitate our understanding of the significance of m6A RNA modification in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaofeng Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Qiru Fu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Editorial Department of Journal of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Yuxi Peng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Abdominal and Pelvic Medical Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei, China
| | - Shilan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Haiyuan Zhang, ; Yan Huang,
| | - Haiyuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Haiyuan Zhang, ; Yan Huang,
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6
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Ma W, Wu T. RNA m6A modification in liver biology and its implication in hepatic diseases and carcinogenesis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1190-C1205. [PMID: 36036444 PMCID: PMC9576175 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00214.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic RNAs. This modification is regulated by three different factors (writers, erasers, and readers) and affects multiple aspects of RNA metabolism, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, translation, stability and decay. The m6A-mediated modification plays important roles in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and mediates a variety of cellular and biological processes. Accordingly, deregulation in m6A modification is closely related to the occurrence and development of human diseases. The liver is the largest digestive and metabolic organ in human and recent studies have shown that m6A modification is importantly implicated in liver cellular and physiological functions and in the pathogenesis of hepatic diseases and cancers. In the current review, we summarize the functions of m6A in RNA metabolism and its roles in liver cell biology and discuss its implication in hepatic diseases and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Ma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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7
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Hu J, Yang L, Peng X, Mao M, Liu X, Song J, Li H, Chen F. METTL3 promotes m6A hypermethylation of RBM14 via YTHDF1 leading to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1838-1855. [PMID: 36087219 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver is a well-known immunological organ with unique microenvironment. In normal conditions, the rich immune-infiltrating cells cooperate with non-parenchymal cells, such as Kupffer cells (KCs). The presence of liver immunosuppressive microenvironment underlines the importance to dissect this interaction to understand how this cross-talk promotes tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the aim of the study here was to probe the role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in the HCC progression and its effect on the polarization of KCs. KCs showed M2 polarization, and METTL3 was overexpressed in our collected HCC tissues relative to adjacent tissues. METTL3 depletion inhibited the M2 polarization of KCs, thereby reverting the malignant phenotype of HCC cells in vitro and growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, YTH domain-containing family protein 1 (YTHDF1) bound to RNA-binding protein 14 (RBM14), whereas METTL3 knockdown in KCs cells suppressed RBM14 expression by decreasing N-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation. Overexpression of RBM14 mitigated the anti-tumor effects of sh-METTL3 in vitro and in vivo. It is suggested that the mechanism of sh-METTL3 suppressing the polarization of KCs and the progression of HCC is to regulate the RBM14 expression via YTHDF1-dependent m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Hu
- The Seventh Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 4, Donggu Road, Chonggu District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Yang
- The Third Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- The Third Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghuan Mao
- Department of Urology Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- The Fifth Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Song
- Interventional Department, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangyu Li
- The Third Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fu Chen
- The Seventh Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 4, Donggu Road, Chonggu District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00874-5. [PMID: 36001163 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00874-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary malignancy of the liver, is a threat to the health of all humans as a prevalent malignancy and is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It is difficult to diagnose because symptoms do not show up until late in the disease, and patients often progress to the point where transplantation, resection, or even local treatment cannot be performed. The progression of HCC is regulated by the immune system, and immunotherapy enables the body's immune system's defenses to target liver cancer cells; therefore, immunotherapy has brought a new hope for the treatment of HCC. Currently, the main types of immunotherapies for liver cancer are: immune checkpoint inhibitors, liver cancer vaccines and cellular therapies. In this review, the progress of immunotherapy for the treatment of HCC is summarized.
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Ma Q, Zhang SW, Zhang SY. m6Acancer-Net: Identification of m6A-mediated cancer driver genes from gene-site heterogeneous network. Methods 2022; 203:125-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Hepatitis B Viral Protein HBx and the Molecular Mechanisms Modulating the Hallmarks of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040741. [PMID: 35203390 PMCID: PMC8870387 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With 296 million cases estimated worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV-encoded oncogene X protein (HBx), a key multifunctional regulatory protein, drives viral replication and interferes with several cellular signalling pathways that drive virus-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of HBx in modulating the various hallmarks of HCC by supporting tumour initiation, progression, invasion and metastasis. Understanding HBx-mediated dimensions of complexity in driving liver malignancies could provide the key to unlocking novel and repurposed combinatorial therapies to combat HCC.
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11
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Li Y, Peng H, Jiang P, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Feng X, Pang C, Ren J, Zhang H, Bai W, Liu W. Downregulation of Methyltransferase-Like 14 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation Through Stabilizing TROAP mRNA. Front Oncol 2022; 12:824258. [PMID: 35251990 PMCID: PMC8894193 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.824258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered expression levels of the proteins that regulate N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, including methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14), are associated with cancer development. Based on our analysis of m6A methylation regulators using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, we focused on the regulatory role of METTL14 in ovarian cancer. We performed bioinformatics and survival analyses with these datasets and also used METTL14-overexpressing SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells for in vitro studies. Trophinin associated protein (TROAP) siRNA and treatment with or without actinomycin D was used in the cells for qRT-PCR, western blot, cDNA microarray, cell viability, colony formation, luciferase gene reporter, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR, total RNA methylation, and RNA stability assays. Additionally, ovarian cancer and normal tissue samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and western blot assays. The TCGA and GEO data confirmed copy number variations (CNVs) of these m6A RNA methylation regulators in ovarian cancer tissues. Furthermore, reduced METTL14 expression was associated with alterations in CNVs as well as poor patient survival in ovarian cancer. Moreover, the METTL14 and m6A RNA methylation levels were both significantly reduced in ovarian cancer tissues than in normal tissues. Restoration of METTL14 expression suppresses ovarian cancer cell proliferation by inhibition of TROAP expression. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that METTL14 is a negative regulator of ovarian cancer cell proliferation via TROAP expression and that m6A RNA methylation regulates TROAP mRNA stability. In conclusion, METTL14 overexpression decreased ovarian cancer proliferation by inhibition of TROAP expression via an m6A RNA methylation-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hongyan Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, 63650 Military Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinjiang Command General Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Urumqi, China
| | - Jiarui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Xinjiang Command General Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Urumqi, China
| | - Xuelian Feng
- Department of Hematology, Xinjiang Command General Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Urumqi, China
| | - Cui Pang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jingyi Ren
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hongmei Zhang, ; Wendong Bai, ; Wenchao Liu,
| | - Wendong Bai
- Department of Hematology, Xinjiang Command General Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Urumqi, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hongmei Zhang, ; Wendong Bai, ; Wenchao Liu,
| | - Wenchao Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hongmei Zhang, ; Wendong Bai, ; Wenchao Liu,
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12
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The Bright and the Dark Side of TGF-β Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040940. [PMID: 35205692 PMCID: PMC8870127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a preeminent regulator of diverse cellular and physiological processes. Frequent dysregulation of TGF-β signaling has been implicated in cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, the autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-β have paradoxical implications. While acting as a potent tumor suppressor pathway in the early stages of malignancy, TGF-β diverts to a promoter of tumor progression in the late stages, reflecting its bright and dark natures, respectively. Within this context, targeting TGF-β represents a promising therapeutic option for HCC treatment. We discuss here the molecular properties of TGF-β signaling in HCC, attempting to provide an overview of its effects on tumor cells and the stroma. We also seek to evaluate the dysregulation mechanisms that mediate the functional switch of TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a pro-tumorigenic signal. Finally, we reconcile its biphasic nature with the therapeutic implications. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with genetic and nongenetic aberrations that impact multiple genes and pathways, including the frequently dysregulated transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The regulatory cytokine TGF-β and its signaling effectors govern a broad spectrum of spatiotemporally regulated molecular and cellular responses, yet paradoxically have dual and opposing roles in HCC progression. In the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β signaling enforces profound tumor-suppressive effects, primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, as the tumor advances in malignant progression, TGF-β functionally switches to a pro-tumorigenic signal, eliciting aggressive tumor traits, such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune evasion of cancer cells. On this account, the inhibition of TGF-β signaling is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC. In this review, we evaluate the functions and mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and relate its complex and pleiotropic biology to HCC pathophysiology, attempting to provide a detailed perspective on the molecular determinants underlying its functional diversion. We also address the therapeutic implications of the dichotomous nature of TGF-β signaling and highlight the rationale for targeting this pathway for HCC treatment, alone or in combination with other agents.
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13
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Zheng H, Zheng WJ, Wang ZG, Tao YP, Huang ZP, Yang L, Ouyang L, Duan ZQ, Zhang YN, Chen BN, Xiang DM, Jin G, Fang L, Zhou F, Liang B. Decreased Expression of Programmed Death Ligand-L1 by Seven in Absentia Homolog 2 in Cholangiocarcinoma Enhances T-Cell-Mediated Antitumor Activity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845193. [PMID: 35154166 PMCID: PMC8828655 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been reported as an important mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a primary immune inhibitory molecule expressed on tumor cells that promotes immune evasion. In addition, seven in absentia homolog 2 (Siah2), a RING E3 ubiquitin ligase, has been involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the role of m6A-METTL14-Siah2-PD-L1 axis in immunotherapy remains to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that METTL14, a component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, induced Siah2 expression in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). METTL14 was shown to enrich m6A modifications in the 3'UTR region of the Siah2 mRNA, thereby promoting its degradation in an YTHDF2-dependent manner. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that Siah2 interacted with PD-L1 by promoting its K63-linked ubiquitination. We also observed that in vitro and in vivo Siah2 knockdown inhibited T cells expansion and cytotoxicity by sustaining tumor cell PD-L1 expression. The METTL14-Siah2-PD-L1-regulating axis was further confirmed in human CCA specimens. Analysis of specimens from patients receiving anti-PD1 immunotherapy suggested that tumors with low Siah2 levels were more sensitive to anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Taken together, our results evidenced a new regulatory mechanism of Siah2 by METTL14-induced mRNA epigenetic modification and the potential role of Siah2 in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Department of Reproductive Heredity Center, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-juan Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhen-guang Wang
- Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-ping Tao
- National Liver Tissue Bank, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-ping Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Le Yang
- National Liver Tissue Bank, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Ouyang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-qing Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yi-nuo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bo-ning Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dai-min Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Lu Fang, ; Fan Zhou, ; Bo Liang,
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Lu Fang, ; Fan Zhou, ; Bo Liang,
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Lu Fang, ; Fan Zhou, ; Bo Liang,
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14
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Zhang YZ, Zeb A, Cheng LF. Exploring the molecular mechanism of hepatitis virus inducing hepatocellular carcinoma by microarray data and immune infiltrates analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032819. [PMID: 36439183 PMCID: PMC9697180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032819] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of new cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide reached 910,000, ranking the sixth, 80% HCC is associated with viruses, so exploring the molecular mechanism of viral carcinogenicity is imperative. The study showed that both HBV and HCV associated HCC and non-viral HCC have the same molecular phenotype (low gene expression and inhibition of immune pathways), but in the tumor immune micro-environment, there is excessive M2-type macrophage polarization in virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. To address this phenomenon, the data sets were analyzed and identified five hub genes (POLR2A, POLR2B, RPL5, RPS6, RPL23A) involved in viral gene expression and associated with PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway activation by six algorithms. In addition, numerous studies have reported that M2-type macrophages participate in the hepatic fibro-pathological process of the development of HCC and are regulated by the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. On this basis, the study showed that hepatitis virus causes abnormal expression of hub genes, leading to the activation of the pathway, which in turn promote the differentiation of M2-type macrophages and eventually promote the formation of liver fibrosis, leading to the occurrence of HCC. In addition, these hub genes are regulated by transcription factors and m6A enzyme, and have good prognosis and diagnostic value. With regard to drug reuse, the results suggest that patients with virus-related HCC for whom Cytidine triphosphate disodium salt and Guanosine-5'-Triphosphate are used as supplementary therapy, and may have a better prognosis. In conclusion, the study has identified novel molecules that are carcinogenic to hepatitis viruses and are expected to serve as molecular markers and targets for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Zheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Amir Zeb
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lu-Feng Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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