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Floreani A, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Current Perspectives on the Molecular and Clinical Relationships between Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2194. [PMID: 38396870 PMCID: PMC10888596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042194] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterised by the immune-mediated destruction of small and medium intrahepatic bile ducts, with variable outcomes and progression. This review summarises the state of the art regarding the risk of neoplastic progression in PBC patients, with a particular focus on the molecular alterations present in PBC and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most frequent liver cancer in these patients. Major risk factors are male gender, viral infections, e.g., HBV and HCV, non-response to UDCA, and high alcohol intake, as well as some metabolic-associated factors. Overall, HCC development is significantly more frequent in patients with advanced histological stages, being related to liver cirrhosis. It seems to be of fundamental importance to unravel eventual dysfunctional molecular pathways in PBC patients that may be used as biomarkers for HCC development. In the near future, this will possibly take advantage of artificial intelligence-designed algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy;
- Scientific Consultant IRCCS Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
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Chotiprasidhi P, Sato-Espinoza AK, Wangensteen KJ. Germline Genetic Associations for Hepatobiliary Cancers. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:623-638. [PMID: 38163482 PMCID: PMC10899027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatobiliary cancers (HBCs) include hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder carcinoma, which originate from the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder, respectively. They are responsible for a substantial burden of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite knowledge of risk factors and advancements in therapeutics and surgical interventions, the prognosis for most patients with HBC remains bleak. There is evidence from familial aggregation and case-control studies to suggest a familial risk component in HBC susceptibility. Recent progress in genomics research has led to the identification of germline variants including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in cancer-associated genes associated with HBC risk. These findings emerged from genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing techniques such as whole-exome sequencing. Patients with other cancer types, including breast, colon, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, are recommended by guidelines to undergo germline genetic testing, but similar recommendations are lagging in HBC. This prompts the question of whether multi-gene panel testing should be integrated into clinical guidelines for HBC management. Here, we review the hereditary genetics of HBC, explore studies investigating SNPs and P/LP variants in HBC patients, discuss the clinical implications and potential for personalized treatments and impact on patient's family members, and conclude that additional studies are needed to examine how genetic testing can be applied clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perapa Chotiprasidhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Kirk J Wangensteen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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YANG XUEGANG, XIANG XIANHONG, XU GUOHUI, ZHOU SHI, AN TIANZHI, HUANG ZHI. Silencing of peroxiredoxin 2 suppresses proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and induces senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Res 2023; 32:213-226. [PMID: 38188679 PMCID: PMC10767235 DOI: 10.32604/or.2023.030768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common malignancy worldwide, still lacks effective clinical treatment. The study aimed to investigate the oncogenes that affect the progression of HCC and their possible mechanisms. In our study, we initially confirmed a higher level of PRDX2 in the bile of HCC patients compared to those with choledocholithiasis by 2-DE, LC-MS, and ELISA. Subsequently, we demonstrated the high expression of peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) in HCC based on the TCGA database and clinical sample analysis. Furthermore, PRDX2 overexpression enhanced the viability of HCC cells. And PRDX2 silencing induced senescence of HCC cells. In vivo, knockdown of PRDX2 significantly reduced the weight of xenograft tumors. PRDX2 also was found to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inducing β-catenin nuclear translocation. Consequently, we proved that silencing PRDX2 could inhibit proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway while promoting senescence in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- XUEGANG YANG
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - XIANHONG XIANG
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - GUOHUI XU
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - SHI ZHOU
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - TIANZHI AN
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - ZHI HUANG
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550002, China
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Chen D, Aierken A, Li H, Chen R, Ren L, Wang K. Identification of subclusters and prognostic genes based on glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1232390. [PMID: 37881434 PMCID: PMC10597634 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1232390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to examine glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluate their potential roles in HCC progression and immunotherapy response. Methods Data analyzed in this study were collected from GSE14520, GSE76427, GSE174570, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), PXD006512, and GSE149614 datasets, metabolic pathways were collected from MSigDB database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between HCC and controls. Differentially expressed glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes (candidate genes) were obtained and consensus clustering was performed based on the expression of candidate genes. Bioinformatics analysis was used to evaluate candidate genes and screen prognostic genes. Finally, the key results were tested in HCC patients. Results Thirteen differentially expressed glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes were validated in additional datasets. Consensus clustering analysis identified two distinct patient clusters (C1 and C2) with different prognoses and immune microenvironments. Immune score and tumor purity were significantly higher in C1 than in C2, and CD4+ memory activated T cell, Tfh, Tregs, and macrophage M0 were higher infiltrated in HCC and C1 group. The study also identified five intersecting DEGs from candidate genes in TCGA, GSE14520, and GSE141198 as prognostic genes, which had a protective role in HCC patient prognosis. Compared with the control group, the prognostic genes all showed decreased expression in HCC patients in RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses. Flow cytometry verified the abnormal infiltration level of immune cells in HCC patients. Conclusion Results showed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes were associated with patient prognosis, immune microenvironment, and response to immunotherapy in HCC. It suggests that the model based on five prognostic genes may valuable for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy response of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ayinuer Aierken
- Department of Hepatobiliary Hydatid Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ruihua Chen
- Center of Animal Experiments, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Burns, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Medical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Wang J, Zhu G. Silencing of keratin 15 impairs viability and mobility while facilitating the doxorubicin chemosensitivity by inactivating the β‑catenin pathway in liver cancer. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:447. [PMID: 37720670 PMCID: PMC10502946 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratin 15 (KRT15) regulates the invasion as well as the stemness and is associated with tumor size and metastasis of several gastrointestinal cancers apart from liver cancer. The present study aimed to explore the effect of KRT15 knockdown on liver cancer malignant behaviors and its interaction with the β-catenin pathway. Small interfering (si)-KRT15 and si-negative control (NC) were transfected into liver cancer cell lines, followed by the addition or not of CHIR-99021 (a β-catenin agonist). Cell viability, invasion, apoptosis, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of doxorubicin (Dox) were then assessed. The present study illustrated that KRT15 gene and protein expression levels were upregulated in most liver cancer cell lines (Huh7, PLC, Hep3B and HepG2) compared to the normal liver cell line THLE-2. si-KRT15 reduced cell viability and invasive cell count while promoting the apoptosis rate in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. In addition, si-KRT15 also reduced the IC50 value of Dox. Furthermore, si-KRT15 inactivated the β-catenin pathway as reflected by β-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-Myc expression levels in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Subsequently, CHIR-99021 treatment increased the cell viability and invasive cell count while reducing the apoptosis rate in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Concurrently, the IC50 value of Dox was also increased. Notably, CHIR-99021 treatment attenuated the effect of si-KRT15 on mediating the aforementioned Huh7 and HepG2 cell malignant behaviors and Dox chemosensitivity. In conclusion, KRT15 knockdown suppressed viability and mobility but facilitated Dox chemosensitivity via inactivating the β-catenin pathway in liver cancer, suggesting its potential as a target for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Guangyu Zhu
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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Zhang J, Qiu Z, Zhang Y, Wang G, Hao H. Intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism in connection to target engagement. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115024. [PMID: 37516411 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115024] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The metabolism in eukaryotic cells is a highly ordered system involving various cellular compartments, which fluctuates based on physiological rhythms. Organelles, as the smallest independent sub-cell unit, are important contributors to cell metabolism and drug metabolism, collectively designated intracellular metabolism. However, disruption of intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism can lead to disease development and progression, as well as drug treatment interference. In this review, we systematically discuss spatiotemporal metabolism in cells and cell subpopulations. In particular, we focused on metabolism compartmentalization and physiological rhythms, including the variation and regulation of metabolic enzymes, metabolic pathways, and metabolites. Additionally, the intricate relationship among intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism, metabolism-related diseases, and drug therapy/toxicity has been discussed. Finally, approaches and strategies for intracellular spatiotemporal metabolism analysis and potential target identification are introduced, along with examples of potential new drug design based on this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhixia Qiu
- Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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Yang Q, Huo E, Cai Y, Zhang Z, Dong C, Asara JM, Wei Q. PFKFB3-Mediated Glycolysis Boosts Fibroblast Activation and Subsequent Kidney Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:2081. [PMID: 37626891 PMCID: PMC10453197 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic kidney diseases, is driven by the activation of renal fibroblasts. Recent studies have highlighted the role of glycolysis in this process. Nevertheless, one critical glycolytic activator, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), remains unexplored in renal fibrosis. Upon reanalyzing the single-cell sequencing data from Dr. Humphreys' lab, we noticed an upregulation of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the TGFβ signaling pathway in myofibroblasts from fibrotic kidneys after unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) or kidney ischemia/reperfusion. Furthermore, our experiments showed significant induction of PFKFB3 in mouse kidneys following UUO or kidney ischemia/reperfusion. To delve deeper into the role of PFKFB3, we generated mice with Pfkfb3 deficiency, specifically in myofibroblasts (Pfkfb3f/f/PostnMCM). Following UUO or kidney ischemia/reperfusion, a substantial decrease in fibrosis in the injured kidneys of Pfkfb3f/f/PostnMCM mice was identified compared to their wild-type littermates. Additionally, in cultured renal fibroblast NRK-49F cells, PFKFB3 was elevated upon exposure to TGFβ1, accompanied by an increase in α-SMA and fibronectin. Notably, this upregulation was significantly diminished with PFKFB3 knockdown, correlated with glycolysis suppression. Mechanistically, the glycolytic metabolite lactate promoted the fibrotic activation of NRK-49F cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the critical role of PFKFB3 in driving fibroblast activation and subsequent renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhua Yang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Emily Huo
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Augusta Preparatory Day School, 285 Flowing Wells Rd, Martinez, GA 30907, USA
| | - Yongfeng Cai
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Charles Dong
- Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - John M. Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Qingqing Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Karaś K, Karwaciak I, Chałaśkiewicz K, Sałkowska A, Pastwińska J, Bachorz RA, Ratajewski M. Anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor AT7519. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:115002. [PMID: 37311277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancerous tumors and one of the leading causes of death among cancer-related disorders. Chemotherapy is ineffective in HCC patients, and the number of drugs that are in use is limited. Thus, new molecules are needed that could increase the effectiveness of anti-HCC regimens. Here, we show that AT7519, a CDK inhibitor, exerts positive effects on HCC cells: it inhibits proliferation, migration and clonogenicity. Detailed analysis of the transcriptomes of cells treated with this compound indicated that AT7519 affects a substantial portion of genes that are associated with HCC development and progression. Moreover, we showed that the concomitant use of AT7519 with gefitinib or cabozantinib sensitized HCC cells to these drugs. Thus, our research indicates that AT7519 is worth considering in monotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients or in combination with other drugs, e.g., gefitinib or cabozantinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Karaś
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Iwona Karwaciak
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chałaśkiewicz
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Sałkowska
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Pastwińska
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafał A Bachorz
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Ratajewski
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland.
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