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Valente LC, Bacil GP, Riechelmann-Casarin L, Barbosa GC, Barbisan LF, Romualdo GR. Exploring in vitro modeling in hepatocarcinogenesis research: morphological and molecular features and similarities to the corresponding human disease. Life Sci 2024:122781. [PMID: 38848937 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122781] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) features a remarkable epidemiological burden, ranking as the third most lethal cancer worldwide. As the HCC-related molecular and cellular complexity unfolds as the disease progresses, the use of a myriad of in vitro models available is mandatory in translational preclinical research setups. In this review paper, we will compile cutting-edge information on the in vitro bioassays for HCC research, (A) emphasizing their morphological and molecular parallels with human HCC; (B) delineating the advantages and limitations of their application; and (C) offering perspectives on their prospective applications. While bidimensional (2D) (co) culture setups provide a rapid low-cost strategy for metabolism and drug screening investigations, tridimensional (3D) (co) culture bioassays - including patient-derived protocols as organoids and precision cut slices - surpass some of the 2D strategies limitations, mimicking the complex microarchitecture and cellular and non-cellular microenvironment observed in human HCC. 3D models have become invaluable tools to unveil HCC pathophysiology and targeted therapy. In both setups, the recapitulation of HCC in different etiologies/backgrounds (i.e., viral, fibrosis, and fatty liver) may be considered as a fundamental guide for obtaining translational findings. Therefore, a "multimodel" approach - encompassing the advantages of different in vitro bioassays - is encouraged to circumvent "model-biased" outcomes in preclinical HCC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Cardoso Valente
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Brazil
| | - Gabriel Prata Bacil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Brazil
| | - Luana Riechelmann-Casarin
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Brazil
| | | | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Brazil.
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2
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Shaban NZ, Hegazy WA, Abu-Serie MM, Talaat IM, Awad OM, Habashy NH. Seedless black Vitis vinifera polyphenols suppress hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by targeting apoptosis, cancer stem cells, and proliferation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116638. [PMID: 38688169 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116638] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor and one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Here, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo ameliorating impacts of seedless black Vitis vinifera (VV) polyphenols on HCC. Following the preparation of the VV crude extract (VVCE) from seedless VV (pulp and skin), three fractions (VVF1, VVF2, and VVF3) were prepared. The anticancer potencies of the prepared fractions, compared to 5-FU, were assessed against HepG2 and Huh7 cells. In addition, the effects of these fractions on p-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced HCC in mice were evaluated. The predicted impacts of selected phenolic constituents of VV fractions on the activity of essential HCC-associated enzymes (NADPH oxidase "NADPH-NOX2", histone deacetylase 1 "HDAC1", and sepiapterin reductase "SepR") were analyzed using molecular docking. The results showed that VVCE and its fractions induced apoptosis and collapsed CD133+ stem cells in the studied cancer cell lines with an efficiency greater than 5-FU. VVF1 and VVF2 exhibited the most effective anticancer fractions in vitro; therefore, we evaluated their influences in mice. VVF1 and VVF2 improved liver morphology and function, induced apoptosis, and lowered the fold expression of various crucial genes that regulate cancer stem cells and other vital pathways for HCC progression. For most of the examined parameters, VVF1 and VVF2 had higher potency than 5-FU, and VVF1 showed more efficiency than VVF2. The selected phenolic compounds displayed competitive inhibitory action on NADPH-NOX2, HDAC1, and SepR. In conclusion, these findings declare that VV polyphenolic fractions, particularly VVF1, could be promising safe anti-HCC agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Z Shaban
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Walaa A Hegazy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Marwa M Abu-Serie
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Iman M Talaat
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Olfat M Awad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Noha H Habashy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt
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3
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Ali FEM, Ibrahim IM, Althagafy HS, Hassanein EHM. Role of immunotherapies and stem cell therapy in the management of liver cancer: A comprehensive review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112011. [PMID: 38581991 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112011] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) is the sixth most common disease and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The WHO predicts that more than 1 million deaths will occur from LC by 2030. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of primary LC. Today, the management of LC involves multiple disciplines, and multimodal therapy is typically selected on an individual basis, considering the intricate interactions between the patient's overall health, the stage of the tumor, and the degree of underlying liver disease. Currently, the treatment of cancers, including LC, has undergone a paradigm shift in the last ten years because of immuno-oncology. To treat HCC, immune therapy approaches have been developed to enhance or cause the body's natural immune response to specifically target tumor cells. In this context, immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, engineered cytokines, adoptive cell therapy, immune cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors, and therapeutic cancer vaccines have advanced to clinical trials and offered new hope to cancer patients. The outcomes of these treatments are encouraging. Additionally, treatment using stem cells is a new approach for restoring deteriorated tissues because of their strong differentiation potential and capacity to release cytokines that encourage cell division and the formation of blood vessels. Although there is no proof that stem cell therapy works for many types of cancer, preclinical research on stem cells has shown promise in treating HCC. This review provides a recent update regarding the impact of immunotherapy and stem cells in HCC and promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Islam M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
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Pandey P, Elsori D, Kumar R, Lakhanpal S, Rautela I, Alqahtani TM, Ahmad F, Iqbal D, Khan F. Ferroptosis targeting natural compounds as a promising approach for developing potent liver cancer agents. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399677. [PMID: 38738178 PMCID: PMC11082342 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399677] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. However, treatment options, including surgical resection, transplantation, and molecular drug therapies, are of limited effectiveness. Recent studies have demonstrated that suppressing ferroptosis might be a pivotal signal for liver cancer initiation, thus providing a new way to combat liver cancer. Ferroptosis is a distinct form of controlled cell death that differs from conventional cell death routes like apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis. It results from intracellular iron overload, which raises iron-dependent reactive oxygen species. This, in turn, leads to the accumulation of lipid peroxides that further result in oxidative damage to cell membranes, disrupt normal functioning, and ultimately speed up the ferroptosis phenomenon. Ferroptosis regulation is intricately linked to cellular physiological processes, encompassing iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the equilibrium between oxygen-free radical reactions and lipid peroxidation. This review intends to summarize the natural compounds targeting ferroptosis in liver cancer to offer new therapeutic ideas for liver cancer. Furthermore, it serves as the foundation for identifying and applying chemical medicines and natural chemicals that target ferroptosis to treat liver cancer efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Deena Elsori
- Faculty of Resilience, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sorabh Lakhanpal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Indra Rautela
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Tariq Mohammed Alqahtani
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah university, Al Majma’ah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fuzail Ahmad
- Respiratory Care Department, College of Applied Sciences, Almaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Khan
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Gryziak M, Kraj L, Stec R. The role of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma-from bench to bedside: A review. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38651642 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite progress in treatment, recurrence after radical treatment is common, and the prognosis remains poor for patients with advanced disease. Therefore, there is a need to identify prognostic and predictive factors for the response to therapy or more intensive surveillance or treatment. Because the tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the development of cancer and metastasis, it is a crucial need to understand processes that are involved in carcinogenesis. Within the microenvironment, several immune cells with different roles are present. One of the most important of these is tumor-associated macrophages. These cells may exert either antitumor or protumor roles. Several studies have suggested that tumor-associated macrophages can be used as prognostic markers. Furthermore, they may be involved in resistance to immunotherapy or systemic treatment. As they play an important role in cancer development, tumor-associated macrophages are also a good target for therapy. In this review, we briefly summarize recent progress on knowledge regarding the basic molecular characteristics, impact on prognosis and potential clinical implications of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Gryziak
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kraj
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Rafał Stec
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Cui Z, Li G, Shi Y, Zhao X, Wang J, Hu S, Chen C, Li G. A prognostic signature established based on genes related to tumor microenvironment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6537-6549. [PMID: 38579170 PMCID: PMC11042935 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205722] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex cellular signaling network in the tumor microenvironment (TME) could serve as an indicator for the prognostic classification of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to screen prognosis-related TME-related genes (TRGs), based on which HCC samples were clustered by running non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm. Furthermore, the correlation between different molecular HCC subtypes and immune cell infiltration level was analyzed. Finally, a risk score (RS) model was established by LASSO and Cox regression analyses (CRA) using these TRGs. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). RESULTS HCC patients were divided into three molecular subtypes (C1, C2, and C3) based on 704 prognosis-related TRGs. HCC subtype C1 had significantly better OS than C2 and C3. We selected 13 TRGs to construct the RS model. Univariate and multivariate CRA showed that the RS could independently predict patients' prognosis. A nomogram integrating the RS and clinicopathologic features of the patients was further created. We also validated the reliability of the model according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve value, concordance index (C-index), and decision curve analysis. The current findings demonstrated that the RS was significantly correlated with CD8+ T cells, monocytic lineage, and myeloid dendritic cells. CONCLUSION This study provided TRGs to help classify patients with HCC and predict their prognoses, contributing to personalized treatments for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfeng Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yanbin Shi
- Department of Radiology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Shanlei Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Chunguang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Zhengzhou 450000, China
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7
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Akbulut Z, Aru B, Aydın F, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379622. [PMID: 38638433 PMCID: PMC11024234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379622] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, remains a major public health problem worldwide. The immune microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating tumor progression and resistance to therapy, and in HCC, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an abundance of immunosuppressive cells and signals that facilitate immune evasion and metastasis. Recently, anti-cancer immunotherapies, therapeutic interventions designed to modulate the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer, have become an important cornerstone of cancer therapy. Immunotherapy has demonstrated the ability to improve survival and provide durable cancer control in certain groups of HCC patients, while reducing adverse side effects. These findings represent a significant step toward improving cancer treatment outcomes. As demonstrated in clinical trials, the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly in combination with anti-angiogenic agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has prolonged survival in a subset of patients with HCC, providing an alternative for patients who progress on first-line therapy. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of HCC and the role of the immune system in its development, and to summarize the findings of clinical trials involving ICIs, either as monotherapies or in combination with other agents in the treatment of the disease. Challenges and considerations regarding the administration of ICIs in the treatment of HCC are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Akbulut
- Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Başak Aru
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Furkan Aydın
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Hsu CY, Mustafa MA, Kumar A, Pramanik A, Sharma R, Mohammed F, Jawad IA, Mohammed IJ, Alshahrani MY, Ali Khalil NAM, Shnishil AT, Abosaoda MK. Exploiting the immune system in hepatic tumor targeting: Unleashing the potential of drugs, natural products, and nanoparticles. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155266. [PMID: 38554489 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic tumors present a formidable challenge in cancer therapeutics, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. In recent years, targeting the immune system has attracted interest to augment existing therapeutic efficacy. The immune system in hepatic tumors includes numerous cells with diverse actions. CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T lymphocytes, alternative M1 macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells provide the antitumor immunity. However, Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the key immune inhibitor cells. Tumor stroma can also affect these interactions. Targeting these cells and their secreted molecules is intriguing for eliminating malignant cells. The current review provides a synopsis of the immune system components involved in hepatic tumor expansion and highlights the molecular and cellular pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. It also overviews the diverse range of drugs, natural products, immunotherapy drugs, and nanoparticles that have been investigated to manipulate immune responses and bolster antitumor immunity. The review also addresses the potential advantages and challenges associated with these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City 71710, Taiwan
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Atreyi Pramanik
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajiv Sharma
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Faraj Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Maysan, Iraq
| | | | - Imad Jasim Mohammed
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of technical engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Iraq
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9
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De Battista D, Yakymi R, Scheibe E, Sato S, Gerstein H, Markowitz TE, Lack J, Mereu R, Manieli C, Zamboni F, Farci P. Identification of Two Distinct Immune Subtypes in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1370. [PMID: 38611048 PMCID: PMC11011136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071370] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
HBV is the most common risk factor for HCC development, accounting for almost 50% of cases worldwide. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy, there is limited information on the HBV-HCC tumor microenvironment (TME), which may influence the response to checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we characterize the TME in a unique series of liver specimens from HBV-HCC patients to identify who might benefit from immunotherapy. By combining an extensive immunohistochemistry analysis with the transcriptomic profile of paired liver samples (tumor vs. nontumorous tissue) from 12 well-characterized Caucasian patients with HBV-HCC, we identified two distinct tumor subtypes that we defined immune-high and immune-low. The immune-high subtype, seen in half of the patients, is characterized by a high number of infiltrating B and T cells in association with stromal activation and a transcriptomic profile featuring inhibition of antigen presentation and CTL activation. All the immune-high tumors expressed high levels of CTLA-4 and low levels of PD-1, while PD-L1 was present only in four of six cases. In contrast, the immune-low subtype shows significantly lower lymphocyte infiltration and stromal activation. By whole exome sequencing, we documented that four out of six individuals with the immune-low subtype had missense mutations in the CTNNB1 gene, while only one patient had mutations in this gene in the immune-high subtype. Outside the tumor, there were no differences between the two subtypes. This study identifies two distinctive immune subtypes in HBV-associated HCC, regardless of the microenvironment observed in the surrounding nontumorous tissue, providing new insights into pathogenesis. These findings may be instrumental in the identification of patients who might benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Battista
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Rylee Yakymi
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Evangeline Scheibe
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Shinya Sato
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Hannah Gerstein
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Tovah E. Markowitz
- Integrated Data Sciences Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Justin Lack
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Roberto Mereu
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047 Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Cristina Manieli
- Sevizio di Anatomia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Fausto Zamboni
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047 Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
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10
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Yin KL, Chu KJ, Li M, Duan YX, Yu YX, Kang MQ, Fu D, Liao R. Immune Regulatory Networks and Therapy of γδ T Cells in Liver Cancer: Recent Trends and Advancements. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:287-297. [PMID: 38426194 PMCID: PMC10899867 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The roles of γδ T cells in liver cancer, especially in the potential function of immunotherapy due to their direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and secretion of important cytokines and chemokines, have aroused research interest. This review briefly describes the basic characteristics of γδ T cells, focusing on their diverse effects on liver cancer. In particular, different subtypes of γδ T cells have diverse or even opposite effects on liver cancer. We provide a detailed description of the immune regulatory network of γδ T cells in liver cancer from two aspects: immune components and nonimmune components. The interactions between various components in this immune regulatory network are dynamic and pluralistic, ultimately determining the biological effects of γδ T cells in liver cancer. We also integrate the current knowledge of γδ T-cell immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment, emphasizing the potential of these cells in liver cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Li Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Jian Chu
- Biliary Surgical Department I, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgical Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Xi Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei-Qing Kang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Da Fu
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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11
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Wonglhow J, Sunpaweravong P, Sathitruangsak C, Dechaphunkul A. LABS score- a prognostic tool for FOLFOX4-treated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and real-world efficacy: a single-center retrospective study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:281. [PMID: 38429725 PMCID: PMC10908120 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12040-z] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No widely used prognostic tool exists to demonstrate the benefit of oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (FOLFOX4) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to establish a prognostic score and demonstrate the real-world efficacy of FOLFOX4 chemotherapy in Thai patients. METHODS Between August 2017 and December 2021, we identified 58 FOLFOX4-treated patients with HCC. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) were assessed. The prognostic score was constructed by stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to select variables for the best model with the lowest Akaike information criterion from all potential variables. RESULTS Forty-four patients (76%) received FOLFOX4 as first-line therapy. The ORR in the entire cohort was 8.6%, and the disease control rate was 29.3%. The PFS and OS were 3.7 and 4.8 months, respectively. Four clinically relevant variables were included in the new prognostic score to predict 6-month OS: L, the presence of lung metastasis; A, alcoholic cirrhosis; B, elevated total bilirubin level; and S, sorafenib-naïve status. Using the LABS score, patients were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, demonstrating OS values of 9.3, 4.2, and 2.1 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). The C-index and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the score were 0.71 and 0.73, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The proposed LABS score could discriminate patients who would derive benefit from FOLFOX4 chemotherapy. FOLFOX4 chemotherapy is an option for patients who cannot receive immunotherapy and targeted therapy, particularly those with a low-risk score. However, further validation of this model via larger cohorts is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirapat Wonglhow
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Patrapim Sunpaweravong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Chirawadee Sathitruangsak
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Arunee Dechaphunkul
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.
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12
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Park JG, Roh PR, Kang MW, Cho SW, Hwangbo S, Jung HD, Kim HU, Kim JH, Yoo JS, Han JW, Jang JW, Choi JY, Yoon SK, You YK, Choi HJ, Ryu JY, Sung PS. Intrahepatic IgA complex induces polarization of cancer-associated fibroblasts to matrix phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00746. [PMID: 38466639 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play key roles in the tumor microenvironment. IgA contributes to inflammation and dismantling antitumor immunity in the human liver. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of the IgA complex on CAFs in Pil Soo Sung the tumor microenvironment of HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS CAF dynamics in HCC tumor microenvironment were analyzed through single-cell RNA sequencing of HCC samples. CAFs isolated from 50 HCC samples were treated with mock or serum-derived IgA dimers in vitro. Progression-free survival of patients with advanced HCC treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab was significantly longer in those with low serum IgA levels ( p <0.05). Single-cell analysis showed that subcluster proportions in the CAF-fibroblast activation protein-α matrix were significantly increased in patients with high serum IgA levels. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in the mean fluorescence intensity of fibroblast activation protein in the CD68 + cells from patients with high serum IgA levels ( p <0.001). We confirmed CD71 (IgA receptor) expression in CAFs, and IgA-treated CAFs exhibited higher programmed death-ligand 1 expression levels than those in mock-treated CAFs ( p <0.05). Coculture with CAFs attenuated the cytotoxic function of activated CD8 + T cells. Interestingly, activated CD8 + T cells cocultured with IgA-treated CAFs exhibited increased programmed death-1 expression levels than those cocultured with mock-treated CAFs ( p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Intrahepatic IgA induced polarization of HCC-CAFs into more malignant matrix phenotypes and attenuates cytotoxic T-cell function. Our study highlighted their potential roles in tumor progression and immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pu Reun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Woo Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Cho
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Hwangbo
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Deok Jung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Uk Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Yoo
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyoung You
- Department of Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Joong Choi
- Department of Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Ryu
- Department of Biotechnology, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Li RX, Hao Y, Ettel M. Expression of PSMA in Tumor-Associated Vasculature Predicts Poorer Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Is Likely Associated With PD-L1. Int J Surg Pathol 2024:10668969241226705. [PMID: 38321782 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241226705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein recently found to be expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to characterize the expression pattern of PSMA in HCC and its association with clinicopathologic parameters and other biomarkers. METHODS Immunohistochemical studies for PSMA were performed on a previously established tissue microarray of 103 surgically resected HCC. RESULTS Conceivable PSMA expression in ≥5% tumor-associated vasculature (TAV) was considered positive, and was identified in 56 (54.4%) tumors. Eight (7.8%) tumors also showed membranous/cytoplasmic and/or canalicular staining in tumor cells. By chi-square tests, only PSMA-positive TAV was associated with moderate-to-poorly differentiated HCC and the modified higher tumor stage (P < .05). PSMA-positive TAV was not associated with age, sex, or expression of glypican-3, keratin 7, CD3, CD8, HHLA-2, but marginally correlated with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (P = .052). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed PSMA-positive TAV as an independent risk factor for poorer disease-specific survival (P = .008). Co-expression of PD-L1 did not ameliorate the adverse prognostication of PSMA-positive TAV. Membranous/cytoplasmic/canalicular expression of PSMA alone was not prognostically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed that PSMA-positive TAV is a prospective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. Co-expression of PSMA with PD-L1 may suggest potential crosstalk between the 2 proteins, likely regulating the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena X Li
- High School Intern, Pittsford Mendon High School, Pittsford, NY, USA
| | - Yansheng Hao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mark Ettel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Gorji L, Brown ZJ, Pawlik TM. Advances and considerations in the use of immunotherapies for primary hepato-biliary malignancies. Surg Oncol 2024; 52:102031. [PMID: 38128340 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2023.102031] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) comprise the two most common primary liver malignancies. Curative treatment options often include hepatectomy or liver transplantation; however, many patients present with advanced disease that is not amenable to surgical management. In turn, many patients are treated with systemic or targeted therapy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network of immune cells and somatic cells, which can foster an environment for disease development and progression, as well as susceptibility and resistance to systemic therapeutic agents. In particular, the TME is comprised of both immune and non-immune cells. Immune cells such as T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and neutrophils reside in the TME and can affect tumorigenesis, disease progression, as well as response to therapy. Given the importance of the immune system, there are many emerging approaches for cancer immunotherapy. We herein provide a review the latest data on immunotherapy for primary HCC and BTC relative to the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leva Gorji
- Department of Surgery, Kettering Health Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA.
| | - Zachary J Brown
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York University - Long Island, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA.
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
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15
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Wang J, Liu C, Hu R, Wu L, Li C. Statin therapy: a potential adjuvant to immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1324140. [PMID: 38362156 PMCID: PMC10867224 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1324140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancer. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related therapies combined with angiogenesis inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of HCC in late-stage and unresectable HCC, as ICIs alone were disappointing in treating HCC. In addition to the altered immune microenvironment, abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver has been extensively characterized in various types of HCC. Stains are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties and their long history of treating hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Apart from ICI and other conventional therapies, statins are frequently used by advanced HCC patients with dyslipidemia, which is often marked by the abnormal accumulation of cholesterol and fatty acids in the liver. Supported by a body of preclinical and clinical studies, statins may unexpectedly enhance the efficacy of ICI therapy in HCC patients through the regulation of inflammatory responses and the immune microenvironment. This review discusses the abnormal changes in lipid metabolism in HCC, summarizes the clinical evidence and benefits of stain use in HCC, and prospects the possible mechanistic actions of statins in transforming the immune microenvironment in HCC when combined with immunotherapies. Consequently, the use of statin therapy may emerge as a novel and valuable adjuvant for immunotherapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ronghua Hu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Licheng Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Chuanzhou Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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16
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Wang P, Tong K, Li Y, Li X, Zhang Y, Gu J, Lei P, Yan S, Hu P. The role and mechanism of HIF-1α-mediated glypican-3 secretion in hypoxia-induced tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111007. [PMID: 38081444 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111007] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the expression and secretion mechanism of glypican-3 (GPC3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells under hypoxic conditions, and its role in tumor progression. METHODS Huh7 cells with and without the knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) were cultured under 1% O2 for varying durations to induce hypoxia. The expression levels of GPC3, HSP70, CD63, STX11 and SYT7 in the cytoplasm and exosomes of Huh7 cells were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence. GPC3 protein expression was further measured in cells treated with GW4869 under hypoxic conditions. Huh7 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with the exosomes extracted from the control and GPC3-knockdown cells, the cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and in vitro angiogenesis were analyzed. Tumor xenografts were established to assess the role of GPC3-deficient exosomes in tumor growth. RESULTS Hypoxic culture conditions downregulated GPC3, STX11 and SYT7 protein levels in the Huh7 cells and upregulated GPC3 mRNA, and also increased GPC3 protein expression in the exosomes. HIF-1α knockdown, as well as treatment with GW4869, upregulated GPC3 protein in the Huh7 cells grown under 1% O2, but downregulated exosomal GPC3. Furthermore, exosomes derived from the GPC3-knockdown cells inhibited the proliferation and migration of Huh7 cells, decreased the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, β-catenin, c-Myc and cyclin D1, and increased that of E-cadherin. Likewise, the GPC3-deficient exosomes also suppressed the invasion and tube formation ability of the HUVECs compared to that of control cells. Consistent with the in vitro results, the GPC3-deficient exosomes also repressed tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION Hypoxia promoted secretion of exosomal GPC3 through the activation of HIF-1α. GPC3-deficient exosomes inhibited the proliferation, migration and EMT of HCC cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and suppressed the angiogenic potential of HUVECs. This provided a novel understanding of the role of exosomal GPC3 in HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingfeng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China; Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China
| | - Kun Tong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huanggang Central Hospital, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China
| | - Xuejie Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of HCC, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000.China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China
| | - Jiangxue Gu
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China
| | - Panwei Lei
- Hospital of Stomatology Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000. China
| | - Shirong Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China.
| | - Pei Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China; Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000. China.
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17
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Sheng M, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Liu W, Wang X, Ke T, Liu P, Wang S, Shao W. Decoding the role of aberrant RNA alternative splicing in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17691-17708. [PMID: 37898981 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05474-8] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
During eukaryotic gene expression, alternative splicing of messenger RNA precursors is critical in increasing protein diversity and regulatory complexity. Multiple transcript isoforms could be produced by alternative splicing from a single gene; they could eventually be translated into protein isoforms with deleted, added, or altered domains or produce transcripts containing premature termination codons that could be targeted by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Alternative splicing can generate proteins with similar, different, or even opposite functions. Increasingly strong evidence indicates that abnormal RNA splicing is a prevalent and crucial occurrence in cellular differentiation, tissue advancement, and the development and progression of cancer. Aberrant alternative splicing could affect cancer cell activities such as growth, apoptosis, invasiveness, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and metabolism. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of abnormal RNA alternative splicing on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Sheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yaoyun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weiyi Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xingyu Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tiaoying Ke
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pingyang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sihan Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Wei Shao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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18
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Liu C, Jia Y, Zhao X, Wang Z, Zhu X, Zhang C, Li X, Zhao X, Gong T, Zhao H, Zhang D, Niu Y, Dong X, Li G, Li F, Zhang H, Zhang L, Xu J, Yu B. Targeting B4GALT7 suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma through the Cdc2/CyclinB1 and miR-338-3p/MMP2 pathway. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16450. [PMID: 38025683 PMCID: PMC10668818 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16450] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As a three-dimensional network involving glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans (PGs) and other glycoproteins, the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumorigenesis is well revealed. Abnormal glycosylation in liver cancer is correlated with tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. However, the role of galactosyltransferase in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) is largely unknown. Methods Here, the oncogenic functions of B4GALT7 (beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 7) were identified in HCC by a panel of in vitro experiments, including MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), colony formation, transwell and flow cytometry assay. The expression of B4GALT7 in HCC cell lines and tissues were examined by qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and western blot assay. The binding between B4GALT7 and miR-338-3p was examined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results B4GALT7 encodes galactosyltransferase I and it is highly expressed in HCC cells and human HCC tissues compared with para-tumor specimens. MiR-338-3p was identified to bind the 3' UTR (untranslated region) of B4GALT7. Highly expressed miR-338-3p suppressed HCC cell invasive abilities and rescued the tumor-promoting effect of B4GALT7 in HCC. ShRNA (short hairpin RNA) mediated B4GALT7 suppression reduced HCC cell invasive abilities, and inhibited the expression of MMP-2 and Erk signaling. Conclusion These findings identified B4GALT7 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuqi Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zifeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoning Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuhua Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuhu Niu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiushan Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Gaopeng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Cancer Hospital; Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanxi Cancer Hospital; Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Baofeng Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
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Li W, Zhao B, Wang Q, Lu J, Wu X, Chen X. Integrated analysis of tumour-derived exosome-related immune genes to predict progression and immune status of hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Immunol 2023; 256:109774. [PMID: 37774907 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109774] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumour-derived exosomes (TDEs) play an important role in tumourigenesis and progression by regulating components in the tumour microenvironment (TME), however, the role of TDE-related immune genes in hepatocellular carcinoma is not fully known. We systematically analysed TDE genes from ExoCarta and immune genes from Immport,Machine learning ultimately identified eight TDE-related prognostic immune genes and used them as the basis for constructing a risk model, which was constructed to better predict patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with published prognostic models. There were significant differences between the high and low risk groups in terms of biological functioning. Low-risk group were more sensitive to immunotherapy, the sensitivity to oxaliplatin and cisplatin differed between the high- and low-risk groups, and knockout of the core gene RAC1 limited the malignant biological behaviour of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In conclusion, TIRGs are effective in predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and provide a new perspective on immunotherapy and chemotherapy for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Li
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of High Morbidity in Central Asia, National Health and Health Commission, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of High Morbidity in Central Asia, National Health and Health Commission, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Qianwen Wang
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of High Morbidity in Central Asia, National Health and Health Commission, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Junxia Lu
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of High Morbidity in Central Asia, National Health and Health Commission, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of High Morbidity in Central Asia, National Health and Health Commission, Shihezi 832000, China.
| | - Xueling Chen
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China; Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of High Morbidity in Central Asia, National Health and Health Commission, Shihezi 832000, China.
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Yang D, Kuang T, Zhou Y, Su Y, Shen J, Yu B, Zhao K, Ding Y. Tumor-associated endothelial cell prognostic risk model and tumor immune environment modulation in liver cancer based on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing: Experimental verification. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110870. [PMID: 37690233 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110870] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To build a prognostic and immunotherapeutic response prediction model for liver cancer based on marker genes of tumor-associated endothelial cell (TEC). METHOD Single cell sequencing data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) liver cancer patients were utilized to identify TEC subpopulations. Models were built from transcriptomic and clinical data of TCGA liver cancer patients. The GSE76427 and ICGC databases were used as independent validation sets. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to verify the ability of the model to predict survival. XCELL, TIMER, QUANTISEQ, CIBERSORT, CIBERSORT-ABS, and ssGSEA were applied to evaluate tumor immune cell infiltration. The TIDE score was used to predict the effect of immunotherapy. Immune blockade checkpoint gene, tumor mutational load and GSVA enrichment analyses were further explored. The expression levels of candidate genes were measured and validated by real-time PCR between liver cancer tissues and adjacent nontumor liver tissues. RESULTS Eighty-seven genes were identified as marker genes for TECs. IGFBP3, RHOC, S100A16, FSCN1, and CLEC3B were included in the constructed prognostic model. Time-dependent ROC curve values were higher than 0.700 in both the model and validation groups. The low risk group exhibited high immune cell infiltration and function than the higher risk group. The TIDE score indicated that the low-risk group benefited more from immunotherapy than the high-risk group. The risk score and multiple immune blockade checkpoint genes and immune-related pathways were strongly correlated. CONCLUSION Novel signatures of TEC marker genes showed a powerful ability to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashuai Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Tianrui Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Yang Su
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College in Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Kailiang Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
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Bolshette N, Ibrahim H, Reinke H, Asher G. Circadian regulation of liver function: from molecular mechanisms to disease pathophysiology. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:695-707. [PMID: 37291279 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A wide variety of liver functions are regulated daily by the liver circadian clock and via systemic circadian control by other organs and cells within the gastrointestinal tract as well as the microbiome and immune cells. Disruption of the circadian system, as occurs during jetlag, shift work or an unhealthy lifestyle, is implicated in several liver-related pathologies, ranging from metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to liver malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma. In this Review, we cover the molecular, cellular and organismal aspects of various liver pathologies from a circadian viewpoint, and in particular how circadian dysregulation has a role in the development and progression of these diseases. Finally, we discuss therapeutic and lifestyle interventions that carry health benefits through support of a functional circadian clock that acts in synchrony with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nityanand Bolshette
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hussam Ibrahim
- University of Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Reinke
- University of Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Gad Asher
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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22
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Chen X, Liu X, Du S. Unveiling the Role of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells and Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5046. [PMID: 37894413 PMCID: PMC10605632 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205046] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rapidly rising global health concern, ranking as the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite medical advancements, the five-year survival rate remains a dismal 18%, with a daunting 70% recurrence rate within a five-year period. Current systematic treatments, including first-line sorafenib, yield an overall response rate (ORR) below 10%. In contrast, immunotherapies have shown promise by improving ORR to approximately 30%. The IMbravel150 clinical trial demonstrates that combining atezolizumab and bevacizumab surpasses sorafenib in terms of median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the therapeutic efficacy for HCC patients remains unsatisfactory, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of antitumor responses and immune evasion mechanisms in HCC. In this context, understanding the immune landscape of HCC is of paramount importance. Tumor-infiltrating T cells, including cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, and natural killer T cells, are key components in the antitumor immune response. This review aims to shed light on their intricate interactions within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and explores potential strategies for revitalizing dysfunctional T cells. Additionally, current immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based trials, ICI-based combination therapies, and CAR-T- or TCR-T-cell therapies for HCC are summarized, which might further improve OS and transform the management of HCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (X.C.); (X.L.)
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (X.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Shunda Du
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; (X.C.); (X.L.)
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Yu X, Fan X, Zhang X, Wei P, Zhou H, Liu D, Chen B. miR-429 inhibits the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment to counteract hepatocellular carcinoma immune escape by targeting PD-L1. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:312. [PMID: 37775648 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01231-9] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in immunotherapeutic approaches have the potential to bring new hope to the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The tumor microenvironment contributes significantly to tumor development and progression. In this study, miR-429 overexpression was found to inhibit proliferation, invasion, and clonogenicity while promoting apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, co-culture of miR-429-overpressing or silenced HepG2 cells with PBMCs showed that miR-429 induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration, decreased the numbers of Tregs, inhibited CD8+ T cell apoptosis and exhaustion, and enhanced CD8+ T cell functions in PBMCs. miR-429 was found to prevent an immunosuppressive HCC microenvironment by targeting and suppressing PD-L1. In a C57BL/6 mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, overexpression of miR-429 reduced tumorigenesis and both tumor volumes and weights were decreased relative to controls. In addition, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were increased, Tregs were reduced, and CD8+ T cell apoptosis and depletion were reduced in the tumor tissues induced by miR-429-overexpressing HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehai Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiongwei Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Wuzhong People's Hospital Affiliated to Ningxia Medical University, Wuzhong, 751100, Ningxia, China
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Peng Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Hongcai Zhou
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Bendong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
- Ningxia Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgical Diseases Clinical Research Center, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
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Hu P, Xu L, Liu Y, Zhang X, Li Z, Li Y, Qiu H. Identification of molecular pattern and prognostic risk model based on ligand-receptor pairs in liver cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1187108. [PMID: 37818360 PMCID: PMC10560727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1187108] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma is composed of multiple cells, and the interactive communication between cells drives tumor progression and characterizes the tumor. Communication between cells is mainly achieved through signal transduction between receptor ligands, and the rise of single-cell technology has made it possible to analyze the communication network between cells. Methods We applied a train of bioinformatic techniques and in vitro experiments. We analyzed the composition of the microenvironment of liver cancer by combining single-cell sequencing data and transcriptome sequencing data from liver cancer to construct molecular typing and risk models for LRs. Then, we analyzed association of it with prognosis, mutation, KEGG, tumor microenvironment (TME), immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and drug sensitivity in liver cancer. qPCR and was used to identify SLC1A5 expression in LIHC cell lines and CCK8, transwell and cell colony formation were performed to validate the function of SLC1A5. Meanwhile, we also performed polarization of macrophages. Results In this experiment, we found that liver cancer tissues are rich in immune and mesenchymal cells, and there is extensive signaling between individual cells, so we constructed molecular typing and risk models for LRs. Combining clinical data revealed significant differences in clinical characteristics, prognosis and mutated genes between the molecular typing of receptor-ligand pairs, as well as in sensitivity to drugs; similarly, there were significant prognostic differences between the risk models. There were also notable differences in activated signaling pathways, infiltrating immune cells and immune subtypes. Subsequently, we used siRNA to knock down SLC1A5 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and found that cell proliferation, migration and invasion were diminished. Conclusions In conclusion, our LRs model may become a marker to guide clinical treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Mun K, Han J, Roh P, Park J, Kim G, Hur W, Jang J, Choi J, Yoon S, You Y, Choi H, Sung P. Isolation and characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:341-349. [PMID: 37488925 PMCID: PMC10565539 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.04.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an immunosuppressive role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human cancers; however, their characteristics and role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be elucidated. METHODS Nine tumor and surrounding liver tissue samples from patients with HCC who underwent surgery were used to isolate patient-derived CAFs. Cell morphology was observed using an optical microscope after culture, and cell phenotypes were evaluated using flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Cytokines secreted by CAFs into culture medium were quantified using a multiplex cytokine assay. RESULTS CAFs were abundant in the TME of HCC and were adjacent to immune cells. After culture, the CAFs and non-tumor fibroblasts exhibited spindle shapes. We observed a robust expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein in CAFs, whereas alpha-fetoprotein, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-cadherin were not expressed in CAFs. Furthermore, CAFs showed high secretion of various cytokines, namely C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2. CONCLUSIONS CAFs are abundant in the TME of HCC and play a crucial role in tumor progression. These fibroblasts secrete cytokines that promote tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoungdo Mun
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiwon Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pureun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jonggeun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gahee Kim
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jeongwon Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongyoung Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seungkew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngkyoung You
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hojoong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pilsoo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Sun B, Lei X, Cao M, Li Y, Yang LY. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells remodel the pro-metastatic tumour microenvironment through recruitment and activation of fibroblasts via paracrine Egfl7 signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:180. [PMID: 37480091 PMCID: PMC10362567 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumour microenvironment consists of a complex and dynamic milieu of cancer cells, including tumour-associated stromal cells (leukocytes, fibroblasts, vascular cells, etc.) and their extracellular products. During invasion and metastasis, cancer cells actively remodel the tumour microenvironment and alterations of microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can promote tumour progression. However, the underlying mechanisms of the CAF formation and their metastasis-promoting functions remain unclear. METHODS Primary liver fibroblasts and CAFs were isolated and characterized. CAFs in clinical samples were identified by immunohistochemical staining and the clinical significance of CAFs was also analysed in two independent cohorts. A transwell coculture system was used to confirm the role of HCC cells in CAF recruitment and activation. qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA were used to screen paracrine cytokines. The role and mechanism of Egfl7 in CAFs were explored via an in vitro coculture system and an in vivo mouse orthotopic transplantation model. RESULTS We showed that CAFs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are characterized by the expression of α-SMA and that HCC cells can recruit liver fibroblasts (LFs) and activate them to promote their transformation into CAFs. High α-SMA expression, indicating high CAF infiltration, was correlated with malignant characteristics. It was also an independent risk factor for HCC survival and could predict a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Then, we demonstrated that EGF-like domain multiple 7 (Egfl7) was preferentially secreted by HCC cells, and exhibited high potential to recruit and activate LFs into the CAF phenotype. The ability of Egfl7 to modulate LFs relies upon increased phosphorylation of FAK and AKT via the receptor ανβ3 integrin. Strikingly, CAFs activated by paracrine Egfl7 could further remodel the tumour microenvironment by depositing fibrils and collagen and in turn facilitate HCC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. CONCLUSION Our data highlighted a novel role of Egfl7 in remodelling the tumour microenvironment: it recruits LFs and activates them to promote their transformation into CAFs via the ανβ3 integrin signaling pathway, which further promotes HCC progression and contributes to poor clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Xiong Lei
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Momo Cao
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Lian-Yue Yang
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Radić J, Kožik B, Nikolić I, Kolarov-Bjelobrk I, Vasiljević T, Vranjković B, Despotović S. Multiple Roles of LOXL2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11745. [PMID: 37511503 PMCID: PMC10380739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
LOXL2, a copper-dependent amine oxidase, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased LOXL2 expression in HCC has been linked with an aggressive phenotype and represents a poor prognostic factor. Here, we focus on the mechanisms through which LOXL2 orchestrates multiple oncogenic functions in HCC development. We performed a review of the current knowledge on the roles LOXL2 performs in the modulation of the HCC tumor microenvironment, formation of premetastatic niches, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also highlighted the complex interplay between LOXL2 and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry in HCC. At the end of the review, we summarize the current LOXL2 inhibitors and discuss their potential in HCC precision treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Kožik
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11100 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Nikolić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Ivana Kolarov-Bjelobrk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vasiljević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Vranjković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Sanja Despotović
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Wei Q, Liu G, Huang Z, Huang Y, Huang L, Huang Z, Wu X, Wei H, Pu J. LncRNA MEG3 Inhibits Tumor Progression by Modulating Macrophage Phenotypic Polarization via miR-145-5p/DAB2 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1019-1035. [PMID: 37435155 PMCID: PMC10329916 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s408800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant histological type of primary liver cancer, which ranks sixth among the most common human tumors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important component of tumor microenvironment (TME) and the M2 macrophage polarization substantially contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 was reported to restrain HCC development. However, whether MEG3 regulates macrophage phenotypic polarization in HCC remains unclear. Methods Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with LPS/IFNγ and IL4/IL13 to induce the M1 and M2 macrophage polarization, respectively. M2-polarized BMDMs were simultaneously transfected with adenovirus vector overexpressing MEG3 (Adv-MEG3). Subsequently, M2-polarized BMDMs were cultured for 24 h with serum-free medium, the supernatants of which were harvested as conditioned medium (CM). HCC cell line Huh7 was cultured with CM for 24 h. F4/80+CD68+ and F4/80+CD206+ cell percentages in M1-and M2-polarized BMDMs were calculated using flow cytometry. Huh7 cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis were determined via Transwell assay and tube formation experiment. Nude mice were implanted with Huh7 cells and Adv-MEG3-transfected M2-polarizd BMDMs, and tumor growth and M2 macrophage polarization markers were assessed. The binding between miR-145-5p and MEG3 or disabled-2 (DAB2) was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Results MEG3 presented lower expression in HCC tissues than in normal controls, and low expression of MEG3 was correlated to poorer prognosis of HCC patients. MEG3 expression was enhanced during LPS/IFNγ-induced M1 polarization, but was reduced during IL4/IL13-induced M2 polarization. MEG3 overexpression inhibited the expression of M2 polarization markers in both M2-polarized BMDMs and mice. Mechanically, MEG3 bound with miR-145-5p to regulate DAB2 expression. Overexpressing MEG3 suppressed M2 polarization-induced HCC cell metastasis and angiogenesis by upregulating DAB2 and inhibited in vivo tumor growth. Conclusion LncRNA MEG3 curbs HCC development by repressing M2 macrophage polarization via miR-145-5p/DAB2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wei
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533099, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoman Liu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533099, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihua Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533099, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533099, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533099, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533099, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianjian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huamei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, People’s Republic of China
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Hendi Z, Asadi Sarabi P, Hay D, Vosough M. XBP1 as a novel molecular target to attenuate drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1207-1215. [PMID: 38078890 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2293746] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite improvements in clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prognosis remains poor with a 5-year survival rate less than 40%. Drug resistance in HCC makes it challenging to treat; therefore, it is imperative to develop new therapeutic strategies. Higher expression of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in tumor cells is highly correlated with poor prognosis. In tumor cells, XBP1 modulates the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore homeostasis in endoplasmic reticulum. Targeting XBP1 could be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome HCC resistance and improve the survival rate of patients. AREAS COVERED This review provides the recent evidence that indicates XBP1 is involved in HCC drug resistance via DNA damage response, drug inactivation, and inhibition of apoptosis. In addition, the potential roles of XBP1 in inducing resistance in HCC cells were highlighted, and we showed how its inhibition could sensitize tumor cells to controlled cell death. EXPERT OPINION Due to the diversity in molecular mechanism of multidrug-resistance, targeting one specific pathway is inadequate. XBP1 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target to overcome verity of resistance mechanisms. The main function of this transcription factor in HCC treatment response is an attractive area for further studies and should be discussed more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Hendi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Animal Biology-Cell and Developmental, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pedram Asadi Sarabi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - David Hay
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
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Spyridon P, Antonia S, Dionysia M, Ioanna S, Georgia B, Nikolaos P, Petros G, Ioannis E. Efficacy of Αtezolizumab-Βevacizumab in BCLC-C cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma according to the type of disease progression, the type of BCLC-C and liver disease severity. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04846-4. [PMID: 37199835 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04846-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of our study was to evaluate, under real-life conditions, survival of patients with advanced HCC (BCLC-C), either initially presenting in that stage or migrating from BCLC-A to BCLC-C within 2 years after curative LR/RFA, treated either with Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab or TKIs. METHODS Sixty-four cirrhotic patients with advanced HCC, who either initially presented as BCLC-C and were treated with Atezo-Bev (group A, N = 23) or TKIs (group B, N = 15) or who migrated from BCLC-A to BCLC-C stage within 2 years after LR/RFA and were either treated with Atezo-Bev (group C, N = 12) or TKIs (group D, N = 14), were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS The four groups were comparable for all baseline parameters (demographics/platelets/liver disease etiology/diabetes/varices/Child-Pugh stage/ALBI grade) except for CPT score and MELD-Na. Using Cox-regression analysis, we observed that survival of group C after systemic treatment onset was significantly higher compared to group A (HR 3.71, 1.20-11.46, p = 0.02) and presented a trend to statistical significance when compared to group D (HR 3.14, 0.95-10.35, p = 0.06), adjusted for liver disease severity scores. When all BCLC-C patients classified as such due to PS only were excluded from the study, a trend for the same survival benefit in group C was shown, even in the most difficult-to-treat population with extrahepatic disease or macrovascular invasion. CONCLUSION Cirrhotic patients with advanced HCC initially diagnosed in BCLC-C, exhibit the worst survival irrespective of treatment schedule, whereas patients progressing to BCLC-C following disease recurrence after LR/RFA, seem to mostly benefit from Atezo-Bev, even patients with extrahepatic disease and/or macrovascular invasion. Liver disease severity seems to drive survival of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantzios Spyridon
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece.
| | - Syriha Antonia
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece
| | - Mandilara Dionysia
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece
| | - Stathopoulou Ioanna
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece
| | - Barla Georgia
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece
| | - Ptohis Nikolaos
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece
| | - Galanis Petros
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece
| | - Elefsiniotis Ioannis
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology Unit, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Timiou Stavrou and Noufaron 14, Kalyftaki, N. Kifisia, 14564, Athens, Greece
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Chen J, Huang W, Xu X, Fan S, Zhang Q, Li X, Zeng Z, He J. Prognostic implications of systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1076428. [PMID: 37251953 PMCID: PMC10218693 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1076428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown that systemic inflammation indicators could predict the survival outcomes of patients with malignant tumors receiving various treatments. Radiotherapy, as a crucial treatment modality, effectively alleviates discomfort in patients with bone metastasis (BM) and greatly improves the quality of life for them. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of systemic inflammation index in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with BM treated with radiotherapy. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data collected from HCC patients with BM who received radiotherapy in our institution between January 2017 and December 2021. The pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were derived to determine their relationship with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The optimal cut-off value of the systemic inflammation indicators for predicting prognosis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to ultimately evaluate the factors associated with survival. Results The study included 239 patients with a median 14-month follow-up. The median OS was 18 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.0-24.0) and the median PFS was 8.5 months (95% CI = 6.5-9.5). The optimal cut-off values for the patients were determined by ROC curve analysis as follows: SII =395.05, NLR=5.43 and PLR = 108.23. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for SII, NLR and PLR in disease control prediction were 0.750, 0.665 and 0.676, respectively. Elevated systemic immune-inflammation index (SII>395.05) and higher NLR (NLR>5.43) were independently associated with poor OS and PFS. In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh class (P = 0.038), intrahepatic tumor controlled (P = 0.019), SII (P = 0.001) and NLR (P = 0.007) were independent prognostic factors of OS and Child-Pugh class (P = 0.042), SII (P < 0.001) and NLR (P = 0.002) were independently correlated with PFS. Conclusion NLR and SII were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients with BM receiving radiotherapy and might be considered reliable and independent prognostic biomarkers for HCC patients with BM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhan Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaonan Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Jinshan Hospital Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaochong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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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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Mustafa G, Younas S, Mahrosh HS, Albeshr MF, Bhat EA. Molecular Docking and Simulation-Binding Analysis of Plant Phytochemicals with the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Targets Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Caspase-9. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083583. [PMID: 37110817 PMCID: PMC10143645 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common forms and it has been categorized as the joint-fourth largest reason of cancer-related deaths globally. Different factors such as alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, viral infections, and fatty liver diseases are mainly related to the pathogenesis of HCC. In the current study, 1000 total various plant phytochemicals were docked to proteins involved in HCC. The compounds were docked to the active site amino acids of epidermal growth factor receptor and caspase-9 as receptor proteins in order to explore their inhibiting potential. The top five compounds against each receptor protein were explored as potential drug candidates on the basis of their binding affinity and root-mean square deviation values. The top two compounds against each protein were found to be liquoric acid (S-score -9.8 kcal/mol) and madecassic acid (S-score -9.3 kcal/mol) against EGFR, and limonin (S-score -10.5 kcal/mol) and obamegine (S-score -9.3 kcal/mol) against the caspase-9 protein. The selected phytochemicals were further assessed through drug scanning using Lipinski's rule of five to explore their molecular properties and druggability. According to the ADMET analysis, the selected phytochemicals were found to be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Finally, the molecular dynamics simulation study revealed that liquoric acid and limonin were stabilized within the binding pockets of EGFR and capase-9, respectively, and stayed firmly bound throughout the simulation. In light of the current findings, the phytochemicals reported in this study, especially liquoric acid and limonin, could be used as potential drugs for the treatment of HCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shumaila Younas
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Hafiza Salaha Mahrosh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed Fahad Albeshr
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eijaz Ahmed Bhat
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), INSERM, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
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Ebrahimi N, Far NP, Fakhr SS, Faghihkhorasani F, Miraghel SA, Chaleshtori SR, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Beiranvand S, Baziyar P, Manavi MS, Zarrabi A, Nabavi N, Ren J, Aref AR. The endocannabinoid system, a new gatekeeper in the pharmacology of human hepatocellular carcinoma. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115914. [PMID: 37062475 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite numerous prevention methodologies and treatment options, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remains as the third leading life-threatening cancer. It is thus pertinent to develop new treatment modality to fight this devastating carcinoma. Ample recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory and antitumor roles of the endocannabinoid system in various forms of cancers. Preclinical studies have also confirmed that cannabinoid therapy can be an optimal regimen for cancer treatments. The endocannabinoid system is involved in many cancer-related processes, including induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent apoptosis, autophagy, PITRK and ERK signaling pathways, cell invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes. Moreover, changes in signaling transduction of the endocannabinoid system can be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. Due to its pivotal role in lipid metabolism, the endocannabinoid system affects metabolic reprogramming as well as lipid content of exosomes. In addition, due to the importance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), several studies have examined the relationship between microRNAs and the endocannabinoid system in HCC. However, HCC is a pathological condition with high heterogeneity, and therefore using the endocannabinoid system for treatment has faced many controversies. While some studies favored a role of the endocannabinoid system in carcinogenesis and tumor induction, others exhibited the anticancer potential of endocannabinoids in HCC. In this review, specific studies delineating the relationship between endocannabinoids and HCC are examined. Based on collected findings, detailed studies of the molecular mechanism of endocannabinoids as well as preclinical studies for investigating therapeutic or carcinogenic impacts in HCC cancer are strongly suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nazanin Pazhouhesh Far
- Department of Microbiology,Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Campus, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Seyed Ali Miraghel
- Nocivelli Institute for Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Payam Baziyar
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Uinversity of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
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Fu B, Zhou M, Song G, Zeng H, Gong Y, Jiang Y, Ke Y, Huang D, Peng H, Li Q. Comprehensive analysis reveals TSEN54 as a robust prognosis biomarker and promising immune-related therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:2734-2771. [PMID: 37059591 PMCID: PMC10120902 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204645] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma represents the most common primary malignancy of all liver cancer types and its prognosis is usually unsatisfactory. TSEN54 encodes a protein constituting a subunit of the tRNA splicing endonuclease heterotetramer. Previous researches concentrated on the contribution of TSEN54 in pontocerebellar hypoplasia, but no studies have yet reported its role in HCC. METHODS TIMER, HCCDB, GEPIA, HPA, UALCAN, MEXPRESS, SMART, TargetScan, RNAinter, miRNet, starBase, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, LinkedOmics, GSEA, TISCH, TISIDB, GeneMANIA, PDB, GSCALite were applied in this research. RESULTS We identified the upregulation of TSEN54 expression in HCC and related it to multiple clinicopathological features. Hypomethylation of TSEN54 was closely associated with its high expression. HCC sufferers who held high TSEN54 expression typically had shorter survival expectations. Enrichment analysis showed the involvement of TSEN54 in the cell cycle and metabolic processes. Afterward, we observed that TSEN54 expression level had a positive relationship to the infiltration level of multiple immune cells and the expression of several chemokines. We additionally identified that TSEN54 was related to the expression level of several immune checkpoints and TSEN54 was linked to several m6A-related regulators. CONCLUSIONS TSEN54 is a prognostic marker of HCC. TSEN54 could become a prospective candidate for HCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidong Fu
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minqin Zhou
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gelin Song
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiyang Gong
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yike Jiang
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Ke
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Da Huang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, 908th Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
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Zhu J, Xu X, Jiang M, Yang F, Mei Y, Zhang X. Comprehensive characterization of ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma revealing the association with prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1145380. [PMID: 37051544 PMCID: PMC10083400 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1145380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundFerroptosis is a type of regulatory cell death (RCD) mode that depends on iron-mediated oxidative damage. It has the potential to improve the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, immunotherapy has significantly improved the overall treatment strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the distinct immune microenvironment and high tolerance to the immune make massive differences in the immunotherapy effect of HCC patients. As a result, it is imperative to classify HCC patients who may benefit from immune checkpoint therapy. Simultaneously, the predictive value of ferroptosis in HCC and its potential role in TME immune cell infiltration also need to be further clarified.MethodsThree ferroptosis molecular models were built on the basis of mRNA expression profiles of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs), with notable variations in immunocyte infiltration, biological function, and survival prediction. In order to further investigate the predictive impact of immunotherapy response in HCC patients, the ferroptosis score was constructed using the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm to quantify the ferroptosis molecular models of individual tumors.ResultsIn HCC, there were three totally different ferroptosis molecular models. The ferroptosis score can be used to assess genetic variation, immunotherapy response, TME characteristics, and prognosis. Notably, tumors with low ferroptosis scores have extensive tumor mutations and immune exhaustion, which are associated with a poor prognosis and enhanced immunotherapy response.ConclusionsOur study indicates that ferroptosis plays an indispensable role in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. For HCC, the ferroptosis score is an independent prognostic indicator. Assessing the molecular model of ferroptosis in individual tumors will assist us in better understanding the characteristics of TME, predicting the effect of immunotherapy in HCC patients, and thus guiding a more reasonable immunotherapy program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjuan Zhu
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fangfang Yang
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingying Mei
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Cancer Precision Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaochun Zhang,
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Xu L, Zhang S, Feng J, Tan D, Sun H, Guo H. ncRNAs-mediated overexpression of STIL predict unfavorable prognosis and correlated with the efficacy of immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:44. [PMID: 36899391 PMCID: PMC10007768 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02869-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND STIL centriolar assembly protein (STIL) is a cytoplasmic protein implicated in cellular growth and proliferation as well as chromosomal stability, which abnormal condition affected tumor immunity and tumor progression. However, the role of STIL in the biological mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. METHODS Comprehensive bioinformatic approaches, in vitro functional assays, and validation were conducted to elucidate the oncogenic value of STIL in HCC. RESULTS In the present study, we found that STIL may serve as an independent prognostic indicator and a potential oncogene in HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) showed that upregulated expression of STIL was positively associated with pathways enriched in the cell cycle and DNA damage response. Subsequently, we identified several non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) accounting for the upregulation of STIL expression using a combination of in silico bioinformatics approaches (including expression analysis, correlation analysis, and survival analysis). Finally, CCNT2-AS1/SNHG1-has-miR-204-5p-STIL axis was screened out as the most potential upstream ncRNA-related pathway of STIL in HCC. Moreover, STIL expression is highly associated with the infiltration of immune cells, the expression of immune checkpoints, as well as the survival benefit of immunotherapy/chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Our study discloses that ncRNAs-mediated overexpression of STIL independently predicted poor prognosis and correlated with the efficacy of PD-1-targeted immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longwen Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Shirong Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinteng Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Deli Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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Yang WX, Gao HW, Cui JB, Zhang AA, Wang FF, Xie JQ, Lu MH, You CG. Development and validation of a coagulation-related genes prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:89. [PMID: 36894886 PMCID: PMC9996845 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05220-4] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence and mortality worldwide, which seriously threatens people's physical and mental health. Coagulation is closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC. Whether coagulation-related genes (CRGs) can be used as prognostic markers for HCC remains to be investigated. METHODS Firstly, we identified differentially expressed coagulation-related genes of HCC and control samples in the datasets GSE54236, GSE102079, TCGA-LIHC, and Genecards database. Then, univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to determine the key CRGs and establish the coagulation-related risk score (CRRS) prognostic model in the TCGA-LIHC dataset. The predictive capability of the CRRS model was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and ROC analysis. External validation was performed in the ICGC-LIRI-JP dataset. Besides, combining risk score and age, gender, grade, and stage, a nomogram was constructed to quantify the survival probability. We further analyzed the correlation between risk score and functional enrichment, pathway, and tumor immune microenvironment. RESULTS We identified 5 key CRGs (FLVCR1, CENPE, LCAT, CYP2C9, and NQO1) and constructed the CRRS prognostic model. The overall survival (OS) of the high-risk group was shorter than that of the low-risk group. The AUC values for 1 -, 3 -, and 5-year OS in the TCGA dataset were 0.769, 0.691, and 0.674, respectively. The Cox analysis showed that CRRS was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. A nomogram established with risk score, age, gender, grade, and stage, has a better prognostic value for HCC patients. In the high-risk group, CD4+T cells memory resting, NK cells activated, and B cells naive were significantly lower. The expression levels of immune checkpoint genes in the high-risk group were generally higher than that in the low-risk group. CONCLUSIONS The CRRS model has reliable predictive value for the prognosis of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Xia Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong-Wei Gao
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jia-Bo Cui
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - An-An Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fang-Fang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian-Qin Xie
- Anesthesiology Department, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ming-Hua Lu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chong-Ge You
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
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Expression and Function of BMP and Activin Membrane-Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) in Chronic Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043473. [PMID: 36834884 PMCID: PMC9964332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BAMBI (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) is a transmembrane pseudoreceptor structurally related to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β type 1 receptors (TGF-β1Rs). BAMBI lacks a kinase domain and functions as a TGF-β1R antagonist. Essential processes such as cell differentiation and proliferation are regulated by TGF-β1R signaling. TGF-β is the best-studied ligand of TGF-βRs and has an eminent role in inflammation and fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis is the end stage of almost all chronic liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and at the moment, there is no effective anti-fibrotic therapy available. Hepatic BAMBI is downregulated in rodent models of liver injury and in the fibrotic liver of patients, suggesting that low BAMBI has a role in liver fibrosis. Experimental evidence convincingly demonstrated that BAMBI overexpression is able to protect against liver fibrosis. Chronic liver diseases have a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and BAMBI was shown to exert tumor-promoting as well as tumor-protective functions. This review article aims to summarize relevant studies on hepatic BAMBI expression and its role in chronic liver diseases and HCC.
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Stem Cells for Cancer Therapy: Translating the Uncertainties and Possibilities of Stem Cell Properties into Opportunities for Effective Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021012. [PMID: 36674525 PMCID: PMC9864033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021012] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer recurrence and drug resistance following treatment, as well as metastatic forms of cancer, are trends that are commonly encountered in cancer management. Amidst the growing popularity of personalized medicine and targeted therapy as effective cancer treatment, studies involving the use of stem cells in cancer therapy are gaining ground as promising translational treatment options that are actively pursued by researchers due to their unique tumor-homing activities and anti-cancer properties. Therefore, this review will highlight cancer interactions with commonly studied stem cell types, namely, mesenchymal stroma/stem cells (MSC), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), iPSC-derived MSC (iMSC), and cancer stem cells (CSC). A particular focus will be on the effects of paracrine signaling activities and exosomal miRNA interaction released by MSC and iMSCs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) along with their therapeutic potential as anti-cancer delivery agents. Similarly, the role of exosomal miRNA released by CSCs will be further discussed in the context of its role in cancer recurrence and metastatic spread, which leads to a better understanding of how such exosomal miRNA could be used as potential forms of non-cell-based cancer therapy.
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Sun X, Zhang Q, Shu P, Lin X, Gao X, Shen K. COLEC12 Promotes Tumor Progression and Is Correlated With Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231218163. [PMID: 38112409 PMCID: PMC10734338 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231218163] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Collectin subfamily member 12, a transmembrane scavenger receptor C-type lectin, is aberrantly expressed in various cancers. However, its physiological role in gastric cancer remains somewhat unclear. This study aimed to investigate the Collectin subfamily member 12 expression pattern in human gastric cancer and its role in gastric cancer progression. METHODS The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify independent predictors for progression-free survival and overall survival. The effects of Collectin subfamily member 12 on gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected through the cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Additionally, the correlation between Collectin subfamily member 12 expression and immune cell infiltration was analyzed through bioinformatics. RESULTS Collectin subfamily member 12 was highly expressed in advanced gastric cancer (T3-T4, pathologic stage III-IV). High Collectin subfamily member 12 expression was correlated with a worse progression-free survival and overall survival in the gastric cancer patients. In vitro, cell line studies revealed that Collectin subfamily member 12 promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited gastric cancer cell apoptosis. The bioinformatics analysis further demonstrated that the Collectin subfamily member 12 expression level positively correlated with infiltration of several immune cells, such as M2 macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and regulatory T cells, suggesting that Collectin subfamily member 12 may also play a role in suppressing tumor immune response in gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS Collectin subfamily member 12 was identified as a novel predictive marker and target for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfei Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Shu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuntang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Keerthana CK, Rayginia TP, Shifana SC, Anto NP, Kalimuthu K, Isakov N, Anto RJ. The role of AMPK in cancer metabolism and its impact on the immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114582. [PMID: 36875093 PMCID: PMC9975160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key metabolic sensor that is pivotal for the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK contributes to diverse metabolic and physiological effects besides its fundamental role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Aberrancy in AMPK signaling is one of the determining factors which lead to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The activation of AMPK and its downstream signaling cascades orchestrate dynamic changes in the tumor cellular bioenergetics. It is well documented that AMPK possesses a suppressor role in the context of tumor development and progression by modulating the inflammatory and metabolic pathways. In addition, AMPK plays a central role in potentiating the phenotypic and functional reprogramming of various classes of immune cells which reside in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, AMPK-mediated inflammatory responses facilitate the recruitment of certain types of immune cells to the TME, which impedes the development, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Thus, AMPK appears to play an important role in the regulation of anti-tumor immune response by regulating the metabolic plasticity of various immune cells. AMPK effectuates the metabolic modulation of anti-tumor immunity via nutrient regulation in the TME and by virtue of its molecular crosstalk with major immune checkpoints. Several studies including that from our lab emphasize on the role of AMPK in regulating the anticancer effects of several phytochemicals, which are potential anticancer drug candidates. The scope of this review encompasses the significance of the AMPK signaling in cancer metabolism and its influence on the key drivers of immune responses within the TME, with a special emphasis on the potential use of phytochemicals to target AMPK and combat cancer by modulating the tumor metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenicheri Kizhakkeveettil Keerthana
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Tennyson Prakash Rayginia
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Nikhil Ponnoor Anto
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kalishwaralal Kalimuthu
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Noah Isakov
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruby John Anto
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Huang XY, Zhang JT, Li F, Li TT, Shi XJ, Huang J, Huang XY, Zhou J, Tang ZY, Huang ZL. Exosomal proteomics identifies RAB13 as a potential regulator of metastasis for HCC. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0006. [PMID: 36633475 PMCID: PMC9827969 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomal proteins from cancer cells are becoming new biomarkers for cancer monitoring and efficacy evaluation. However, their biological function and molecular mechanism underlying tumor metastasis are largely unknown. METHODS Bioinformatic methods such as bulk gene expression analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis were employed to identify metastasis-associated proteins. The in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to investigate the function of RAB13 in HCC metastasis. RESULTS We identified RAB13 as one of the critical regulators of metastasis in HCC-derived exosomes for the first time. In vitro, the invasiveness of HCC cell lines could be attenuated by RAB13 silence. In vivo, tumor size and proportion of high-grade lung metastatic nodule could be reduced in the mice with orthotopic transplantation of tumors and intravenously injected with exosomes derived from MHCC97H cell with RAB13 silence (si-RAB13-Exo), as compared with those without RAB13 silence (si-NC-Exo). Moreover, in si-RAB13-Exo group, circulating tumor cell counts were decreased at the third, fourth, and fifth weeks after orthotopic transplantation of tumors, and MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2)/TIMP2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2) ratio was also significantly decreased. In addition, RAB13 expression was also associated with VEGF levels, microvessel density, and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells by both in vitro and in vivo models, indicating that RAB13 was associated with angiogenesis in HCC. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated exosomal RAB13 as a potential regulator of metastasis for HCC by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods, which greatly improve our understanding of the functional impact of exosomal proteins on HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Yan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jun-Tao Zhang
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Feng Li
- School of Materials of Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiang-Jun Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xin-Yu Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhao-You Tang
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zi-Li Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
- Department of Radiology, Xuhui District Central Hospital of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
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Han Z, Yang F, Zhang Y, Wang J, Ni Q, Zhu H, Zhou X, Gao H, Lu J. Prognostic efficacy and prognostic factors of TACE plus TKI with ICIs for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1029951. [PMID: 36591442 PMCID: PMC9798199 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1029951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates as well as poor response to treatment. Local combined systemic therapy is widely used in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular cancer (uHCC). This retrospective study was to investigate the prognostic effect and prognostic factors of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of uHCC. A retrospective analysis of 171 patients with uHCC was performed in our hospital from April 27, 2015 to October 18, 2021. According to different treatment options, patients were divided into TACE group (n=45), TACE+TKI group (n=76) and TACE+TKI+ICIs group (n=50). In this study, we found that, the median overall survival (mOS) of TACE+TKI+ICIs group was significantly better than TACE+TKI group and TACE group [24.1 (95% CI 15.1-33.1) months vs 14.9 (95% CI 10.7-19.1) months vs 11.4 (95% CI 8.4-14.5) months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.62; 95% CI 0.47-0.81; P=0.002]. A visible difference in the median progression-free survival (mPFS) interval between the groups was discovered [10.6 (95% CI6.5-14.7) months in TACE+TKI+ICIs group vs. 6.7 (95% CI 5.5-7.9) months in the TACE+TKI group vs. 6 (95% CI 2.3-9.7) months in the TACE group (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.53-0.83; P<0.001)]. The objective response rates (ORR) in the TACE group, TACE+TKI group, and TACE+TKI+ICIs group were 31.1%, 35.5%, and 42%, and the disease control rate (DCR) were 51.1%, 65.8%, and 80%. There were no adverse events (AEs) of arthralgia, diarrhea, rash, and pruritus in the TACE group. The incidence of grade 3 AEs (Hypertension) in the TACE+TKI+ICIs group was significantly higher than that in TACE+TKI and TACE groups (28% vs 17.1% vs 6.7%, P=0.024), and secondly, the morbidity of rash and pruritus in the TACE+TKI+ICIs group was apparently higher than that in the TACE+TKI group (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ECOG-PS 2 (HR=2.064, 95%CI 1.335-3.191, P=0.001), Hepatitis B virus (HR=2.539, 95%CI 1.291-4.993, P=0.007), AFP≥400 ng/ml (HR= 1.72, 95%CI 1.12-2.643, P=0.013), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥2.195 (HR=1.669, 95%CI 1.073-2.597, P=0.023) were independent risk factors for OS in uHCC patients. So, TACE+TKI+ICIs therapy can prolong the OS and improve the prognosis of patients effectively, with a well-characterized safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jun Lu
- *Correspondence: Hengjun Gao, ; Jun Lu,
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Bagalagel A, Diri R, Noor A, Almasri D, Bakhsh H, Kutbi HI, Al-Gayyar MM. Evaluating the Anticancer Activity of Blocking TNF Type 1 Receptors in Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Rat Model. Cureus 2022; 14:e32519. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Yi Q, Liang Q, Liu Y, Gong Z, Yan Y. Application of genomic selection and experimental techniques to predict cell death and immunotherapeutic efficacy of ferroptosis-related CXCL2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:998736. [PMID: 36276119 PMCID: PMC9579367 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.998736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since most hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, there is no effective treatment to improve patient survival. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death driven by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, has been reported to play an important role in tumorigenesis. However, the detailed mechanism and biological function of ferroptosis are still incompletely understood in HCC patients. In this study, we analyzed genomic profiles of three HCC datasets, GSE6764, GSE14520, and GSE14323. Venn diagrams were implemented to visualize the overlapping genes between differentially expressed genes and ferroptosis-related gene set. Then, one up-regulated gene, ACSL4, and five down-regulated genes, STEAP3, MT1G, GCH1, HAMP, and CXCL2, were screened. Based on the survival analysis performed by Kaplan-Meier plotter database, ferroptosis-related gene CXCL2 was demonstrated positively-correlated with the patients’ prognosis. Moreover, CXCL2 overexpression significantly inhibited cell growth and improved cellular ROS, Fe2+ and MDA levels in HCC cells Huh7 and MHCC97H, suggesting the roles of CXCL2 in inducing ferroptotic cell death. In addition, aberrantly expressed CXCL2 was negatively associated with malignancy clinical features, such as nodal metastasis and higher grades. The ssGSEA enrichment analysis revealed that CXCL2 co-expressed molecules were mainly involved in inflammation and immune-related pathways, such as acute inflammatory response, humoral immune response, adaptive immune response. TISIDB algorithm indicated the positive correlation between CXCL2 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. Additionally, we also found that CXCL2 was positively correlated with immune infiltration score, and HCC patients with higher score harbored better prognosis. Together, these findings suggested that CXCL2 may enhance ferroptosis sensitivity and regulate immune microenvironment in HCC, and serve as a promising prognosis biomarker for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoli Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhicheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanliang Yan, ; Zhicheng Gong,
| | - Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanliang Yan, ; Zhicheng Gong,
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Fan F, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Meng X, Wang X. Tumor imaging and photothermal therapy in second near infrared window: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:987491. [PMID: 36158674 PMCID: PMC9493463 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.987491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSecond near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) technology for tumor imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) is an innovative method for tumor diagnosis and treatment. The NIR-II probe can specifically identify tumor cells, and effectively convert light energy into heat energy under the irradiation of NIR laser, thus achieving the integration of non-invasive tumor diagnosis and treatment. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical investigations to corroborate the efficacy and safety of photothermal therapy.MethodsRelevant preclinical data were retrieved by searching PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG and VIP information databases. And the acquired data were analyzed by RevMan Version 5.3 software.ResultsAccording to the inclusion criteria, forty-two articles relating to NIR-II tumor imaging and PTT were recruited for further in-depth analysis. The NIR-II photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging could quickly and accurately identify tumor in mice, manifesting higher signal intensity on tumor site than that of normal tissue. After PTT, the tumor volume of mice decreased miraculously [RR=8.49, 95%CI (4.64, 15.55), P<0.00001], and even disappeared completely [RR=7.01, 95%CI (3.04, 16.13), P<0.00001] with no potential risk of affecting the blood routine.ConclusionsPTT guided by NIR-II imaging can effectively diagnose the tumor lesion and eliminate it with the advantages of non-invasive and higher biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhan Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yating Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Ethnic Medicine Academic Heritage Innovation Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sanyin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Ethnic Medicine Academic Heritage Innovation Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaobo Wang, ; Xianli Meng,
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaobo Wang, ; Xianli Meng,
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Oncostatin M: From Intracellular Signaling to Therapeutic Targets in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174211. [PMID: 36077744 PMCID: PMC9454586 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancers represent the third-most-common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an incidence of 80–90% for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 10–15% for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and an increasing morbidity and mortality rate. Although HCC and CCA originate from independent cell populations (hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, respectively), they develop in chronically inflamed livers. Evidence obtained in the last decade has revealed a role for cytokines of the IL-6 family in the development of primary liver cancers. These cytokines operate through the receptor subunit gp130 and the downstream Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways. Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the IL-6 family, plays a significant role in inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer, including liver tumors. Although, in recent years, therapeutic approaches for the treatment of HCC and CCA have been implemented, limited treatment options with marginal clinical benefits are available. We discuss how OSM-related pathways can be selectively inhibited and therapeutically exploited for the treatment of liver malignancies.
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Guo L, Jia L, Luo L, Xu X, Xiang Y, Ren Y, Ren D, Shen L, Liang T. Critical Roles of Circular RNA in Tumor Metastasis via Acting as a Sponge of miRNA/isomiR. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137024. [PMID: 35806027 PMCID: PMC9267010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of new endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are closely related to the carcinogenic process and play a critical role in tumor metastasis. CircRNAs can lay the foundation for tumor metastasis via promoting tumor angiogenesis, make tumor cells gain the ability of migration and invasion by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), interact with immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and other non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, damage the normal immune function or escape the immunosuppressive network, and further promote cell survival and metastasis. Herein, based on the characteristics and biological functions of circRNA, we elaborated on the effect of circRNA via circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by acting as miRNA/isomiR sponges on tumor angiogenesis, cancer cell migration and invasion, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME), then explored the potential interactions across different RNAs, and finally discussed the potential clinical value and application as a promising biomarker. These results provide a theoretical basis for the further application of metastasis-related circRNAs in cancer treatment. In summary, we briefly summarize the diverse roles of a circRNA-associated ceRNA network in cancer metastasis and the potential clinical application, especially the interaction of circRNA and miRNA/isomiR, which may complicate the RNA regulatory network and which will contribute to a novel insight into circRNA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Lin Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Lulu Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Xinru Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Yangyang Xiang
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Yujie Ren
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Dekang Ren
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Lulu Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Tingming Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Expression of Cellular and Extracellular TERRA, TERC and TERT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116183. [PMID: 35682861 PMCID: PMC9181112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are transcribed from telomeres and the telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are implicated in telomere homeostasis and in cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the cellular and extracellular expression of TERRA, the telomerase RNA subunit (TERC) and the telomerase catalytic subunit (TERT). We determined by qPCR the expression level of TERRA 1_2_10_13q, TERRA 15q, TERRA XpYp, TERC and of TERT mRNA in HCC tissues and in the plasma of HCC patients. Further, we profiled the same transcripts in the HCC cell lines, HA22T/VGH and SKHep1C3, and in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from their secretomes. We found that the expression of TERRA and TERT mRNA was significantly deregulated in HCC, being TERRA downregulated and TERT mRNA upregulated in HCC tissues vs. the peritumoral (PT) ones, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed a significant ability in discriminating HCC from PT tissue. Further, the determinations of circulating TERRA and TERC showed higher amounts of these transcripts in the plasma of HCC patients vs. controls and ROC analyses gave significant results. The expression characterization of the cultured HCC cells showed their ability to produce and secrete TERRA and TERC into the EVs; the ability to produce TERT mRNA that was not detectable in the EVs; and the ability to respond to sorafenib treatment increasing TERRA expression. Our results highlight that: (i) both cellular and extracellular expressions of TERRA and TERC are dysregulated in HCC as well as the cellular expression of TERT mRNA and (ii) the combined detection of TERRA and TERC in plasma may represent a promising approach for non-invasive diagnostic molecular indicators of HCC.
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