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Hou W, Gad SA, Ding X, Dhanarajan A, Qiu W. Focal adhesion kinase confers lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via the regulation of lysine-deficient kinase 1. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:173-189. [PMID: 37787401 PMCID: PMC10842616 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23644] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a clinically effective multikinase inhibitor approved for first-line therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although resistance against lenvatinib often emerges and limits its antitumor activity, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in endogenous and acquired resistance remain elusive. In this study, we identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a critical contributor to lenvatinib resistance in HCC. The elevated expression and phosphorylation of FAK were observed in both acquired and endogenous lenvatinib-resistant (LR) HCC cells. Furthermore, inhibition of FAK reversed lenvatinib resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FAK promoted lenvatinib resistance through regulating lysine-deficient kinase 1 (WNK1). Phosphorylation of WNK1 was significantly increased in LR-HCC cells. Further, WNK1 inhibitor WNK463 resensitized either established or endogenous LR-HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. In addition, overexpression of WNK1 desensitized parental HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. Conclusively, our results establish a crucial role and novel mechanism of FAK in lenvatinib resistance and suggest that targeting the FAK/WNK1 axis is a promising therapeutic strategy in HCC patients showing lenvatinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hou
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Shaimaa A Gad
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Center, Egypt
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Department of Pathology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Asha Dhanarajan
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Liu Y, Shen B, Huang T, Wang J, Jiang J. Construction and validation of 3-genes hypoxia-related prognostic signature to predict the prognosis and therapeutic response of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288013. [PMID: 37406019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the hypoxia microenvironment significantly impacted tumor progression. However, the clinical prognostic value of hypoxia-related risk signatures and their effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains hazy. This study aimed to conduct novel hypoxia-related prognostic signatures and improve HCC prognosis and treatment. METHODS Differentially expressed hypoxia-related genes (HGs) were identified with the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Univariate Cox regression was utilized to generate the tumor hypoxia-related prognostic signature, which consists of 3 HGs, based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. Then the risk score for each patient was performed. The prognostic signature's independent prognostic usefulness was confirmed, and systematic analyses were done on the relationships between the prognostic signature and immune cell infiltration, somatic cell mutation, medication sensitivity, and putative immunological checkpoints. RESULTS A prognostic risk model of four HGs (FDPS, SRM, and NDRG1) was constructed and validated in the training, testing, and validation datasets. To determine the model's performance in patients with HCC, Kaplan-Meier curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was implemented. According to immune infiltration analysis, the high-risk group had a significant infiltration of CD4+ T cells, M0 macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) than those of the low-risk subtype. In addition, the presence of TP53 mutations in the high-risk group was higher, in which LY317615, PF-562271, Pyrimethamine, and Sunitinib were more sensitive. The CD86, LAIR1, and LGALS9 expression were upregulated in the high-risk subtype. CONCLUSIONS The hypoxia-related risk signature is a reliable predictive model for better clinical management of HCC patients and offers clinicians a holistic viewpoint when determining the diagnosis and course of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxun Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bingbing Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jianxin Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
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Omeroglu Ulu Z, Bolat ZB, Sahin F. Integrated transcriptome and in vitro analysis revealed anti-proliferative effect of sodium perborate on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 73:127011. [PMID: 35716648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127011] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocelular carcinoma is one of the leading cancer types with no effective cure as poor prognosis is still a challenging aspect. Thus, alternative therapeutics are necessary to control hepatocelular carcinoma. Boron derivatives such as boric acid (BA), sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT) and sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB) have been discovered to have anti-cancer effect. This study investigated the anti-proliferative effects of SPT against hepatocelular carcinoma (HCC) using in vitro and transcriptome approaches. METHODS Cytotoxic level of SPT on cell survival were detected using MTS assay. The apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest was determined using Annexin V/PI and cell cycle assay, respectively. Transcriptome analysis was performed using RNA-seq, followed by functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. qPCR was used to validate the different genes. RESULTS SPT treated HepG2 and Hep3B cells induced cytotoxicity having IC50 values of 1.13 mM and 0.91 mM, respectively. SPT caused mitotic arrest in G0/G1 phase at 48 h and subsequent apoptotic cell death. RNA-seq revealed a total number of 822 and 1075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which after SPT treatment in HepG2 and Hep3B cells, respectively. Functional and KEGG pathway enrichment results suggested that there are several genes involved to induce apoptosis related pathways. The DEGs in p53 signaling pathway may have closely relationships to the cells apoptosis caused by SPT treatment. qPCR results validated dynamic changes in p53 signaling pathway, DNA replication and cell cycle related genes, such as CDKN1A, SERPINE1, PMAIP1, MCM3, MCM5 and MCM6. CONCLUSION In vitro experiments and RNA-seq analysis show anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of SPT in HCC cells. Further studies might help in understanding the molecular mechanisms of SPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Omeroglu Ulu
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Kayisdagi Cad., Atasehir, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Busra Bolat
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Kayisdagi Cad., Atasehir, Istanbul 34755, Turkey; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Halkali Cad. 281, Kucukcekmece, Istanbul 34303, Turkey
| | - Fikrettin Sahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Kayisdagi Cad., Atasehir, Istanbul 34755, Turkey.
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Wei Y, Wang Y, Liu N, Qi R, Xu Y, Li K, Feng Y, Shi B. A FAK Inhibitor Boosts Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy in a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mouse Model. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:820446. [PMID: 35115949 PMCID: PMC8804348 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.820446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy has limited efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and does not benefit all patients. A FAK inhibitor (VS-4718) has been reported to improve the microenvironment in some tumors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the combination of the FAK inhibitor VS4718 and anti-PD1 for the treatment of HCC in a mouse model and its possible mechanism of action. The expression of FAK and infiltrated immune cells in human HCC from the data of TCGA were analyzed. A primary murine HCC model was established via protooncogene (c-Met/β-catenin) transfection. The pathological characteristics of tumors were examined after the mice were treated with VS4718 and/or anti-PD1 therapy. This study revealed that FAK is highly expressed in human HCC and is associated with poor prognosis of OS (overall survival) and PFS (progress free survival) in HCC patients. Immune cell infiltration (CD8+ T, Tregs, M0, M2, CAFs and MDSCs) was correlated with FAK expression. In the experimental HCC model, the combination of a FAK inhibitor VS4718 and an anti-PD1 antibody had a better effect than monotherapy against HCC. VS4718 reduced the number of Tregs and macrophages but increased the number of CD8+ T cells in HCC mice. Notably, FAK inhibitor promoted the expression of PD-L1 in HCC. This study suggested that combination of the FAK inhibitor VS4718 and anti-PD1 could be a potential therapy for HCC by improving the immune environment, reducing liver fibrosis and simultaneously preventing PD1 from binding to the increased PD-L1 induced by FAK inhibitor VS4718.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Nanbin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Feng, ; Baomin Shi,
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Feng, ; Baomin Shi,
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very deadly disease. HCC initiation and progression involve multiple genetic events, including the activation of proto-oncogenes and disruption of the function of specific tumor suppressor genes. Activation of oncogenes stimulates cell growth and survival, while loss-of-function mutations of tumor suppressor genes result in unrestrained cell growth. In this review, we summarize the new findings that identified novel proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors in HCC over the past five years. These findings may inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of HCC patients.
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Qiao W, Wang W, Liu H, Guo W, Li P, Deng M. Prognostic and clinical significance of focal adhesion kinase expression in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100835. [PMID: 32702646 PMCID: PMC7378698 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognostic significance of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in breast cancer remains controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the prognostic value of FAK expression in breast cancer. Materials and methods Possible prognostic significance of protein or mRNA expression of FAK in breast cancer was investigated with searches of electronic databases for relevant publications. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from eligible studies. Results A total of eight eligible studies which included 2604 participants were analyzed in this meta-analysis. Increased expression of FAK protein was found to significantly correlate with shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.12–1.83; P = 0.004), and not with disease-free survival (HR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.92–1.85; P = 0.14). Elevated FAK protein expression was also associated with negative estrogen receptor (ER) expression (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.06–1.68; P = 0.01), negative progesterone receptor (PR) expression (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.22–1.93; P < 0.001), positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.28–2.09; P < 0.001), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14–2.17; P = 0.006), high nuclear grade (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.05–2.78; P = 0.03), high Ki-67 expression level (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.94–4.24; P < 0.001), and positive p53 status (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.58–3.29; P < 0.001). Conclusion Our meta-analysis identifies an association between increased FAK protein expression and worse OS among breast cancer patients. Moreover, enhanced FAK expression is associated with negative ER expression, negative PR expression, positive HER2 expression, TNBC, high nuclear grade, high Ki-67 expression level, and positive p53 status in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhengzhou People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Heyang Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wanying Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Miao Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
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Chen Y, Li Q, Tu K, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu D, Chen C, Liu D, Yang R, Qiu W, Kang N. Focal Adhesion Kinase Promotes Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Regulating Plasma Membrane Localization of TGFβ Receptor 2. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:268-283. [PMID: 32025610 PMCID: PMC6996408 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces hepatic stellate cell (HSC) differentiation into tumor-promoting myofibroblast, although underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is activated in response to TGFβ stimulation, so it transmits TGFβ stimulus to extracellular signal-regulated kinase and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. However, it is unknown whether FAK can, in return, modulate TGFβ receptors. In this study, we tested whether FAK phosphorylated TGFβ receptor 2 (TGFβR2) and regulated TGFβR2 intracellular trafficking in HSCs. The FAKY397F mutant and PF-573,228 were used to inhibit the kinase activity of FAK, the TGFβR2 protein level was quantitated by immunoblotting, and HSC differentiation into myofibroblast was assessed by expression of HSC activation markers, alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, or connective tissue growth factor. We found that targeting FAK kinase activity suppressed the TGFβR2 protein level, TGFβ1-induced mothers against decapentaplegic homolog phosphorylation, and myofibroblastic activation of HSCs. At the molecular and cellular level, active FAK (phosphorylated FAK at tyrosine 397) bound to TGFβR2 and kept TGFβR2 at the peripheral plasma membrane of HSCs, and it induced TGFβR2 phosphorylation at tyrosine 336. In contrast, targeting FAK or mutating Y336 to F on TGFβR2 led to lysosomal sorting and degradation of TGFβR2. Using RNA sequencing, we identified that the transcripts of 764 TGFβ target genes were influenced by FAK inhibition, and that through FAK, TGFβ1 stimulated HSCs to produce a panel of tumor-promoting factors, including extracellular matrix remodeling proteins, growth factors and cytokines, and immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. Functionally, targeting FAK inhibited tumor-promoting effects of HSCs in vitro and in a tumor implantation mouse model. Conclusion: FAK targets TGFβR2 to the plasma membrane and protects TGFβR2 from lysosome-mediated degradation, thereby promoting TGFβ-mediated HSC activation. FAK is a target for suppressing HSC activation and the hepatic tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunru Chen
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
- Present address:
First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShanxiP. R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
- Present address:
First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShanxiP. R. China
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
- Present address:
First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShanxiP. R. China
| | - Yuanguo Wang
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
| | - Xianghu Wang
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
| | - Dandan Liu
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
| | - Chen Chen
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
- Present address:
First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShanxiP. R. China
| | - Donglian Liu
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
- Present address:
Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuanGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Rendong Yang
- Computational Cancer GenomicsHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery and Cancer BiologyLoyola University Chicago Stritch School of MedicineMaywoodIL
| | - Ningling Kang
- Tumor Microenvironment and MetastasisHormel InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaAustinMN
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Zhang J, Li W, Yuan Q, Zhou J, Zhang J, Cao Y, Fu G, Hu W. Transcriptome Analyses of the Anti-Proliferative Effects of 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 on HepG2 Cells. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1331. [PMID: 31780945 PMCID: PMC6855211 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), a well-known protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside from Panax ginseng has especially gained attention for its anticancer activities on various types of human cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanism through which Rh2 promotes apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG2) cells is not known at the transcriptome level. Rh2 can specifically inhibit the proliferation of HePG2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, Rh2 can significantly increase the apoptosis which was related with an increase in protein expression levels of caspase-3, caspase-6, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Comparison of RNA-seq transcriptome profiles from control group and Rh2-treated group yielded a list of 2116 genes whose expression was significantly affected, which includes 971 up-regulated genes and 1145 down-regulated genes. The differentially expressed genes in p53 signaling pathway and DNA replication may have closely relationships to the cells apoptosis caused by Rh2 treatment. The results of qPCR validation showed that dynamic changes in mRNA, such as CDKN1A, CCND2, PMAIP1, GTSE1, and TP73.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection/Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Weibo Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection/Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Qiaoyun Yuan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection/Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection/Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Jianmei Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection/Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Yufeng Cao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection/Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
| | - Guangbo Fu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Weicheng Hu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection/Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, China
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Shang N, Wang H, Bank T, Perera A, Joyce C, Kuffel G, Zilliox MJ, Cotler SJ, Ding X, Dhanarajan A, Breslin P, Qiu W. Focal Adhesion Kinase and β-Catenin Cooperate to Induce Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2019; 70:1631-1645. [PMID: 31069844 PMCID: PMC6819211 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to understand the molecular signaling pathways that drive or mediate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) gene protein tyrosine kinase 2 is amplified in 16.4% of The Cancer Genome Atlas HCC specimens, and its amplification leads to increased FAK mRNA expression. It is not known whether the overexpression of FAK alone is sufficient to induce HCC or whether it must cooperate in some ways with other oncogenes. In this study, we found that 34.8% of human HCC samples with FAK amplification also show β-catenin mutations, suggesting a co-occurrence of FAK overexpression and β-catenin mutations in HCC. We overexpressed FAK alone, constitutively active forms of β-catenin (CAT) alone, or a combination of FAK and CAT in the livers of C57/BL6 mice. We found that overexpression of both FAK and CAT, but neither FAK nor CAT alone, in mouse livers was sufficient to lead to tumorigenesis. We further demonstrated that FAK's kinase activity is required for FAK/CAT-induced tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis to identify the genes/signaling pathways regulated by FAK, CAT, or FAK/CAT. We found that FAK overexpression dramatically enhances binding of β-catenin to the promoter of androgen receptor (AR), which leads to increased expression of AR in mouse livers. Moreover, ASC-J9, an AR degradation enhancer, suppressed FAK/CAT-induced HCC formation. Conclusion: FAK overexpression and β-catenin mutations often co-occur in human HCC tissues. Co-overexpression of FAK and CAT leads to HCC formation in mice through increased expression of AR; this mouse model may be useful for further studies of the molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of HCC and could lead to the identification of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Shang
- Departments of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Hao Wang
- Departments of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Thomas Bank
- Departments of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Aldeb Perera
- Departments of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Cara Joyce
- Departments of Public Health Sciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Gina Kuffel
- Departments of Public Health Sciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Michael J. Zilliox
- Departments of Public Health Sciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Scott J. Cotler
- Departments of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Departments of Pathology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Asha Dhanarajan
- Departments of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Peter Breslin
- Departments of Molecular/Cellular Physiology and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Wei Qiu
- Departments of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL,Correspondence: Wei Qiu, Ph.D., Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 S. First Avenue., Bldg. 112, Rm. 338, Maywood, IL 60153, , Tel.: +1-708-327-8191
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10
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Jariwala N, Mendoza RG, Garcia D, Lai Z, Subler MA, Windle JJ, Mukhopadhyay ND, Fisher PB, Chen Y, Sarkar D. Posttranscriptional Inhibition of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Nonreceptor Type 23 by Staphylococcal Nuclease and Tudor Domain Containing 1: Implications for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1258-1270. [PMID: 31497746 PMCID: PMC6719750 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncoprotein staphylococcal nuclease and tudor domain containing 1 (SND1) regulates gene expression at a posttranscriptional level in multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Staphylococcal nuclease (SN) domains of SND1 function as a ribonuclease (RNase), and the tudor domain facilitates protein–oligonucleotide interaction. In the present study, we aimed to identify RNA interactome of SND1 to obtain enhanced insights into gene regulation by SND1. RNA interactome was identified by immunoprecipitation (IP) of RNA using anti‐SND1 antibody from human HCC cells followed by RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP‐Seq). Among RNA species that showed more than 10‐fold enrichment over the control, we focused on the tumor suppressor protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 23 (PTPN23) because its regulation by SND1 and its role in HCC are not known. PTPN23 levels were down‐regulated in human HCC cells versus normal hepatocytes and in human HCC tissues versus normal adjacent liver, as revealed by immunohistochemistry. In human HCC cells, knocking down SND1 increased and overexpression of SND1 decreased PTPN23 protein. RNA binding and degradation assays revealed that SND1 binds to and degrades the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of PTPN23 messenger RNA (mRNA). Tetracycline‐inducible PTPN23 overexpression in human HCC cells resulted in significant inhibition in proliferation, migration, and invasion and in vivo tumorigenesis. PTPN23 induction caused inhibition in activation of tyrosine‐protein kinase Met (c‐Met), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Src, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), suggesting that, as a putative phosphatase, PTPN23 inhibits activation of these oncogenic kinases. Conclusion: PTPN23 is a novel target of SND1, and our findings identify PTPN23 as a unique tumor suppressor for HCC. PTPN23 might function as a homeostatic regulator of multiple kinases, restraining their activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Jariwala
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA
| | - Rachel G Mendoza
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA
| | - Dawn Garcia
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio San Antonio TX
| | - Zhao Lai
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio San Antonio TX
| | - Mark A Subler
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA
| | - Jolene J Windle
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA.,Massey Cancer Center Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA
| | | | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA.,Massey Cancer Center Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA.,Virginia Commonwealth University Institute of Molecular Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio San Antonio TX.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio San Antonio TX
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA.,Massey Cancer Center Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA.,Virginia Commonwealth University Institute of Molecular Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA
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11
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Wang F, Bank T, Malnassy G, Arteaga M, Shang N, Dalheim A, Ding X, Cotler SJ, Denning MF, Nishimura MI, Breslin P, Qiu W. Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor enhances the efficacy of sorafenib in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and survival. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:732-746. [PMID: 29881824 PMCID: PMC5983153 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common primary cancer and second largest cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The first-line oral chemotherapeutic agent sorafenib only increases survival in patients with advanced HCC by less than 3 months. Most patients with advanced HCC have shown limited response rates and survival benefits with sorafenib. Although sorafenib is an inhibitor of multiple kinases, including serine/threonine-protein kinase c-Raf, serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, HCC cells are able to escape from sorafenib treatment using other pathways that the drug insufficiently inhibits. The aim of this study was to identify and target survival and proliferation pathways that enable HCC to escape the antitumor activity of sorafenib. We found that insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) remains activated in HCC cells treated with sorafenib. Knockdown of IGF1R sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib treatment and decreases protein kinase B (AKT) activation. Overexpression of constitutively activated AKT reverses the effect of knockdown of IGF1R in sensitizing HCC cells to treatment with sorafenib. Further, we found that ceritinib, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, effectively inhibits the IGF1R/AKT pathway and enhances the inhibitory efficacy of sorafenib in human HCC cell growth and survival in vitro, in a xenograft mouse model and in the c-Met/β-catenin-driven HCC mouse model. Conclusion: Our study provides a biochemical basis for evaluation of a new combination treatment that includes IGF1R inhibitors, such as ceritinib and sorafenib, in patients with HCC. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:732-746).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Thomas Bank
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Gregory Malnassy
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Maribel Arteaga
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Na Shang
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Annika Dalheim
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Pathology Department, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Scott J. Cotler
- Department of Medicine, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Mitchell F. Denning
- Pathology Department, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Michael I. Nishimura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Peter Breslin
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
- Department of Molecular/Cellular Physiology, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Stritch School of MedicineLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIL
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12
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Shang N, Bank T, Ding X, Breslin P, Li J, Shi B, Qiu W. Caspase-3 suppresses diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocyte death, compensatory proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis through inhibiting p38 activation. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:558. [PMID: 29752472 PMCID: PMC5948202 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0617-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is critical to understand the molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in order to prevent or treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The development of HCC is commonly associated with hepatocyte death and compensatory proliferation. However, the role of Caspase-3, a key apoptotic executor, in hepatocarcinogenesis is unknown. In this study, we used Caspase-3-deficient mice to examine the role of Caspase-3 in hepatocarcinogenesis in a chemical (diethylnitrosamine, DEN)-induced HCC model. We found that Caspase-3 deficiency significantly increased DEN-induced HCC. Unexpectedly, Caspase-3 deficiency increased apoptosis induced by DEN and the subsequent compensatory proliferation. Intriguingly, we discovered that Caspase-3 deficiency increased the activation of p38 with and without DEN treatment. Moreover, we demonstrated that TNFα and IL1α stimulated increased activation of p38 in Caspase-3 KO hepatocytes compared with wild-type hepatocytes. Finally, we found that inhibition of p38 by SB202190 abrogated enhanced hepatocyte death, compensatory proliferation and HCC induced by DEN in Caspase-3-deficient mice. Overall, our data suggest that Caspase-3 inhibits chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by suppressing p38 activation and hepatocyte death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Shang
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Thomas Bank
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Department of Pathology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Peter Breslin
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.,Department of Molecular/Cellular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, PR, 200065, China.
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery and Oncology Institute, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA. .,Department of General Surgery Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, PR, 200065, China.
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13
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Harris WP, Wong KM, Saha S, Dika IE, Abou-Alfa GK. Biomarker-Driven and Molecular Targeted Therapies for Hepatobiliary Cancers. Semin Oncol 2018; 45:116-123. [PMID: 30348531 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The recent accumulation of molecular profiling data for primary hepatobiliary malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancers, has led to a proliferation of promising therapeutic investigations in recent years. Treatment with pathway-specific targeted inhibitors and immunotherapeutic agents have demonstrated promising early clinical results. Key molecular alterations in common hepatobiliary cancers and ongoing interventional clinical trials of molecularly targeted systemic agents focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancer are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Harris
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA
| | - Kit Man Wong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA
| | - Supriya Saha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA
| | - Imane El Dika
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Ghassan K Abou-Alfa
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, NY.
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14
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Zhang L, Duan HB, Yang YS. Knockdown of Rap2B Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Oncol Res 2017; 25:19-27. [PMID: 28081729 PMCID: PMC7840814 DOI: 10.3727/096504016x14685034103914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap2B, a member of the Ras family of small GTP-binding proteins, was found to be highly expressed in various human tumors and plays an important role in the development of tumors. However, the function of Rap2B in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the biological functions of Rap2B in HCC and the potential underlying mechanisms. Our results indicated that Rap2B was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Rap2B silencing obviously inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, as well as attenuated xenografted tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, Rap2B silencing greatly reduced the expression levels of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 in HCC cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that Rap2B silencing inhibits the proliferation and invasion in HCC cells. Thus, Rap2B may have potential as a treatment for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingP.R. China
| | - Hong-Bin Duan
- Emergency Department, Shanxi Provincial Peoples HospitalTaiyuanP.R. China
| | - Yun-Sheng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingP.R. China
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15
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Panera N, Crudele A, Romito I, Gnani D, Alisi A. Focal Adhesion Kinase: Insight into Molecular Roles and Functions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010099. [PMID: 28067792 PMCID: PMC5297733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to the high incidence of post-operative recurrence after current treatments, the identification of new and more effective drugs is required. In previous years, new targetable genes/pathways involved in HCC pathogenesis have been discovered through the help of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Mutations in TP53 and β-catenin genes are the most frequent aberrations in HCC. However, approaches able to reverse the effect of these mutations might be unpredictable. In fact, if the reactivation of proteins, such as p53 in tumours, holds great promise as anticancer therapy, there are studies arguing that chronic activation of these types of molecules may be deleterious. Thus, recently the efforts on potential targets have focused on actionable mutations, such as those occurring in the gene encoding for focal adhesion kinase (FAK). This tyrosine kinase, localized to cellular focal contacts, is over-expressed in a variety of human tumours, including HCC. Moreover, several lines of evidence demonstrated that FAK depletion or inhibition impair in vitro and in vivo HCC growth and metastasis. Here, we provide an overview of FAK expression and activity in the context of tumour biology, discussing the current evidence of its connection with HCC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Panera
- Liver Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Crudele
- Liver Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Romito
- Liver Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Gnani
- Liver Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Alisi
- Liver Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Via S. Paolo, 15, 00146 Rome, Italy.
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16
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FAK deletion accelerates liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34316. [PMID: 27677358 PMCID: PMC5039626 DOI: 10.1038/srep34316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of liver regeneration is essential to improve the survival rate of patients after surgical resection of large amounts of liver tissue. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates different cellular functions, including cell survival, proliferation and cell migration. The role of FAK in liver regeneration remains unknown. In this study, we found that Fak is activated and induced during liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx). We used mice with liver-specific deletion of Fak and investigated the role of Fak in liver regeneration in 2/3 PHx model (removal of 2/3 of the liver). We found that specific deletion of Fak accelerates liver regeneration. Fak deletion enhances hepatocyte proliferation prior to day 3 post-PHx but attenuates hepatocyte proliferation 3 days after PHx. Moreover, we demonstrated that the deletion of Fak in liver transiently increases EGFR activation by regulating the TNFα/HB-EGF axis during liver regeneration. Furthermore, we found more apoptosis in Fak-deficient mouse livers compared to WT mouse livers after PHx. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Fak is involved in the process of liver regeneration, and inhibition of FAK may be a promising strategy to accelerate liver regeneration in recipients after liver transplantation.
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