1
|
Mahboobnia K, Beveridge DJ, Yeoh GC, Kabir TD, Leedman PJ. MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Pathogenesis: Insights into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9393. [PMID: 39273339 PMCID: PMC11395074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179393] [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: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health burden, with alarming statistics revealing its rising incidence and high mortality rates. Despite advances in medical care, HCC treatment remains challenging due to late-stage diagnosis, limited effective therapeutic options, tumor heterogeneity, and drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted substantial attention as key regulators of HCC pathogenesis. These small non-coding RNA molecules play pivotal roles in modulating gene expression, implicated in various cellular processes relevant to cancer development. Understanding the intricate network of miRNA-mediated molecular pathways in HCC is essential for unraveling the complex mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis and developing novel therapeutic approaches. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent experimental and clinical discoveries regarding the complex role of miRNAs in influencing the key hallmarks of HCC, as well as their promising clinical utility as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Mahboobnia
- Laboratory for Cancer Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Dianne J Beveridge
- Laboratory for Cancer Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - George C Yeoh
- Laboratory for Cancer Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Tasnuva D Kabir
- Laboratory for Cancer Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Peter J Leedman
- Laboratory for Cancer Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tu H, Feng Y, Wang W, Zhou H, Cai Q, Feng Y. Exploring the mechanism of bioactive components of Prunella vulgaris L. in treating hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14413. [PMID: 38040415 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14413] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
In traditional Chinese Medicine, Prunella vulgaris L. (PVL) is potentially effective in the treatment of some human malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the detailed mechanism of action remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to decipher the constitutes of the bioactive ingredients of PVL, and its mechanism against HCC using network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. The bioactive components of PVL were obtained by Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis platform database, and the targets of bioactive components of PVL was investigated by Swiss Target Prediction database. HCC related targets were obtained from GEO database, GeneCards database and DisGeNET database, and the gene ontology function annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were conducted for annotating the biological function of gene targets. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING database. Molecular docking of key bioactive ingredients was performed using AutoDock Vina. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression level of the target genes of PI3K/Akt pathway were detected by qPCR. In the present work, 11 bioactive components of PVL were screened out, which acted on 177 potential targets. In addition, 13,517 genes were strongly associated with HCC pathogenesis, of which 158 targets are overlapped with PVL's targets. KEGG results identified 39 signaling pathways closely associated with the 158 targets. Molecular docking showed that the main bioactive components of PVL, kaempferol, morin, quercetin, luteolin, and spinasterol, had good binding activity with the core proteins in cancer biology such as AKT1, EGFR, SRC, ESR1, and PPARG. In vitro assays showed that quercetin, one of the main components of PVL extracts effectively inhibited HCC cell proliferation, and promoted apoptosis, which may be associated with PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In summary, PVL may regulate HCC progression by regulating core targets such as AKT1, EGFR, SRC, ESR1, and PPARG, and acting on PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Yanqing Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Huadong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Qinghe Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang F, Zhou K, Yuan W, Sun K. Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba Inhibits the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Activation of the PTEN/PD-L1 Axis within the Immune Microenvironment. Nutr Cancer 2023; 76:63-79. [PMID: 37909316 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2276525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated how Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba (BP) was active against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database was employed to determine the active ingredients of BP and potential targets against HCC. Molecular docking analysis verified the binding activity of PTEN with BP ingredients. H22 cells were used to establish an HCC model in male balb/c mice. Immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time quantitative PCR were used to study changes in proliferation, apoptosis, PTEN levels, inflammation, and T-cell differentiation in male balb/c mice. RESULTS The major active ingredients in BP were found to be quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol. Molecular docking demonstrated that these five active BP ingredients formed a stable complex with PTEN. BP exhibited an anti-tumor effect in our HCC mouse model. BP was found to increase the CD8+ and IFN-γ+/CD4+ T cell levels while decreasing the PD-1+/CD8+ T and Treg cell levels in HCC mice. BP up-regulated the IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels but down-regulated the IL-10 levels in HCC mice. After PTEN knockdown, BP-induced effects were abrogated. CONCLUSION BP influenced the immune microenvironment through activation of the PTEN/PD-L1 axis, protecting against HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of TCM, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hu'nan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kewei Sun
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hu'nan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bang J, Jun M, Lee S, Moon H, Ro SW. Targeting EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2130. [PMID: 37631344 PMCID: PMC10458925 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health concern, with its incidence steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a multifaceted, multi-step process involving alterations in various signaling cascades. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. In particular, the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC has garnered renewed attention from both basic and clinical researchers. Preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo have shown the effectiveness of targeting the key components of this signaling pathway in human HCC cells. Thus, targeting these signaling pathways with small molecule inhibitors holds promise as a potential therapeutic option for patients with HCC. In this review, we explore recent advancements in understanding the role of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC and assess the effectiveness of targeting this signaling cascade as a potential strategy for HCC therapy based on preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea; (J.B.); (M.J.); (S.L.); (H.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Eslahi M, Maleki Dana P, Sadoughi F, Hallajzadeh J, Asemi Z, Sharifi M, Mansournia MA, Yousefi B. The Effects of Sterol-Related Signaling Pathways on Glioma. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:1527-1537. [PMID: 34338098 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1957488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are considered as one of the important brain tumors in adults due to their impact on life quality and cognitive functions. Current methods that are used for treating glioma are not satisfying enough. Understanding cellular and molecular events underlying its pathogenesis and progression may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. Sterols are a subtype of steroids and are essential for the physiologic functions of eukaryotic cells. Sterols can be produced by protozoans and microheterotrophs. Moreover, they are found in some natural sources, such as plants, animals, fungi, microalgae, and yeasts. Besides the roles of sterols in physiologic processes, studies have shown that they are involved in pathologic processes, including tumorigenesis and tumor progression. As investigations have revealed, sterol-related signaling pathways are involved in glioma and targeting them may result in new therapeutic options for patients. Thus, we summarized some of the sterol-related signaling pathways in glioma and how they can be associated with other signaling pathways, including EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, and retinoblastoma protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Eslahi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Parisa Maleki Dana
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadoughi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Jamal Hallajzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mehran Sharifi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Prevention Research Center, Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mansournia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through the mTOR Signaling Pathway. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 2021:5596712. [PMID: 34123955 PMCID: PMC8169250 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5596712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, is an aggressive tumor with a high mortality rate because of the limited systemic and locoregional treatment modalities. The development and progression of HCC depend on epigenetic changes that result in the activation or inhibition of some signaling pathways. The mTOR signaling pathway is essential for many pathophysiological processes and is considered a major regulator of cancer. Increasing evidence has shown that epigenetics plays a key role in HCC biology by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, epigenetic regulation through the mTOR signaling pathway to diagnose and treat HCC will become a very promising strategy.
Collapse
|
7
|
Parizadeh SM, Jafarzadeh-Esfehani R, Ghandehari M, Goldani F, Parizadeh SMR, Hassanian SM, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Ferns GA, Avan A. MicroRNAs as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:1129-1140. [PMID: 30848198 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190307095720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer-associated death globally. One of the major reasons for this high rate of mortality is a failure to make an early diagnosis. The average survival in untreated HCC patients is estimated to be approximately three months. The 5-year overall survival rate after radical resection is about 15-40% and within two years, more than two third of patients experience a relapse. To date, the most common biomarker which has been used for the diagnosis of HCC is serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). However, there is a lack of sensitive and specific tumor biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC. MicroRNAs are a class of short endogenous RNA with crucial role in many biological activities and cellular pathways and can be found in various tissues and body fluids. The aim of this review was to summarize the results of recent studies investigating miRNAs as novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognostic risk stratification of patients with this type of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Jafarzadeh-Esfehani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghandehari
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of medical sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goldani
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, United Kingdom
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of medical sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu H, Zhang L, Wang P. Complement factor H‑related 3 overexpression affects hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and apoptosis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:2694-2702. [PMID: 31524260 PMCID: PMC6691229 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement factor H‑related 3 (CFHR3) belongs to the human factor H protein family and is associated with various human diseases, including nephropathy, age‑related macular degeneration and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of CFHR3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. In the present study, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) and western blot analysis were performed to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of CFHR3 in HCC and normal adjacent tissue. In addition, CFHR3 was overexpressed in Huh‑7 cells and cell counting kit‑8 assay was used to determine cell viability. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry, RT‑qPCR and western blotting. The results demonstrated that mRNA (2‑ΔΔCq) and protein expression levels of CFHR3 were significantly lower in tumor tissue compared with in adjacent tissue. Additionally, CFHR3 overexpression decreased cell viability, inhibited cell proliferation and significantly increased apoptosis. It was also identified that CFHR3 could downregulate the expression of Ki67. The results suggested that CFHR3 induced apoptosis by downregulating the expression of survivin and B cell lymphoma 2, upregulating the expression of Bcl‑2‑associated X and promoting caspase‑3 activity. Western blotting revealed that CFHR3 significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)‑phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K), p‑protein kinase B (Akt) and p‑mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Overexpression of CFHR3 suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Ligang Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Pengyan Wang
- Department of Research and Education, Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang R, Chen Z, Wu SS, Xu J, Kong LC, Wei P. Celastrol Enhances the Anti-Liver Cancer Activity of Sorafenib. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:4068-4075. [PMID: 31152143 PMCID: PMC6559000 DOI: 10.12659/msm.914060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib, a multiple-target-point kinase inhibitor, has been used as a standard treatment for advanced liver cancer and has shown therapeutic benefits. However, resistance often occurs, prompting the need for identification of synergizing agents. Celastrol is a major active ingredient of Tripterygium wilfordii, which can increase the antitumor effect of traditional antitumor drugs. This work focused on the sensitization of liver cancers in use of celastrol combined with sorafenib. Material/Methods The IC50 values of sorafenib and celastrol on cancer cells were determined through MTT assays. The effects of sorafenib on AKT signaling and VEGF levels in sorafenib-treated cancer cells were analyzed by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. After combined treatment with celastrol and sorafenib, the survival rate of tumor cells was determined by MTT and clonogenic assays, and the apoptosis rate was also determined by flow cytometry. In addition, the in vivo antitumor activity of celastrol combined with sorafenib was evaluated in Hepa1-6 tumor-bearing mice. Results Sorafenib treatment induced the compensatory activation of the AKT pathway and autocrine VEGF in hepatoma cells, which could be reversed by celastrol. Furthermore, celastrol enhanced the growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of cancer cells by sorafenib both in vitro and in vivo and reduced the dosage of sorafenib needed. Conclusions Celastrol enhances the antitumor activity of sorafenib in HCC tumor cells by suppressing the AKT pathway and VEGF autocrine system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Dayi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Shu-Sheng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, hanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Dayi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Ling-Chun Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Pei Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yu B, Ding Y, Liao X, Wang C, Wang B, Chen X. Overexpression of TONSL might be an independent unfavorable prognostic indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:939-945. [PMID: 30723051 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TONSL has been suggested to function as an oncogene in lung, esophageal and cervical cancer. This study was aimed to identify the expression of TONSL and its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS By data mining in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases, the expression profile of TONSL, its clinical significance, the potential mechanisms of its dysregulation and its underlying biological function in HCC were investigated. RESULTS TONSL was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues relative to normal liver tissues (P < 0.05). High TONSL expression was significantly correlated with advanced TNM stage, poorly differentiated tumors, vascular invasion, elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein expression and a worse prognosis (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis further confirmed that TONSL overexpression was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in HCC (all P < 0.05). Additionally, 16% of HCC cases (n = 370) had TONSL DNA amplification. The total methylation level of TONSL was moderately and negatively correlated with its mRNA expression (P < 0.05). TONSL was predictively targeted by miR-133b, which was downregulated in HCC and negatively related to TONSL mRNA expression (all P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that low miR-133b expression was significantly associated with poor OS and RFS (all P < 0.05). Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis revealed that cases with TONSL overexpression were enriched in cell cycle regulation pathways (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS TONSL holds promise for serving as a prognostic biomarker for HCC. DNA amplification, hypomethylation and miR-133b downregulation could be the mechanisms associated with TONSL upregulation in HCC. TONSL might function as an oncogene via cell cycle regulation pathways in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Laparoscopic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Laparoscopic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China.
| | - Xiaofeng Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Changhua Wang
- Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Laparoscopic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Laparoscopic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Han S, Chen Y, Gao Y, Sun B, Kong Y. MicroRNA-218–5p inhibit the migration and proliferation of pterygium epithelial cells by targeting EGFR via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Exp Eye Res 2019; 178:37-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
12
|
Erstad DJ, Fuchs BC, Tanabe KK. Molecular signatures in hepatocellular carcinoma: A step toward rationally designed cancer therapy. Cancer 2018; 124:3084-3104. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Derek J. Erstad
- Department of SurgeryMassachusetts General HospitalBoston Massachusetts
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Surgical OncologyMassachusetts General HospitalBoston Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Surgical OncologyMassachusetts General HospitalBoston Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|