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Sheng K, Wu Y, Lin H, Fang M, Xue C, Lin X, Lin X. Transcriptional Regulation of Siglec-15 by ETS-1 and ETS-2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36614238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 15 (Siglec-15) has been identified as a crucial immune suppressor in human cancers, comparable to programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1). However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying its transcriptional upregulation in human cancers remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the transcription factors ETS-1 and ETS-2 bound to the Siglec-15 promoter to enhance transcription and expression of Siglec-15 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and that transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1) upregulated the expression of ETS-1 and ETS-2 and facilitated the binding of ETS-1 and ETS-2 to the Siglec-15 promoter. We further demonstrate that TGF-β1 activated the Ras/C-Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, leading to phosphorylation of ETS-1 and ETS-2, which consequently upregulates the transcription and expression of Siglec-15. Our study defines a detailed molecular profile of how Siglec-15 is transcriptionally regulated which may offer significant opportunity for therapeutic intervention on HCC immunotherapy.
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Wu YH, Yu B, Chen WX, Ai X, Zhang W, Dong W, Shao YJ. Downregulation of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and migration by regulating the miR-361-5p/TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:19260-19271. [PMID: 34341185 PMCID: PMC8386566 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
SBF2-AS1 is an oncogenic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). However, its role and mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not completely clear. The HepG2, Hep3B, Bel-7402 and HL-7702 cell lines were used in our experiments. The CCK-8 kit and EdU staining were applied to detect cell viability and multiplication. The wound healing and Boyden chamber cell migration assays were employed to test the migration ability of cells. The levels of TGF-β1 mRNA, lncRNA SBF2-AS1, and miR-361-5p were assessed by real-time PCR. TGF-β1 protein levels were evaluated by western blotting. The direct interaction between miR-361-5p and TGF-β1 was determined by luciferase reporter assays. A xenograft mouse model (XMM) was established to comprehensively study the effect and mechanisms of lncRNA SBF2-AS1. lncRNA SBF2-AS1 concentration in HCC cells exceeded that in a normal hepatocyte cell line. The downregulation of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 upregulated miR-361-5p levels in HCC cells. And, miR-361-5p negatively regulate TGF-β1 expression in HCC cells. The suppression of miR-361-5p attenuated the influence of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 downregulation on the viability, proliferation, and migration capability of HCC cells. Further, the downregulation of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 inhibited neoplasm growth in an XMM of HCC. Simultaneously, miR-361-5p was upregulated and TGF-β1 was downregulated after lncRNA SBF2-AS1 knocked down. In conclusion, downregulation of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 inhibits HCC proliferation and migration through the regulation of the miR-361-5p/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wei-Xun Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xi Ai
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ya-Jie Shao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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3
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Bao S, Jiang X, Jin S, Tu P, Lu J. TGF-β1 Induces Immune Escape by Enhancing PD-1 and CTLA-4 Expression on T Lymphocytes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694145. [PMID: 34249750 PMCID: PMC8270637 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of PLC cases. The HCC microenvironment plays an important role in the occurrence and development of HCC. Immunotherapy for the HCC microenvironment has become an effective treatment strategy. T lymphocytes are an important part of the HCC microenvironment, and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) are the main immunosuppressive molecules of T lymphocytes. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) can inhibit the immune function of T lymphocytes and promote the occurrence and development of tumors. However, few studies have explored whether TGF-β1 can upregulate the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on T cells. In this study, we showed that TGF-β1 upregulated the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on T lymphocytes and attenuated the cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes for HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, TGF-β1 increased the apoptosis of T lymphocytes induced by HCC cells. Finally, we found that the mechanism by which TGF-β1 upregulates the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on T lymphocytes may be related to the calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (CaN/NFATc1) pathway. This study will provide some experimental basis for liver cancer immunotherapy based on the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiang Bao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaopei Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuai Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peipei Tu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingtao Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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4
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Cervello M, Emma MR, Augello G, Cusimano A, Giannitrapani L, Soresi M, Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Gulino A, Belmonte B, Montalto G, McCubrey JA. New landscapes and horizons in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:3053-3094. [PMID: 32018226 PMCID: PMC7041742 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most frequent form of cancer and leads to the fourth highest number of deaths each year. HCC results from a combination of environmental factors and aging as there are driver mutations at oncogenes which occur during aging. Most of HCCs are diagnosed at advanced stage preventing curative therapies. Treatment in advanced stage is a challenging and pressing problem, and novel and well-tolerated therapies are urgently needed. We will discuss further advances beyond sorafenib that target additional signaling pathways and immune checkpoint proteins. The scenario of possible systemic therapies for patients with advanced HCC has changed dramatically in recent years. Personalized genomics and various other omics approaches may identify actionable biochemical targets, which are activated in individual patients, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify predictive biomarkers and aberrantly activated signaling pathways capable of guiding the clinician in choosing the most appropriate therapy for the individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria R. Emma
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lydia Giannitrapani
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Shaw M. Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Stephen L. Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S. Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Alessandro Gulino
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belmonte
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Tao Y, Li R, Shen C, Li J, Zhang Q, Ma Z, Wang F, Wang Z. SENP1 is a crucial promotor for hepatocellular carcinoma through deSUMOylation of UBE2T. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:1563-1576. [PMID: 31969492 PMCID: PMC7053586 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cooperative roles of SENP1 and UBE2T in development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unknown. The expression levels of SENP1 and UBE2T were evaluated in clinical specimens and HCC cells. The relationship between clinicopathological features and SENP1 were analyzed. We constructed the HepG2-SENP1 knockout cell model and explored the functions of SENP1 and UBE2T in HCC development. UBE2T was confirmed as a novel deSUMOylation target of SENP1. Upregulation of SENP1 and UBE2T were observed in HCC tissues and most hepatoma cell lines, and their expression levels were proved to be positively related. Knockout of SENP1 resulted in impaired growth, migration and invasion, and enhanced apoptosis in vitro, as well as inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SENP1 could directly deSUMOylate UBE2T thereby increasing its expression and activating Akt pathway. Functional studies showed that UBE2T overexpression or K8R mutation promoted cell growth, migration and invasion. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that SENP1 and UBE2T were positively related and functioned as tumor promoters. The carcinogenesis of SENP1 is mediated by deSUMOylation of UBE2T and the UBE2T/Akt pathway. Notably, UBE2T was identified as a novel deSUMOylation target of SENP1 in this study for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Tao
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Ruidong Li
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Conghuan Shen
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Quanbao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhenyu Ma
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Bioscience Research Center, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
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6
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Cascione M, Leporatti S, Dituri F, Giannelli G. Transforming Growth Factor-β Promotes Morphomechanical Effects Involved in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Living Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:E108. [PMID: 30597907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological multistep process involving epithelial cells acquiring a mesenchymal-like phenotype. It is widely demonstrated that EMT is linked to tumor progression and metastasis. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathways have been widely investigated, but its role in the hepatocarcinoma EMT is still unclear. While the biochemical pathways have been extensively studied, the alteration of biomechanical behavior correlated to cellular phenotype and motility is not yet fully understood. To better define the involvement of TGF-β1 in the metastatic progression process in different hepatocarcinoma cell lines (HepG2, PLC/PRF/5, HLE), we applied a systematic morphomechanical approach in order to investigate the physical and the structural characteristics. In addition, we evaluated the antitumor effect of LY2157299, a TGF-βR1 kinase inhibitor, from a biomechanical point of view, using Atomic Force and Confocal Microscopy. Our approach allows for validation of biological data, therefore it may be used in the future as a diagnostic tool to be combined with conventional biomolecular techniques.
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7
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Aryal B, Yamakuchi M, Shimizu T, Kadono J, Furoi A, Gejima K, Komokata T, Hashiguchi T, Imoto Y. Deciphering Platelet Kinetics in Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:9142672. [PMID: 30050894 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9142672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver pathophysiology can, directly and indirectly, impose morphological or biochemical abnormalities of the platelets. Conversely, platelets are also able to regulate the promitogenic and profibrotic signals on liver pathobiology. Platelet contribution to the liver pathophysiology is typically facilitated by the platelet-derived growth factors that are sequestered in different subsets of alpha and dense granules, and the release of these growth factors is synchronized according to the stage and type of liver disease or injury. Thus, platelets harbor clinically relevant information with potential diagnostic and prognostic implications in liver diseases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) largely influences the platelet kinetics, and a growing body of evidence has recognized its association with HCC occurrence or prognosis. This narrative review summarizes the progress made on implicating platelet as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for HCC; the review also dissects the contradictory results from earlier studies and reflects how combining platelet-based information may enable more reliable test for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of HCC.
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8
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine essential for the induction of the fibrotic response and for the activation of the cancer stroma. Strong evidence suggests that a strong cross-talk exists among TGF-β and the tissue extracellular matrix components. TGF-β is stored in the matrix as part of a large latent complex bound to the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) and matrix binding of latent TGF-β complexes, which is required for an adequate TGF-β function. Once TGF-β is activated, it regulates extracellular matrix remodelling and promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, which is essential in fibrotic processes. This cytokine also acts on other cell types present in the fibrotic and tumour microenvironment, such as epithelial, endothelial cells or macrophages and it contributes to the cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. Furthermore, TGF-β exerts anti-tumour activity by inhibiting the host tumour immunosurveillance. Aim of this review is to update how TGF-β and the tissue microenvironment cooperate to promote the pleiotropic actions that regulate cell responses of different cell types, essential for the development of fibrosis and tumour progression. We discuss recent evidences suggesting the use of TGF-β chemical inhibitors as a new line of defence against fibrotic disorders or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Caja
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniel Caballero-Diaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
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9
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Caja L, Dituri F, Mancarella S, Caballero-Diaz D, Moustakas A, Giannelli G, Fabregat I. TGF-β and the Tissue Microenvironment: Relevance in Fibrosis and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051294. [PMID: 29701666 PMCID: PMC5983604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine essential for the induction of the fibrotic response and for the activation of the cancer stroma. Strong evidence suggests that a strong cross-talk exists among TGF-β and the tissue extracellular matrix components. TGF-β is stored in the matrix as part of a large latent complex bound to the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) and matrix binding of latent TGF-β complexes, which is required for an adequate TGF-β function. Once TGF-β is activated, it regulates extracellular matrix remodelling and promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, which is essential in fibrotic processes. This cytokine also acts on other cell types present in the fibrotic and tumour microenvironment, such as epithelial, endothelial cells or macrophages and it contributes to the cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. Furthermore, TGF-β exerts anti-tumour activity by inhibiting the host tumour immunosurveillance. Aim of this review is to update how TGF-β and the tissue microenvironment cooperate to promote the pleiotropic actions that regulate cell responses of different cell types, essential for the development of fibrosis and tumour progression. We discuss recent evidences suggesting the use of TGF-β chemical inhibitors as a new line of defence against fibrotic disorders or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Caja
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniel Caballero-Diaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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Yang C, Su H, Liao X, Han C, Yu T, Zhu G, Wang X, Winkler CA, O'Brien SJ, Peng T. Marker of proliferation Ki-67 expression is associated with transforming growth factor beta 1 and can predict the prognosis of patients with hepatic B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:679-696. [PMID: 29692627 PMCID: PMC5901156 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s162595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent malignancy of the liver. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) and marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI67) regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth. The association between MKI67 and TGFB1 expression and its clinical implications in HCC remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengkun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Xiwen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Chuangye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Tingdong Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Guangzhi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Xiangkun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Cheryl Ann Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, CCR, NCI, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J O'Brien
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA.,Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St Petersburg, Russia.,Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
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11
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Agarwal R, Cao Y, Hoffmeier K, Krezdorn N, Jost L, Meisel AR, Jüngling R, Dituri F, Mancarella S, Rotter B, Winter P, Giannelli G. Precision medicine for hepatocelluar carcinoma using molecular pattern diagnostics: results from a preclinical pilot study. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2867. [PMID: 28594404 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to design a road map for personalizing cancer therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using molecular pattern diagnostics. As an exploratory study, we investigated molecular patterns of tissues of two tumors from individual HCC patients, which in previous experiments had shown contrasting reactions to the phase 2 transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 inhibitor galunisertib. Cancer-driving molecular patterns encompass – inter alias – altered transcription profiles and somatic mutations in coding regions differentiating tumors from their respective peritumoral tissues and from each other. Massive analysis of cDNA ends and all-exome sequencing demonstrate a highly divergent transcriptional and mutational landscape, respectively, for the two tumors, that offers potential explanations for the tumors contrasting responses to galunisertib. Molecular pattern diagnostics (MPDs) suggest alternative, individual-tumor-specific therapies, which in both cases deviate from the standard sorafenib treatment and from each other. Suggested personalized therapies use kinase inhibitors and immune-focused drugs as well as low-toxicity natural compounds identified using an advanced bioinformatics routine included in the MPD protocol. The MPD pipeline we describe here for the prediction of suitable drugs for treatment of two contrasting HCCs may serve as a blueprint for the design of therapies for various types of cancer.
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12
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Demerdash HM, Hussien HM, Hassouna E, Arida EA. Detection of MicroRNA in Hepatic Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Genotype-4 in Egyptian Patients. Biomed Res Int 2017; 2017:1806069. [PMID: 28642869 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1806069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background In Egypt, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is 13.8% of whole population and about 80% of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have underling hepatitis C. Aim This study was designed to assess the diagnostic value of plasma miR-122 and miR-21 in patients with CHC, genotype-4, to detect fibrosis progression versus noninvasive indices and their diagnostic value in detection of early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methodology A prospective study that included 180 patients, divided into 3 groups: healthy controls (group I), CHC patients (group II), and hepatitis C patients with HCC (group III); all cases were subjected to thorough clinical, radiological, and laboratory investigations. Selected biomarkers were evaluated and correlated with degree of liver damage. Results revealed that miR-122 followed by miR-21 had the highest efficiency in prediction of liver cell damage. Also, miR-21 was strongly correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and alpha fetoprotein (α-FP) in HCC patients. Conclusions Plasma miR-122 and miR-21 had strong correlation with degree fibrosis in HCV genotype-4 patients; consequently they can be considered as potential biomarker for early detection of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, miR-21 can be used as a potential biomarker, for early detection of HCC combined with VEGF and α-FP.
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Fabregat I, Giannelli G. The TGF-β pathway: a pharmacological target in hepatocellular carcinoma? Hepat Oncol 2017; 4:35-38. [PMID: 30191051 PMCID: PMC6095167 DOI: 10.2217/hep-2017-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) & University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS ‘S. De Bellis’, Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - on behalf of the IT-LIVER Consortium
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) & University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS ‘S. De Bellis’, Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
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Cao Y, Agarwal R, Dituri F, Lupo L, Trerotoli P, Mancarella S, Winter P, Giannelli G. NGS-based transcriptome profiling reveals biomarkers for companion diagnostics of the TGF-β receptor blocker galunisertib in HCC. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2634. [PMID: 28230858 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling has gained extensive interest in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The small molecule kinase inhibitor galunisertib, targeting the TGF-β receptor I (TGF-βRI), blocks HCC progression in preclinical models and shows promising effects in ongoing clinical trials. As the drug is not similarly effective in all patients, this study was aimed at identifying new companion diagnostics biomarkers for patient stratification. Next-generation sequencing-based massive analysis of cDNA ends was used to investigate the transcriptome of an invasive HCC cell line responses to TGF-β1 and galunisertib. These identified mRNA were validated in 78 frozen HCC samples and in 26 ex-vivo HCC tissues treated in culture with galunisertib. Respective protein levels in patients blood were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SKIL, PMEPA1 ANGPTL4, SNAI1, Il11 and c4orf26 were strongly upregulated by TGF-β1 and downregulated by galunisertib in different HCC cell lines. In the 78 HCC samples, only SKIL and PMEPA1 (P<0.001) were correlated with endogenous TGF-β1. In ex-vivo samples, SKIL and PMEPA1 were strongly downregulated (P<0.001), and correlated (P<0.001) with endogenous TGF-β1. SKIL and PMEPA1 mRNA expression in tumor tissues was significantly increased compared with controls and not correlated with protein levels in the blood of paired HCC patients. SKIL and PMEPA1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with TGF-β1 mRNA concentrations in HCC tissues and strongly downregulated by galunisertib. The target genes identified here may serve as biomarkers for the stratification of HCC patients undergoing treatment with galunisertib.
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Pang M, Teng Y, Huang J, Yuan Y, Lin F, Xiong C. Substrate stiffness promotes latent TGF-β1 activation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 483:553-558. [PMID: 28025149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.12.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was usually coupled with increased stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and elevated level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). However, the mechanism by which substrate rigidity modulated TGF-β1 signaling transduction remained unknown. This paper investigated the molecular mechanism of how matrix stiffness regulating TGF-β1 signaling in HCC cells. By means of stiffness tunable collagen I-coated polyacrylamide (PA) gels, we found that the expressions of β1 integrin, p-FAK Y397 and p-Smad2 upregulated on stiffer gels as well as the content of TGF-β1 in culture media of HCC cells, which were inhibited by RGD blocking peptides, Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor) or Blebbistatin (myosin II inhibitor). Cellular traction force was also significantly higher when plated on stiffer substrates but dramatically decreased after treatment with Y-27632 or Blebbistatin. Furthermore, the upregulation of p-Smad2 in the HCC cells on stiffer PA gels induced by exogenetic latent TGF-β1 was downregulated in the presence of RGD peptides. The nuclear translocation of Smad2 induced by latent TGF-β1 was inhibited by Y-27632 or Blebbistatin. Our results suggested that the extracellular matrix stiffness regulated latent TGF-β1 activation by cytoskeletal tension in HCC cells, showing that matrix stiffness was a key regulator involving the TGF-β1 activity in HCC cells. The current study presented a mechanism of how hepatocirrhosis developed into liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingshu Pang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yao Teng
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jianyong Huang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chunyang Xiong
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Giannelli G, Koudelkova P, Dituri F, Mikulits W. Role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2016; 65:798-808. [PMID: 27212245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 401] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a multistep biological process whereby epithelial cells change in plasticity by transient de-differentiation into a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT and its reversal, mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), essentially occur during embryogenetic morphogenesis and have been increasingly described in fibrosis and cancer during the last decade. In carcinoma progression, EMT plays a crucial role in early steps of metastasis when cells lose cell-cell contacts due to ablation of E-cadherin and acquire increased motility to spread into surrounding or distant tissues. Epithelial plasticity has become a hot issue in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as strong inducers of EMT such as transforming growth factor-β are able to orchestrate both fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis, showing rising cytokine levels in cirrhosis and late stage HCC. In this review, we consider the significance of EMT-MET in malignant hepatocytes as well as changes in the plasticity of hepatic stellate cells for cellular heterogeneity of HCC, and further aim at explaining the current limiting insights into EMT by snapshot analyses of HCC tissues. Recent advances in the identification of clinically relevant mechanisms that impinge on important EMT-transcription factors, as well as on miRNAs causing EMT signatures and HCC progression are highlighted. In addition, we draw particular attention to framing EMT in the context of potential clinical relevance for HCC patients. We conclude that some aspects of EMT are still elusive and further studies are required to better link the clinical management of HCC with biomarkers and targeted therapies related to EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Petra Koudelkova
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Dituri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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17
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Giannelli G, Mikulits W, Dooley S, Fabregat I, Moustakas A, ten Dijke P, Portincasa P, Winter P, Janssen R, Leporatti S, Herrera B, Sanchez A. The rationale for targeting TGF-β in chronic liver diseases. Eur J Clin Invest 2016; 46:349-61. [PMID: 26823073 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a pluripotent cytokine that displays several tissue-specific biological activities. In the liver, TGF-β is considered a fundamental molecule, controlling organ size and growth by limiting hepatocyte proliferation. It is involved in fibrogenesis and, therefore, in worsening liver damage, as well as in triggering the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TGF-β is known to act as an oncosuppressor and also as a tumour promoter in HCC, but its role is still unclear. DESIGN In this review, we discuss the potential role of TGF-β in regulating the tumoural progression of HCC, and therefore the rationale for targeting this molecule in patients with HCC. RESULTS A considerable amount of experimental preclinical evidence suggests that TGF-β is a promising druggable target in patients with HCC. To support this hypothesis, a phase II clinical trial is currently ongoing using a TGF-β pathway inhibitor, and results will soon be available. CONCLUSIONS The identification of new TGF-β related biomarkers will help to select those patients most likely to benefit from therapy aimed at inhibiting the TGF-β pathway. New formulations that may provide a more controlled and sustained delivery of the drug will improve the therapeutic success of such treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Mannheim Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Blanca Herrera
- Dep. Bioquímica y Biología Molecular II, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aranzazu Sanchez
- Dep. Bioquímica y Biología Molecular II, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Fabregat I, Moreno-Càceres J, Sánchez A, Dooley S, Dewidar B, Giannelli G, ten Dijke P. TGF-β signalling and liver disease. FEBS J 2016; 283:2219-32. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL); L'Hospitalet; Barcelona Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences II; University of Barcelona; Spain
| | | | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II; San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC); Madrid Spain
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
| | - Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Tanta University; Egypt
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology; University of Bari Medical School; Italy
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology; Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands; Leiden The Netherlands
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Cillo U, Giuliani T, Polacco M, Herrero Manley LM, Crivellari G, Vitale A. Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma biological behavior in patient selection for liver transplantation. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:232-252. [PMID: 26755873 PMCID: PMC4698488 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphological criteria have always been considered the benchmark for selecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients for liver transplantation (LT). These criteria, which are often inappropriate to express the tumor’s biological behavior and aggressiveness, offer only a static view of the disease burden and are frequently unable to correctly stratify the tumor recurrence risk after LT. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and its progression as well as AFP-mRNA, AFP-L3%, des-γ-carboxyprothrombin, inflammatory markers and other serological tests appear to be correlated with post-transplant outcomes. Several other markers for patient selection including functional imaging studies such as 18F-FDG-PET imaging, histological evaluation of tumor grade, tissue-specific biomarkers, and molecular signatures have been outlined in the literature. HCC growth rate and response to pre-transplant therapies can further contribute to the transplant evaluation process of HCC patients. While AFP, its progression, and HCC response to pre-transplant therapy have already been used as a part of an integrated prognostic model for selecting patients, the utility of other markers in the transplant setting is still under investigation. This article intends to review the data in the literature concerning predictors that could be included in an integrated LT selection model and to evaluate the importance of biological aggressiveness in the evaluation process of these patients.
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Manzi M, Bacigalupo ML, Carabias P, Elola MT, Wolfenstein-Todel C, Rabinovich GA, Espelt MV, Troncoso MF. Galectin-1 Controls the Proliferation and Migration of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Their Interaction With Hepatocarcinoma Cells. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:1522-33. [PMID: 26551914 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Galectin-1 (Gal1), a β-galactoside-binding protein elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its expression correlates with HCC growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. During the early stages of HCC, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1 ) acts as a tumor suppressor; however in advanced stages, HCC cells lose their cytostatic response to TGF-β1 and undergo EMT. Here, we investigated the role of Gal1 on liver endothelial cell biology, and the interplay between Gal1 and TGF-β1 in HCC progression. By Western blot and immunofluorescence, we analyzed Gal1 expression, secretion and localization in HepG2 and HuH-7 human HCC cells, and in SK-HEP-1 human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). We used loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments to down- or up-regulate Gal1 expression, respectively, in HepG2 cells. We cultured SK-HEP-1 cells with conditioned media from HCC cells secreting different levels of Gal1, and demonstrated that Gal1 derived from tumor hepatocytes induced its own expression in SECs. Colorimetric and scratch-wound assays revealed that secretion of Gal1 by HCC cells induced SEC proliferation and migration. Moreover, by fluorescence microscopy we demonstrated that Gal1 promoted glycan-dependent heterotypic adhesion of HepG2 cells to SK-HEP-1 SECs. Furthermore, TGF-β1 induced Gal1 expression and secretion by HCC cells, and promoted HepG2 cell adhesion to SK-HEP-1 SECs through a Gal1-dependent mechanism. Finally, Gal1 modulated HepG2 cell proliferation and sensitivity to TGF-β1 -induced growth inhibition. Our results suggest that Gal1 and TGF-β1 might function coordinately within the HCC microenvironment to regulate tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Manzi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Bacigalupo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Carabias
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María T Elola
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlota Wolfenstein-Todel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriel A Rabinovich
- Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (CONICET) and School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María V Espelt
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Troncoso
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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