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Ahn B, Ahn HS, Shin J, Jun E, Koh EY, Ryu YM, Kim SY, Sung CO, Shim JH, Hong J, Kim K, Kang HJ. Characterization of lymphocyte-rich hepatocellular carcinoma and the prognostic role of tertiary lymphoid structures. Liver Int 2024; 44:1202-1218. [PMID: 38363048 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Lymphocyte-rich hepatocellular carcinoma (LR-HCC) is largely unknown and a rare subtype of HCC with immune-rich stroma. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), frequently observed in LR-HCC, are known to be prognostically significant in various malignancies; however, their significance in HCC remains unevaluated. METHODS Clinicopathologic data of 191 cases of surgically resected conventional HCC (C-HCC, n = 160) and LR-HCC (n = 31) were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence staining, RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis were conducted. Differences between the subtypes were statistically evaluated. RESULTS LR-HCC was significantly correlated to larger tumour size, higher Edmondson-Steiner grade, presence of TLS and higher CD3-, CD8- and FOXP3-positive T cell, high PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (p < .001 for all) compared to C-HCC. Patients with LR-HCC exhibited significantly better overall survival (OS) (p = .044) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = .025) than C-HCC. LR-HCC demonstrated TLS signatures with significantly higher proteomic-based immune scores in 14 of 17 types of tumour-infiltrating immune cells. Furthermore, C-HCC with secondary follicles, the most mature form of TLS, exhibited significantly better OS (p = .031) and RFS (p = .033) than those without. Across the global proteome, LR-HCC was well-differentiated from C-HCC and a map of protein-protein interactions between tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and HCC in tumour microenvironment was completed. CONCLUSION LR-HCC is clinicopathologically and molecularly distinct and shows better prognosis compared to C-HCC. Also, the presence of secondary follicle can be an important prognostic marker for better prognosis in both LR-HCC and C-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bokyung Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Sung Ahn
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Shin
- Division of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsung Jun
- Department of Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Young Koh
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Mi Ryu
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yeob Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - JeongYeon Hong
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Cai N, Cheng K, Ma Y, Liu S, Tao R, Li Y, Li D, Guo B, Jia W, Liang H, Zhao J, Xia L, Ding ZY, Chen J, Zhang W. Targeting MMP9 in CTNNB1 mutant hepatocellular carcinoma restores CD8 + T cell-mediated antitumour immunity and improves anti-PD-1 efficacy. Gut 2023:gutjnl-2023-331342. [PMID: 38123979 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The gain of function (GOF) CTNNB1 mutations (CTNNB1 GOF ) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cause significant immune escape and resistance to anti-PD-1. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of CTNNB1 GOF HCC-mediated immune escape and raise a new therapeutic strategy to enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy in HCC. DESIGN RNA sequencing was performed to identify the key downstream genes of CTNNB1 GOF associated with immune escape. An in vitro coculture system, murine subcutaneous or orthotopic models, spontaneously tumourigenic models in conditional gene-knock-out mice and flow cytometry were used to explore the biological function of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in tumour progression and immune escape. Single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics were used to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of MMP9. RESULTS MMP9 was significantly upregulated in CTNNB1 GOF HCC. MMP9 suppressed infiltration and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells, which was critical for CTNNB1 GOF to drive the suppressive tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and anti-PD-1 resistance. Mechanistically, CTNNB1 GOF downregulated sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), resulting in promotion of β-catenin/lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D) complex formation that fostered the transcriptional activation of MMP9. The secretion of MMP9 from HCC mediated slingshot protein phosphatase 1 (SSH1) shedding from CD8+ T cells, leading to the inhibition of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)-mediated intracellular of G protein-coupled receptors signalling. Additionally, MMP9 blockade remodelled the TIME and potentiated the sensitivity of anti-PD-1 therapy in HCC. CONCLUSIONS CTNNB1 GOF induces a suppressive TIME by activating secretion of MMP9. Targeting MMP9 reshapes TIME and potentiates anti-PD-1 efficacy in CTNNB1 GOF HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cai
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Ma
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Tao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yani Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Danfeng Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Guo
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Jia
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanguang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Yang H, Gu X, Fan R, Zhu Q, Zhong S, Wan X, Chen Q, Zhu L, Feng F. Deciphering tumor immune microenvironment differences between high-grade serous and endometrioid ovarian cancer to investigate their potential in indicating immunotherapy response. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:223. [PMID: 37993916 PMCID: PMC10664484 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01284-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is a significant public health concern with a poor prognosis for epithelial ovarian cancer. To explore the potential of immunotherapy in treating epithelial ovarian cancer, we investigated the immune microenvironments of 52 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, including 43 with high-grade serous ovarian cancer and 9 with endometrioid ovarian cancer. RESULTS Fresh tumor tissue was analyzed for genetic mutations and various parameters related to immune evasion and infiltration. The mean stromal score (stromal cell infiltration) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer was higher than in endometrioid ovarian cancer. The infiltration of CD8 T cells and exhausted CD8 T cells were found to be more extensive in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion scores, T cell exclusion scores, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) scores were also higher in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer group, suggesting that the number of cytotoxic lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer is likely lower compared to endometrioid ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS The high mean stromal score and more extensive infiltration and exhaustion of CD8 T cells in high-grade serous ovarian cancer indicate that high-grade serous ovarian cancer exhibits a higher level of cytotoxic T cell infiltration, yet these T cells tend to be in a dysfunctional state. Higher Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion scores, T cell exclusion scores, and CAF scores in high-grade serous ovarian cancers suggest that immune escape is more likely to occur in high-grade serous ovarian cancer, thus endometrioid ovarian cancer may be more conducive to immunotherapy. Therefore, it is crucial to design immunotherapy clinical trials for ovarian cancer to distinguish between high-grade serous and endometrioid ovarian cancer from the outset. This distinction will help optimize treatment strategies and improve outcomes for patients with different subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Puren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China
| | - Xirun Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengzhi Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing, China.
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Xue J, Wu H, Shi Y, Li Z. TRIP13 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for poor prognosis and immune cell infiltration. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:176. [PMID: 37740123 PMCID: PMC10516817 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00792-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The overexpression of TRIP13 has been observed in many types of cancer and has been identified as an oncogene. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the expression of TRIP13 in HCC and its impact on immune cell infiltration and prognosis. METHODS We analyzed TCGA and GSE62232 datasets to assess TRIP13 expression in HCC. Kaplan-Meier and subgroup analysis were performed to examine the correlation between TRIP13 expression and HCC. Univariate and Cox regression analysis were conducted to determine the predictive value of TRIP13 in assessing patient outcomes. A nomogram was developed using TRIP13 mRNA expression to predict HCC prognosis. TRIP13 expression was validated using immunohistochemistry in our patient cohort. Survival and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the role of TRIP13 in HCC prognosis. RESULTS The results indicated that TRIP13 upregulation in HCC was a strong independent predictor of poor outcome, as determined by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. A high AUC value of 0.982 from ROC curves suggested that TRIP13 upregulation could serve as a reliable diagnostic indicator for HCC. The immunohistochemical validation of TRIP13 expression in the patient cohort confirmed its prognostic significance, and high TRIP13 expression was found to be associated with increased infiltration of Th2 cells and decreased infiltration of neutrophils, Th17 cells, and dendritic cells. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that TRIP13 could be a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Hongfen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China (Sanya) Hospital, Sichuan University, Sanya, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Carloni R, Sabbioni S, Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Palloni A, Petrarota C, Cusmai A, Tavolari S, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Brandi G. Immune-Based Combination Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1445-1463. [PMID: 37701562 PMCID: PMC10493094 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s390963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC frequently presents as advanced disease at diagnosis, and disease relapse following radical surgery is frequent. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced HCC, particularly with the introduction of atezolizumab/bevacizumab as the new standard of care for first-line treatment. Recently, dual immune checkpoint blockade with durvalumab plus tremelimumab has also emerged as an effective first-line treatment for advanced HCC and most of the research is currently focused on developing combination treatments based mainly on ICIs. In this review, we will discuss the rationale and ongoing clinical trials of immune-based combination therapies for the treatment of advanced HCC, also focusing on new immunotherapy strategies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and anti-cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Carloni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Sabbioni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello”, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, “Saverio de Bellis” Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Palloni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cataldo Petrarota
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello”, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cusmai
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello”, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Tavolari
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Wang PY, Kuo YH, Sheu MJ, Kuo HT, Lee WY, Kuo YT, Wang SH. Lymphocyte-Rich Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Multiple Lymphadenopathy and Positive Epstein-Barr Virus Encoding Region. Case Reports Hepatol 2023; 2023:4797233. [PMID: 37583793 PMCID: PMC10425252 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4797233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte-rich hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the rarest subtype among the various subgroups of HCC, and limited clinical data are available for this particular subtype. It is commonly observed as a solitary lesion and tends to present at an early stage. Histopathological examination typically reveals tumor cells infiltrated by a lymphocyte-rich background, leading to its designation as lymphoepithelioma-like HCC. Unlike other lymphoepithelioma-like tumors associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), lymphocyte-rich HCC is predominantly negative for EBV. This subtype is characterized by more favorable clinical outcomes and prognosis compared to conventional HCC. Here, we present a case of lymphocyte-rich hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) characterized by the presence of bilateral hepatic tumors and concurrent multiple lymphadenopathy. Interestingly, contrary to previous literature, the examination for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) revealed a positive result in this particular case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Yi Wang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Kuo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Sheu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Tao Kuo
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ying Lee
- Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Kuo
- Department of Radiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Su-Hung Wang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
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Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Esposito DL, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Infectious Agents Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Deregulation in Primary Liver Cancers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1632. [PMID: 37512809 PMCID: PMC10386003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between infectious agents and liver tissue, as well as repeated and extreme biological events beyond adaptive capacities, may result in pathological conditions predisposing people to development of primary liver cancers (PLCs). In adults, PLCs mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Various infectious agents in the hepatic microenvironment can destabilize normal liver cell functions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Among them, hepatotropic viruses B, C, and D are involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysregulation. Other microbial agents, including oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV), bacteria, e.g., Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Salmonella Typhi, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the fungus Aspergillus flavus, and liver flukes such as Clonorchissinensis or Opisthorchis viverrini, may induce malignant transformation in hepatocytes or in target cells of the biliary tract through aberrant Wnt signaling activation. This review focuses on new insights into infectious agents implicated in the deregulation of Wnt signaling and PLC development. Since the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a driver of cancer following viral and bacterial infections, molecules inhibiting the complex axis of Wnt signaling could represent novel therapeutic approaches in PLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Diana Liberata Esposito
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Devan AR, Nair B, Aryan MK, Liju VB, Koshy JJ, Mathew B, Valsan A, Kim H, Nath LR. Decoding Immune Signature to Detect the Risk for Early-Stage HCC Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2729. [PMID: 37345066 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often recognized as an inflammation-linked cancer, which possesses an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Curative treatments such as surgical resection, liver transplantation, and percutaneous ablation are mainly applicable in the early stage and demonstrate significant improvement of survival rate in most patients. However, 70-80% of patients report HCC recurrence within 5 years of curative treatment, representing an important clinical issue. However, there is no effective recurrence marker after surgical and locoregional therapies, thus, tumor size, number, and histological features such as cancer cell differentiation are often considered as risk factors for HCC recurrence. Host immunity plays a critical role in regulating carcinogenesis, and the immune microenvironment characterized by its composition, functional status, and density undergoes significant alterations in each stage of cancer progression. Recent studies reported that analysis of immune contexture could yield valuable information regarding the treatment response, prognosis and recurrence. This review emphasizes the prognostic value of tumors associated with immune factors in HCC recurrence after curative treatment. In particular, we review the immune landscape and immunological factors contributing to early-stage HCC recurrence, and discuss the immunotherapeutic interventions to prevent tumor recurrence following curative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | | | - Vijayastelar B Liju
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Joel Joy Koshy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Arun Valsan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Epatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, and Research Institute of Life Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
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Zuo Y, Xiao H, Lv D, Huang M, Wang L, Liu J, Zhang K, Shen J, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xu Y. Infection pattern and immunological characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus latent infection in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28717. [PMID: 37184049 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies reported the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), but its infection pattern and clinical significance unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the infection pattern, clinicopathology, outcomes, and immunology of this entity in central China. We evaluated a total of 104 untreated CSCC tumor tissue specimens using in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs), and by employing flowcytometry fluorescence hybridization for human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping. The expression of EBV latency proteins and immune biomarkers was evaluated and quantified by immunohistochemistry. EBERs transcripts were detected in 21 (20.2%) cases overall (in malignant epithelial cells of 13 cases and in lymphocytes of 8 cases). EBV belonged to latency type I infection in CSCC. The high-risk (HR)-HPV was detected in all of EBV-positive CSCC, and the difference of detection rate of HR-HPV was significant when compared with EBV-negative CSCC (p = 0.001). The specific clinicopathology with increased frequency of advanced clinical stages, tumor-positive lymph nodes, neural invasion, and increased infiltration depth (all p value < 0.05) were observed in cases with EBV. However, EBV infection was found to have no impact on prognosis of patients with CSCC. Increased densities of forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+-tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (p = 0.005) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4)+-TILs (p = 0.017) and higher expression of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) (p = 0.002) and programmed cell death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) (p = 0.040) were associated with EBV latent infection in CSCC, and these immunological changes were more likely to be associated with the infection in lymphocytes rather than tumor cells. Moreover, in patients with HPV-positive CSCC, similar significant differences were still found. In conclusions, EBV-positive CSCC may have specific infection pattern and clinicopathology and can exhibit an immunosuppressive microenvironment dominated by Treg cells aggregation and immune checkpoint activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zuo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dongmei Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Miaomiao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lianzi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiaqing Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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10
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Park HJ, Cho EJ, Kim JH, Lim S, Sung CO. Reshaping tumor immune microenvironment by Epstein-Barr virus activation in the stroma of colorectal cancer. iScience 2022; 26:105919. [PMID: 36691612 PMCID: PMC9860386 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) is complicated and poorly understood. Little is known about the effect of a viral infection potentially inducing an additional immune response in the TIM. Here, we identify Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expression in the TIM in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue through EBV-encoded RNA in-situ hybridization and RNA sequencing data and investigate the effects of EBV on TIM composition and clinical outcomes. EBV was detected in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, but not in cancer cells. EBV positivity was associated with older age, male sex, and SMAD4 mutations. EBV-positive tumors were characterized by enrichment in chemokine/cytokine signaling pathways and altered immune cell composition, including plasma and CD4 T cells, as well as cancer cells intrinsically enriched pathways related to immune tolerance, leading to poor prognosis. In conclusion, we identified EBV expression in TIM and suggested its association with poor prognosis by altering the TIM in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Park
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Cho
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehun Lim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author
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11
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Shechter O, Sausen DG, Gallo ES, Dahari H, Borenstein R. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Epithelial Associated Malignancies: Exploring Pathologies and Current Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23. [PMID: 36430864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of eight known herpesviruses with the potential to infect humans. Globally, it is estimated that between 90-95% of the population has been infected with EBV. EBV is an oncogenic virus that has been strongly linked to various epithelial malignancies such as nasopharyngeal and gastric cancer. Recent evidence suggests a link between EBV and breast cancer. Additionally, there are other, rarer cancers with weaker evidence linking them to EBV. In this review, we discuss the currently known epithelial malignancies associated with EBV. Additionally, we discuss and establish which treatments and therapies are most recommended for each cancer associated with EBV.
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12
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Jia W, Zhang T, Yao Q, Li J, Nie Y, Lei X, Mao Z, Wang Y, Shi W, Song W. Tertiary Lymphatic Structures in Primary Hepatic Carcinoma: Controversy Cannot Overshadow Hope. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870458. [PMID: 35844587 PMCID: PMC9278517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are organized aggregates of immune cells found in the tumor microenvironment. TLS can influence primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) occurrence and have an active role in cancer. TLS can promote or inhibit the growth of PHC depending on their location, and although available findings are controversial, they suggest that TLS have a protective role in PHC tissues and a non-protective role in paracancerous tissues. In addition, the cellular composition of TLS can also influence the outcome of PHC. As an immunity marker, TLS can act as a marker of immunotherapy to predict its effect and help to identify patients who will respond well to immunotherapy. Modulation of TLS formation through the use of chemokines/cytokines, immunotherapy, or induction of high endothelial vein to interfere with tumor growth has been studied extensively in PHC and other cancers. In addition, new tools such as genetic interventions, cellular crosstalk, preoperative radiotherapy, and advances in materials science have been shown to influence the prognosis of malignant tumors by modulating TLS production. These can also be used to develop PHC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Jia
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qianyun Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ye Nie
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjie Song,
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13
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An J, Kim HI, Oh B, Oh YJ, Oh JH, Kim W, Sung CO, Shim JH. Integrated prognostic and histogenomic justification of stage-directed therapy for single large hepatocellular carcinoma: a Korean nationwide registry study. Gut 2022; 71:1234-1236. [PMID: 34493591 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325844] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hanyang University, Guri, Gyeonggi-do, The Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Il Kim
- Gastroenterology, Kyung Hee University Gangdong Hospital, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Kim
- Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, The Republic of Korea
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14
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An J, Oh M, Kim SY, Oh YJ, Oh B, Oh JH, Kim W, Jung JH, Kim HI, Kim JS, Sung CO, Shim JH. PET-Based Radiogenomics Supports mTOR Pathway Targeting for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1821-1831. [PMID: 35191466 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This work aimed to explore in depth the genomic and molecular underpinnings of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with increased 2[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake in PET and to identify therapeutic targets based on this imaging-genomic surrogate. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used RNA sequencing and whole-exome sequencing data obtained from 117 patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection with preoperative FDG-PET/CT imaging as a discovery cohort. The primary radiogenomic results were validated with transcriptomes from a second cohort of 81 patients with more advanced tumors. All patients were allocated to an FDG-avid or FDG-non-avid group according to the PET findings. We also screened potential drug candidates targeting FDG-avid HCCs in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS High FDG avidity conferred worse recurrence-free survival after HCC resection. Whole transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of mTOR pathway signals in the FDG-avid tumors, together with higher abundance of associated mutations. These clinical and genomic findings were replicated in the validation set. A molecular signature of FDG-avid HCCs identified in the discovery set consistently predicted poor prognoses in the public-access datasets of two cohorts. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor resulted in decreased FDG uptake followed by effective tumor control in both the hyperglycolytic HCC cell lines and xenograft mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Our PET-based radiogenomic analysis indicates that mTOR pathway genes are markedly activated and altered in HCCs with high FDG retention. This nuclear imaging biomarker may stimulate umbrella trials and tailored treatments in precision care of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun An
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyoung Oh
- Nuclear Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seog-Young Kim
- Convergence Medicine Research Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Science, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Kim
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Science, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hwa Jung
- Convergence Medicine Research Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Il Kim
- Gastroenterology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seung Kim
- Nuclear Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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15
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Ye T, Zhang X, Dong Y, Liu J, Zhang W, Wu F, Bo H, Shao H, Zhang R, Shen H. Chemokine CCL17 Affects Local Immune Infiltration Characteristics and Early Prognosis Value of Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:816927. [PMID: 35321241 PMCID: PMC8936957 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.816927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CCL17 is an important chemokine that plays a vital immunomodulatory role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Analysis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) data in Kaplan–Meier plotter databases found that the overall survival of patients in the CCL17 high-expression group was higher than that of the low-expression group, especially for patients with early (stages I and II) LUAD, which has a more positive prognostic value. Expression of CCL17 in LUAD was positively correlated with the proportion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, immunostimulators, and major histocompatibility complexes using the TISIDB databases. Based on the RNA-seq and clinical data of 491 LUAD patients obtained from the TCGA database, 1,455 differential genes were found between the CCL17 high- and low-expression groups. Using WGCNA analysis confirmed that the expression of differential genes in the blue module is negatively correlated with poor survival and clinical stages of LUAD patients, and CCL17 and CCR4 genes belong to the hub genes in the blue module. Further analysis by the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithm found that the naive B cells and CD8+ T cells in the CCL17 high-expression group have a higher distribution ratio in the early LUAD patients, and the high immune score has a positive relationship with the overall survival rate. Using somatic mutation data of TCGA-LUAD, we found that 1) the tumor mutation burden values of the CCL17 high-expression group were significantly lower than those of the CCL17 low-expression group and 2) the expression levels of CCL17 and the tumor mutation burden values were negatively correlated. Transwell chemotaxis and cytotoxicity assays confirmed that CCL17 contributes to the migration of CCR4-positive lymphocytes into the H1993 LUAD TME and enhances the specific lysis of LUAD cells. In summary, high expression of CCL17 in the LUAD TME promotes local immune cell infiltration and antitumor immune response, which may contribute to the better survival and prognosis of patients with early LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dongguan People’s Hospital, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yongjian Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fenglin Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaben Bo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Candidate Drug Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Han Shen,
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16
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Huai Q, Guo W, Han L, Kong D, Zhao L, Song P, Peng Y, Gao S. Identification of prognostic genes and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 10:1787-1803. [PMID: 35116502 PMCID: PMC8797718 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-3078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that is classified as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Infiltrating stromal/immune cells, a major component of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), have prognostic significance in various cancers. METHODS In this study we investigated genes and immune factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of ESCC and EAC that can serve as prognostic biomarkers. Stromal and immune scores were calculated using the Estimation of Stromal and Immune Cells in Malignant Tumor Tissues Using Expression Data (ESTIMATE) algorithm based on gene expression profiles of patient-derived tumor tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The correlation between ESTIMATE scores and survival rates in EC were analyzed. A comparison of high and low stromal/immune score groups revealed multiple differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as candidate prognostic genes; their role in immune-related biological processes was evaluated by functional and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses, and the genes were validated using Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Additionally, 22 tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) subsets were analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. RESULTS Median stromal score was higher whereas immune score was lower in ESCC than in EAC (both P<0.01). Stromal score was lower in female as compared to male ESCC patients (P<0.05), and was significantly correlated with T stage (P<0.05). In EAC, median immune score was higher in female as compared to male patients (P<0.05) and was correlated with tumor-node-metastasis stage (P<0.05). The identified DEGs were mainly involved in lymphocyte (especially T-lymphocyte) activation and carbohydrate binding. Moreover, the levels of infiltrating resting-stage dendritic cells, CD8+ T cells, naïve B cells, activated mast cells, and resting memory CD4+ T cells were significantly correlated with EC prognosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The immune microenvironment of ESCC and EAC are quite different. We have found genes with prognostic value in multiple tumor databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Huai
- Department of Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liankui Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Demiao Kong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shugeng Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Deng J, Chen X, Zhan T, Chen M, Yan X, Huang X. CRYAB predicts clinical prognosis and is associated with immunocyte infiltration in colorectal cancer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12578. [PMID: 34966587 PMCID: PMC8667716 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background αB-Crystallin (CRYAB) is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, the correlation between CRYAB and immune cell infiltration in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Materials & Methods Kaplan-Meier survival curves in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to evaluate the relationship between CRYAB expression and both overall survival and progression-free survival. The relationships between CRYAB expression and infiltrating immune cells and their corresponding gene marker sets were examined using the TIMER database. Results The expression of CRYAB was lower in CRC tumor tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.05). High CRYAB gene expression and high levels of CRYAB gene methylation were correlated with high-grade malignant tumors and more advanced tumor, nodes and metastasis (TNM) cancer stages. In addition, in colorectal cancer, there was a positive correlation between CRYAB expression and immune infiltrating cells including neutrophils, macrophages, CD8 + T cells, and CD4 + T cells, as well as immune-related genes including CD2, CD3D, and CD3E. Methylation sites such as cg13084335, cg15545878, cg13210534, and cg15318568 were positively correlated with low expression of CRYAB. Conclusion Because CRYAB likely plays an important role in immune cell infiltration, it may be a potential tumor-suppressor gene in CRC and a potential novel therapeutic target and predictive biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Deng
- Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Zhan
- Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengge Chen
- Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xisheng Yan
- Tongren Hospital of Wuhan Unversity, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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18
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Liu Z, Liu L, Guo C, Yu S, Meng L, Zhou X, Han X. Tumor suppressor gene mutations correlate with prognosis and immunotherapy benefit in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108340. [PMID: 34789428 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The tumor microenvironment (TME) has profound impacts on prognosis and immunotherapy. The TME can be altered by the genomic mutations on specific tumor-suppressor genes (TSG), thus, comprehending the association between TME and TSG in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is imperative. METHODS With a total of 1699 HCC patients from 6 international multicenter cohorts, we delineated the mutational landscape of TSG and summarized the proportion of TSG mutated HCC in different countries. Using the genomic and transcriptomic data, we comprehensively explored the impacts of TSG mutations on TME and immunity in HCC. A dataset of 31 HCC patients from the cBioPortal database was utilized to evaluate the predictive value of TSG subtypes for immunotherapy response. RESULTS Interestingly, TSG non-mutated HCC will have more "immune-hot" tumors, and display the infiltration abundance of immune cells such as B cell, CD4+/CD8+T cell, and neutrophil. Moreover, TSG non-mutated HCC was characterized by the higher expression level of three immune checkpoints, including CD40, CD40LG, and TNFRSF4. In line with the TME characterization and immune checkpoint profiles, TSG non-mutated HCC displayed prolonged overall survival and relapse-free survival, notably, are more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested the TSG subtypes could serve as a promising biomarker for guiding surveillance protocol and immunotherapeutic decisions for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - ChunGuang Guo
- Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Sun Yu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Lingfang Meng
- Department of Infection Management, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Xueliang Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
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19
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Kang HJ, Oh JH, Kim YW, Kim W, An J, Sung CO, Kim J, Shim JH, Hwang S, Yu E, Heaphy CM, Hong SM. Clinicopathological and molecular characterization of chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2021; 41:2499-2510. [PMID: 34036718 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a newly included subtype of HCC in the 5th edition of the WHO classification with distinctive histological features (chromophobic cytoplasm with anaplastic nuclei and pseudocyst formation) and is strongly associated with the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype. However, the clinicopathologic characterization and molecular features of chromophobe HCC are unknown. METHODS To comprehensively characterize chromophobe HCC, whole exome sequencing, copy number variation, and transcriptomic analyses were performed in 224 surgically resected HCC cases. Additionally, telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to assess ALT. These genomic profiles and ALT status were compared with clinicopathological features among subtypes of HCC, particularly chromophobe HCC and conventional HCC. RESULTS Chromophobe HCC was observed in 10.3% (23/224) cases and, compared to conventional HCC, was more frequent in females (P = .023). The overall and recurrence-free survival outcomes were similar between patients with chromophobe HCC and conventional HCC. However, chromophobe HCC displayed significantly more upregulated genes involving cell cycle progression and DNA repair. Additionally, ALT was significantly enriched in chromophobe HCC (87%; 20/23) compared to conventional HCC (2.2%, 4/178; P < .001). Somatic mutations in ALT-associated genes, including ATRX, SMARCAL1, FANCG, FANCM, SP100, TSPYL5, and RAD52 were more frequent in chromophobe HCC (30.4%, 7/23 cases) compared to conventional HCC (11.8%, 21/178 cases; P = .024). CONCLUSIONS Chromophobe HCC is a unique subtype of HCC with a prevalence of ~10%. Compared to conventional HCC, chromophobe HCC is associated with female predominance and ALT, although overall and recurrence-free outcomes are similar to conventional HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Wook Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hanyang University of Medicine, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Hwang
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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20
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Cho EJ, Kim M, Jo D, Kim J, Oh JH, Chung HC, Lee SH, Kim D, Chun SM, Kim J, Lee H, Kim TW, Yu CS, Sung CO, Jang SJ. Immuno-genomic classification of colorectal cancer organoids reveals cancer cells with intrinsic immunogenic properties associated with patient survival. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:230. [PMID: 34256801 PMCID: PMC8276416 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background The intrinsic immuno-ge7nomic characteristics of colorectal cancer cells that affect tumor biology and shape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) are unclear. Methods We developed a patient-derived colorectal cancer organoid (CCO) model and performed pairwise analysis of 87 CCOs and their matched primary tumors. The TIM type of the primary tumor was classified as immuno-active, immuno-exhausted, or immuno-desert. Results The gene expression profiles, signaling pathways, major oncogenic mutations, and histology of the CCOs recapitulated those of the primary tumors, but not the TIM of primary tumors. Two distinct intrinsic molecular subgroups of highly proliferative and mesenchymal phenotypes with clinical significance were identified in CCOs with various cancer signaling pathways. CCOs showed variable expression of cancer-specific immune-related genes such as those encoding HLA-I and HLA-II, and molecules involved in immune checkpoint activation/inhibition. Among these genes, the expression of HLA-II in CCOs was associated with favorable patient survival. K-means clustering analysis based on HLA-II expression in CCOs revealed a subgroup of patients, in whom cancer cells exhibited Intrinsically Immunogenic Properties (Ca-IIP), and were characterized by high expression of signatures associated with HLA-I, HLA-II, antigen presentation, and immune stimulation. Patients with the Ca-IIP phenotype had an excellent prognosis, irrespective of age, disease stage, intrinsic molecular type, or TIM status. Ca-IIP was negatively correlated with intrinsic E2F/MYC signaling. Analysis of the correlation between CCO immuno-genotype and TIM phenotype revealed that the TIM phenotype was associated with microsatellite instability, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, APC/KRAS mutations, and the unfolded protein response pathway linked to the FBXW7 mutation in cancer cells. However, Ca-IIP was not associated with the TIM phenotype. Conclusions We identified a Ca-IIP phenotype from a large set of CCOs. Our findings may provide an unprecedented opportunity to develop new strategies for optimal patient stratification in this era of immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02034-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jeong Cho
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsuh Kim
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daum Jo
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Chul Chung
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hye Lee
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deokhoon Kim
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Chun
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihun Kim
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Lee
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Won Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Sik Yu
- Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
| | - Se Jin Jang
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea. .,OncoClew Life Science Co., Ltd, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers and an important health problem all over the world. Its prognosis is poor. For better patient care, early diagnosis is essential. Although new imaging techniques have a big impact on hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, histopathological examination is still the gold standard for precise diagnosis. Histopathological evaluation gives exact diagnosis in the meaning of tumor size, histological subtypes, grading, and differential diagnosis from metastasis and other tumors. Immunohistochemistry as a part of diagnostic histopathological technique plays an important role in routine practice. Immunohistochemistry is useful for confirming of hepatocytic origin, supporting hepatocellular malignancy, and differential diagnosis. It also gives prognostic information. There are growing attempts to classify tumors by their molecular genetic signatures. This is also actual for hepatocellular carcinoma. This mini review focuses on the histopathology of hepatocellular carcinoma including subtypes; differential diagnosis and immunohistochemistry as an ancillary diagnostic tool, updated or added entities, i.e., combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma; small hepatocellular carcinoma; correlation with molecular studies; and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nese Karadag Soylu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Elazig Yolu 10. Km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey.
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22
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Xing XL, Yao ZY, Xing C, Huang Z, Peng J, Liu YW. Gene expression and DNA methylation analyses suggest that two immune related genes are prognostic factors of colorectal cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:116. [PMID: 33910576 PMCID: PMC8080337 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00966-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent cancer, as it accounts for approximately 10% of all annually diagnosed cancers. Studies have indicated that DNA methylation is involved in cancer genesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among DNA methylation, gene expression and the tumor-immune microenvironment of CRC, and finally, to identify potential key genes related to immune cell infiltration in CRC. Methods In the present study, we used the ChAMP and DESeq2 packages, correlation analyses, and Cox regression analyses to identify immune-related differentially expressed genes (IR-DEGs) that were correlated with aberrant methylation and to construct a risk assessment model. Results Finally, we found that HSPA1A expression and CCRL2 expression were positively and negatively associated with the risk score of CRC, respectively. Patients in the high-risk group were more positively correlated with some types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, whereas they were negatively correlated with other tumor-infiltrating immune cells. After the patients were regrouped according to the median risk score, we could more effectively distinguish them based on survival outcome, clinicopathological characteristics, specific tumor-immune infiltration status and highly expressed immune-related biomarkers. Conclusion This study suggested that the risk assessment model constructed by pairing immune-related differentially expressed genes correlated with aberrant DNA methylation could predict the outcome of CRC patients and might help to identify those patients who could benefit from antitumor immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-021-00966-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Liang Xing
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Yong Yao
- Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoqun Xing
- Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Peng
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuan-Wu Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Lindblad KE, Ruiz de Galarreta M, Lujambio A. Tumor-Intrinsic Mechanisms Regulating Immune Exclusion in Liver Cancers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642958. [PMID: 33981303 PMCID: PMC8107356 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Representing the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, liver cancers constitute a major global health concern. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent type of liver cancer, is associated with dismal survival outcomes and has traditionally had few treatment options available. In fact, up until 2017, treatment options for advanced HCC were restricted to broad acting tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including Sorafenib, which has been the standard of care for over a decade. Since 2017, a multitude of mono- and combination immunotherapies that include pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilumumab, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab have been FDA-approved for the treatment of advanced HCC with unprecedented response rates ranging from 20 to 30% of patients. However, this also means that ~70% of patients do not respond to this treatment and currently very little is known regarding mechanisms of action of these immunotherapies as well as predictors of response to facilitate patient stratification. With the recent success of immunotherapies in HCC, there is a pressing need to understand mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and resistance to these immunotherapies in order to identify biomarkers of resistance or response. This will enable better patient stratification as well as the rational design of combination immunotherapies to restore sensitivity in resistant patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge to date of tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of immune escape in liver cancer, specifically in the context of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Lindblad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, United States.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Precision Immunology Institute, New York, NY, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marina Ruiz de Galarreta
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, United States.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Precision Immunology Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, United States.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Precision Immunology Institute, New York, NY, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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24
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Hwang HS, An J, Kang HJ, Oh B, Oh YJ, Oh JH, Kim W, Sung CO, Shim JH, Yu E. Prognostic Molecular Indices of Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications of S100P for Early Recurrence. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:6466-6478. [PMID: 33786678 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-09825-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) often recur in patients undergoing hepatectomy, there are no reliable biomarkers of this undesirable event. Recent RNA-based efforts have developed valuable genetic indices prognostic of cancer outcomes. We aimed to identify molecular predictors of early recurrence after resection of HCC, and reveal the genomolecular structure of the resected tumors. METHOD Based on the transcriptomic and genomic datasets of 206 HCC samples surgically resected in the Asan Medical Center (AMC), we performed a differential gene expression analysis to identify quantitative markers associated with early recurrence and used the unsupervised clustering method to classify genomolecular subtypes. RESULTS Differential gene expression profiling revealed that S100P was the highest-ranked overexpressed gene in HCCs that recurred within 2 years of surgery. This trend was reproduced in immunohistochemical studies of the original cohort and an independent AMC cohort. S100P expression also independently predicted HCC-specific mortality post-resection (adjusted hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.19; p = 0.042). Validation in a Chinese cohort and in in vitro experiments confirmed the prognostic value of S100P in HCC. We further identified five discrete molecular subtypes of HCC; a subtype with stem cell features ('AMC-C4') was associated with the worst prognosis, both in our series and another two Asian datasets, and S100P was most strongly upregulated in that subtype. CONCLUSION We identified a promising prognostic biomolecule, S100P, associated with early recurrence after HCC resection, and established the genomolecular architecture of tumors affecting clinical outcomes, particularly in Asian patients. These new insights into molecular mediators should contribute to effective care for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Sang Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Fu Y, Zheng Y, Wang PP, Chen YY, Ding ZY. Pulmonary Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma Treated with Immunotherapy or Chemotherapy: A Single Institute Experience. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:1073-1081. [PMID: 33628032 PMCID: PMC7897714 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s290113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare malignant tumor of the lung. It is related to EB virus infection. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are rarely found in this disease, while high level programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is observed. Here a series of patients with advanced LELC treated with immunotherapy were summarized. Methods This retrospective, observational study was conducted in patients who were pathologically confirmed, metastatic or recurrent LELC patients. Patients were prescribed with either chemotherapy or immunotherapy, according to treating physicians’ discretion. Results A total of 27 patients were included in our study, 10 with immunotherapy (ICI group) and 17 with chemotherapy (Chemo group). The objective response rates (ORR) of the two groups were 80.0% and 70.5% (p=0.678), and disease control rates (DCR) were 100% and 88.2% (p=0.516). However, the response depth was better in the ICI group. Although the cohort of patients in the ICI group was in a disadvantageous state (both up-front and salvage), the progression-free survival (PFS) was much longer (15.0 and 7.9 m, p=0.005). The 1-year PFS rate in the ICI group was also much higher (40% and 5.9%, p=0.047). Conclusion This study implicated the high efficiency of ICI therapy in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Fu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Pei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Yun Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Yu Ding
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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26
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Cao Y, Xie L, Shi F, Tang M, Li Y, Hu J, Zhao L, Zhao L, Yu X, Luo X, Liao W, Bode AM. Targeting the signaling in Epstein-Barr virus-associated diseases: mechanism, regulation, and clinical study. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:15. [PMID: 33436584 PMCID: PMC7801793 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus-associated diseases are important global health concerns. As a group I carcinogen, EBV accounts for 1.5% of human malignances, including both epithelial- and lymphatic-originated tumors. Moreover, EBV plays an etiological and pathogenic role in a number of non-neoplastic diseases, and is even involved in multiple autoimmune diseases (SADs). In this review, we summarize and discuss some recent exciting discoveries in EBV research area, which including DNA methylation alterations, metabolic reprogramming, the changes of mitochondria and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), oxidative stress and EBV lytic reactivation, variations in non-coding RNA (ncRNA), radiochemotherapy and immunotherapy. Understanding and learning from this advancement will further confirm the far-reaching and future value of therapeutic strategies in EBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Research Center for Technologies of Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics Hunan Province, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Joint Engineering Research Center for Genetic Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, 410078, Changsha, China. .,Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.
| | - Longlong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Min Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China.,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yueshuo Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Jianmin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Xinfang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangjian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, 410078, Changsha, China.,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weihua Liao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912, USA
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27
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Marônek M, Link R, Monteleone G, Gardlík R, Stolfi C. Viruses in Cancers of the Digestive System: Active Contributors or Idle Bystanders? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218133. [PMID: 33143318 PMCID: PMC7663754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human virome, which is a collection of all the viruses that are present in the human body, is increasingly being recognized as an essential part of the human microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract and related organs (e.g., liver, pancreas, and gallbladder)-composing the gastrointestinal (or digestive) system-contain a huge number of viral particles which contribute to maintaining tissue homeostasis and keeping our body healthy. However, perturbations of the virome steady-state may, both directly and indirectly, ignite/sustain oncogenic mechanisms contributing to the initiation of a dysplastic process and/or cancer progression. In this review, we summarize and discuss the available evidence on the association and role of viruses in the development of cancers of the digestive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Marônek
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.M.); (R.G.)
| | - René Link
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Giovanni Monteleone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roman Gardlík
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Carmine Stolfi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-72596163
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28
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Fan M, Xia P, Clarke R, Wang Y, Li L. Radiogenomic signatures reveal multiscale intratumour heterogeneity associated with biological functions and survival in breast cancer. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4861. [PMID: 32978398 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18703-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced tumours are often heterogeneous, consisting of subclones with various genetic alterations and functional roles. The precise molecular features that characterize the contributions of multiscale intratumour heterogeneity to malignant progression, metastasis, and poor survival are largely unknown. Here, we address these challenges in breast cancer by defining the landscape of heterogeneous tumour subclones and their biological functions using radiogenomic signatures. Molecular heterogeneity is identified by a fully unsupervised deconvolution of gene expression data. Relative prevalence of two subclones associated with cell cycle and primary immunodeficiency pathways identifies patients with significantly different survival outcomes. Radiogenomic signatures of imaging scale heterogeneity are extracted and used to classify patients into groups with distinct subclone compositions. Prognostic value is confirmed by survival analysis accounting for clinical variables. These findings provide insight into how a radiogenomic analysis can identify the biological activities of specific subclones that predict prognosis in a noninvasive and clinically relevant manner. Tumours are made up of heterogeneous subclones. Here, the authors show using breast cancer imaging and gene expression datasets that these subclones can be inferred by the deconvolution of gene expression data, mapped to MRI derived radiogenomic signatures and used to estimate prognosis.
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29
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Nishida N, Kudo M. Immune Phenotype and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for the Treatment of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1274. [PMID: 32443599 PMCID: PMC7281618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are promising approaches for treating hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) refractory to conventional therapies. However, a recent clinical trial of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revealed that anti-tumor responses to ICIs are not satisfactory in HCC cases. Therefore, it is critical to identify molecular markers to predict outcome and develop novel combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of ICIs. Recently, several attempts have been made to classify HCC based on genome, epigenome, and transcriptome analyses. These molecular classifications are characterized by unique clinical and histological features of HCC, as well immune phenotype. For example, HCCs exhibiting gene expression patterns with proliferation signals and stem cell markers are associated with the enrichment of immune infiltrates in tumors, suggesting immune-proficient characteristics for this type of HCC. However, the presence of activating mutations in β-catenin represents a lack of immune infiltrates and refractoriness to ICIs. Although the precise mechanism that links the immunological phenotype with molecular features remains controversial, it is conceivable that alterations of oncogenic cellular signaling in cancer may lead to the expression of immune-regulatory molecules and result in the acquisition of specific immunological microenvironments for each case of HCC. Therefore, these molecular and immune characteristics should be considered for the management of HCC using immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine; 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Japan;
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30
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Qu Y, Cheng B, Shao N, Jia Y, Song Q, Tan B, Wang J. Prognostic value of immune-related genes in the tumor microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:4757-4777. [PMID: 32209727 PMCID: PMC7138544 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which consists mainly of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), are the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the tumor microenvironmental and genetic factors to identify prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC. We evaluated the immune and stromal scores of patients with LUAD and LUSC using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database with the ESTIMATE algorithm. Based on these scores, the differentially expressed genes were obtained and immune-related prognostic genes were identified. Functional analysis and protein-protein interaction network further revealed the immune-related biological processes in which these genes participated. Additionally, 22 subsets of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in the tumor microenvironment were analyzed with the CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, we validated these valuable genes using an independent cohort from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The associations of the immune and stromal scores with patients’ clinical characteristics and prognosis were positive in LUAD but negative in LUSC and the correlations of TIICs with clinical characteristics were clarified. Several differentially expressed genes were identified to be potential immune-related prognostic genes. This study comprehensively analyzed the tumor microenvironment and presented immune-related prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Cancer Hospital, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Na Shao
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yibin Jia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qingxu Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Bingxu Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jianbo Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
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31
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Zheng B, Ma J, Tian L, Dong L, Song G, Pan J, Liu Y, Yang S, Wang X, Zhang X, Zhou J, Fan J, Shi J, Gao Q. The distribution of immune cells within combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma predicts clinical outcome. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:45-56. [PMID: 32508015 PMCID: PMC7239312 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of the immune microenvironment in patients with combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC). PATIENTS AND METHODS The density of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ , CD8+ , CD163+ , and Foxp3+ immune cells, as well as Programmed cell death 1, Programmed cell death-ligand 1, and Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4, was measured in the peritumor liver, tumor invasive margin, and intratumor subregions of 56 cHCC-ICC by immunohistochemistry. The immune index was established to stratify patients. Prognostic significance of immune cell subsets and immune indices was evaluated. RESULTS The distribution of immune cells was highly heterogeneous among different subregions of cHCC-ICC. As compared with the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) component, the lower density of CD8+ T cells and higher intensity of Foxp3+ Tregs and immune checkpoints in the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) component may indicate a stronger immune evasive ability of ICC. Based on clustering classification or a combination of random forest and lasso-cox, two models of immune indices were established and both were identified as independent prognostic factors for cHCC-ICC patients. The selected immune variables in the immune prognostic models derived from both HCC and ICC subregions, indicating that the prognosis of cHCC-ICC patients was a complex interaction of both components. CONCLUSIONS The immune contexture was heterogeneous among different subregions of cHCC-ICC patients and contributed differently to patient prognosis. Immune score based on the densities of immune cells might serve as a promising prognostic predictor for cHCC-ICC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo‐Hao Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jia‐Qiang Ma
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- The Center for MicrobesDevelopment, and HealthKey Laboratory of Molecular Virology & ImmunologyInstitute Pasteur of ShanghaiChinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Ling‐Yu Tian
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Liang‐Qing Dong
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Guo‐He Song
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiao‐Men Pan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yu‐Ming Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuai‐Xi Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiao‐Ying Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiao‐Ming Zhang
- The Center for MicrobesDevelopment, and HealthKey Laboratory of Molecular Virology & ImmunologyInstitute Pasteur of ShanghaiChinese Academy of Sciences/University of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jie‐Yi Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantationand Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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32
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Yan P, Zhou B, Ma Y, Wang A, Hu X, Luo Y, Yuan Y, Wei Y, Pang P, Mao J. Tracking the important role of JUNB in hepatocellular carcinoma by single-cell sequencing analysis. Oncol Lett 2019; 19:1478-1486. [PMID: 31966074 PMCID: PMC6956120 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed liver cancer, accounting for ~90% of all primary malignancy of the liver. Although various medical treatments have been used as systemic therapies, patient survival time may be extended by only a few months. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms of HCC development and progression remain poorly understood. In the present study, the single-cell transcriptome of one in vivo HCC tumor sample, two in vitro HCC cell lines and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analysed in order to identify the potential mechanism underlying the development and progression of HCC. Interestingly, JunB proto-oncogene was identified to serve a role in the immune response and in development and progression of HCC, potentially contributing to the development of novel therapeutics for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yan
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Yingdong Ma
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Ani Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Hu
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Youli Luo
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Yuan
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Wei
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Pengfei Pang
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Mao
- Center of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, P.R. China
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