scholarly journals Promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation by hepatocellular carcinoma-educated macrophages through Wnt2b/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling and reprogramming glycolysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Jiang ◽  
Qiuju Han ◽  
Huajun Zhao ◽  
Jian Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Macrophage Polarization ◽  
Tumour Cells ◽  
Cpg Odn ◽  
Promoting Effect ◽  
Immunodeficient Mice ◽  
Tlr9 Agonist ◽  
Mesenchymal Transformation

Abstract Background Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumour microenvironment (TME) can promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some tumours can be suppressed by targeting Wnt2b in tumour cells. However, the role of Wnt2b in HCC is still unknown. In particular, the role of Wnt2b-mediated signal activation in macrophage polarization in the HCC microenvironment, and the regulatory effect between Wnt and glycolysis in TAMs has not been described. Methods The expression of Wnt2b in TAMs was detected by qPCR and immunofluorescence. Wnt2b/β-catenin interference in HCC-TAMs was performed by lentivirus carrying targeted shRNA or TLR9 agonist. Markers related to macrophage polarization and the changes of key glycolytic enzymes expression were detected by flow cytometry and qPCR. ECAR was analysed by Seahorse analyser. MTT assay, wound healing assay, western blotting were used to evaluate the promoting effect of different HCC-TAMs on the proliferation, migration and EMT of HCC in vitro. Tumour cells and different HCC-TAMs were injected via subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice to assess the effects of CpG ODN, Wnt2b, or β-catenin on HCC-TAMs in tumour growth in vivo. Results Polarization-promoting factors derived from HCC cells upregulated the expression of Wnt2b in macrophages, which promoted the polarization of TAMs to M2-like macrophages by activating Wnt2b/β-catenin/c-Myc signalling. Furthermore, this process was associated with the activation of glycolysis in HCC-TAMs. These HCC-TAMs could promote the development of EMT, proliferation, and migration of HCC. In addition to silencing Wnt2b or β-catenin expression, TLR9 agonist CpG ODN downregulated the level of glycolysis and inhibited the M2 polarization of HCC-TAMs, reversing the tumour-promoting effects of TAMs in vitro and vivo. Conclusions As a potential target for HCC therapy, Wnt2b may play an important regulatory role for the functions of TAMs in the TME. Moreover, the TLR9 agonist CpG ODN might act as a Wnt2b signal inhibitor and can potentially be employed for HCC therapy by disturbing Wnt2b/β-catenin/c-Myc and inhibiting glycolysis in HCC-TAMs.

scholarly journals Stratifin Indicates Worse Prognosis and Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and EMT By Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoye Cheng ◽  
Taiyuan Li ◽  
Jun Shi ◽  
Shanping Ye
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Prognostic Factor ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Mesenchymal Transformation

Abstract Background: Stratifin (SFN) is closely related to the tumor progression. However, the role of SFN in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical value, biological role and regulatory mechanisms of SFN in HCC. Methods: Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR was used to explore SFN expression in HCC tissues and corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues. The SFN expression profile data and clinical data of HCC patients were extracted from GEO, TCGA and Oncomine database. The univariate and multivariate analysis were used to investigate the prognosis value of the SFN gene in patients with HCC based on online database. The effects of SFN on HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion was investigated by preforming CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. Xenograft nude mouse were used to observe the role of SFN on tumor growth. Western blotting was used to explore the genes associated with Epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The luciferase reported assay was used to validate the activity of Wnt signal pathway.Results: In this study, we found SFN was upregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues. Clinically, SFN was positively associated with tumor size, degree of differentiation, TNM stage and vascular invasion. Survival analysis indicated that patients with high SFN levels had worse OS and DFS. SFN was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Biologically, knockdown of SFN repressed tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of SFN promoted these effects. Moreover, SFN promoted matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression. Mechanistically, SFN activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway by promoting GSK-3β phosphorylation, decreasing β-catenin phosphorylation, promoting β-catenin nuclear translocation, increasing c-Myc expression and inhibiting Axin2 expression. Furthermore, the TOP/FOP-Flash reporter assays indicated that SFN overexpression or SFN knockdown obviously up-regulated or down-regulated Wnt signaling activity. Conclusions: SFN indicates worse survival in HCC and promotes HCC growth, migration, invasion and EMT by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our results suggest SFN may become a prognostic factor and therapeutic target for patients with HCC in future.

scholarly journals Possible Role of IRS-4 in the Origin of Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2560
Author(s):  
Luis G. Guijarro ◽  
Patricia Sanmartin-Salinas ◽  
Eva Pérez-Cuevas ◽  
M. Val Toledo-Lobo ◽  
Jorge Monserrat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Liver Cancer ◽  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
Cellular Polarity ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Vitro Analysis ◽  
Tumoral Cells

New evidence suggests that insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS-4) may play an important role in the promotion of tumoral growth. In this investigation, we have evaluated the role of IRS-4 in a pilot study performed on patients with liver cancer. We used immunohistochemistry to examine IRS-4 expression in biopsies of tumoral tissue from a cohort of 31 patient suffering of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We simultaneously analyzed the expression of the cancer biomarkers PCNA, Ki-67, and pH3 in the same tissue samples. The in vitro analysis was conducted by studying the behavior of HepG2 cells following IRS-4 overexpression/silencing. IRS-4 was expressed mainly in the nuclei of tumoral cells from HCC patients. In contrast, in healthy cells involved in portal triads, canaliculi, and parenchymal tissue, IRS-4 was observed in the cytosol and the membrane. Nuclear IRS-4 in the tumoral region was found in 69.9 ± 3.2%, whereas in the surrounding healthy hepatocytes, nuclear IRS-4 was rarely observed. The percentage of tumoral cells that exhibited nuclear PCNA and Ki-67 were 52.1 ± 7%, 6.1 ± 1.1% and 1.3 ± 0.2%, respectively. Furthermore, we observed a significant positive linear correlation between nuclear IRS-4 and PCNA (r = 0.989; p < 0.001). However, when we correlated the nuclear expression of IRS-4 and Ki-67, we observed a significant positive curvilinear correlation (r = 0.758; p < 0.010). This allowed us to define two populations, (IRS-4 + Ki-67 ≤ 69%) and (IRS-4 + Ki-67 > 70%). The population with lower levels of IRS-4 and Ki-67 had a higher risk of suffering from multifocal liver cancer (OR = 16.66; CI = 1.68–164.8 (95%); p < 0.05). Immunoblot analyses showed that IRS-4 in normal human liver biopsies was lower than in HepG2, Huh7, and Chang cells. Treatment of HepG2 with IGF-1 and EGF induced IRS-4 translocation to the nucleus. Regulation of IRS-4 levels via HepG2 transfection experiments revealed the protein’s role in proliferation, cell migration, and cell-collagen adhesion. Nuclear IRS-4 is increased in the tumoral region of HCC. IRS-4 and Ki-67 levels are significantly correlated with the presence of multifocal HCC. Moreover, upregulation of IRS-4 in HepG2 cells induced proliferation by a β-catenin/Rb/cyclin D mechanism, whereas downregulation of IRS-4 caused a loss in cellular polarity and in its adherence to collagen as well as a gain in migratory and invasive capacities, probably via an integrin α2 and focal adhesion cascade (FAK) mechanism.

Knockout of Ajuba Attenuates the Growth and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 160 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 650-658
Author(s):  
Yichen Le ◽  
Yi He ◽  
Meirong Bai ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Jiaxue Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Normal Liver ◽  
Cell Growth And Migration ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Hcc Cells

Ajuba has been found to be mutated or aberrantly regulated in several human cancers and plays important roles in cancer progression via different signaling pathways. However, little is known about the role of Ajuba in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we found an upregulation of Ajuba expression in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues, while a poor prognosis was observed in HCC patients with high Ajuba expression. Knockout of Ajuba in HCC cells inhibited cell growth in vitro and in vivo, suppressed cell migration, and enhanced the cell apoptosis under stress. Moreover, re-expression of Ajuba in Ajuba-deficient cells could restore the phenotype of Ajuba-deficient cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that Ajuba is upregulated in HCC and promotes cell growth and migration of HCC cells, suggesting that Ajuba could possibly be a new target for HCC diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals KLF7/VPS35 axis contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma progression through CCDC85C-activated β-catenin pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yarong Guo ◽  
Bao Chai ◽  
Junmei Jia ◽  
Mudan Yang ◽  
Yanjun Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Proliferation And Invasion ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Objective Dysregulation of KLF7 participates in the development of various cancers, but it is unclear whether there is a link between HCC and aberrant expression of KLF7. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of KLF7 in proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods CCK8, colony growth, transwell, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis detection were performed to explore the effect of KLF7, VPS35 and Ccdc85c on cell function in vitro. Xenografted tumor growth was used to assess in vivo role of KLF7. Chip-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays were applied to check whether KLF7 regulated VPS35 at transcriptional manner. Co-IP assay was performed to detect the interaction between VPS35 and Ccdc85c. Immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR analysis were performed in human HCC sampels to study the clinical significance of KLF7, VPS35 and β-catenin. Results Firstly, KLF7 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and correlated with patients’ differentiation and metastasis status. KLF7 overexpression contributed to cell proliferation and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. KLF7 transcriptional activation of VPS35 was necessary for HCC tumor growth and metastasis. Further, co-IP studies revealed that VPS35 could interact with Ccdc85c in HCC cells. Rescue assay confirmed that overexpression of VPS35 and knockdown of Ccdc85c abolished the VPS35-medicated promotion effect on cell proliferation and invasion. Finally, KLF7/VPS35 axis regulated Ccdc85c, which involved in activation of β-catenin signaling pathway, confirmed using β-catenin inhibitor, GK974. Functional studies suggested that downregulation of Ccdc85c partly reversed the capacity of cell proliferation and invasion in HCC cells, which was regulated by VPS35 upregulation. Lastly, there was a positive correlation among KLF7, VPS35 and active-β-catenin in human HCC patients. Conclusion We demonstrated that KLF7/VPS35 axis promoted HCC cell progression by activating Ccdc85c-medicated β-catenin pathway. Targeting this signal axis might be a potential treatment strategy for HCC.

scholarly journals Histone lactylation drives oncogenesis by facilitating m6A reader protein YTHDF2 expression in ocular melanoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Yu ◽  
Peiwei Chai ◽  
Minyue Xie ◽  
Shengfang Ge ◽  
Jing Ruan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macrophage Polarization ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Ocular Melanoma ◽  
Rna Modifications ◽  
M1 Macrophage ◽  
Melanoma Therapy

Abstract Background Histone lactylation, a metabolic stress-related histone modification, plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression during M1 macrophage polarization. However, the role of histone lactylation in tumorigenesis remains unclear. Results Here, we show histone lactylation is elevated in tumors and is associated with poor prognosis of ocular melanoma. Target correction of aberrant histone lactylation triggers therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, histone lactylation contributes to tumorigenesis by facilitating YTHDF2 expression. Moreover, YTHDF2 recognizes the m6A modified PER1 and TP53 mRNAs and promotes their degradation, which accelerates tumorigenesis of ocular melanoma. Conclusion We reveal the oncogenic role of histone lactylation, thereby providing novel therapeutic targets for ocular melanoma therapy. We also bridge histone modifications with RNA modifications, which provides novel understanding of epigenetic regulation in tumorigenesis.

1097 Role of PD-L1 in In-vitro Interaction Between T-cells and Ovarian Tumour Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. S264
Author(s):  
J. Chatterjee ◽  
N. Haslinda Abdul Aziz ◽  
C. Maine ◽  
C. Hayford ◽  
L. Whilding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Ovarian Tumour ◽  
Tumour Cells ◽  
In Vitro Interaction

Role of the Fas/FasL pathway in combination therapy with interferon-α and fluorouracil against hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro

2007 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Nakamura ◽  
Hiroaki Nagano ◽  
Masato Sakon ◽  
Tameyoshi Yamamoto ◽  
Hideo Ota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Interferon Α

miR-369-3p serves as prognostic factor and regulates cancer progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Can Chen ◽  
Yi Zong ◽  
Jiaojiao Tang ◽  
Ruisheng Ke ◽  
Lizhi Lv ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Huh7 Cells

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-369-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials & methods: The expression levels of miR-369-3p were detected using the quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis. The cell counting kit-8 and transwell assays were used to explore the effects of miR-369-3p on cell proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Results: The miR-369-3p expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, in comparison to the normal controls, respectively. In vitro, overexpression of miR-369-3p in Hep 3B and Huh7 cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion. SOX4 was a direct target of miR-369-3p. Conclusion: Our results suggested that miR-369-3p may be a tumor suppressor in HCC by targeting SOX4.

Quantitative proteomics identifies FOLR1 to drive sorafenib resistance via activating autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongwei Chu ◽  
Changqing Wu ◽  
Qun Zhao ◽  
Rui Sun ◽  
Kuo Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Folate Receptor ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Related Proteins ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Sorafenib is commonly used to treat advanced human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, clinical efficacy has been limited by drug resistance. In this study, we used label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to systematically investigate the underlying mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. A total of 1709 proteins were confidently quantified. Among them, 89 were differentially expressed, and highly enriched in the processes of cell-cell adhesion, negative regulation of apoptosis, response to drug and metabolic processes involving in sorafenib resistance. Notably, folate receptor α (FOLR1) was found to be significantly upregulated in resistant HCC cells. In addition, in-vitro studies showed that overexpression of FOLR1 decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib, whereas siRNA-directed knockdown of FOLR1 increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry analysis suggested a strong link between FOLR1 and autophagy related proteins. Further biological experiments found that FOLR1-related sorafenib resistance was accompanied by the activation of autophagy, whereas inhibition of autophagy significantly reduced FOLR1-induced cell resistance. These results suggest the driving role of FOLR1 in HCC resistance to sorafenib, which may be exerted through FOLR1-induced autophagy. Therefore, this study may provide new insights into understanding the mechanism of sorafenib resistance.

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