scholarly journals Gene and protein expression of mTOR and LC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal liver metastasis and “normal” liver tissues

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244356
Author(s):  
Marina Bortolami ◽  
Alessandra Comparato ◽  
Clara Benna ◽  
Andrea Errico ◽  
Isacco Maretto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Liver Tumors ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Specific Marker ◽  
Primary Liver Tumors ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

The physiological role of autophagy in the progression of liver diseases is still debated. To understand the clinical relevance of autophagy in primary e secondary hepatic tumors, we analyzed the expression of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), a key regulator of autophagy; Raptor (regulatory-associated protein of mTOR); ULK1 (Unc-51 like kinase 1) determinant in the autophagy initiation; LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3), a specific marker of autophagosomes; and p62, a selective autophagy receptor. Samples from subjects with chronic hepatitis (n.58), cirrhosis (n.12), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n.56), metastases (n.48) from colorectal cancer and hyperplasia or gallbladder stones (n.7), the latter considered as controls, were examined. Gene expression analysis was carried out in n.213 tissues by absolute q-PCR, while protein expression by Western Blot in n.191 lysates, including tumoral, surrounding tumoral and normal tissues. Nonparametric statistical tests were used for comparing expression levels in the above-mentioned groups. Subgroup analysis was performed considering viral infection and chemotherapy treatment. The mTOR transcriptional level was significantly lower in metastases compared to HCC (P = 0.0001). p-mTOR(Ser2448) and LC3II/LC3I protein levels were significantly higher in metastases compared to HCC (P = 0.008 and P<0.0001, respectively). ULK(Ser757) levels were significantly higher in HCC compared to metastases (P = 0.0002) while the HCV- and HBV- related HCC showed the highest p62 levels. Chemotherapy induced a down-regulation of the p-mTOR(Ser2448) in metastases and in non-tumor surrounding tissues in treated patients compared to untreated (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: the different expression of proteins considered, owning their interaction and diverse tissue microenvironment, indicate an impairment of the autophagy flux in primary liver tumors that is critical for the promotion of tumorigenesis process and a coexistence of autophagy inhibition and activation mechanisms in secondary liver tumors. Differences in mTOR and LC3 transcripts emerged in tumor-free tissues, therefore particular attention should be considered in selecting the control group.

scholarly journals Profile of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Republic of Moldova: first-hand information on the presentation, distribution and etiologies

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Adela Turcanu ◽  
Ecaterina Pitel ◽  
Vlada-Tatiana Dumbrava ◽  
Eugen Tcaciuc ◽  
Ana Donscaia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Liver Tumors ◽  
Hepatitis Virus ◽  
Primary Liver Cancer ◽  
Virus Surface ◽  
Primary Liver Tumors ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Tertiary Healthcare ◽  
Serum Alpha Fetoprotein ◽  
The Republic

Abstract Introduction. Moldova is the European country with the highest incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both sexes. There is, however, no data comprehensively describing the presentation and the risk factors of HCC in the country. We decided to analyze cases of HCC recently received in a tertiary healthcare Institution from Chisinau, the Moldovian capital. Methods. A series of 148 primary liver tumors including 139 cases of HCC were retrospectively analyzed for demographic features, serological and biochemical data, and clinical presentation. Results. The mean age of patients was 59 ± 10 years (range: 19-66) with a M:F sex ratio of 1.9. Tumors appeared on full-blown liver cirrhosis in 83% of cases and were composed of multiple nodules at diagnosis in 36% of patients. Serum Alpha-fetoprotein was exceeding 10ng/mL in 76% of cases. Liver tumor and hepatitis were co-discovered in 34% of cases. More than 81% of hepatocellular carcinomas were associated with at least one hepatitis virus. Carriers of anti-hepatitis C virus were predominating (55% of cases) over patients seropositive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (36%). Half of the latter were also infected with hepatitis Delta virus. In total, dual or triple infections were present in 24% and 7% of cases. Conclusions. The burden of infections with hepatitis viruses is particularly important in Moldova and corresponds to a situation commonly observed in countries of the Southern hemisphere. A pro-active policy of screening for persistent liver infection targeting population at risk of HCC (> 50 years) and coupled with the distribution of antivirals in positive cases should be rapidly implemented in Moldova to reduce incidence or primary liver cancer.

scholarly journals Combined proteomic/transcriptomic signature of recurrence post-liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma beyond Milan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamatha Bhat ◽  
Sergi Clotet-Freixas ◽  
Cristina Baciu ◽  
Elisa Pasini ◽  
Ahmed Hammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Liver Transplantation ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Milan Criteria ◽  
Post Transplant ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Galectin 3 ◽  
Transcriptomic Signature ◽  
Hcc Recurrence

Abstract Background and aims Liver transplantation (LT) can be offered to patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond Milan criteria. However, there are currently limited molecular markers on HCC explant histology to predict recurrence, which arises in up to 20% of LT recipients. The goal of our study was to derive a combined proteomic/transcriptomic signature on HCC explant predictive of recurrence post-transplant using unbiased, high-throughput approaches. Methods Patients who received a LT for HCC beyond Milan criteria in the context of hepatitis B cirrhosis were identified. Tumor explants from patients with post-transplant HCC recurrence (N = 7) versus those without recurrence (N = 4) were analyzed by mass spectrometry and gene expression array. Univariate analysis was used to generate a combined proteomic/transcriptomic signature linked to recurrence. Significantly predictive genes and proteins were verified and internally validated by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results Seventy-nine proteins and 636 genes were significantly differentially expressed in HCC tumors with subsequent recurrence (p < 0.05). Univariate survival analysis identified Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member A1 (ALDH1A1) gene (HR = 0.084, 95%CI 0.01–0.68, p = 0.0152), ALDH1A1 protein (HR = 0.039, 95%CI 0.16–0.91, p = 0.03), Galectin 3 Binding Protein (LGALS3BP) gene (HR = 7.14, 95%CI 1.20–432.96, p = 0.03), LGALS3BP protein (HR = 2.6, 95%CI 1.1–6.1, p = 0.036), Galectin 3 (LGALS3) gene (HR = 2.89, 95%CI 1.01–8.3, p = 0.049) and LGALS3 protein (HR = 2.6, 95%CI 1.2–5.5, p = 0.015) as key dysregulated analytes in recurrent HCC. In concordance with our proteome findings, HCC recurrence was linked to decreased ALDH1A1 and increased LGALS3 protein expression by Western Blot. LGALS3BP protein expression was validated in 29 independent HCC samples. Conclusions Significantly increased LGALS3 and LGALS3BP gene and protein expression on explant were associated with post-transplant recurrence, whereas increased ALDH1A1 was associated with absence of recurrence in patients transplanted for HCC beyond Milan criteria. This combined proteomic/transcriptomic signature could help in predicting HCC recurrence risk and guide post-transplant surveillance.

scholarly journals Polyomic Analyses of Dopaminergic Neurons Isolated From Human Substantia Nigra in Parkinson’s Disease: An Exploratory Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Affif ZACCARIA ◽  
Paola Antinori Malaspina ◽  
Virginie Licker ◽  
Enikö Kovari ◽  
Johannes A Lobrinus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Differential Expression ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) selectively and progressively degenerate in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Until now, molecular analyses of DA neurons in PD have been limited to genomic and transcriptomic approaches, whereas, to the best of our knowledge, no proteomic or combined polyomic study examining the protein profile of these neurons, is currently available. Methods In this exploratory study, we used laser microdissection to extract DA neurons from 10 human SNpc samples obtained at autopsy in PD patients and control subjects. Extracted RNA and proteins were identified by RNA sequencing and nano-LC-MS/MS, respectively, and the differential expression between the PD and control group was assessed. Results Qualitative analyses confirmed that the microdissection protocol preserves the integrity of our samples and offers access to specific molecular pathways. This polyomic analysis highlighted differential expression of 52 genes and 33 proteins, including molecules of interest already known to be dysregulated in PD, such as LRP2, PNMT, CXCR4, MAOA and CBLN1 genes, or the Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 protein. On the other hand, despite the same samples were used for both analyses, correlation between RNA and protein expression was low, as exemplified by the CST3 gene encoding for the cystatin C protein. Conclusion This is the first exploratory study analyzing both gene and protein expression of LMD-dissected DA neurons from SNpc in PD. Although correlation between RNA and protein expressions was limited, this polyomic study provides an extensive and integrated overview of molecular changes identified in the PD SNpc and may offer novel insights into specific pathological processes at work in PD degeneration.

scholarly journals Loss of 5α-Reductase Type 1 Accelerates the Development of Hepatic Steatosis but Protects Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Male Mice

Endocrinology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (12) ◽  
pp. 4536-4547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna K. Dowman ◽  
Laurence J. Hopkins ◽  
Gary M. Reynolds ◽  
Matthew J. Armstrong ◽  
Maryam Nasiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Hepatic Steatosis ◽  
Human Liver ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Normal Donor ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with glucocorticoid excess and androgen deficiency, yet in the majority of patients with steatohepatitis, circulating cortisol and androgen levels are normal. The enzyme 5α-reductase (5αR) has a critical role in androgen and glucocorticoid action. We hypothesize that 5αR has an important role in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis through regulation of intracrine/paracrine hormone availability. Human liver samples from patients with NAFLD and normal donor tissue were used for gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis. NAFLD samples were scored using the Kleiner classification. In addition, 5αR1−/−, 5αR2−/−, and wild-type (WT) mice were fed normal chow or American lifestyle-induced obesity syndrome (ALIOS) diet for 6 or 12 months. Liver histology was graded and staged. Hepatic and circulating free fatty acid and triglyceride levels were quantified, and gene and protein expression was measured by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. 5αR1 and -2 were highly expressed in human liver, and 5αR1 protein expression increased with severity of NAFLD. 5αR1−/− (but not 5αR2−/−) mice fed an ALIOS diet developed greater hepatic steatosis than WT mice, and hepatic mRNA expression of genes involved in insulin signaling was decreased. Furthermore, 60% of WT mice developed focal hepatocellular lesions consistent with hepatocellular carcinoma after 12 months of the ALIOS diet, compared with 20% of 5αR2−/− and 0% of 5αR1−/− mice (P &lt; .05). 5αR1 deletion accelerates the development of hepatic steatosis but may protect against the development of NAFLD-related hepatocellular neoplasia and therefore has potential as a therapeutic target.

Evaluation of Serum voltage gated calcium channel α2δ1 as a novel Marker for diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Egyptian Patient

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam Mohammed Bayoumi ◽  
Ahmed El Saady Mohamed ◽  
Ahmed El Metwally Ahmed ◽  
Al Saied Al Saied Al Refaey
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Calcium Channel ◽  
Liver Tumors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Group A ◽  
Cirrhotic Patients ◽  
Voltage Gated Calcium Channel ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor and represents the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. The incidence of HCC continues to increase worldwide, with a unique geographic, age, and sex distribution. The most important risk factor associated with HCC is liver cirrhosis, with the majority of cases caused by chronic infection with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses and alcohol abuse, although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is emerging as an increasingly important cause. Primary prevention in the form of HBV vaccination has led to a significant decrease in HBV-related HCC, and initiation of antiviral therapy appears to reduce the incidence of HCC in patients with chronic HBV or HCV infection. Additionally, the use of ultrasonography enables the early detection of small liver tumors and forms the backbone of recommended surveillance programs for patients at high risk for the development of HCC. Cross-sectional imaging studies, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, represent further noninvasive techniques that are increasingly employed to diagnose HCC in patients with cirrhosis. The mainstay of potentially curative therapy includes surgery – either resection or liver transplantation. However, most patients are ineligible for surgery, because of either advanced disease or underlying liver dysfunction, and are managed with locoregional and/or systemic therapies. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a survival benefit with both local therapies, either ablation or embolization, and systemic therapy in the form of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib. Despite this, median survival remains poor and recurrence rates significant. Further advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC hold promise in improving the diagnosis and treatment of this highly lethal cancer. Objectives Evaluation of Serum voltage gated calcium channel α2δ1 as a novel Marker for diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Egyptian Patients. Patients and Methods This study had been carried out on 90 subjects, age range 21-73 year selected from Internal medicine and Hepatology outpatient clinics and inpatient wards at Ain shams university hospitals. Subjects were divided as follow: Group A(Case): 40 patients with liver cirrhosis without Hepatocellular carcinoma and group B (Control): 40 patients with liver cirrhosis and Hepatocellular carcinoma and group C: 10 normal population for detecting normal value of the marker with exclusion criteria including age &lt; 18 years old and Patients diagnosed with malignancy other than HCC. Results The study subjects are classified into three groups: Group A cirrhotic patients without HCC, Group B cirrhotic patients with HCC and Group C normal individual subjects. Conclusion Serum voltage gated calcium channel levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC and mildly elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis compared to the control group. Thus it can be used as a tumor marker for HCC.

scholarly journals TRPV Subfamily (TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPV5, and TRPV6) Gene and Protein Expression in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel J. Toledo Mauriño ◽  
Gabriela Fonseca-Camarillo ◽  
Janette Furuzawa-Carballeda ◽  
Rafael Barreto-Zuñiga ◽  
Braulio Martínez Benítez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Colonic Tissue ◽  
Formalin Fixed Paraffin ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded

Introduction. TRPVs are a group of receptors with a channel activity predominantly permeable to Ca2+. This subfamily is involved in the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the study was to characterize the gene and protein expression of the TRPV subfamily in UC patients and controls. Methods. We determined by quantitative PCR the gene expression of TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPV5, and TRPV6 in 45 UC patients (29 active UC and 16 remission UC) and 26 noninflamed controls. Protein expression was evaluated in 5 μm thick sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 5 customized severe active UC patients and 5 control surgical specimens. Results. TRPV2 gene expression was increased in the control group compared with active UC and remission patients (P=0.002 and P=0.05, respectively). TRPV3 gene expression was significantly higher in controls than in active UC patients (P=0.002). The gene expression of TRPV4 was significantly higher in colonic tissue from patients with remission UC compared with active UC patients (P=0.05) and controls (P=0.005). TRPV5 had significantly higher mRNA levels in a control group compared with active UC patients (P=0.02). The gene expression of TRPV6 was significantly higher in the colonic tissue from patients with active UC compared with the control group (P=0.05). The protein expression of TRPV2 was upregulated in the mucosa and submucosa from the controls compared with the UC patients (P≤0.003). The protein expression of TRPV3 and TRPV4 was upregulated in all intestinal layers from the controls compared with the UC patients (P<0.001). TRPV5 was upregulated in the submucosa and serosa from the controls vs. UC patients (P<0.001). TRPV6 was upregulated in all intestinal layers from the UC patients vs. controls (P≤0.001). Conclusion. The TRPV subfamily clearly showed a differential expression in the UC patients compared with the controls, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of UC.

Expression of iron-related proteins in the duodenum is up-regulated in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders

2013 ◽  
Vol 111 (6) ◽  
pp. 1059-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abitha Sukumaran ◽  
Jithu James ◽  
Harish Palleti Janardhan ◽  
Anita Amaladas ◽  
Lekshmy Madathilazhikathu Suresh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Divalent Metal Transporter 1 ◽  
Divalent Metal Transporter ◽  
Inflammatory Disorders ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Fe Homeostasis ◽  
Related Proteins

Mechanisms responsible for derangements in Fe homeostasis in chronic inflammatory conditions are not entirely clear. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that inflammation affects the expression of Fe-related proteins in the duodenum and monocytes of patients with chronic inflammatory disorders, thus contributing to dysregulated Fe homeostasis. Duodenal mucosal samples and peripheral blood monocytes obtained from patients with chronic inflammatory disorders, namely ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis, were used for gene and protein expression studies. Hb levels were significantly lower and serum C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients in the disease groups. The gene expression of several Fe-related proteins in the duodenum was significantly up-regulated in patients with UC and CD. In patients with UC, the protein expression of divalent metal transporter 1 and ferroportin, which are involved in the absorption of dietary non-haem Fe, was also found to be significantly higher in the duodenal mucosa. The gene expression of the duodenal proteins of interest correlated positively with one another and negatively with Hb. In patients with UC, the gene expression of Fe-related proteins in monocytes was found to be unaffected. In a separate group of patients with UC, serum hepcidin levels were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group. In conclusion, the expression of Fe-related proteins was up-regulated in the duodenum of patients with chronic inflammatory conditions in the present study. The effects appeared to be secondary to anaemia and the consequent erythropoietic drive.

scholarly journals Multiomic Analyses of Dopaminergic Neurons Isolated from Human Substantia Nigra in Parkinson’s Disease: A Descriptive and Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Affif Zaccaria ◽  
Paola Antinori ◽  
Virginie Licker ◽  
Enikö Kövari ◽  
Johannes A. Lobrinus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Differential Expression ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
And Control

AbstractDopaminergic neurons (DA) of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) selectively and progressively degenerate in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Until now, molecular analyses of DA in PD have been limited to genomic or transcriptomic approaches, whereas, to the best of our knowledge, no proteomic or combined multiomic study examining the protein profile of these neurons is currently available. In this exploratory study, we used laser capture microdissection to extract regions from DA in 10 human SNpc obtained at autopsy in PD patients and control subjects. Extracted RNA and proteins were identified by RNA sequencing and nanoliquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively, and the differential expression between PD and control group was assessed. Qualitative analyses confirmed that the microdissection protocol preserves the integrity of our samples and offers access to specific molecular pathways. This multiomic analysis highlighted differential expression of 52 genes and 33 proteins, including molecules of interest already known to be dysregulated in PD, such as LRP2, PNMT, CXCR4, MAOA and CBLN1 genes, or the Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 protein. On the other hand, despite the same samples were used for both analyses, correlation between RNA and protein expression was low, as exemplified by the CST3 gene encoding for the cystatin C protein. This is the first exploratory study analyzing both gene and protein expression of laser-dissected neuronal parts from SNpc in PD. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD024748 and via GEO with identifier GSE 169755.

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