MAZ-LINC00645-GP73 Axis Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation and Metastasis

Abstract BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been shown to play important roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this report, we examined the role of lncRNA LINC00645 in HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on public databases and integrating bioinformatics analyses, the over-expression of LINC00645 in HCC tissues was detected and further validated in a cohort of liver tissues. A series of in vitro and in vivo functional experiments were executed to investigate the role of LINC00645 in the carcinogenesis and development of HCC. Comprehensive transcriptional analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot etc. were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of LINC00645. RESULTS: LINC00645 was significantly upregulated in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues, which was correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. LINC00645 knockdown remarkably suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00645 could competitively bind with miR-141-3p to prevent the degradation of its target gene GP73, which acts as a tumor-promoter in HCC. Furthermore, the ChIP assay showed that the transcription factor MAZ could bind to the LINC00645 promoter and increase its transcription. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, this study demonstrated that LINC00645 plays a critical regulatory role in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and LINC00645 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target of HCC. Thus, targeting MAZ/LINC00645/miR-141-3p/GP73 signaling axis may prevent the progression of HCC.

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Epigenetic regulation of ferroptosis via ETS1/miR-23a-3p/ACSL4 axis mediates sorafenib resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-021-02208-x ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuanjun Lu ◽

Yau-Tuen Chan ◽

Hor-Yue Tan ◽

Cheng Zhang ◽

Wei Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Drug Resistance ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Bioinformatics Analyses ◽

Sorafenib Treatment ◽

Hcc Cells

Abstract Background Drug resistance to sorafenib greatly limited the benefits of treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development of drug resistance. The key miRNA regulators related to the clinical outcome of sorafenib treatment and their molecular mechanisms remain to be identified. Methods The clinical significance of miRNA-related epigenetic changes in sorafenib-resistant HCC was evaluated by analyzing publicly available databases and in-house human HCC tissues. The biological functions of miR-23a-3p were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomics and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify the mechanisms that regulating miR-23a-3p. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to validate the binding relationship of miR-23a-3p and its targets. Results We found that miR-23a-3p was the most prominent miRNA in HCC, which was overexpressed in sorafenib non-responders and indicated poor survival and HCC relapse. Sorafenib-resistant cells exhibited increased miR-23a-3p transcription in an ETS Proto-Oncogene 1 (ETS1)-dependent manner. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of miR-23a-3p improved sorafenib response in HCC cells as well as orthotopic HCC tumours. Proteomics analysis suggested that sorafenib-induced ferroptosis was the key pathway suppressed by miR-23a-3p with reduced cellular iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. MiR-23a-3p directly targeted the 3′-untranslated regions (UTR) of ACSL4, the key positive regulator of ferroptosis. The miR-23a-3p inhibitor rescued ACSL4 expression and induced ferrotoptic cell death in sorafenib-treated HCC cells. The co-delivery of ACSL4 siRNA and miR-23a-3p inhibitor abolished sorafenib response. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that ETS1/miR-23a-3p/ACSL4 axis contributes to sorafenib resistance in HCC through regulating ferroptosis. Our findings suggest that miR-23a-3p could be a potential target to improve sorafenib responsiveness in HCC patients.

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

Cell & Bioscience ◽

10.1186/s13578-021-00585-6 ◽

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.

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Downregulation of CRABP2 Inhibit the Tumorigenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vivo and In Vitro

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/3098327 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Qingmin Chen ◽

Ludong Tan ◽

Zhe Jin ◽

Yahui Liu ◽

Ze Zhang

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Retinoic Acid ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Tumor Stage ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Hcc Cells

Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2) binds retinoic acid (RA) in the cytoplasm and transports it into the nucleus, allowing for the regulation of specific downstream signal pathway. Abnormal expression of CRABP2 has been detected in the development of several tumors. However, the role of CRABP2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has never been revealed. The current study aimed to investigate the role of CRABP2 in HCC and illuminate the potential molecular mechanisms. The expression of CRABP2 in HCC tissues and cell lines was detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry assays. Our results demonstrated that the expression levels of CRABP2 in HCC tissues were elevated with the tumor stage development, and it was also elevated in HCC cell lines. To evaluate the function of CRABP2, shRNA-knockdown strategy was used in HCC cells. Cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis were analyzed by CCK-8, EdU staining, transwell, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Based on our results, knockdown of CRABP2 by shRNA resulted in the inhibition of tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, followed by increased tumor apoptosis-related protein expression and decreased ERK/VEGF pathway-related proteins expression. CRABP2 silencing in HCC cells also resulted in the failure to develop tumors in vivo. These results provide important insights into the role of CRABP2 in the development and development of HCC. Based on our findings, CRABP2 may be used as a novel diagnostic biomarker, and regulation of CRABP2 in HCC may provide a potential molecular target for the therapy of HCC.

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Tumour initiating cells and IGF/FGF signalling contribute to sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Gut ◽

10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309501 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 66 (3) ◽

pp. 530-540 ◽

Cited By ~ 73

Author(s):

Victoria Tovar ◽

Helena Cornella ◽

Agrin Moeini ◽

Samuel Vidal ◽

Yujin Hoshida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Gene Signature ◽

Signalling Pathways ◽

Fgf Signalling

ObjectiveSorafenib is effective in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but patients ultimately present disease progression. Molecular mechanisms underlying acquired resistance are still unknown. Herein, we characterise the role of tumour-initiating cells (T-ICs) and signalling pathways involved in sorafenib resistance.DesignHCC xenograft mice treated with sorafenib (n=22) were explored for responsiveness (n=5) and acquired resistance (n=17). Mechanism of acquired resistance were assessed by: (1) role of T-ICs by in vitro sphere formation and in vivo tumourigenesis assays using NOD/SCID mice, (2) activation of alternative signalling pathways and (3) efficacy of anti-FGF and anti-IGF drugs in experimental models. Gene expression (microarray, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)) and protein analyses (immunohistochemistry, western blot) were conducted. A novel gene signature of sorafenib resistance was generated and tested in two independent cohorts.ResultsSorafenib-acquired resistant tumours showed significant enrichment of T-ICs (164 cells needed to create a tumour) versus sorafenib-sensitive tumours (13 400 cells) and non-treated tumours (1292 cells), p<0.001. Tumours with sorafenib-acquired resistance were enriched with insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling cascades (false discovery rate (FDR)<0.05). In vitro, cells derived from sorafenib-acquired resistant tumours and two sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines were responsive to IGF or FGF inhibition. In vivo, FGF blockade delayed tumour growth and improved survival in sorafenib-resistant tumours. A sorafenib-resistance 175 gene signature was characterised by enrichment of progenitor cell features, aggressive tumorous traits and predicted poor survival in two cohorts (n=442 patients with HCC).ConclusionsAcquired resistance to sorafenib is driven by T-ICs with enrichment of progenitor markers and activation of IGF and FGF signalling. Inhibition of these pathways would benefit a subset of patients after sorafenib progression.

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LncRNA-URHC Functions as a ceRNA to Regulate Danjb9 Expression by Competitively Binding to miR-5007-3p in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

10.21203/rs.3.rs-335058/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

kunwei niu ◽

Shibin Qu ◽

Xuan Zhang ◽

Jimin Dai ◽

Jianlin Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Proliferation In Vitro ◽

Hcc Cells

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often diagnosed at a late stage, when the prognosis is poor. The regulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays a crucial role in HCC. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA signaling in HCC remain largely unknown. We study aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms of lncRNA (upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma) URHC in HCC. Methods: RT-qPCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) staining, EdU, colony formation, and tumor xenografts experiments were used to identify localized and biological effects of URHC on HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The bioinformatics analysis, Dual-luciferase reporter assay, and rescue experiments revealed the potential mechanism of URHC.Results: URHC silencing may inhibit the HCC cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo. We found that URHC was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. The expression of miR-5007-3p was negatively regulated by URHC. And miR-5007-3p could reverse the effect of URHC in HCC cells. The expression of DNAJB9 was negatively regulated by miR-5007-3p but positively regulated by URHC. These suggesting of lncRNA-URHC positively regulated the level of DNAJB9 by sponging miR-5007-3p.Conclusion: Together, our study elucidated the role of URHC as a miRNA sponge in HCC, and shed new light on lncRNA-directed diagnostics and therapeutics in HCC.

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Mutant ACTB mRNA 3′UTR Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development by Regulating miR-1 and miR-29a

10.1101/691527 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Yong Li ◽

Hong-Bin Ma ◽

Chang-Ying Shi ◽

Fei-Ling Feng ◽

Liang Yang

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Target Gene ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Limited Data ◽

Cancer Types

AbstractIn recent years, mounting studies have shown that ACTB is closely related to various tumors. Although ACTB is dysregulated in numerous cancer types, limited data are available on the potential function and mechanism of ACTB in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated the expression and biological roles of mutant ACTB mRNA 3′UTR in HCC. Transcriptome sequence and qRT-PCR analysis determined that mutant ACTB mRNA 3′UTR was high expression in HCC tissues. Luciferase reporter assay showed that the ACTB mRNA 3′UTR mutations made it easier to interact with miR-1 and miR-29a. Moreover, mutant ACTB mRNA 3′UTR regulated miR-1 and miR-29a degradation via AGO2. Furthermore, mutant ACTB mRNA 3′UTR promoted hepatocellular carcinoma cells migration and invasionin vitroandin vivoby up-regulating miR-1 target gene MET and miR-29a target gene MCL1. In a word, our study demonstrates that 3′UTR of ACTB plays a key role in the tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and highlights the molecular mechanisms of ACTB-involved cancer growth and development.

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NcRNAs-mediated High Expression of TIMM8A Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Act as an Oncogene in Breast Cancer

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1079496/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zhonglin Wang ◽

Shuqin Li ◽

Feng Xu ◽

Jingyue Fu ◽

Jie Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Poor Prognosis ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Human Cancer ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽

Cancer Proliferation ◽

Bioinformatics Analyses

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is notorious for its increasing incidence for decades. Ascending evidence has demonstrated that translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane (TIMM) proteins play vital roles in progression of several types of human cancer. However, the biological behaviors and molecular mechanisms of TIMM8A in breast cancer remain not fully illustrated.Methods: Pan-cancer analysis was firstly performed for TIMM8A’s expression and prognosis by Oncomine database. Subsequently, TIMM8A-related noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) were identified by a series of bioinformatics analyses and dual-luciferase reporter assay, including expression analysis, correlation analysis, and survival analysis. Moreover, the effect of TIMM8A on breast cancer proliferation and apoptosis was evaluated in vitro by CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays and Western blot assays and the in vivo effect was revealed through a patient-derived xenograft mouse model.Results: We found that TIMM8A showed higher expression level in breast cancer and the higher TIMM8A mRNA expression group had a poorer prognosis than the lower TIMM8A group. hsa-circ-0107314/hsa-circ-0021867/hsa-circ-0122013 might be the three most potential upstream circRNAs of hsa-miR-34c-5p/hsa-miR-449a-TIMM8A axis in breast cancer. TIMM8A promotes proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo.Conclusion: Our results confirmed that ncRNAs-mediated upregulation of TIMM8A correlated with poor prognosis and act as an oncogene in breast cancer.

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MicroRNA-142-3p Induces Atherosclerosis-Associated Endothelial Cell Apoptosis by Directly Targeting Rictor

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000490932 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 1589-1603 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Bing Qin ◽

Yaqing Shu ◽

Ling Long ◽

Haiyan Li ◽

Xuejiao Men ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Apoptotic Cell ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

In Vivo Model ◽

Bioinformatics Analyses ◽

Endothelial Apoptosis

Background/Aims: Atherosclerosis, a multifactorial chronic disease, is the main cause of death and impairment in the world. Endothelial cells (ECs) apoptosis plays a crucial role in the onset and development of atherosclerosis, whereas the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. MicroRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p) is a well-defined tumor suppressor in several types of cancer, while the role of miR-142-3p in ECs apoptosis and the development of atherosclerosis has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-142-3p in ECs apoptosis during atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The expression level of miR-142-3p was detected using qRT-PCR. Apoptosis was determined via flow cytometry and Caspase-3 activity assay. Prediction of the binding between miR-142-3p and 3’-UTR of Rictor mRNA was performed by bioinformatics analyses and confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-142-3p on endothelial apoptosis and atherosclerosis were further analyzed in an in vivo model using ApoE-/- mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Results: MiR-142-3p expression was substantially up-regulated during the ox-LDL-elicited apoptosis in HAECs. Forced expression of miR-142-3p exacerbated apoptosis in ECs whereas inhibition of miR-142-3p could partly alleviate apoptotic cell death mediated by ox-LDL. Further analysis identified Rictor as a direct target of miR-142-3p, and Rictor knockdown abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of miR-142-3p inhibitor. Moreover, the Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway was found to mediate the beneficial effect of miR-142-3p inhibitor on endothelial apoptosis. Finally, systemic treatment with miR-142-3p antagomir attenuated endothelial apoptosis and retarded the progression of atherosclerosis in the aorta of ApoE-/- mice. Conclusions: Down-regulation of miR-142-3p inhibited ECs apoptosis and atherosclerotic development by up-regulating the expression of Rictor and activating the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. This indicates that miR-142-3p may be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

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Circular RNA hsa_circ_0013958 Functions as an Oncogenic Gene Through Modulating miR-532-3p/WEE1 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.585172 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Tao Ma ◽

Yue Ma ◽

Yongjun Du ◽

Zhongheng Wei ◽

Jianchu Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Circular Rna ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Western Blot Assay ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Oncogenic Gene ◽

Proliferation And Invasion

Backgroundcirc0013958 was identified as a biomarker, which can be used for the diagnosis and screening of lung cancer. However, the role of circ0013958 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.MethodsIn our study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the levels of circ0013958 in HCC tissues and cell lines. EdU, CCK-8, transwell, flow cytometry and tumorigenesis assays were applied to assess the functions of circ0013958 in HCC in vitro and in vivo. Western blot assay was to detect the expression of WEE1. Luciferase reporter assay, bioinformatics analysis and rescue experiments were used to examine the interaction among circ0013958, miR-532-3p and WEE1.ResultsIt revealed that circ0013958 was significantly up-regulated in HCC, which was positively correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Circ0013958 promoted HCC cell proliferation and invasion, inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumorigenesis in vivo. Circ0013958 acted as a miR-532-3p sponge to regulate WEE1 expression, thus promoting the progression of HCC.ConclusionsCirc0013958 promotes HCC progression through miR-532-3p/WEE1 axis. Circ0013958 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target of HCC.

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Elafin promotes tumour metastasis and attenuates the anti-metastatic effects of erlotinib via binding to EGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-021-01904-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chenwei Wang ◽

Yadi Liao ◽

Wei He ◽

Hong Zhang ◽

Dinglan Zuo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Early Stage ◽

Tissue Microarrays ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Normal Tissues ◽

Tumour Metastasis ◽

Hcc Cells

Abstract Background Elafin is a serine protease inhibitor critical for host defence. We previously reported that Elafin was associated with the recurrence of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery. However, the exact role of Elafin in HCC remains obscure. Methods HCC tissue microarrays were used to investigate the correlation between Elafin expression and the prognosis of HCC patients. In vitro migration, invasion and wound healing assays and in vivo lung metastasis models were used to determine the role of Elafin in HCC metastasis. Mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to uncover the mechanism of Elafin in HCC. Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were employed to observe the transcriptional regulation of Elafin. Results Elafin expression was frequently increased in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues, and high Elafin expression in HCC tissues was correlated with aggressive tumour phenotypes and a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Elafin dramatically enhanced the metastasis of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo by interacting with EGFR and activating EGFR/AKT signalling. Moreover, Elafin attenuated the suppressive effects of erlotinib on HCC metastasis. Besides, Elafin was transcriptionally regulated by Sp1 in HCC cells. Clinically, Elafin expression was positively correlated with Sp1, Vimentin, and EGFR signalling in both our HCC tissue microarrays and TCGA database analysis. Conclusions Upregulation of Elafin by Sp1 enhanced HCC metastasis via EGFR/AKT pathway, and overexpression of Elafin attenuated the anti-metastatic effects of erlotinib, suggesting a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

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