MiR-92a-3p promotes the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by mediating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Libing Wang ◽  
Mingxin Cui ◽  
Fengzhi Qu ◽  
Daming Cheng ◽  
Jingkun Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Mtor Signaling ◽  
Mtor Signaling Pathway ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Hcc Cells

Background: As one of the most common cancers in the world, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually has a poor prognosis. Many HCC patients are usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Therefore, new potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC are urgently needed. More and more studies have shown that miR-92a-3p can regulate the occurrence and development of a variety of cancers, but its clinical significance and molecular mechanism in HCC are still elusive. Here, we tried to clarify the regulatory mechanism of miR-92a-3p in HCC. Methods: In this study, we conducted qRT-PCR and revealed that miR-92a-3p was notably upregulated in HCC cells. MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell invasion assays and western blot were conducted to uncover that overexpressed miR-92a-3p could boost the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells while inhibiting cell apoptosis. In addition, the proteins associated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were also detected by western blot. Results: It was suggested that miR-92a-3p could activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion: These results suggest that miR-92a-3p plays a tumor-promoting role in HCC and may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.

scholarly journals YTHDF1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangyuan Luo ◽  
Mengdie Cao ◽  
Fan Gao ◽  
Xingxing He
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Mtor Signaling ◽  
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Mtor Signaling Pathway ◽  
Promoting Effect ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as the most abundant RNA modification, widely participates in the physiological process and is involved in multiple disease progression, especially cancer. YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) is a pivotal m6A “reader” protein, which has been reported in multiple cancers. However, the role and molecular mechanism of YTHDF1 in HCC are still not fully elucidated. Methods Based on various bioinformatics databases, q-RT PCR, western blot, and a tissue microarray containing 90 HCC samples, we examined the expression of YTHDF1 in HCC. Then, we applied the loss-of-function experiments to explore the role of YTHDF1 in HCC by in vitro and in vivo assays. Finally, we performed the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to predict the potential signaling pathway of YTHDF1 involved in HCC and further verified this prediction. Results YTHDF1 was overexpressed in HCC and associated with HCC grade. Depletion of YTHDF1 markedly impaired the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle process of HCC cells. Mechanistically, YTHDF1 promoted the growth of HCC cells via activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, we also demonstrated that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated the promoting effect of YTHDF1 on the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Conclusions YTHDF1 contributes to the progression of HCC by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and inducing EMT.

scholarly journals Cezanne enhances epithelial mesenchymal transition and prevents anthracycline-induced apoptosis via AKT/mTOR signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Ping Zhong ◽  
Jiahong Wang ◽  
Jie Mei ◽  
Lianghe Lu ◽  
Yihong Ling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Mtor Inhibitor ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Mtor Signaling ◽  
Mtor Signaling Pathway ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Anthracycline resistance have hindered the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Translational research is therefore in need to find potential combinations by studying the resistance mechanism of anthracycline. In our published work, we found Cezanne could predict the efficacy of adjuvant TACE (ad-TACE) and induce epithelium mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We hereby conduct a sequential investigation to reveal the role of Cezanne on EMT and its potential to retard resistance. Methods The response of Cezanne in patients treated with adjuvant TACE after hepatectomy was evaluated. Functional assays were used to examine the resistance function of Cezanne to anthracyclin. In-situ tumorigenesis models and intraperitoneal perfusion chemotherapy experiment were used for in vivo verification. Results High expression of Cezanne correlated to a better outcome. Multivariate analysis showed low expression of Cezanne and the application of postoperative ad-TACE therapy were independent prognostic risk factors. However, patient outcome was significantly shorter in high Cezanne group of ad-TACE patients. In vitro assays revealed that HCC functions were inhibited after overexpressing Cezanne (OE-Cezanne). After treated with epirubicin, however, OE-Cezanne cell lines did not respond to treatment. In vivo experiment was consistent with in vitro assays. Besides, high Cezanne transforms cell morphology and is correlated to the activation of EMT related genes. Gene set analysis showed that Cezanne can regulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin can reverse the resisting effect of Cezanne on HCC cell lines. Conclusions Adjuvant anthracycline-based TACE treatment after curative surgery can reduce the recurrence rate in HCC patients. However, in patients with high Cezanne expression, the efficacy of TACE may be undermined by EMT inducement. We discovered Cezanne modulates EMT by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and provided evidence for the rationale of combining mTOR inhibitor with TACE to prevent recurrence in HCC patients.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-3163 targets ADAM-17 and enhances the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to molecular targeted agents

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Yang ◽  
Chunping Wang ◽  
Hui Xie ◽  
Yiwu Wang ◽  
Jiagan Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Notch Signaling Pathway ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Targeted Agents ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Molecular Targeted Agents ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Molecular targeted agents, such as sorafenib, remain the only choice of an antitumor drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Notch signaling pathway plays central roles in regulating the cellular injury/stress response, anti-apoptosis, or epithelial–mesenchymal transition process in HCC cells, and is a promising target for enhancing the sensitivity of HCC cells to antitumor agents. The ADAM metalloprotease domain-17 (ADAM-17) mediates the cleavage and activation of Notch protein. In the present study, microRNA-3163 (miR-3163), which binds to the 3′-untranslated region of ADAM-17, was screened using online methods. miRDB and pre-miR-3163 sequences were prepared into lentivirus particles to infect HCC cells. miR-3163 targeted ADAM-17 and inhibited the activation of the Notch signaling pathway. Infection of HCC cells with miR-3163 enhanced their sensitivity to molecular targeted agents, such as sorafenib. Therefore, miR-3163 may contribute to the development of more effective strategies for the treatment of advanced HCC.

scholarly journals Metadherin–PRMT5 complex enhances the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through the WNT–β-catenin signaling pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Zhu ◽  
Yuanfei Peng ◽  
Jinwu Hu ◽  
Hao Zhan ◽  
Liuxiao Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Arginine Methyltransferase ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Functional Assays ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Accumulating data suggest that metadherin (MTDH) may function as an oncogene. Our previous study showed that MTDH promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In this study, we aim to further elucidate how MTDH promotes HCC metastasis. Using Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and mass spectrometry, we found that MTDH can specifically bind to protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5). Further functional assays revealed that PRMT5 overexpression promoted the proliferation and motility of HCC cells and that knockout of PRMT5 impeded the effect of MTDH. The immunohistochemistry assay/tissue microarray results showed that when MTDH was overexpressed in HCC cells, PRMT5 translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, with the subsequent translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and upregulation of the WNT–β-catenin signaling pathway. Further in vivo experiments suggested that PRMT5 and β-catenin played a pivotal role in MTDH-mediated HCC metastasis. We therefore concluded that the MTDH–PRMT5 complex promotes HCC metastasis by regulating the WNT–β-catenin signaling pathway.

scholarly journals miR-4458 inhibits the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing the TGF-β signaling pathway via targeting TGFBR1

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 554-562
Author(s):  
Yuke Zhang ◽  
Kun Shi ◽  
Hang Liu ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Yunhai Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Gene Assay ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world. MicroRNAs play a pivotal role in the progression of various cancers. To date, very little attention has been paid to miR-4458. Therefore, the aim of our study was to explore the function and underlying molecular mechanism of miR-4458 in HCC. We found that the expression of miR-4458 was reduced in HCC tissues and cell lines. Forced overexpression of miR-4458 inhibited the migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells, while downregulation of miR-4458 promoted the aggressive phenotype. Furthermore, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1), the modulator of the TGF-β signaling pathway, was verified to be a novel target gene of miR-4458 by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Upregulated miR-4458 dramatically abolished TGFBR1 and p-Smad2/3 expression, thus blocking the TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, restoration of TGFBR1 partially rescued the miR-4458-mediated suppressive effect on the migration, invasion, and EMT and reactivated the TGF-β signaling pathway in HCC cells. In summary, our findings first demonstrated a mechanism of miR-4458 in HCC cell migration, invasion, and EMT by regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway via directly targeting TGFBR1.

scholarly journals Tenacissoside H Induces Autophagy and Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Dose-Response ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 155932582110110
Author(s):  
Jiatian Lin ◽  
Jiyin Ruan ◽  
Hao Zhu ◽  
Zaizhong Chen ◽  
Junhui Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Mtor Signaling ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mtor Signaling Pathway ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Hcc Cells

Tenacissoside H (TEH), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, is a major active ingredient extracted from the stem of Marsdenia tenacissima. However, the effect of TEH on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as the underlying mechanisms are still indistinct. Presently, HCC cells (including Huh-7 and HepG2) were dealt with different concentrations of TEH. The proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells were determined via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry. In addition, Western blot was conducted to evaluate the expressions of autophagy—and apoptosis-related proteins. Tissue immunofluorescence was carried out to evaluate LC3B expression in the tumor tissues. The data showed that TEH suppressed the growth of HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, TEH enhanced radiosensitivity and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of autophagy-related genes (LC3-II/LC2-I, ATG5, Beclin-1) were significantly promoted by TEH. Mechanistically, TEH attenuated the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. However, inhibition of PI3 K pathway abolished the anti-tumor effects of TEH in HCC cells. Collectively, this study suggested that TEH increases the radiosensitivity of HCC cells via inducing autophagy and apoptosis through downregulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

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