scholarly journals Artemisia argyi Essential Oil Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis via Suppression of DEPDC1 Dependent Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanli Li ◽  
Yang Tian ◽  
Wei Zhong ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
Yafeng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Nude Mice ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Artemisia Argyi

The tumor metastasis is the major hurdle for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), due in part to the lack of effective systemic treatments. DEPDC1, a novel oncoantigen upregulated in HCC, is thought to be a molecular-target for novel therapeutic drugs. Artemisia argyi is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. This study investigated the potential therapeutic benefits of Artemisia argyi essential oil (AAEO) in suppressing metastasis of HCC by targeting DEPDC1. Assessment of AAEO cytotoxicity was performed by MTT assay. Anti-metastatic effects of AAEO were investigated in vitro using wound healing and transwell assays. The HepG2 cells were transduced with lentiviral vector containing luciferase (Luc). A metastasis model of nude mice was established by tail vein injection of HepG2-Luc cells. The nude mice were treated with AAEO (57.5, 115, and 230 mg/kg) or sorafenib (40 mg/kg). Metastasis of HCC cells was monitored via in vivo bioluminescence imaging. After treatment for 21 days, tissues were collected for histological examination and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gene and protein levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. The results revealed that AAEO significantly inhibits the migration and invasion in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo assays further confirmed that AAEO markedly inhibits HCC metastasis into lung, brain, and femur tissues and exhibits low toxicity. Our results suggested that AAEO significantly downregulates the mRNA and protein expression of DEPDC1. Also, AAEO attenuated Wnt/β-catenin signaling through reduction of Wnt1 and β-catenin production. Moreover, AAEO prevented epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulation of vimentin and upregulation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, we found that DEPDC1 promoted HCC migration and invasion via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT. These results demonstrate that AAEO effectively inhibits HCC metastasis via attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibiting EMT by suppressing DEPDC1 expression. Thus, AAEO likely acts as a novel inhibitor of the DEPDC1 dependent Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

scholarly journals AXL Knock-Out in SNU475 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Provides Evidence for Lethal Effect Associated with G2 Arrest and Polyploidization

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13247
Author(s):  
Tugce Batur ◽  
Ayse Argundogan ◽  
Umur Keles ◽  
Zeynep Mutlu ◽  
Hani Alotaibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
G2 Arrest ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Acquired Drug Resistance ◽  
Phenotypic Changes ◽  
Hcc Cells

AXL, a member of the TAM family, is a promising therapeutic target due to its elevated expression in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in association with acquired drug resistance. Previously, RNA interference was used to study its role in cancer, and several phenotypic changes, including attenuated cell proliferation and decreased migration and invasion, have been reported. The mechanism of action of AXL in HCC is elusive. We first studied the AXL expression in HCC cell lines by real-time PCR and western blot and showed its stringent association with a mesenchymal phenotype. We then explored the role of AXL in mesenchymal SNU475 cells by CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene knock-out. AXL-depleted HCC cells displayed drastic phenotypic changes, including increased DNA damage response, prolongation of doubling time, G2 arrest, and polyploidization in vitro and loss of tumorigenicity in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL by R428 recapitulated G2 arrest and polyploidy phenotype. These observations strongly suggest that acute loss of AXL in some mesenchymal HCC cells is lethal and points out that its inhibition may represent a druggable vulnerability in AXL-high HCC patients.

scholarly journals LncRNA CASC11 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via Upregulation of UBE2T in a m6A-Dependent Manner

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Chen ◽  
Meijun Li ◽  
Liang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Cancer Susceptibility ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanism ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tumor Growth And Metastasis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Besides, it has been revealed that long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) cancer susceptibility candidate 11 (CASC11) is involved in cancer progression. However, the functional role and underlying mechanism of CASC11 in HCC remains largely unknown. In this context, here, it was found that CASC11 was upregulated in HCC tissues and associated with tumor grades, metastasis, and prognosis of HCC patients. Functionally, CASC11 facilitated HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and enhanced tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, CASC11 associated with and stabilized Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2T (UBE2T) mRNA. To be specific, it decreased UBE2T N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level via recruiting ALKBH5. Moreover, CASC11 inhibited the association between UBE2T mRNA and m6A reader protein YTHDF2. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the epigenetic mechanism of CASC11 in the regulation of UBE2T expression and possibly provide a novel therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

scholarly journals The Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene ZNF24 Induces THCA Cells Senescence by Regulating Wnt Signaling Pathway, Resulting in Inhibition of THCA Tumorigenesis and Invasion

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Xiong ◽  
Panpan Jiang ◽  
Li Zhong ◽  
Youling Wang
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Nude Mice ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Migration And Invasion

ObjectClinically, the effective treatment options available to thyroid cancer (THCA) patients are very limited. Elucidating the features of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and the corresponding signal transduction cascade may provide clues for the development of new strategies for targeted therapy of THCA. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the mechanism of ZNF24 underlying promoting THCA cell senescence at molecular level.MethodsWe performed RT-PCR and Western Blotting for evaluating associated RNA and protein expression. CCK8, colony forming, wound healing and Transwell chamber assays were conducted to examine THCA cell proliferation, invasion and migration. β-galactosidase staining assay was performed to detect THCA cells senescence. The size and volume of xenotransplanted tumors in nude mice are calculated to asses ZNF24 effect in vivo.ResultsEctopic expression of ZNF24 significantly inhibited the cell viability, colony forming, migration and invasion abilities of THCA cell lines (K1/GLAG-66i and BCPAPi) (P < 0.05). ZNF24 induced BCPAPi cells senescence through regulating Wnt signaling pathway. ZNF24 inhibited Wnt signaling pathway activition by competitively binding β-catenin from LEF1/TCF1-β-catenin complex. In nude mice, both Ectopic expression of ZNF24 and 2,4-Da (the strong β-catenin/Tcf-4 inhibitor) treatment significantly decreased both the size and weight of xenotransplanted tumors when compared with control mice (P < 0.05).ConclusionResults obtained in vivo and in vitro reveal the role of ZNF24 in significantly suppressing THCA tumorigenesis and invasion by regulating Wnt signaling pathway.

scholarly journals miR-186-5p Prevents Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through Targeting METTL3 to Regulate m6A-Mediated Stabilization of FSTL5

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
DengYong Zhang ◽  
FangFang Chen ◽  
ShuoShuo Ma ◽  
YongChun Zhou ◽  
Wanliang Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Rna Stability ◽  
The Cancer Genome Atlas ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Report Analysis ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) processes in multi-steps which involves the sophisticated interactions of genetics, epigenetics, and transcriptional changes. According to before investigations, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-mediated m6A modification regulates the development of various cancers by regulating gene stability. However, the studies focusing on miRNA’s regulatory effect of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on HCC progression are still limited. Methods: Immunochemistry (IHC) staining detected the histopathological changes in the tumor tissues. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), clone formation, and transwell assay investigated the changes in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. The RNA m6A level was confirmed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation. The RNA stability assay indicated the half-life (t1/2) of RNA in HCC cells. The prognosis of the indicated patients’ cohort was analyzed using the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) datasets. Luciferase report analysis was used to study the potential binding between microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA. A mice tumor transplant model was further established to study the changes in tumor progression. Results: Follistatin-like 5 (FSTL5) was found to be significantly downregulated in HCC, and it inhibited the further progression of HCC. The RNA stability analysis indicated that the mRNA t1/2 gene of HCC cells was shortened. Besides, METTL3 reduced the stability of FSTL5 mRNA in a m6A-YTH domain family 2(YTHDF2)-dependent manner. Functional experiments revealed that the downregulated METTL3 inhibited the HCC progression by up-regulating FSTL5 in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase report analysis confirmed that miR-186-5p directly targeted the METTL3. Additionally, miR-186-5p inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by downregulating METTL3. We identified that miR-186-5p prevented the HCC progression by targeting METTL3 to regulate m6A-mediated FSTL5 stabilization. Conclusions: The miR-186-5p/METTL3/YTHDF2/FSTL5 axis perhaps point out a new direction for the targeted therapy of HCC.

scholarly journals Targeting tumor microenvironment: Metformin suppresses IL-22 induced hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating Hippo signaling pathway

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Zhao ◽  
Tao Zhou ◽  
Yi Luo ◽  
Chenchen Wang ◽  
Dongwei Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Hippo Signaling Pathway

Abstract BackgroundEpidemiological studies have shown direct associations between type 2 diabetes and the risk of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that metformin is profoundly implicated in preventing tumor development. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effects of metformin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effects of metformin on a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and interleukin-22 (IL-22)-associated carcinogenesis in vitro.ResultsWe found that metformin significantly suppressed the incidence and tumor burden of HCC in the diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. As expected, expression of IL-22, an important factor involved in HCC progression, was markedly reduced by metformin. Treatment of HCC cells with metformin inhibited IL-22 induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IL-22 makes HCC more aggressive whereas metformin largely compromised it in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the whole transcriptome analysis and functional analysis revealed that Hippo signaling pathway was involved in the anti-tumor ability of metformin. Consistent with this, metformin directly activated Mst1/2, phosphorylated YAP1 in vitro. After blocking Hippo pathway by XMU-MP-1, the inhibitor of MST1/2, the inhibitory effects by metformin were dramatically attenuated as shown by in vitro study.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings illuminate a new regulatory mechanism, metformin activates Hippo signaling pathway to regulate IL-22 mediated HCC progression and provide new insights into its tumor-suppressive roles.

scholarly journals NCSTN promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and metastasis via β-catenin activation in a Notch1/AKT dependent manner

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Li ◽  
Tian Lan ◽  
Lin Xu ◽  
Hailing Liu ◽  
Jinju Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Gsk 3Β

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third top cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide. The prognosis of HCC patients remains poor due to rapid progression and high incidence of tumor recurrence. Nicastrin (NCSTN), a core subunit of γ-Secretase, has been reported to play a vital role in tumor progression. However, no study till now has revealed its role in HCC. Methods The expression of NCSTN was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR. Cell counting kit-8, colony formation and cell cycle assays were used for evaluating cell growth in vitro. Transwell and wound-healing assays were used for evaluating cell migration and invasion capacity. Immunofluorescence, subcellular protein fractionation and co-immunoprecipitation were used for location analysis of β-catenin. The in vivo functions of NCSTN were illustrated by xenograft tumor models. Results NCSTN was dramatically overexpressed in HCC compared to normal liver tissues. Elevated NCSTN expression level was significantly correlated to worse overall and recurrence-free survival of HCC patients. Enhanced NCSTN expression promoted HCC cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations showed that NCSTN induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process via upregulation of Zeb1. Subsequently, we revealed that NCSTN facilitated nuclear translocation of β-catenin, a positive transcriptional regulator of Zeb1. Using Notch and AKT inhibitors, we revealed that NCSTN promoted β-catenin activation through Notch1 and AKT signaling pathway. NCSTN increased AKT and GSK-3β phosphorylation by cleavage of Notch1, which decreased GSK-3β/β-catenin complex. The inactivation of GSK-3β inhibited the β-catenin degradation and promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin to initiate transcription of Zeb1, resulting in malignant phenotype. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that NCSTN promoted HCC cell growth and metastasis via β-catenin-mediated upregulation of Zeb1 in a Notch1/AKT dependent manner, suggesting that NCSTN might serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.

scholarly journals Curcumin Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating miR-21/TIMP3 Axis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingtao Li ◽  
Hailiang Wei ◽  
Yonggang Liu ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Hui Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Cell Proliferation Inhibition

Background/Aim. Curcumin exhibits anticancer effects against various types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). miR-21 has been reported to be involved in the malignant biological properties of HCC. However, whether miR-21 plays a role in curcumin-mediated treatment of HCC is unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the potential functions and mechanisms of miR-21 in curcumin-mediated treatment of HCC. Methods. The anticancer effects of curcumin were assessed in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism of miR-21 in curcumin-mediated treatment of HCC was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), western blot, and Dual-Luciferase Reporter assays. Results. The present study revealed that curcumin suppressed HCC growth in vivo and inhibited HCC cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Meanwhile, the curcumin treatment can downregulate miR-21 expression, upregulate TIMP3 expression, and inhibit the TGF-β1/smad3 signaling pathway. miR-21 inhibition enhanced the effect of curcumin on cell proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, and TGF-β1/smad3 signaling pathway inhibition in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. It demonstrated that TIMP3 was a direct target gene of miR-21. Interestingly, the effect of miR-21 inhibition on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and TGF-β1/smad3 signaling pathway in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells exposed to curcumin was attenuated by TIMP3 silencing. Conclusion. Taken together, the present study suggests that miR-21 is involved in the anticancer activities of curcumin through targeting TIMP3, and the mechanism possibly refers to the inhibition of TGF-β1/smad3 signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Targeting Tumor Microenvironment: Metformin Suppresses IL-22 Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Upregulating Hippo Signalling Pathway.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Zhao ◽  
Tao Zhou ◽  
Yi Luo ◽  
Chenchen Wang ◽  
Dongwei Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Hippo Signaling Pathway

Abstract Background: Epidemiological studies have shown direct associations between type 2 diabetes and the risk of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that metformin is profoundly implicated in preventing tumor development. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effects of metformin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of metformin on a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and interleukin-22 (IL-22)-associated carcinogenesis in vitro. Results: We found that metformin significantly suppressed the incidence and tumor burden of HCC in the diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. As expected, expression of IL-22, an important factor involved in HCC progression, was markedly reduced by metformin. Treatment of HCC cells with metformin inhibited IL-22 induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IL-22 makes HCC more aggressive whereas metformin largely compromised it in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the whole transcriptome analysis and functional analysis revealed that Hippo signaling pathway was involved in the anti-tumor ability of metformin. Consistent with this, metformin directly activated Mst1/2, phosphorylated YAP1 in vitro. After blocking Hippo pathway by XMU-MP-1, the inhibitor of MST1/2, the inhibitory effects by metformin were dramatically attenuated as shown by in vitro study. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings illuminate a new regulatory mechanism, metformin activates Hippo signaling pathway to regulate IL-22 mediated HCC progression and provide new insights into its tumor-suppressive roles.

scholarly journals Obesity Potentiates Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth and Invasion by AMPK-YAP Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jia-Huang Liu ◽  
Qi-Fei Wu ◽  
Jun-Ke Fu ◽  
Xiang-Ming Che ◽  
Hai-Jun Li
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Nude Mice ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Endocrine Effect

Obesity could increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and affect its growth and progression, but the mechanical links are unclear. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of obesity on ESCC growth and progression utilizing in vivo trials and cell experiments in vitro. Diet-induced obese and lean nude mice were inoculated with TE-1 cells, then studied for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and visfatin levels were assayed. Sera of nude mice were obtained and then utilized to culture TE-1. MTT, migration and invasion assays, RT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to analyze endocrine effect of obesity on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and related genes expression of TE-1. Obese nude mice bore larger tumor xenografts than lean animals, and were hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic with an elevated level of leptin and visfatin in sera, and also were accompanied by a fatty liver. As for the subcutaneous tumor xenograft model, tumors were more aggressive in obese nude mice than lean animals. Tumor weight correlated positively with mouse body weight, liver weight of mice, serum glucose, HOMA-IR, leptin, and visfatin. Obesity prompted significant TE-1 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by endocrine mechanisms and impacted target genes. The expression of AMPK and p-AMPK protein decreased significantly ( P < 0.05 ); MMP9, total YAP, p-YAP, and nonphosphorylated YAP protein increased significantly ( P < 0.05 ) in the cells cultured with conditioned media and xenograft tumor from the obese group; the mRNA expression of AMPK decreased significantly ( P < 0.05 ); YAP and MMP9 mRNA expression increased significantly ( P < 0.05 ) in the cells exposed to conditioned media from the obese group. In conclusion, the altered adipokine milieu and metabolites in the context of obesity may promote ESCC growth in vivo; affect proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro; and regulate MMP9 and AMPK-YAP signaling pathway through complex effects including the endocrine effect.

scholarly journals Loss of PR55α promotes proliferation and metastasis by activating MAPK/AKT signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
JiangSheng Zhao ◽  
GuoFeng Chen ◽  
Jingqi Li ◽  
Shiqi Liu ◽  
Quan Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Lung Metastases ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Signal Pathways ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Healthy Liver

Abstract Background PR55α plays important roles in oncogenesis and progression of numerous malignancies. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. This study aims to characterize the functions of PR55α in HCC. Methods PR55α expressions in HCC tissues and paired healthy liver samples were evaluated using Western blot and tissue microarray immunohistochemistry. We knocked down the expression of PR55α in SMMC-7721 and LM3 cell lines via small interfering and lentivirus. In vitro cell counting, colony formation, migration and invasion assays were performed along with in vivo xenograft implantation and lung metastases experiments. The potential mechanisms involving target signal pathways were investigated by RNA-sequencing. Results PR55α expression level was suppressed in HCC tissues in comparison to healthy liver samples. Decreased PR55α levels were correlated with poorer prognosis (P = 0.0059). Knockdown of PR55α significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration, induced repression of the cell cycle progression and apoptosis in vitro while accelerating in vivo HCC growth and metastasis. Mechanistic analysis indicated that PR55α silencing was involved with MAPK/AKT signal pathway activation and resulted in increased phosphorylation of both AKT and ERK1/2. Conclusions This study identifies PR55α to be a candidate novel therapeutic target in the treatment of HCC.

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