scholarly journals Overexpressed Tumor Suppressor Exosomal miR-15a-5p in Cancer Cells Inhibits PD1 Expression in CD8+T Cells and Suppresses the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Yu Zhang ◽  
Hong-Xia Liang ◽  
Shu-Huan Wu ◽  
He-Qing Jiang ◽  
Qin Wang ◽  
...  

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor, and the main reason is the unclear pathogenesis of HCC, which leads to a high fatality rate of HCC. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to explore the molecular mechanism of HCC and find a targeted therapeutic approach from the molecular level.Materials and MethodsMicroRNA-15a-5p (miR-15a-5p) expression level was measured by bioinformatics and qRT-PCR. Luciferase assay and RIP assays were used to verify the relationship between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) PD 1 with miR-15a-5p. Exosomes were identified using TEM, Zetasizer Nano ZS, and western blot. Edu, Transwell, and scratch assay were performed to explore the role of miR-15a-5p or exo-miR-15a-5p on HepG2 cells progression.ResultsMicroRNA-15a-5p (miR-15a-5p) was decreased in HCC tissues and cell lines, which indicated a poor prognosis. Overexpression of miR-15a-5p inhibited viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. Then, we isolated exosomes from cancer cells, and found that miR-15a-5p was packaged into exosomes from cancer cells. Furthermore, exo-miR-15a-5p was secreted into CD8+ T cells, then directly inhibited PD1 expression via targeted binding. Then, we co-cultured CD8+ T cells transfected with PD1 with HepG2 transfected with miR-15a-5p, PD1 remitted the inhibitory role of miR-15a-5p on HCC progression.ConclusionTogether, present study revealed exo-miR-15a-5p from cancer cells inhibited PD1 expression in CD8+ T cells, which suppressed the development of HCC.

2022 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 205873842110586
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Min Zhou ◽  
Kun Li

Introduction MicroRNAs (miRs) exhibit the potential to act as therapeutic targets for the management of human cancers including ovarian cancer. The role of microRNA-30 (miR-30) via modulation of RAB32 expression has not been studied in ovarian cancer. Consistently, the present study was designed to characterize the molecular role of miR-30/RAB32 axis in human ovarian cancer. Methods Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Expression analysis was carried out by qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase assay was used to confirm the interaction between miR-30 and RAB32. Scratch-heal and transwell chamber assays were used to monitor the cell migration and invasion. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to determine the protein expression. Results The results revealed significant ( p < 0.05) downregulation of miR-30 in human ovarian cancer cell lines. Overexpression of miR-30 in ovarian SK-OV-3 and A2780 cancer cells significantly ( p < 0.05) inhibited their proliferation. Besides, ovarian cancer cells overexpressing miR-30 showed significantly ( p < 0.05) lower migration and invasion. The miR-30 upregulation also altered the expression pattern of marker proteins of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer cells. In silico analysis predicted RAB32 as the molecular target of miR-30 at post-transcriptional level. The silencing of RAB32 mimicked the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-30 overexpression in ovarian cancer cells. Nonetheless, overexpression of RAB32 could prevent the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-30 on SK-OV-3 and A2780 cancer cells. Conclusion Taken together, the results suggest the tumor-suppressive role of miR-30 and point towards the therapeutic utility of miR-30/RAB32 molecular axis in the management of ovarian cancer


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Liu ◽  
Ouyang Li ◽  
Chi Zhou ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Chunxue He ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent malignancy and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in tumorigenesis in various cancer types by affecting the expression of its targets. However, the role of miR-32-5p in thyroid cancer remains limited. Methods: In this study, we attempt to explore the role of miR-32-5p in thyroid cancer and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Expression of miR-32-5p was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Functional assays were performed by CCK-8 assay, cell colony assay, cell apoptosis assay, cell migration and invasion assays, cell cycle assay and luciferase assay. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blot.Results: In the present study, the role of miR-32-5p in thyroid cancer was firstly explored. It is found that miR-32-5p was downregulated in thyroid cancer tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-32-5p inhibited thyroid cancer cells proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition process; while suppression of miR-32-5p exhibited an opposite effect on thyroid cancer cells. In addition, In addition, a luciferase assay showed Twist1 was identified as a direct target of miR-32-5p in thyroid cancer, and further study showed that restoration of Twist1 attenuated the biological effect of miR-32-5p on thyroid cancer cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results demonstrated miR-32-5p functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting Twist1 in thyroid cancer, providing a novel insight into thyroid cancer therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mu Song ◽  
Mulati Kuerban ◽  
Lu Zhao ◽  
Xiaolin Peng ◽  
Youqin Xu

BackgroundThe DNA-binding protein RFX6 was overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, and its expression level was correlated with the prognosis and immune cell infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism of the abnormal expression and the biological effects of RFX6 in liver cancer remains unknown.MethodsTo understand the specific expression mechanism of RFX6 in liver cancer, we performed bioinformatic prediction, CHIP-qPCR assay, co-IP, and dual-luciferase assay to assess the regulating mechanism of RFX6. In the meantime, a series of biological experiments in vivo and in vitro were conducted to analyze the biological significance of RFX6 in hepatocellular carcinoma.ResultsWe demonstrated that knockdown of RFX6 in liver cancer cells significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Moreover, inhibition of RFX6 could affect the immune response of T cells. Among a number of interacting proteins, we revealed that RFX6 directly binds to DTX2, a regulator of the Notch signaling pathway by targeting NOTCH1, and helps in its transcription stability. Furthermore, we discovered that miRNA-542-3p, the expression of which was decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma, was directly involved in the negative regulation of the expression of RFX6.ConclusionIn summary, we discovered that the miRNA-542-3p–RFX6–DTX2–NOTCH1 regulatory pathway played significant roles in the tumor progression of liver hepatocellular carcinoma.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8011
Author(s):  
Hyo-Jung Cho ◽  
Jae-Youn Cheong

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops almost entirely in the presence of chronic inflammation. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with recurrent immune-mediated liver damage ultimately leads to cirrhosis and HCC. It is widely accepted that HBV infection induces the dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune responses that engage various immune cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are associated with early antiviral and antitumor properties. On the other hand, inflammatory cells release various cytokines and chemokines that may promote HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressive cells play a critical role in hepatocarcinogenesis. HBV-specific CD8+ T cells have been identified as pivotal players in antiviral responses, whilst extremely activated CD8+ T cells induce enormous inflammatory responses, and chronic inflammation can facilitate hepatocarcinogenesis. Controlling and maintaining the balance in the immune system is an important aspect in the management of HBV-related HCC. We conducted a review of the current knowledge on the immunopathogenesis of HBV-induced inflammation and the role of such immune activation in the tumorigenesis of HCC based on the recent studies on innate and adaptive immune cell dysfunction in HBV-related HCC.


Author(s):  
Shujie Li ◽  
Dingyi Yang ◽  
Furong Wu ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Yue Xie ◽  
...  

IntroductionLincRNA-p21 was found to inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis via a signaling cascade of lincRNA-p21-miR-181b-PTEN. Hypoxia was also previously proved to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) glycolysis by targeting HK2.Material and methodsLuciferase assay was carried out to examine the regulatory role of miR-181b in lincRNA-p21 and HK2 expression. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure the expression of lincRNA-p21, miR-181b and HK2 mRNA. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of HK2 protein.ResultsThe expression of lincRNA-p21 and HK2 was effectively suppressed by miR-181b in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Besides, the luciferase activities of wild type lincRNA-p21 and HK2 were remarkably suppressed by miR-181b in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Activation and suppression of lincRNA-p21 expression using pcDNA and shRNA revealed a negative correlation between miR-181b and lincRNA-p21 expression as well as a positive correlation between HK2 and lincRNA-p21 expression. Moreover, lincRNA-p21 shRNA could effectively reverse the effect of hypoxia-induced dysregulation in miR-181b and HK2 expression, as well as the altered levels of glucose consumption and lactate production in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, lincRNA-p21 was capable of altering the growth and miR-181b/HK2 expression of HepG2 xenograft tumors in nude mice.ConclusionsOur study investigated the molecular relationship between lincRNA-p21, miR-181b and HK2 in cellular and animal models, and validated that hypoxia could up-regulate the expression level of lincRNA-p21 in the microenvironment of solid hepatocellular carcinoma tumor, which accordingly led to aggravated glycolysis via elevated HK2 expression, thus inhibiting the apoptosis of HCC.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangzhen Ma ◽  
Jirong Chen ◽  
Tiantian Wei ◽  
Jia Wang ◽  
Wenshan Chen

Abstract Background Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is a transcriptional activator for liver-specific genes. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent fetal malignancy across the globe. This work focused on the role of FOXA2 in HCC cell migration and invasion and the involving molecules. Methods FOXA2 expression in HCC tissues and cells was determined using RT-qPCR. Altered expression of FOXA2 was introduced to identify its role in HCC cell migration and invasion using Transwell assays. The potential target microRNA (miRNA) of FOXA2 was predicted via online prediction and validated through a ChIP assay, and the mRNA target of miRNA-103a-3p was predicted and confirmed through a luciferase assay. The roles of miR-103a-3p and GREM2 in HCC cell invasion and migration were determined, and the downstream molecules mediated by GREM2 were analyzed. Results FOXA2 and GREM2 were poorly expressed while miR-103a-3p was abundant in HCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of FOXA2 or GREM2 suppressed migration and invasion of HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells, while up-regulation of miR-103a-3p led to reverse trends. FOXA2 transcriptionally suppressed miR-103a-3p to increase GREM2 expression, and silencing of GREM2 partially blocked the inhibitory effects of FOXA2 on cell migration and invasion. GREM2 increased LATS2 activity and YAP phosphorylation and degradation. Conclusion This study evidenced that FOXA2 inhibits migration and invasion potentials of HCC cell lines through suppressing miR-103a-3p transcription. The following upregulation of GREM2 plays key roles in migration inhibition by promoting LATS2 activity and YAP phosphorylation. This study may offer new insights into HCC treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-309
Author(s):  
Linan Yin ◽  
Tingting Sun ◽  
Ruibao Liu

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prominent form of presentation in liver cancer. It is also the fourth most common cause of cancer-associated deaths globally. The role of nucleus accumbens associated protein-1 (NACC-1) has been evaluated in several cancers. This protein is a transcriptional regulator that regulates a number of significant cellular processes. In the current study, we aimed to understand the role of NACC-1 in HCC. Primarily, we measured the expression of NACC-1 using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. We knocked down the expression of NACC-1 in HCC cell lines Huh7 and HepG2 by transferring a commercially synthesized small interfering RNA and explored the impact of NACC-1 knockdown on cellular growth, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance to doxorubicin. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified NACC-1 as a potential target of miR-760. Using a dual reporter luciferase assay, we confirmed the predicted target and assessed miR-760-mediated regulation of NACC-1 and rescue of tumorigenic phenotypes. We observed increased expression of NACC-1 in HCC. Furthermore, knockdown of NACC-1 resulted in reduced cell proliferation and invasion and increased susceptibility to doxorubicin-mediated chemosensitivity. Overexpression of miR-760 in HCC cell lines rescued NACC-1-mediated migration and invasion. We revealed that miR-760 regulated NACC-1 expression in HCC. Our data indicated that both miR-760 and NACC-1 could be used as prognostic markers, and miR-760 may have therapeutic benefits for HCC and other cancers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusra Shafique ◽  
Muhammad Asif Qureshi ◽  
Saeed Khan ◽  
Talat Mirza

Objectives: To investigate immune cell densities in tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2017-2019 at the Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi. A total of 42 subsequent patients undergoing liver biopsy/resection and diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma were included in the study. Moreover, a total of 10 control tissues were also included. In order to investigate immune cells densities in hepatocellular carcinoma, immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies including α-MPO(neutrophils), α-CD-68(macrophages), α-CD-3(T-cells), α-CD-20(B-cells), α-CD-4(CD4+ T-cells) and α-CD-8(CD8+ T-cells). Quantification of immune cells/mm2 was performed as per the College of American Pathologists’ guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant at all times. Results: We report significantly increased infiltration of macrophages (mean macrophages= 306.57/mm2, p-value<0.05), moderately significant infiltration of neutrophils (p-value=0.06) and B-cells (p-value=0.07) while no significant infiltration of CD4+T-cells (p- value=0.31), and CD8+T-cells (p-value=0.39) in tumour microenvironment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: We provide evidence for increased macrophage infiltration in liver cancer microenvironment suggesting a potential role of these cells in hepatocarcinogenesis. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.2973 How to cite this:Shafique Y, Qureshi MA, Khan S, Mirza T. Differential Immune Landscape of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Suggests Potential role of Macrophages in Hepatocarcinogenesis. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.2973 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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