scholarly journals Hedgehog Signal Inhibitor GANT61 Inhibits the Malignant Behavior of Undifferentiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting Non-Canonical GLI Signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3126
Author(s):  
Kensuke Harada ◽  
Ryuya Ohashi ◽  
Kyoko Naito ◽  
Keita Kanki
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hepatoma Cell ◽  
Mek Inhibitor ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hepatoma Cell Lines ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Sphere Formation

The Hedgehog (HH)–GLI pathway plays an important role in cell dedifferentiation and is therefore pivotally involved in the malignant transformation of cancer cells. GANT61, a selective inhibitor of GLI1 and GLI2, was reported as a promising treatment for cancer in various tissues; however, the biological impact of GANT61 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in undifferentiated HCC cells, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of GANT61 using two undifferentiated hepatoma cell lines: HLE and HLF. Quantitative PCR and RT-PCR analyses revealed that these cells express GLI transcripts, showing mesenchymal phenotypes characterized by the loss of epithelial and hepatic markers and specific expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. GANT61 significantly reduced the proliferation and cell viability after drug treatment using 5-FU and Mitomycin C. We showed that GLI transcript levels were down-regulated by the MEK inhibitor U0126 and the Raf inhibitor sorafenib, suggesting that non-canonical signaling including the Ras–Raf–MEK–ERK pathway is involved. Sphere formation and migration were significantly decreased by GANT61 treatment, and it is suggested that the underlying molecular mechanisms are the down-regulation of stemness-related genes (Oct4, Bmi1, CD44, and ALDH) and the EMT-related gene Snail1. The data presented here showed that direct inhibition of GLI might be beneficial for the treatment of dedifferentiated HCC.

scholarly journals C1orf61 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis and affects the therapeutic response to sorafenib

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
You Yu ◽  
Zhimeng Wang ◽  
Zan Huang ◽  
Xianying Tang ◽  
Wenhua Li
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Response ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Molecular Events ◽  
Carcinoma Metastasis ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Background C1orf61 is a specific transcriptional activator that is highly up-regulated during weeks 4–9 of human embryogenesis, the period in which most organs develop. We have previously demonstrated that C1orf61 acts as a tumor activator in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression in HCC remain obscure. Methods In this study, we demonstrated that the pattern of C1orf61 expression was closely correlated with metastasis in liver cancer cells. Gene expression profiling analysis indicated that C1orf61 regulated diverse genes related to cell growth, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Results Results showed that C1orf61 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inducing cellular EMT in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, C1orf61-induced cellular EMT and migration are involved in the activation of the STAT3 and Akt cascade pathways. We also found that C1orf61 was associated with HBV infection-induced cell migration in HCC. In addition, C1orf61 expression improved the efficacy of the anticancer therapy sorafenib in HCC patients. For the first time, we report a regulatory pathway by which C1orf61 promoted cancer cell metastasis and regulated the therapeutic response to sorafenib. Conclusions These findings increased our understanding of the molecular events that regulate metastasis and treatment in HCC.

Keratin function and regulation in tissue homeostasis and pathogenesis

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wera Roth ◽  
Mechthild Hatzfeld ◽  
Maik Friedrich ◽  
Sören Thiering ◽  
Thomas M. Magin
Keyword(s):  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Growth Control ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Intermediate Filament Proteins ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Keratin Expression ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Formidable Challenge

AbstractEpithelial tissues act as hubs in metabolism and communication and protect the organism against dehydration, infections, pharmacological and physical stress. Keratin intermediate filament proteins are well established as major cytoskeletal players in maintaining epithelial integrity. More recently, an involvement of keratins in growth control and organelle functions has emerged. Disruption of the keratin cytoskeleton by mutations or its reorganization following posttranslational modifications can render epithelia susceptible to tissue damage and various stresses, while loss of keratin expression is a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To understand the molecular mechanisms by which keratins perform their functions remains a formidable challenge. Based on selected examples, we will discuss how cell-specific expression of keratin isotypes affects cytoarchitecture and cell behavior. Further, we ask how posttranslational modifications alter keratin organization and interactions during signaling. Next, we discuss pathomechanisms of epidermal keratin disorders in the light of novel data. Finally, we raise open questions and point out future directives.

Artocarpus communis Induces Autophagic Instead of Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (03) ◽  
pp. 559-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Wei Tzeng ◽  
Wen-Sheng Tzeng ◽  
Liang-Tzung Lin ◽  
Chiang-Wen Lee ◽  
Ming-Hong Yen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Hepatoma Cell ◽  
Apoptotic Cell Death ◽  
Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Acridine Orange Staining ◽  
Hepatoma Cell Lines

For centuries, natural plant extracts have played an important role in traditional medicine for curing and preventing diseases. Studies have revealed that Artocarpus communis possess various bioactivities, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, and anticancer activities. A. communis offers economic value as a source of edible fruit, yields timber, and is widely used in folk medicines. However, little is known about its molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity. Here, we demonstrate the antiproliferative activity of A. communis methanol extract (AM) and its dichloromethane fraction (AD) in two human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5. Colony assay showed the long-term inhibitory effect of both extracts on cell growth. DNA laddering and immunoblotting analyses revealed that both extracts did not induce apoptosis in the hepatoma cell lines. AM and AD-treated cells demonstrated different cell cycle distribution compared to UV-treated cells, which presented apoptotic cell death with high sub-G1 ratio. Instead, acridine orange staining revealed that AM and AD triggered autophagosome accumulation. Immunoblotting showed a significant expression of autophagy-related proteins, which indicated the autophagic cell death (ACD) of hepatoma cell lines. This study therefore demonstrates that A. communis AM and its dichloromethane fraction can induce ACD in HCC cells and elucidates the potential of A. communis extracts for development as anti tumor therapeutic agents that utilize autophagy as mechanism in mediating cancer cell death.

scholarly journals GJA1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by mediating TGF-β-induced activation and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of hepatic stellate cells

Open Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1459-1471
Author(s):  
Gengming Niu ◽  
Xiaotian Zhang ◽  
Runqi Hong ◽  
Ximin Yang ◽  
Jiawei Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Conditioned Medium ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Hepatic Cirrhosis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Proliferation And Migration

Abstract Introduction Gap junction protein, alpha 1 (GJA1), which is correlated with recurrences and unfavorable prognoses in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), is one of the specific proteins expressed by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods Expression of GJA1 was compared between HCCs and nontumor tissues (NTs), between hepatic cirrhosis and NTs, and between primary and metastatic HCCs using transcriptomic datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the Integrative Molecular Database of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. The in vitro activities of GJA1 were investigated in cultured HSCs and HCC cells. The underlying mechanism was characterized using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and validated by western blotting. Results The expression of GJA1 was significantly increased in HCCs and hepatic cirrhosis compared to that in NTs. GJA1 was also overexpressed in pulmonary metastases from HCCs when compared with HCCs without metastasis. Overexpression of GJA1 promoted while knockdown of GJA1 inhibited proliferation and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-mediated activation and migration of cultured HSCs. Overexpression of GJA1 by lentivirus infection promoted proliferation and migration, while conditioned medium from HSCs overexpressing GJA1 promoted migration but inhibited proliferation of Hep3B and PLC-PRF-5 cells. Lentivirus infection with shGJA1 or conditioned medium from shGJA1-infected HSCs inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCCLM3 cells that had a high propensity toward lung metastasis. Mechanistically, GJA1 induced the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HSCs and HCCLM3 cells. Conclusion GJA1 promoted HCC progression by inducing HSC activation and the EMT in HSCs. GJA1 is potentially regulated by TGF-β and thus may be a therapeutic target to inhibit HCC progression.

scholarly journals Long Non-Coding RNAs in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Pancreatic Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Takahashi ◽  
Kenzui Taniue ◽  
Yusuke Ono ◽  
Mikihiro Fujiya ◽  
Yusuke Mizukami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Invasion And Migration ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
And Migration

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), or RNA molecules that do not code for proteins, are generally categorized as either small or long ncRNA (lncRNA) and are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases including many cancers. Identification of a large number of ncRNAs could help to elucidate previously unknown mechanisms in phenotype regulation. Some ncRNAs are encapsulated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) and transferred to recipient cells to regulate cellular processes, including epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulations. Recent studies have uncovered novel molecular mechanisms and functions of lncRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most intractable cancers that is highly invasive and metastatic. As the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) triggers tumor cell invasion and migration, clarification of the roles of lncRNA in EMT and tumor cell stemness would be critical for improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in metastatic cancers. This review provides an overview of relevant studies on lncRNA and its involvement with EMT in PDAC. Emerging knowledge offers evidence for the dysregulated expression of lncRNAs and essential insights into the potential contribution of both lncRNAs and EVs in the pathogenesis of PDAC. Future directions and new clinical applications for PDAC are also discussed.

scholarly journals RETRACTED ARTICLE: Correlations between chromobox homolog 8 and key factors of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaonian Zhu ◽  
Wei Luo ◽  
Chunhua Bei ◽  
Juan Kong ◽  
Shidong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Migration Ability ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Invasion And Migration ◽  
Knock Down ◽  
Retracted Article ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, especially in China, with high metastasis and poor prognosis. Recently, as the core component of the polycomb repressive complexes 1 (PRC1), chromobox protein homolog 8 (CBX8) is considered as an oncogene and prognostic marker in HCC. Methods A tissue microarray of 166 paired HCC and adjacent non-tumor samples were collected to identify the relationship between CBX8 and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated proteins by Spearman correlation analysis. Knock-down of CBX8 in HCC cells was conducted to detect the biologic functions of CBX8 in HCC metastasis. Results We found out that CBX8 was over-expressed in HCC and its expression was closely related to the metastasis of HCC patients. In addition, knock-down of CBX8 was found to inhibit the invasion and migration ability of HCC cells. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between expression of CBX8 and EMT associated proteins both in HCC cells and tumor tissues. Conclusions Our results indicate that CBX8 promotes metastasis of HCC by inducing EMT process.

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