Review
Cell Biology
Sisi Yang, Chengwei Cai, Huanqiu Wang, Xueqing Ma, Anwen Shao, Jifang Sheng, Chengbo Yu
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide, and traditional antitumor drugs have limitations. The application of nanotechnology plays a significant role in improving drug delivery and selective accumulation.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Yujia Xia, Zachary J. Brown, Hai Huang, Allan Tsung
Summary: HCC is an inflammation-induced cancer with a complex interaction between immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and tumor development. Metabolic reprogramming is crucial for the differentiation and function of immune cells in HCC progression.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Haoming Xia, Ziyue Huang, Yi Xu, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Yunfu Cui
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the glucometabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explored its association with cancerous mechanisms, immune suppression, and oxidative stress adaptation. The findings provide insights for future basic and clinical research.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Linlin Li, Yifang Zou, Lingzhi Wang, Leilei Yang, Yutong Li, Anqi Liao, Zheng Chen, Zhuo Yu, Jianfeng Guo, Shulan Han
Summary: This study confirmed the potential of scutellarin for inducing immunogenic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. To enable its in vivo application, a targeted nanocarrier was developed. The nanocarrier effectively delivered scutellarin to the tumor site and reversed the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment, resulting in improved therapeutic efficacy and increased survival in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma, without causing toxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
TianCheng Wang, MinZhao Lin, JunJie Mao, LiRong Tian, HaiRun Gan, XinYan Hu, LeYe Yan, HaoYu Long, JianXun Cai, XiaoDi Zheng, YuDong Xiao, Dan Li, XinTao Shuai, PengFei Pang
Summary: In this study, a nanodrug was designed to regulate the tumor microenvironment and activate antitumor immunity by co-delivering an NF-KB inhibitor and a PD-L1 antibody. This provides a potential strategy to improve the efficiency of ICB-based treatment for HCC.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Guangzhen Cai, Jinghan Zhu, Deng Ning, Ganxun Li, Yuxin Zhang, Yixiao Xiong, Junnan Liang, Chengpeng Yu, Xiaoping Chen, Huifang Liang, Zeyang Ding
Summary: The role of hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma and its impact on the tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity are not well understood. This study found that the Hypoxia_DEGs_Score model has excellent predictive value for survival. Hypoxia is closely related to somatic mutation, copy number variation, and DNA methylation, which affect tumor development, metastasis, and drug resistance. Aggravated hypoxic stress leads to immune exclusion phenotype and increased infiltration of immunosuppressive cells. Patients with high Hypoxia_DEGs_Score have worse immunotherapeutic outcomes and prognosis, and may benefit from drugs targeting cell cycle signaling pathways rather than those inhibiting the PI3K/mTOR pathway. Hypoxia_DEGs_Score can predict changes in the tumor microenvironment, the efficacy of immunotherapy, and drug response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juanjuan Li, Qing Xia, Haiyan Guo, Zhenzhen Fu, Yong Liu, Sisi Lin, Jinyao Liu
Summary: This study reports a method of decorating bacteria with triple immune nanoactivators to develop tumor-resident living immunotherapeutics. The decorated bacteria show targeted tumor retention and release of drugs, achieving potent antitumor effects. This work provides a versatile platform for cancer immunotherapy.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jingyi Zhou, Weiyu Wang, Qi Li
Summary: In hepatocellular carcinoma patients, the tumor microenvironment characterized by high immunosuppression and drug resistance can be improved by remodeling the microenvironment and reprogramming the phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guanghong Luo, Xing Li, Jihui Lin, Gao Ge, Jiangli Fang, Wangze Song, Gary Guishan Xiao, Bo Zhang, Xiaojun Peng, Yanhong Duo, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: Ions play a vital role in regulating various biological processes, including tumorigenesis and therapy. The perturbation of ion homeostasis can induce tumor cell death and evoke immune responses. This study prepared a pH-responsive nanoplatform that reprograms the tumor microenvironment and provides antitumor treatment through ion fluctuation.
Article
Immunology
Yuyan Xu, Wei Liao, Qiong Luo, Dinghua Yang, Mingxin Pan
Summary: This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of 36 histone acetylation regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histone acetylation patterns were found to be closely associated with tumor malignant pathways and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The therapeutic value of the HAscore in targeted therapy and immunotherapy was also analyzed.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shuhua Wei, Fenghua Wei, Mengyuan Li, Yuhan Yang, Jingwen Zhang, Chunxiao Li, Junjie Wang
Summary: Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, has been approved for cancer treatment, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, many cancer patients acquire drug resistance to sorafenib in subsequent treatment, and the immunological mechanisms behind this resistance are still unclear. This review focuses on the immunoregulatory effects of sorafenib on the tumor microenvironment, the potential immunological mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, and the combination of sorafenib with immunotherapy to improve efficacy.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiani Liu, Jiayao Chen, Hongxing Liu, Ke Zhang, Qi Zeng, Shuai Yang, Zebo Jiang, Xiaoting Zhang, Tianfeng Chen, Dan Li, Hong Shan
Summary: The study developed a novel theranostic agent based on Bi/Se nanoparticles for sensitizing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), showing promising results in reversing the hypoxic and immune suppression status of HCC. This theranostic agent could accurately label the radiotherapy area in CT imaging and reshape tumor blood vessels, reduce tumor hypoxia, and increase tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Liu, Yini Huangfu, Jingrong Wang, Pengxu Kong, Weijun Tian, Peng Liu, Chuang Fang, Shuangyang Li, Yu Nie, Zujian Feng, Pingsheng Huang, Shengbin Shi, Chuangnian Zhang, Anjie Dong, Weiwei Wang
Summary: This study developed a supramolecular hydrogel drug delivery system that enhances anti-angiogenesis treatment for orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages. The system consists of anti-angiogenic nanomedicines and TAMs-reprogramming nanoregulators, effectively inhibiting tumor progression. The findings highlight the importance of TAMs reprogramming in enhancing anti-angiogenesis treatment and provide a novel approach for tumor therapy using hydrogel delivery systems.
Article
Immunology
Yanlong Shi, Guo Huang, Fei Jiang, Jun Zhu, Qiyang Xu, Hanlu Fang, Sheng Lan, Ziyuan Pan, Haokun Jian, Li Li, Yewei Zhang
Summary: This study identified mitochondria-related genes associated with the development of HCC, established a prognostic model based on these genes, and validated the model's predictive performance in a clinical setting. Additionally, the study found that the model has significant monitoring value for immune therapy response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Juan Wang, Xiaoya Wang, Xintong Zhang, Tingting Shao, Yanmei Luo, Wei Wang, Yunwei Han
Summary: This article reviews the important role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and discusses their significance in HCC progression, tumor invasion, immune escape, and cancer therapy.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rumeng Li, Haoming Xia, Xiaoyang Zhao, Xiqing Bian, Yan Guo, Yaochen Qin
Summary: This study explores the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of snow depth in China from 1979 to 2019 using various analysis methods. The results show that the distribution of snow depth in China is spatially heterogeneous, and there has been a decreasing trend in snow depth in the past few decades. The driving factors for snow depth also vary in different regions and seasons.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ni Qiu, Huan Jin, Lulu Cui, Yong-tao Zhan, Hao-ming Xia, Ming Jiang, Jie Zhou, Hong-ling Liang, Xiang Ao, Zhi-min He, Hong-sheng Li
Summary: System paclitaxel-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for breast cancer, but chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge. Our study shows that IFT20 is associated with shorter relapse-free survival in patients receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy. High expression of IFT20 in breast cancer cells increases resistance to paclitaxel-induced cell death, while IFT20 knockdown enhances apoptosis. Mechanistically, IFT20 modulates ASK1 signaling to drive paclitaxel resistance. IFT20 may serve as a potential molecular biomarker for predicting response to paclitaxel therapy in breast cancer.
MOLECULAR CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Si-Qi Wang, Jun-Jiang Chen, Yuchen Jiang, Zi-Ning Lei, Ye Chun Ruan, Yihang Pan, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Maria Pik Wong, Zhi-Jie Xiao
Summary: GSTP1 is upregulated in lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) and plays a role in tumor self-renewal, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. The CaMK2A/NRF2/GSTP1 axis is identified as a regulatory pathway under hypoxia, where CaMK2A phosphorylates NRF2 to increase GSTP1 expression. Clinically, GSTP1 serves as a prognostic marker in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and can be targeted for therapeutic purposes.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rumeng Li, Haoming Xia, Xiaoyang Zhao, Yan Guo
Summary: Evergreen forests play a crucial role in the exchange of carbon, water, and energy in terrestrial ecosystems and are sensitive to climate change. However, the lack of fine-resolution maps of evergreen forests hampers our understanding of their spatiotemporal patterns. Therefore, it is necessary to map evergreen forests with high spatial resolution in a timely and accurate manner.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yi Xu, Yue Yao, Liang Yu, Hiu Ling Fung, Alexander Hin Ning Tang, Irene Oi-Lin Ng, Melody Y. M. Wong, Chi-Ming Che, Jing Ping Yun, Yunfu Cui, Judy Wai Ping Yam
Summary: This study reveals the role of CLTA in the uptake of sEVs to promote HCC progression. CLTA is overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to non-tumorous liver tissues and increases progressively with tumor stage. CLTA contributes to sEV uptake in cells, leading to enhanced cancerous properties of HCC. Mechanistically, CLTA increases CAPG expression to facilitate sEV uptake, thereby promoting proliferation, motility, and invasiveness of HCC cells. Additionally, the CLTA inhibitor Pitstop 2 alone or in combination with sorafenib attenuated tumor growth in mice implanted with PDXs.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yaobin Wang, Feng Wang, Ruiqi Min, Genxin Song, Hongquan Song, Shiyan Zhai, Haoming Xia, Haopeng Zhang, Xutong Ru
Summary: In this study, the spatial and temporal processes of a PM pollution episode in Zhengzhou, China were simulated. The anthropogenic emissions from the south of Zhengzhou were found to be the main causes of high PM concentrations, contributing 14.39% and 16.34% to PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The anthropogenic emissions from Zhengzhou itself contributed 7.94% and 7.29% to PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, respectively. The anthropogenic emissions from the northeast of Zhengzhou contributed 7.42% and 7.18% to PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, respectively.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Risheng He, Yi Xu, Liang Yu, Nanfeng Meng, Hang Wang, Yunfu Cui, Judy Wai Ping Yam
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of liver cancer that causes numerous deaths annually. Despite extensive research, the prognosis of HCC remains unclear. Recent studies have focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their involvement in various diseases, including HCC, by regulating cell signaling pathways. This review summarizes the current literature on the regulation of Wnt signaling by EVs in HCC and explores future research directions.
Review
Oncology
Nicolas Cheuk Hang Lau, Judy Wai Ping Yam
Summary: Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication and their biogenesis and function are important for understanding complex biological systems and developing novel therapies. This article outlines the steps in exosome biogenesis and absorption, as well as the major pathways and regulatory mechanisms. It also highlights the various mechanisms observed in cancer and suggests directions for improving study design in exosome biology. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between exosome biogenesis and function, which will aid the development of translational applications.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Qingfu Dong, Haolin Bao, Jiangang Wang, Wujiang Shi, Xinlei Zou, Jialin Sheng, Jianjun Gao, Canghai Guan, Haoming Xia, Jinglin Li, Pengcheng Kang, Yi Xu, Yunfu Cui, Xiangyu Zhong
Summary: In recent years, the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become a major cause of liver fibrosis worldwide. The progression of liver fibrosis is associated with severe liver-related and cardiovascular events, as well as mortality in MAFLD patients. Multiple pathways are involved in promoting the progression of liver fibrosis in MAFLD, leading to an increased interest in multi-drug combination therapy strategies. This review discusses the mechanisms of MAFLD-related liver fibrosis, current intervention and treatment methods, and explores safer and more effective strategies for multi-drug combination therapy in MAFLD and its subsequent liver fibrosis.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xudong Zhao, Yudan Wang, Haoming Xia, Shuqiang Liu, Ziyue Huang, Risheng He, Liang Yu, Nanfeng Meng, Hang Wang, Junqi You, Jinglin Li, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Yi Xu, Yunfu Cui
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death, and effective diagnosis and treatment measures are urgently needed. Microvascular invasion (MVI) has been identified as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis after hepatectomy. Abnormal expression of biomacromolecules in HCC patients, such as circRNAs, lncRNAs, STIP1, and PD-L1, is strongly associated with MVI. These biomarkers play important roles in the progression and development of HCC cells through multiple complex mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Kyu-Won Lee, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Xiaowen Mao
Summary: In the era of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and adoptive cell transfer therapies (ACTs) have limitations. Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines are suggested as a new cancer immunotherapy regimen that can address these limitations. Different types of innovative DC vaccines are under investigation, which are expected to provide breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy.
Review
Oncology
Junqi You, Haoming Xia, Ziyue Huang, Risheng He, Xudong Zhao, Jiali Chen, Sidi Liu, Yi Xu, Yunfu Cui
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving prognosis. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is commonly used for HCC diagnosis, but its accuracy is limited. Surgery and liver transplantation are main treatments, while drug therapy and local interventions are better options for advanced HCC. Non-coding RNA has been found to play a role in tumor development and can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment assessment. This article explores the unique role of circulating noncoding RNA in HCC from various perspectives.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yi Xu, Yue Yao, Liang Yu, Xiaoxin Zhang, Xiaowen Mao, Sze Keong Tey, Samuel Wan Ki Wong, Cherlie Lot Sum Yeung, Tung Him Ng, Melody Y. M. Wong, Chi-Ming Che, Terence Kin Wah Lee, Yi Gao, Yunfu Cui, Judy Wai Ping Yam
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the functions and mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) containing clathrin light chain A (CLTA) in remodeling the microvascular niche. The researchers found that sEVs from HCC patients had elevated levels of CLTA, which were reduced after surgery. HCC derived sEV-CLTA enhanced HCC cancerous properties, disrupted endothelial integrity, and induced angiogenesis.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mei-Ling Ruan, Yungen Liu, Chunlei Zhang, Xiaowen Mao, Di Hu, Chun-Nam Lok, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Chi-Ming Che
Summary: Dihydroartemisinin binds to liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP1) without forming a covalent bond. It acts as an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) which is dependent on FABP1, and inhibits the growth of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
