Review
Oncology
Junnv Xu, Haifeng Lin, Gang Wu, Mingyue Zhu, Mengsen Li
Summary: IL-6 plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and targeting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway is essential for therapy. Several inhibitors of IL-6/STAT3 have been developed for cancer treatment.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenliang Tan, Kelin Zhang, Xinming Chen, Lei Yang, Sicong Zhu, Yingcheng Wei, Zhiqin Xie, Yajin Chen, Changzhen Shang
Summary: This study revealed that Lenvatinib can induce apoptosis in HCC cells by increasing reactive oxygen species levels, with GPX2 identified as a crucial target for Lenvatinib against HCC. It was found that GPX2 was highly expressed in tumor tissues and correlated with poor overall survival in HCC patients. Furthermore, Lenvatinib was shown to inhibit GPX2 expression in HCC cells by preventing the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. These findings suggest that GPX2 may play an important role in Lenvatinib-induced HCC cell apoptosis and can serve as a biomarker for guiding Lenvatinib therapy in HCC patients.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yongyu Yang, Lei Gao, Junzhang Chen, Wang Xiao, Ruoqi Liu, Heping Kan
Summary: LMNB1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor prognosis. It promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in HCC through the regulation of the PI3K and MAPK pathways. Incorporating LMNB1 into a predictive nomogram improves accuracy, suggesting that it might serve as a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shang-Lang Huang, Ting-Chang Chang, Chuck C. K. Chao, Nian-Kang Sun
Summary: The study reveals that TLR4 and IL-6 play a crucial role in chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by regulating AR gene expression. These proteins interact in signaling pathways, affecting AKT activation and IRF1 regulation. Clinical findings suggest that high IL-6 expression may lead to decreased progression-free survival in taxol-treated ovarian cancer patients.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chunxiao Liu, Zhengyu Zha, Chenhao Zhou, Yeh Chen, Weiya Xia, Ying-Nai Wang, Heng-Huan Lee, Yirui Yin, Meisi Yan, Chiung-Wen Chang, Li-Chuan Chan, Yufan Qiu, Hui Li, Chia-Wei Li, Jung-Mao Hsu, Jennifer L. Hsu, Shao-Chun Wang, Ning Ren, Mien-Chie Hung
Summary: This study demonstrates that RNase7 acts as a high-affinity ligand for ROS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, with important pathological and therapeutic implications. High levels of ROS1 and RNase7 expression are strongly associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients, suggesting potential benefits of anti-ROS1 treatment for these individuals.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jiabin Yang, Liangtang Zeng, Ruiwan Chen, Shangyou Zheng, Yu Zhou, Rufu Chen
Summary: By integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data from HCC patients, four metabolic subtypes were identified with distinct differences in mutation profiles, metabolic pathway activities, prognostic metabolism genes, and immune features. The study also identified palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) as a specific prognostic gene and therapeutic target for the poorest outcome subtype, mHCC1. The findings highlight the importance of understanding metabolic heterogeneity and developing subtype-specific treatment strategies for HCC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junjie Gao, Dandan Yang, Zheng Huang, Xueshan Pan, Ruoxue Cao, Chaoqun Lian, Jia Ma, Yuyun Li, Zhiwei Wang, Jun Xia
Summary: Nitric oxide synthase-interacting protein (Nosip) interacts with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and regulates NO synthesis and release, participating in various physiological and pathological processes. Nosip was found to be elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cells. Silencing Nosip inhibited HCC cell proliferation and motility, and promoted apoptosis, while overexpression of Nosip had the opposite effects. Quercetin, a natural compound, inhibited the proliferation and motility of HCC cells possibly by repressing Nosip expression. Our findings suggest that Nosip acts as an oncogene in HCC progression and quercetin may be a potential natural compound for treating HCC by targeting Nosip expression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junqing Gan, Shan Liu, Yu Zhang, Liangzi He, Lu Bai, Ran Liao, Juan Zhao, Madi Guo, Wei Jiang, Jiade Li, Qi Li, Guannan Mu, Yangjiazi Wu, Xinling Wang, Xingli Zhang, Dan Zhou, Huimin Lv, Zhengfeng Wang, Yanqiao Zhang, Cheng Qian, MeiYan Feng, Hui Chen, Qingwei Meng, Xiaoyi Huang
Summary: The high expression of miR-375 is associated with the development and drug resistance of prostate cancer. Using exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells loaded with molecules that inhibit miR-375, the growth of prostate cancer can be repressed and resistance to drugs like enzalutamide can be reduced.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sara F. Awwad, Raymonde H. Assaf, Ahmed A. Emam, Amgad A. Fouad, Lamiaa F. Arafa, Aya A. El-Hanafy
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to clarify the potential mechanism of 17-beta-estradiol (E2) as a protective factor against HCC. The results showed that NLRP3 inflammasome expression was lower in HCC tissues and higher in E2-treated HCC cells. Lack of NLRP3 inflammasome was involved in HCC progression, and E2-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibited tumor cell growth and proliferation through CASP1-dependent pyroptosis in HCC cells.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ming Li, Xiaoyang Duan, Yajie Xiao, Meng Yuan, Zhikun Zhao, Xiaoli Cui, Dongfang Wu, Jian Shi
Summary: This study aimed to understand the tumorigenesis mechanism and explore potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, the study identified key genes and cell types associated with prognosis in pancreatic cancer. The study also revealed specific ligand-receptor pairs that contributed to tumorigenesis. Additionally, BUB1 was identified as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Linghong Wu, Xinhua Zhao, Huan Ma, Lili Zhang, Xiaoan Li
Summary: Understanding the role of DDRs in HCC is critical for the development of new diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marzia Di Donato, Carmine Ostacolo, Pia Giovannelli, Veronica Di Sarno, Isabel M. Gomez Monterrey, Pietro Campiglia, Antimo Migliaccio, Alessia Bertamino, Gabriella Castoria
Summary: TRPM8 antagonists can inhibit androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, and have a significant reverse effect on the spheroid size increase induced by androgens in prostate cancer cells. Selected antagonists interfere with non-genomic androgen action, disrupt the androgen-induced androgen receptor/TRPM8 complex assembly, and prevent the increase in intracellular calcium levels in prostate cancer cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yu-Yun Shao, Nai-Yun Sun, Yung-Ming Jeng, Yao-Ming Wu, Chiun Hsu, Chih-Hung Hsu, Hey-Chi Hsu, Ann-Lii Cheng, Zhong-Zhe Lin
Summary: High Eg5 expression is associated with poor prognosis in HCC, while low Eg5 expression is linked to better overall and disease-free survival. LGI-147 reduces cell growth through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and induces the accumulation of abnormal mitotic cells.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xijun Chen, Qing Ye, Zhigao Chen, Qian Lin, Wen Chen, Chengrong Xie, Xiaomin Wang
Summary: MKLN1-AS is upregulated in HCC tissues and its expression is associated with tumor invasion and poor prognosis. Silencing MKLN1-AS inhibits HCC cell metastasis and growth, and enhances the pro-apoptotic effect of lenvatinib.
Article
Cell Biology
Guangtao Li, Yuchao He, Hui Liu, Dongming Liu, Lu Chen, Yi Luo, Liwei Chen, Lisha Qi, Yun Wang, Yingying Wang, Yu Wang, Linlin Zhan, Ning Zhang, Xiaolin Zhu, Tianqiang Song, Hua Guo
Summary: High expression of heat shock protein DNAJC24 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with shorter survival and increased proliferation and motility of tumor cells. Targeting DNAJC24 may inhibit the malignant progression of HCC.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Pavan S. Upadhyayula, Dominique M. Higgins, Michael G. Argenziano, Eleonora F. Spinazzi, Cheng-Chia Wu, Peter Canoll, Jeffrey N. Bruce
Summary: Understanding the impact of dexamethasone on the immune microenvironment in glioma patients is crucial. Clinical studies have linked dexamethasone use to decreased overall survival, while preclinical studies in animal models have shown a reduction in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes after dexamethasone administration.
CANCER INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Kuo-Chung Lan, Kuo-Ting Wei, Pei-Wen Lin, Ching-Chen Lin, Pei-Ling Won, Ya-Fen Liu, Yun-Ju Chen, Bi-Hua Cheng, Tien-Min G. Chu, Jia-Feng Chen, Ko-En Huang, Chawnshang Chang, Hong-Yo Kang
Summary: The study found that androgen receptor (AR) is highly expressed in periosteum cells during bone fracture repair and is co-localized with a mesenchymal progenitor cell marker, Prrx1. Mice lacking AR in periosteum showed reduced callus size and new bone volume. Targeting the androgen/AR axis in periosteum may provide a novel therapy approach to improve fracture healing.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Jie Ding, Xin-Gang Cui, Hao-Jie Chen, Yin Sun, Wei-Wei Yu, Jie Luo, Guang-Qian Xiao, Chawnshang Chang, Jun Qi, Shuyuan Yeh
Summary: Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), an alternative channel for tumor nutrient supply, is associated with poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been reported to induce VM formation by up-regulating estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expression. This study showed that treatment with sunitinib and another TKI, axitinib, also induced ERβ expression in RCC cell lines. Clinical RCC patients with higher ERβ expression were more likely to have VM. Mechanistically, TKI-induced ERβ up-regulated the circular RNA DGKD, which enhanced VM formation by increasing VE-cadherin expression. Targeting circDGKD intercepted sunitinib-induced RCC VM formation and improved survival in an animal model.
Article
Cell Biology
Lei Chen, Yin Sun, Min Tang, Denglong Wu, Zhendong Xiang, Chi-Ping Huang, Bosen You, Dongdong Xie, Qinglin Ye, Dexin Yu, Chawnshang Chang
Summary: This study found that high-dose androgens can suppress the growth of Enzalutamide-resistant (EnzR) castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells. The mechanism involves the transcriptional regulation of the circRNA-BCL2 host gene BCL2, which in turn affects the expression of miRNA-198 and modulates the expression of AMBRA1. This leads to the induction of autophagic cell death and the suppression of EnzR CRPC cell growth.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yang Yang, Jindong Sheng, Shuai Hu, Yun Cui, Jing Xiao, Wei Yu, Jing Peng, Wenke Han, Qun He, Yu Fan, Yuanjie Niu, Jun Lin, Ye Tian, Chawnshang Chang, Shuyuan Yeh, Jie Jin
Summary: This study identified the histopathological characteristics and molecular mechanisms underlying accelerated progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Increased stromal components and prostatic fibrosis, accompanied by higher myofibroblast accumulation and collagen deposition, were found to be the main features of accelerated progressive BPH tissues. Mechanism dissection revealed that higher expression of CYP19 and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) with higher estrogen biosynthesis contribute to the progression of BPH. Targeting the CYP19/estrogen/GPER/G alpha i signaling axis may provide new personalized therapeutics for better suppressing the progression of BPH.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yiman Liu, Qinglan Li, Fatemeh Alikarami, Declan R. Barrett, Leila Mahdavi, Hangpeng Li, Sylvia Tang, Tanweer A. Khan, Mayako Michino, Connor Hill, Lele Song, Lu Yang, Yuanyuan Li, Sheela Pangeni Pokharel, Andrew W. Stamford, Nigel Liverton, Louis M. Renzetti, Simon Taylor, Gillian F. Watt, Tammy Ladduwahetty, Stacia Kargman, Peter T. Meinke, Michael A. Foley, Junwei Shi, Haitao Li, Martin Carroll, Chun-Wei Chen, Alessandro Gardini, Ivan Maillard, David J. Huggins, Kathrin M. Bernt, Liling Wan
Summary: The small-molecule inhibitor TDI-11055 effectively targets AML with MLL rearrangements or NPM1 mutations by displacing ENL from chromatin and impairing transcription elongation. This study provides a promising epigenetic therapy for specific subsets of AML and supports its clinical translation.
Review
Oncology
Mingli Li, Chunwei Chen
Summary: Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a common type of bone and soft tissue cancer that primarily affects children and adolescents. The current treatment approach for EwS patients involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, little progress has been made in the treatment of patients with metastatic or relapsed diseases. Furthermore, the survival rates for localized cases are relatively low, and the development of metastatic tumors significantly reduces the five-year survival rates. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanism of EwS tumor metastasis is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. This review discusses the molecular signatures and heterogeneity associated with EwS metastasis.
Article
Oncology
Hannah J. Uckelmann, Elena L. Haarer, Reina Takeda, Eric M. Wong, Charlie Hatton, Christian Marinaccio, Florian Perner, Masooma Rajput, Noa J. C. Antonissen, Yanhe Wen, Lu Yang, Lorenzo Brunetti, Chun -Wei Chen, Scott A. Armstrong
Summary: The dysregulation of developmental and stem cell-associated genes is a common phenomenon during cancer development. Most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) express high levels of HOXA cluster genes and MEIS1, with an NPM1 mutation (NPM1c) being common in these cases. This study reveals that NPM1c directly binds to specific chromatin targets, collaborates with the MLL1 complex, and directly regulates oncogenic gene expression in AML.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaobao Xu, Anthony K. N. Chan, Mingli Li, Qiao Liu, Nicole Mattson, Sheela Pangeni Pokharel, Wen-Han Chang, Yate-Ching Yuan, Jinhui Wang, Roger E. Moore, Patrick Pirrotte, Jun Wu, Rui Su, Markus Muschen, Steven T. Rosen, Jianjun Chen, Lu Yang, Chun-Wei Chen
Summary: Epigenetic dysregulation of cell cycle is a characteristic of tumorigenesis in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. The study identified ACTR5 as an essential component for HCC tumor progression. Suppression of ACTR5 affected cell cycle signaling and inhibited HCC tumor growth. The study also revealed a distinct usage of ACTR5 and IES6 in HCC compared to other INO80 complex members, suggesting a unique mechanism for ACTR5/IES6 in supporting HCC proliferation. The findings suggest that targeting ACTR5/IES6 in combination with CDK inhibition may be a promising approach for HCC therapy.
Article
Biology
Changyu Zhu, Yadira M. Soto-Feliciano, John P. Morris, Chun-Hao Huang, Richard P. Koche, Yu-jui Ho, Ana Banito, Chun-Wei Chen, Aditya Shroff, Sha Tian, Geulah Livshits, Chi-Chao Chen, Myles Fennell, Scott A. Armstrong, C. David Allis, Darjus F. Tschaharganeh, Scott W. Lowe
Summary: Mutations in genes involved in chromatin modification and remodeling are frequently observed in human cancers. This study shows that MLL3 co-activates the Cdkn2a tumor suppressor gene by linking chromatin remodeling to tumor suppression. Disruption of Kmt2c and Myc overexpression cooperate to promote hepatocellular carcinoma development in mice.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingli Li, Lu Yang, Anthony K. N. Chan, Sheela Pangeni Pokharel, Qiao Liu, Nicole Mattson, Xiaobao Xu, Wen-Han Chang, Kazuya Miyashita, Priyanka Singh, Leisi Zhang, Maggie Li, Jun Wu, Jinhui Wang, Bryan Chen, Lai N. Chan, Jaewoong Lee, Xu Hannah Zhang, Steven T. Rosen, Markus Muschen, Jun Qi, Jianjun Chen, Kevin Hiom, Alexander J. R. Bishop, Chun-Wei Chen
Summary: A study reveals that RUVBL1 plays a critical role in the progression of Ewing sarcoma (EwS). Suppression of RUVBL1 leads to attenuated tumor growth, loss of histone H4 acetylation, and ablated MYC signaling. Further investigation uncovers the regulatory role of RUVBL1 in MYC chromatin binding and MYC-driven protein synthesis.
Review
Cell Biology
Mingli Li, Leisi Zhang, Chun-Wei Chen
Summary: Protein S-palmitoylation is a common post-translational modification that regulates protein function and subcellular localization, playing a crucial role in cancer progression and treatment. Understanding the mechanisms and functions of palmitoylation is important for studying tumor development and therapy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rob S. Sellar, Adam S. Sperling, Mikolaj Slabicki, Jessica A. Gasser, Marie E. McConkey, Katherine A. Donovan, Nada Mageed, Dylan N. Adams, Charles Zou, Peter G. Miller, Ravi K. Dutta, Steffen Boettcher, Amy E. Lin, Brittany Sandoval, Vanessa A. Quevedo Barrios, Veronica Kovalcik, Jonas Koeppel, Elizabeth K. Henderson, Emma C. Fink, Lu Yang, Anthony Chan, Sheela Pangeni Pokharel, Erik J. Bergstrom, Rajan Burt, Namrata D. Udeshi, Steven A. Carr, Eric S. Fischer, Chun-Wei Chen, Benjamin L. Ebert
Summary: Targeted protein degradation, specifically degrading GSPT1, shows promise in cancer treatment, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. The study reveals the mechanism of GSPT1 degradation leading to impaired translation termination, activation of the integrated stress response, and cell death. The identification of key amino acids preventing GSPT1 degradation in mice and the efficacy of GSPT1-degrading drugs in vivo highlight the potential for cancer therapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chun-Ming Ho, Kuen-Tyng Lin, Roger Shen, De-Leung Gu, Szu-Shuo Lee, Wen-Hui Su, Yuh-Shan Jou
Summary: With the increasing incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), identifying innovative targets for therapy is crucial. In a transcriptome analysis of HCC and mouse liver cancer, concordantly expressed genes associated with patient survival were identified. Among these genes, some were found to be enriched in sorafenib-related functions and could serve as innovative targets for combination therapy with sorafenib.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yi-Wei Wang, Shu-Chuan Chen, De-Leung Gu, Yi-Chen Yeh, Jhih-Jie Tsai, Kuo-Tai Yang, Yuh-Shan Jou, Teh-Ying Chou, Tang K. Tang
Summary: The study investigates the expression levels of centriolar/centrosomal genes in various types of cancers and identifies STIL as a protein that is highly expressed in lung and other types of cancers. Depletion of STIL inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, while excess STIL activates the EMT pathway and enhances cancer cell migration and invasion. The study reveals an unexpected role of STIL in tumor metastasis and identifies its association with FOXM1 in promoting metastasis and stemness.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)