RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are a new type of single-stranded circular RNA, have significant involvement in progression of many diseases, including tumors. Currently, multiple circRNAs have been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of circDCAF8 in HCC. METHODS: The expression of circDCAF8 (hsa_circ_0014879) in HCC and para-carcinoma tissue samples was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The biological function of circDCAF8 in HCC was confirmed by experiments conducted both in vitro and in vivo. And the relationship between circDCAF8, miR-217 and NAP1L1 was predicted by database and verified using qRT-PCR, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Exosomes isolated from HCC cells were utilized to assess the connection of exosomal circDCAF8 with HCC angiogenesis and regorafenib resistance. RESULTS: CircDCAF8 is upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and is linked to an unfavourable prognosis for HCC patients. Functionally, circDCAF8 was proved to facilitate proliferation, migration, invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation (EMT) in HCC cells. Animal examinations also validated the tumor-promoting characteristics of circDCAF8 on HCC. Besides, exosomal circDCAF8 promoted angiogenesis in HUVECs. Mechanistically, circDCAF8 interacted with miR-217 and NAP1L1 was a downstream protein of miR-217. CircDCAF8 promoted NAP1L1 expression by sponging miR-217. In addition, exosomes may transfer circDCAF8 from regorafenib-resistant HCC cells to sensitive cells, where it would confer a resistant phenotype. CONCLUSION: CircDCAF8 facilitates HCC proliferation and metastasis via the miR-217/NAP1L1 axis. Meanwhile, circDCAF8 can promote angiogenesis and drive resistance to regorafenib, making it a viable therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Exosomas , Neoplasias Hepáticas , MicroARNs , Neovascularización Patológica , Compuestos de Fenilurea , Piridinas , ARN Circular , Humanos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/genética , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , MicroARNs/genética , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Exosomas/metabolismo , ARN Circular/genética , ARN Circular/metabolismo , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/genética , Neovascularización Patológica/genética , Animales , Compuestos de Fenilurea/farmacología , Compuestos de Fenilurea/uso terapéutico , Línea Celular Tumoral , Piridinas/farmacología , Ratones Desnudos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Masculino , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/genética , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Femenino , Secuencia de Bases , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana/metabolismo , Persona de Mediana Edad , AngiogénesisRESUMEN
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly frequent malignancy worldwide. The occurrence and progression of HCC is a complex process closely related to the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The polarization of TAMs is affected by a variety of signaling pathways and surrounding cells. Evidence has shown that TAMs play a crucial role in HCC, through its interaction with other immune cells in the TME. This review summarizes the origin and phenotypic polarization of TAMs, their potential impacts on HCC, and their mechanisms and potential targets for HCC immunotherapy.