SPINK1 Overexpression Correlates with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Resistance Revealed by Single Cell RNA-Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics.
Biomolecules
; 14(3)2024 Feb 22.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38540686
ABSTRACT
Low efficacy of treatments and chemoresistance are challenges in addressing refractory hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SPINK1, an oncogenic protein, is frequently overexpressed in many HCC cases. However, the impact of SPINK1 on HCC treatment resistance remains poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the functions of SPINK1 on HCC therapy resistance. Analysis of SPINK1 protein level reveals a correlation between elevated SPINK1 expression and unfavorable prognosis. Furthermore, intercellular variations in SPINK1 expression levels are observed. Subsequent examination of single cell RNA-sequencing data from two HCC cohorts further suggest that SPINK1-high cells exhibit heightened activity in drug metabolic pathways compared to SPINK1-low HCC cells. High SPINK1 expression is associated with reduced sensitivities to both chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapies. Moreover, spatial transcriptomics data indicate that elevated SPINK1 expression correlates with non-responsive phenotype during treatment with targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This is attributed to increased levels of drug metabolic regulators, especially CES2 and CYP3A5, in SPINK1-high cells. Experimental evidence further demonstrates that SPINK1 overexpression induces the expression of CES2 and CYP3A5, consequently promoting chemoresistance to sorafenib and oxaliplatin. In summary, our study unveils the predictive role of SPINK1 on HCC treatment resistance, identifying it as a potential therapeutic target for refractory HCC.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Carcinoma Hepatocelular
/
Neoplasias Hepáticas
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biomolecules
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
China