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In Vitro Cultivation Techniques for Modeling Liver Organogenesis, Building Assembloids, and Designing Synthetic Tissues using Human Cell Lines
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In Vitro Cultivation Techniques for Modeling Liver Organogenesis, Building Assembloids, and Designing Synthetic Tissues using Human Cell Lines

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JPHYD Inhibits miR-21-5p/Smad7-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Li-Hua Liu1,2, Chong-Kai Fang1,3, Fu-Cheng Ge3

  • 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China.

Journal of Oncology
|May 6, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Jianpi Huayu Decoction (JPHYD) inhibits liver cancer growth by blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This traditional Chinese medicine increases Smad7 and decreases miR-21-5p, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern.
  • Jianpi Huayu Decoction (JPHYD) shows potential in inhibiting HCC growth, but its underlying mechanisms require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of JPHYD on hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
  • To determine JPHYD's impact on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays (CCK8, EdU, wound-healing, Transwell) using HCC cell lines (HepG2, MHCC97H).
  • Western blot and qRT-PCR to analyze protein and microRNA expression (E-cadherin, Smad7, N-cadherin, Snail, Smad3, Vimentin, Zeb1, miR-21-5p).
  • In vivo xenograft tumor models and imaging in animals.

Main Results:

  • JPHYD significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells.
  • JPHYD modulated EMT markers by increasing E-cadherin and Smad7, while decreasing N-cadherin, Snail, Vimentin, Smad3, and Zeb1.
  • JPHYD reduced the expression of miR-21-5p, which was found to promote HCC cell migration.

Conclusions:

  • JPHYD exerts anti-cancer effects by inhibiting EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • The mechanism involves upregulating Smad7 and downregulating miR-21-5p.
  • JPHYD represents a promising therapeutic approach for liver cancer by targeting EMT.

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