Publications by authors named "Weiren Liu"

Several E3 ligases have been found to affect the immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and lead to the resistance of immunotherapy. In this study, genes of E3 ligases are screened based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Through cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF), flow cytometry, and further experiments, Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 2 (DTX2) in HCC cells is identified to promote the infiltration and polarization of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) with a protumor phenotype, thus attenuating the infiltration and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells partially through C-X-C motif chemokine 2 (CXCL2) and C-X-C motif chemokine 6 (CXCL6).

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Imbalanced Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels may lead to liver diseases through abnormal regulation of autophagy, but the roles of SIRT1-regulated autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma are still controversial. In this study, we found that SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, and high SIRT1 expression hinted an advanced stage and a poor prognosis. The differentially expressed proteins were significantly elevated in autophagy, cellular response to stress, and immune signaling pathways.

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Corrosion protection technology plays a crucial role in preserving infrastructure, ensuring safety and reliability, and promoting long-term sustainability. In this study, we combined experiments and various analyses to investigate the mechanism of corrosion occurring on the epoxy-based anticorrosive coating containing the additive of two-dimensional (2D) and water-stable zirconium-based metalorganic frameworks (Zr-MOFs). By using benzoic acid as the modulator for the growth of the MOF, a 2D MOF constructed from hexazirconium clusters and BTB linkers (BTB = 1,3,5-tri(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene) with coordinated benzoate (BA-ZrBTB) can be synthesized.

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  • Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare benign liver tumor that can become cancerous, but the mechanisms behind this transformation are not fully understood. The study aimed to explore the genomic features related to this process.* -
  • Researchers analyzed tissue samples from patients with both HCA and liver cancer (HCC) using whole-exome sequencing to uncover genetic similarities and differences, finding that HCA and HCC shared a common genetic origin but exhibited significant variation within tumors.* -
  • The study identified potential pathways for the malignant transformation from HCA to HCC and highlighted the presence of immune therapy-related markers, suggesting that these tumors might respond well to new immune-based treatments.*
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In this study, an array of environmentally friendly and heavy-duty anticorrosion composite coatings were prepared. The synthesis involved amine-capped aniline trimer (ACAT) produced by an oxidative coupling reaction and graphene oxide (GO) prepared based on Hummer's method, and later, the waterborne epoxy thermoset composite (WETC) coatings were prepared by thermal ring-opening polymerization of EP 147w, a commercial waterborne epoxy resin, in the presence of ACAT and/or GO with zinc dust (ZD). A synergistic effect was observed by replacing a significant amount of the ZD loading in the WETC by simultaneously incorporating a small amount of ACAT and GO.

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In this study, we synthesized a transition metal sulfide (TMS) with a spinel structure, i.e., MnInS (MIS), using a two-step hydrothermal and sintering process.

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Purpose: GPX8, which is found in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen, is a member of the Glutathione Peroxidases (GPXs) family. Its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown.

Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the protein levels of GPX8 in HCC tissue microarrays.

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Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main components in the tumor microenvironment. Tumors activate fibroblasts from quiescent state into activated state by secreting cytokines, and activated CAFs may in turn promote tumor progression and metastasis. Therefore, studies targeting CAFs could enrich the therapeutic options for tumor treatment.

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  • Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a deadly and diverse liver tumor, with limited treatment options, making it crucial to study its metabolic characteristics for better understanding and potential therapies.
  • Researchers analyzed 116 iCCA samples using a combination of genetic and protein data to classify metabolic subtypes and assess how these relate to patient survival and tumor behavior.
  • They identified three distinct metabolic subtypes (S1-S3) with varying outcomes, finding that the S2 subtype, which has the poorest prognosis, showed specific mutations and markers, highlighting diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKA) as a promising target for treatment.
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  • Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a major health threat with limited treatment options, and understanding its heterogeneity is complex.
  • Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers mapped out the molecular architecture of three types of PLC: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC).
  • The study found that CHC shows diverse cell types within its structure, ICC is a key source of fibroblasts, and HCC has unique metabolic issues and diverse T cell profiles, suggesting that the tumor-peritumor junction might be a target for treatment strategies.
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  • ctDNA shows a high concordance with tumor tissue mutations, making it a reliable marker for minimal residual disease in liver cancer patients.
  • Before and after liver transplantation, positive ctDNA status correlates with higher recurrence rates and shorter recurrence-free survival.
  • Serial monitoring of ctDNA can predict tumor recurrence earlier than traditional imaging and biomarkers, suggesting its potential for better patient management.
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Background And Aims: The recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are mainly caused by microvascular invasion (MVI). Our study aimed to uncover the cellular atlas of MVI HCC and investigate the underlying immune infiltration patterns with radiomics features.

Methods: Three MVI positive HCC and three MVI negative HCC samples were collected for single-cell RNA-seq analysis.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on the role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and how they affect patient prognosis and immunotherapy response.
  • Researchers categorized HCC patients based on immune cell infiltration scores using advanced analytical methods, leading to a detailed investigation of genetic and cellular factors influencing immune activity.
  • Key findings revealed that specific gene mutations are linked to differences in immune cell presence, with the identification of important risk genes and immune cell types that could help predict immune responses to therapy.
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  • The tumor microenvironment is complex and includes tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which can be influenced by tumor cells to create an environment that supports tumor growth.
  • This study found that liver cancer (HCC) cells cause macrophages to change into a M2-like phenotype, which is associated with promoting cancer, and that this change is linked to the role of autophagy in macrophage behavior.
  • Inhibiting autophagy in macrophages leads to M2 polarization through a specific mechanism involving the NF-κB pathway, highlighting a potential target for cancer treatment by disrupting this polarization process.
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Silicon has the potential to improve lithium-ion battery (LIB) performance substantially by replacing graphite as an anode. The sustainability of such a transformation, however, depends on the source of silicon and the nature of the manufacturing process. Today's silicon industry still overwhelmingly depends on the energy-intensive, high-temperature carbothermal reduction of silica─a process that adversely impacts the environment.

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  • The study investigates the role of the N-methyladenosine (mA) RNA modification and the methyltransferase METTL3 in the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), finding that high METTL3 levels are associated with poor patient outcomes and activated glucose metabolism in tumors.
  • Research methods such as PCR and western blotting reveal that METTL3 enhances mA modification of the NFAT5 gene, leading to increased stability of NFAT5 mRNA, which in turn boosts the expression of GLUT1 and PGK1, promoting cancer cell growth and spread through altered glucose metabolism.
  • The study suggests that the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 can work
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Recipient T cells can aggravate or regulate lethal and devastating graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In this context, we have shown before that intestinal immune conditioning with helminths is associated with survival of recipient T cells and Th2 pathway-dependent regulation of GVHD. We investigated the mechanism of survival of recipient T cells and their contribution to GVHD pathogenesis in this helminth infection and BMT model after myeloablative preparation with total body irradiation in mice.

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Zinc (Zn) is an excellent material for use as an anode for rechargeable batteries in water-based electrolytes. Nevertheless, the high activity of water leads to Zn corrosion and hydrogen evolution, along with the formation of dendrites on the Zn surface during repeated charge-discharge (CD) cycles. To protect the Zn anode and limit parasitic side reactions, an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI) protective layer is an effective strategy.

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Aquaporin-8(AQP8), is a transmembrane channel protein that abounds in liver, which mainly promotes water transport, modulating bile acid formation. However, its role in hepatic lipid metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we found the expression of AQP8 was reduced in liver specimens of patients with NAFLD, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice and genetically obese db/db mice.

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Immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1) encodes aconitate decarboxylase (ACOD1) that catalyzes the production of itaconic acids (ITAs). The anti-inflammatory function of IRG1/ITA has been established in multiple pathogen models, but very little is known in cancer. Here, we show that IRG1 is expressed in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in both human and mouse tumors.

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  • This study focuses on creating a deep pathomics score (DPS) to predict tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation (LT).
  • Using advanced deep learning techniques, the researchers analyzed two patient datasets and identified key histological structures, particularly emphasizing the role of immune cells in recurrence risk.
  • The findings show that the DPS is a reliable tool for predicting post-LT recurrence, with high classification accuracy and significant associations between specific tumor characteristics and recurrence outcomes.
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  • The study investigates the role of autophagy in macrophages within the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), finding reduced autophagy linked to worse patient outcomes and increased metastasis.
  • Researchers identified that HCC triggers decreased autophagy in macrophages by activating mTOR, which in turn promotes cancer progression through mechanisms involving the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release.
  • Targeting the signaling pathways related to IL-1β showed potential as a therapeutic strategy, indicating that disrupting the feedback loop between autophagy inhibition and macrophage recruitment could help treat HCC more effectively.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an immunotherapy-resistant malignancy characterized by high cellular heterogeneity. The diversity of cell types and the interplay between tumor and non-tumor cells remain to be clarified. Single cell RNA sequencing of human and mouse HCC tumors revealed heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF).

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Introduction: Although multiple targeted treatments have appeared, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical factor in the oncogenesis and progression of HCC. The emerging scRNA-seq makes it possible to explore the TME at a high resolution.

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