Metabolic self-feeding in HBV-associated hepatocarcinoma centered on feedback between circulation lipids and the cellular MAPK/mTOR axis

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is widely recognized as a "metabolic virus" that disrupts hepatic metabolic homeostasis, rendering it one of the foremost risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Except for antiviral therapy, the fundamental principles underlying HBV^- and HBV⁺ HCC have remained unchanged, limiting HCC treatment options.

Objectives: In this study, we aim to identify the distinctive metabolic profile of HBV-associated HCC, with the promise of identifying novel metabolic targets that confer survival advantages and ultimately impede cancer progression.

Methods: We employed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate metabolic alterations systematically. Initially, we analyzed transcriptomic and proteomic data obtained from a public database, subsequently validating these findings within our test cohort at both the proteomic and transcriptomic levels. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of tissue metabolomics profiles, lipidomics, and the activity of the MAPK and AKT signaling pathway to corroborate the abovementioned changes.

Results: Our multi-omics approach revealed distinct metabolic dysfunctions associated with HBV-associated HCC. Specifically, we observed upregulated steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism in HBV-associated HCC patients' serum. Notably, metabolites involved in primary bile acid and sphingolipids can activate the MAPK/mTOR pathway. Tissue metabolomics and lipidomics analyses further validated the serum metabolic alterations, particularly alterations in lipid composition and accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids.

Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the pivotal role of HBV in HCC metabolism, elucidating the activation of a unique MAPK/mTOR signaling axis by primary bile acids and sphingolipids. Moreover, the hyperactive MAPK/mTOR signaling axis transduction leads to significant reprogramming in lipid metabolism within HCC cells, further triggering the activation of the MAPK/mTOR pathway in turn, thereby establishing a self-feeding circle driven by primary bile acids and sphingolipids.

Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV); Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); Lipid metabolism; MAPK/mTOR; Metabolic self-feeding; Multi-omics.