Lenvatinib resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Phthalates, widespread environmental plasticizers, may contribute to therapeutic resistance, yet their impact on HCC remains unclear. In this study, we integrated network toxicology, molecular docking, and transcriptomic analyses to explore the potential link between phthalates and lenvatinib resistance. By intersecting phthalate-related genes and lenvatinib resistance signatures, we identified 40 phthalates-related lenvatinib resistance genes (PLRGs). A risk model based on eight genes, including HPX, was constructed and validated for prognostic prediction. HPX was highlighted as a central gene that interacts strongly with diethyl, dimethyl, and dioctyl phthalates and is significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and resistant cell lines. Functional assays revealed that HPX suppresses HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and lenvatinib resistance, and its overexpression enhances drug sensitivity. Mechanistically, phthalate exposure activated the MAPK signaling pathway, while HPX inhibited this activation, as confirmed through Western blot and in vivo mouse models. Our findings suggest that phthalate exposure contributes to lenvatinib resistance in HCC via the HPX-MAPK axis and that HPX may serve as both a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for overcoming resistance in HCC treatment.
基金:
National Natural Science Foundation of China [82102802]; Research Fund of Key Laboratory for Translational Research and Innovative Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Oncology [ZDSYS-2021-03]; Pujiang Project of Shanghai Magnolia Talent Plan [24PJD098]
第一作者机构:[1]Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, Sch Med, Tongren Hosp, Dept Gastroenterol, 1111 Xianxia Rd, Shanghai 200336, Peoples R China
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推荐引用方式(GB/T 7714):
Han Jinlu,Wang Chen,Song Yun,et al.Phthalates promote lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through the HPX-MAPK pathway[J].ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY.2025,303:doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118932.
APA:
Han, Jinlu,Wang, Chen,Song, Yun,Hu, Hong,Chen, Mengyan...&Xu, Ling.(2025).Phthalates promote lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through the HPX-MAPK pathway.ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY,303,
MLA:
Han, Jinlu,et al."Phthalates promote lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through the HPX-MAPK pathway".ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 303.(2025)