SPARC stabilizes ApoE to induce cholesterol-dependent invasion and sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis is implicated in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is characterized by intrahepatic and early extrahepatic metastases. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms regulating cholesterol metabolism in HCC could help identify strategies to circumvent the aggressive phenotype. Here, we found that high expression of intracellular SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) was significantly associated with elevated cholesterol levels and an enhanced invasive phenotype in HCC. SPARC potentiated cholesterol accumulation in HCC cells during tumor progression by stabilizing the ApoE protein. Mechanistically, SPARC competitively bound to ApoE, impairing its interaction with the E3 ligase tripartite motif containing 21 (TRIM21) and preventing its ubiquitylation and subsequent degradation. ApoE accumulation led to cholesterol enrichment in HCC cells, stimulating PI3K-AKT signaling and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, sorafenib-resistant HCC cells were characterized by increased expression of intracellular SPARC, elevated cholesterol levels, and enhanced invasive capacity. Inhibiting SPARC expression or reducing cholesterol levels enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment. Together, these findings unveil interplay between SPARC and cholesterol homeostasis. Targeting SPARC-triggered cholesterol-dependent oncogenic signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC.