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Gou Z, Li J, Liu J, Yang N. The hidden messengers: cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNAs as key regulators of cancer malignancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378302. [PMID: 38694824 PMCID: PMC11061421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a class of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a key role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. CAFs mediate their activities by secreting soluble chemicals, releasing exosomes, and altering the extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contain various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. microRNA (miRNA), a 22-26 nucleotide non-coding RNA, can regulate the cellular transcription processes. Studies have shown that miRNA-loaded exosomes secreted by CAFs engage in various regulatory communication networks with other TME constituents. This study focused on the roles of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs in generating cancer malignant characteristics, including immune modulation, tumor growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and treatment resistance. This study thoroughly examines miRNA's dual regulatory roles in promoting and suppressing cancer. Thus, changes in the CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, and their specificity can be used to develop newer therapies. This review also discusses the pressing problems that require immediate attention, aiming to inspire researchers to explore more novel avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Gou
- Bethune First Clinical School of Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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2
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Wei QY, Jin F, Wang ZY, Li BJ, Cao WB, Sun ZY, Mo SJ. MicroRNAs: A novel signature in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1497-1523. [PMID: 38617454 PMCID: PMC11008420 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i11.1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor, characterized by squamous cell differentiation, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The increased mortality rate of ESCC patients is predominantly due to the advanced stage of the disease when discovered, coupled with higher risk of metastasis, which is an exceedingly malignant characteristic of cancer, frequently leading to a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific and effective marker to predict and treat metastasis in ESCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs are vital in modulating gene expression and serve pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of cancer. Here, we have examined the literature to highlight the intimate correlations between miRNAs and ESCC metastasis, and show that ESCC metastasis is predominantly regulated or regulated by genetic and epigenetic factors. This review proposes a potential role for miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for metastasis in ESCC metastasis, with the ultimate aim of reducing the mortality rate among patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Ying Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhong-Yu Wang
- Department of Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Bing-Jie Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Wen-Bo Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yan Sun
- Division of Special Service, Department of Basic Oncology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Sai-Jun Mo
- Department of Basic Science of Oncology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
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Cao L, Ouyang H. Intercellular crosstalk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts via exosomes in gastrointestinal tumors. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1374742. [PMID: 38463229 PMCID: PMC10920350 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1374742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors are a significant global health threat, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Exosomes contain various biologically active molecules like nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids and can serve as messengers for intercellular communication. They play critical roles in the exchange of information between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME consists of mesenchymal cells and components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with fibroblasts being the most abundant cell type in the tumor mesenchyme. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are derived from normal fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells that are activated in the TME. CAFs can secrete exosomes to modulate cell proliferation, invasion, migration, drug resistance, and other biological processes in tumors. Additionally, tumor cells can manipulate the function and behavior of fibroblasts through direct cell-cell interactions. This review provides a summary of the intercellular crosstalk between GI tumor cells and CAFs through exosomes, along with potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyang Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Peoples' Hospital of Hangzhou Linan District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Peoples' Hospital of Hangzhou Linan District, Hangzhou, China
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Lv T, Liu H, Mao L, Song Y, Liao L, Zhong K, Shuai B, Luo Y, Guo T, Huang W, Zhang S. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles promote lymph node metastases in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma by encapsulating ITGB1 and BMI1. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:113. [PMID: 38254031 PMCID: PMC10804601 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been revealed to facilitate the development of oral squamous cavity cell carcinoma (OCSCC), while its supporting role in lymph node metastases is under continuous investigation. This study aimed to examine the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-derived EVs (CAF-EVs) during lymph node metastasis in OCSCC and the mechanisms. METHODS CAF were isolated from OCSCC tissues of patients, and CAF-EVs were extracted and identified. EdU, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were performed. The OCSCC cells before and after CAF-EVs treatment were injected into mice to probe the effects of CAF-EVs on tumor growth and lymph node metastasis, respectively. The effect of CAF-EVs treatment on transcriptome changes in OCSCC cells was analyzed. Clinical data of patients with OCSCC were analyzed to determine the prognostic significance of the selected genes. Finally, loss-of-function assays were conducted to corroborate the involvement of polycomb complex protein BMI-1 (BMI1) and integrin beta1 (ITGB1). RESULTS CAF-EVs promoted the malignant behavior of OCSCC cells and accelerated tumor growth and lymph node metastasis in mice. CAF-EVs significantly increased the expression of BMI1 and ITGB1, and the expression of BMI1 and ITGB1 was negatively correlated with the overall survival and relapse-free survival of OCSCC patients. Knockdown of BMI1 or ITGB1 in OCSCC cells abated the promoting effects of CAF-EVs in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION CAF-EVs elicited the metastasis-promoting properties in OCSCC by elevating BMI1 and ITGB1, suggesting that BMI1 and ITGB1 could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OCSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhu Lv
- Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
- China-British Joint Molecular Head and Neck Cancer Research Laboratory, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongjing Liu
- Comprehensive Emergency Department of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Ling Mao
- Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
- China-British Joint Molecular Head and Neck Cancer Research Laboratory, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Yanrong Song
- Comprehensive Emergency Department of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Lili Liao
- Comprehensive Emergency Department of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Kun Zhong
- Comprehensive Emergency Department of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Binbin Shuai
- Comprehensive Emergency Department of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Yingkun Luo
- Comprehensive Emergency Department of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Guo
- Comprehensive Emergency Department of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Huang
- School of Savaid Stomatology, Hangzhou Medical College, 311399, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
| | - Shenyingjie Zhang
- Medical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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Dunbar KJ, Wong KK, Rustgi AK. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Esophageal Cancer. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:687-695. [PMID: 38246591 PMCID: PMC10958110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a heterogenous population, can promote cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, immunosuppression, and therapeutic resistance in solid tumors. These effects are mediated through secretion of cytokines and growth factors, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and providing metabolic support for cancer cells. The presence of CAFs in esophageal carcinoma are associated with reduced overall survival and increased resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; thus, identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities of CAFs is a necessity. In esophageal cancer, the mechanisms for CAF recruitment, CAF-mediated promotion of tumorigenesis, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic resistance have yet to be fully evaluated. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of CAFs in esophageal cancer, namely in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma, as well as in the preneoplastic conditions that predispose to these cancers. Interestingly, there is a discrepancy in our knowledge of CAF biology between esophageal cancer subtypes, with very few studies in esophageal adenocarcinoma, and its precursor lesion Barrett's esophagus, compared with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We propose that although great strides have been made, certain questions remain to which answers hopefully will emerge to have an impact on biomarker diagnostics and translational therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Dunbar
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Kwok K Wong
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.
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Li W, Xu T, Jin H, Li M, Jia Q. Emerging role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155002. [PMID: 38056131 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer death globally and the majority of global cases are esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Difficulty in diagnosis exists as more than 70% of ESCC patients are diagnosed at the intermediate or advanced stage. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been considered one of the crucial components in the process of tumor growth, promoting communications between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs grow alongside malignancies dynamically and interact with ESCC cells to promote their progression, proliferation, invasion, tumor escape, chemo- and radio-resistance, etc. It is believed that CAFs qualify as a promising direction for treatment. Analyzing CAFs' subtypes and functions will elucidate the involvement of CAFs in ESCC and aid in therapeutics. This review summarizes current information on CAFs in ESCC and focuses on the latest interaction between CAFs and ESCC cancer cell discoveries. The origin of CAFs and their communication with ESCC cells and TME are also demonstrated. On the foundation of a thorough analysis, we highlight the clinical prospects and CAFs-related therapies in ESCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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Xue M, Tong Y, Xiong Y, Yu C. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the progression, therapeutic resistance and targeted therapy of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1257266. [PMID: 37927475 PMCID: PMC10623436 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1257266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumours with high morbidity and mortality. Although surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are common treatment options available for oesophageal cancer, the 5-year survival rate remains low after treatment. On the one hand, many oesophageal cancers are are discovered at an advanced stage and, on the other hand, treatment resistance is a major obstacle to treating locally advanced ESCC. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main type of stromal cell in the tumour microenvironment, enhance tumour progression and treatment resistance and have emerged as a major focus of study on targeted therapy of oesophageal cancer.With the aim of providing potential, prospective targets for improving therapeutic efficacy, this review summarises the origin and activation of CAFs and their specific role in regulating tumour progression and treatment resistance in ESCC. We also emphasize the clinical potential and emerging trends of ESCC CAFs-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Changhua Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
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Araldi RP, Delvalle DA, da Costa VR, Alievi AL, Teixeira MR, Dias Pinto JR, Kerkis I. Exosomes as a Nano-Carrier for Chemotherapeutics: A New Era of Oncology. Cells 2023; 12:2144. [PMID: 37681875 PMCID: PMC10486723 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the considerable advancements in oncology, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Drug resistance mechanisms acquired by cancer cells and inefficient drug delivery limit the therapeutic efficacy of available chemotherapeutics drugs. However, studies have demonstrated that nano-drug carriers (NDCs) can overcome these limitations. In this sense, exosomes emerge as potential candidates for NDCs. This is because exosomes have better organotropism, homing capacity, cellular uptake, and cargo release ability than synthetic NDCs. In addition, exosomes can serve as NDCs for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, this review aimed to summarize the latest advances in cell-free therapy, describing how the exosomes can contribute to each step of the carcinogenesis process and discussing how these nanosized vesicles could be explored as nano-drug carriers for chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Pinheiro Araldi
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Structural and Functional Biology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
- BioDecision Analytics Ltd.a., São Paulo 13271-650, SP, Brazil;
| | - Denis Adrián Delvalle
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Structural and Functional Biology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Vitor Rodrigues da Costa
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Structural and Functional Biology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson Lucas Alievi
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Endocrinology and Metabology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Michelli Ramires Teixeira
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Endocrinology and Metabology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Irina Kerkis
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
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