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Wang M, Xue W, Yuan H, Wang Z, Yu L. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting CAFs: A Promising Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2823-2849. [PMID: 38525013 PMCID: PMC10959015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s451151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. PC is typically diagnosed at a late stage, exhibits a poor response to conventional treatment, and has a bleak prognosis. Unfortunately, PC's survival rate has not significantly improved since the 1960s. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). They play a vital role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and facilitating the intricate communication between cancer cells and infiltrated immune cells. Exploring therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs may reverse the current landscape of PC therapy. In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have evolved rapidly and have been able to accurately target and precisely release drugs with little or no toxicity to the whole body. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the origin, heterogeneity, potential targets, and recent advances in the nano-drug delivery system of CAFs in PC. We will also propose a novel integrated treatment regimen that utilizes a nano-drug delivery system to target CAFs in PC, combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we will address the challenges that this regimen currently faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Pei L, Liu Y, Liu L, Gao S, Gao X, Feng Y, Sun Z, Zhang Y, Wang C. Roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in anti- PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy for solid cancers. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:29. [PMID: 36759842 PMCID: PMC9912573 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01731-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, breakthroughs have been made in tumor immunotherapy. However, tumor immunotherapy, particularly anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, is effective in only a small percentage of patients in solid cancer. How to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy is an urgent problem to be solved. As we all know, the state of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an essential factor affecting the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy, and the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME have attracted much attention in recent years. As one of the main components of TME, CAFs interact with cancer cells and immune cells by secreting cytokines and vesicles, participating in ECM remodeling, and finally affecting the immune response process. With the in-depth study of CAFs heterogeneity, new strategies are provided for finding targets of combination immunotherapy and predicting immune efficacy. In this review, we focus on the role of CAFs in the solid cancer immune microenvironment, and then further elaborate on the potential mechanisms and pathways of CAFs influencing anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. In addition, we summarize the potential clinical application value of CAFs-related targets and markers in solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Pei
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Yang Liu
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Shuochen Gao
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Xueyan Gao
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Yudi Feng
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Chengzeng Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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3
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Zuela-Sopilniak N, Lammerding J. Can't handle the stress? Mechanobiology and disease. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:710-725. [PMID: 35717527 PMCID: PMC9420767 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a rapidly growing research area focused on how mechanical forces and properties influence biological systems at the cell, molecular, and tissue level, and how those biological systems, in turn, control mechanical parameters. Recently, it has become apparent that disrupted mechanobiology has a significant role in many diseases, from cardiovascular disease to muscular dystrophy and cancer. An improved understanding of this intricate process could be harnessed toward developing alternative and more targeted treatment strategies, and to advance the fields of regenerative and personalized medicine. Modulating the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment has already been used successfully to boost antitumor immune responses and to induce cardiac and spinal regeneration, providing inspiration for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Zuela-Sopilniak
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jan Lammerding
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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4
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A Five Collagen-Related Gene Signature to Estimate the Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Clear Cell Renal Cell Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9121510. [PMID: 34960256 PMCID: PMC8707639 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen is the main component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and might play an important role in tumor microenvironments. However, the relationship between collagen and clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) is still not fully clarified. Hence, we aimed to establish a collagen-related signature to predict the prognosis and estimate the tumor immune microenvironment in ccRCC patients. Patients with a high risk score were often correlated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, the collagen-related genetic signature was highly correlated with clinical pathological features and can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in ccRCC patients. Moreover, GSEA results show that patients with a high risk grade tend to be associated with epithelial–mesenchymal junctions (EMT) and immune responses. In this study, we developed a collagen-related gene signature, which might possess the potential to predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment of ccRCC patients and function as an independent prognostic factor in ccRCC.
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5
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Mao X, Xu J, Wang W, Liang C, Hua J, Liu J, Zhang B, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment: new findings and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:131. [PMID: 34635121 PMCID: PMC8504100 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 845] [Impact Index Per Article: 281.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a stromal cell population with cell-of-origin, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through multiple pathways, activated CAFs can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and even chemoresistance. Numerous previous studies have confirmed the critical role of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells in tumorigenesis and development. However, recently, the mutual effects of CAFs and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have been identified as another key factor in promoting tumor progression. The TIME mainly consists of distinct immune cell populations in tumor islets and is highly associated with the antitumor immunological state in the TME. CAFs interact with tumor-infiltrating immune cells as well as other immune components within the TIME via the secretion of various cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, exosomes and other effector molecules, consequently shaping an immunosuppressive TME that enables cancer cells to evade surveillance of the immune system. In-depth studies of CAFs and immune microenvironment interactions, particularly the complicated mechanisms connecting CAFs with immune cells, might provide novel strategies for subsequent targeted immunotherapies. Herein, we shed light on recent advances regarding the direct and indirect crosstalk between CAFs and infiltrating immune cells and further summarize the possible immunoinhibitory mechanisms induced by CAFs in the TME. In addition, we present current related CAF-targeting immunotherapies and briefly describe some future perspectives on CAF research in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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6
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Cao S, Tang J, Huang Y, Li G, Li Z, Cai W, Yuan Y, Liu J, Huang X, Zhang H. The Road of Solid Tumor Survival: From Drug-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Drug Resistance. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:620514. [PMID: 33928116 PMCID: PMC8076597 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.620514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), which refers to a series of adaptive responses to the disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, occurs when cells are treated by drugs or undergo microenvironmental changes that cause the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins. ERS is one of the key responses during the drug treatment of solid tumors. Drugs induce ERS by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and Ca2+ overload. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is one of ERS. Studies have indicated that the mechanism of ERS-mediated drug resistance is primarily associated with UPR, which has three main sensors (PERK, IRE1α, and ATF6). ERS-mediated drug resistance in solid tumor cells is both intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic ERS in the solid tumor cells, the signal pathway of UPR-mediated drug resistance, includes apoptosis inhibition signal pathway, protective autophagy signal pathway, ABC transporter signal pathway, Wnt/β-Catenin signal pathway, and noncoding RNA. Among them, apoptosis inhibition is one of the major causes of drug resistance. Drugs activate ERS and its downstream antiapoptotic proteins, which leads to drug resistance. Protective autophagy promotes the survival of solid tumor cells by devouring the damaged organelles and other materials and providing new energy for the cells. ERS induces protective autophagy by promoting the expression of autophagy-related genes, such as Beclin-1 and ATG5–ATG12. ABC transporters pump drugs out of the cell, which reduces the drug-induced apoptosis effect and leads to drug resistance. In addition, the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway is also involved in the drug resistance of solid tumor cells. Furthermore, noncoding RNA regulates the ERS-mediated survival and death of solid tumor cells. Extrinsic ERS in the solid tumor cells, such as ERS in immune cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME), also plays a crucial role in drug resistance by triggering immunosuppression. In immune system cells, ERS in dendritic cells (DCs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) influences the antitumor function of normal T cells, which results in immunosuppression. Meanwhile, ERS in T cells can also cause impaired functioning and apoptosis, leading to immunosuppression. In this review, we highlight the core molecular mechanism of drug-induced ERS involved in drug resistance, thereby providing a new strategy for solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulong Cao
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yichun Huang
- Clinical Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Gaofeng Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhuoya Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yuning Yuan
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Junlong Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xuqun Huang
- Edong Healthcare Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Haiyuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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7
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Colombo E, Cattaneo MG. Multicellular 3D Models to Study Tumour-Stroma Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041633. [PMID: 33562840 PMCID: PMC7915117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have been the standard for many different applications, ranging from basic research to stem cell and cancer research to regenerative medicine, for most of the past century. Hence, almost all of our knowledge about fundamental biological processes has been provided by primary and established cell lines cultured in 2D monolayer. However, cells in tissues and organs do not exist as single entities, and life in multicellular organisms relies on the coordination of several cellular activities, which depend on cell–cell communication across different cell types and tissues. In addition, cells are embedded within a complex non-cellular structure known as the extracellular matrix (ECM), which anchors them in a three-dimensional (3D) formation. Likewise, tumour cells interact with their surrounding matrix and tissue, and the physical and biochemical properties of this microenvironment regulate cancer differentiation, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. 2D models are unable to mimic the complex and dynamic interactions of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and ignore spatial cell–ECM and cell–cell interactions. Thus, multicellular 3D models are excellent tools to recapitulate in vitro the spatial dimension, cellular heterogeneity, and molecular networks of the TME. This review summarizes the biological significance of the cell–ECM and cell–cell interactions in the onset and progression of tumours and focuses on the requirement for these interactions to build up representative in vitro models for the study of the pathophysiology of cancer and for the design of more clinically relevant treatments.
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8
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Vella V, De Francesco EM, Lappano R, Muoio MG, Manzella L, Maggiolini M, Belfiore A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Breast Cancer Metastasis: Focus on the Crucial Interplay Between Estrogen and Insulin/Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:608412. [PMID: 33364239 PMCID: PMC7753049 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.608412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of the great majority of breast cancers (BCs) are mainly dependent on the biological action elicited by estrogens through the classical estrogen receptor (ER), as well as the alternate receptor named G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In addition to estrogens, other hormones and growth factors, including the insulin and insulin-like growth factor system (IIGFs), play a role in BC. IIGFs cooperates with estrogen signaling to generate a multilevel cross-communication that ultimately facilitates the transition toward aggressive and life-threatening BC phenotypes. In this regard, the majority of BC deaths are correlated with the formation of metastatic lesions at distant sites. A thorough scrutiny of the biological and biochemical events orchestrating metastasis formation and dissemination has shown that virtually all cell types within the tumor microenvironment work closely with BC cells to seed cancerous units at distant sites. By establishing an intricate scheme of paracrine interactions that lead to the expression of genes involved in metastasis initiation, progression, and virulence, the cross-talk between BC cells and the surrounding microenvironmental components does dictate tumor fate and patients’ prognosis. Following (i) a description of the main microenvironmental events prompting BC metastases and (ii) a concise overview of estrogen and the IIGFs signaling and their major regulatory functions in BC, here we provide a comprehensive analysis of the most recent findings on the role of these transduction pathways toward metastatic dissemination. In particular, we focused our attention on the main microenvironmental targets of the estrogen-IIGFs interplay, and we recapitulated relevant molecular nodes that orientate shared biological responses fostering the metastatic program. On the basis of available studies, we propose that a functional cross-talk between estrogens and IIGFs, by affecting the BC microenvironment, may contribute to the metastatic process and may be regarded as a novel target for combination therapies aimed at preventing the metastatic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Muoio
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (A.O.U.) Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
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9
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Gronbach L, Jurmeister P, Schäfer-Korting M, Keilholz U, Tinhofer I, Zoschke C. Primary Extracellular Matrix Enables Long-Term Cultivation of Human Tumor Oral Mucosa Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:579896. [PMID: 33344431 PMCID: PMC7746540 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.579896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
3D tumor models clearly outperform 2D cell cultures in recapitulating tissue architecture and drug response. However, their potential in understanding treatment efficacy and resistance development should be better exploited if also long-term effects of treatment could be assessed in vitro. The main disadvantages of the matrices commonly used for in vitro culture are their limited cultivation time and the low comparability with patient-specific matrix properties. Extended cultivation periods are feasible when primary human cells produce the extracellular matrix in situ. Herein, we adapted the hyalograft-3D approach from reconstructed human skin to normal and tumor oral mucosa models and compared the results to bovine collagen-based models. The hyalograft models showed similar morphology and cell proliferation after 7 weeks compared to collagen-based models after 2 weeks of cultivation. Tumor thickness and VEGF expression increased in hyalograft-based tumor models, whereas expression of laminin-332, tenascin C, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α was lower than in collagen-based models. Taken together, the in situ produced extracellular matrix better confined tumor invasion in the first part of the cultivation period, with continuous tumor proliferation and increasing invasion later on. This proof-of-concept study showed the successful transfer of the hyalograft approach to tumor oral mucosa models and lays the foundation for the assessment of long-term drug treatment effects. Moreover, the use of an animal-derived extracellular matrix is avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Gronbach
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Jurmeister
- Institute of Pathology, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortum Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Schäfer-Korting
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Keilholz
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Tinhofer
- Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortum Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Zoschke
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Jürgensen HJ, van Putten S, Nørregaard KS, Bugge TH, Engelholm LH, Behrendt N, Madsen DH. Cellular uptake of collagens and implications for immune cell regulation in disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:3161-3176. [PMID: 32100084 PMCID: PMC11105017 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As the dominant constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM), collagens of different types are critical for the structural properties of tissues and make up scaffolds for cellular adhesion and migration. Importantly, collagens also directly modulate the phenotypic state of cells by transmitting signals that influence proliferation, differentiation, polarization, survival, and more, to cells of mesenchymal, epithelial, or endothelial origin. Recently, the potential of collagens to provide immune regulatory signals has also been demonstrated, and it is believed that pathological changes in the ECM shape immune cell phenotype. Collagens are themselves heavily regulated by a multitude of structural modulations or by catabolic pathways. One of these pathways involves a cellular uptake of collagens or soluble collagen-like defense collagens of the innate immune system mediated by endocytic collagen receptors. This cellular uptake is followed by the degradation of collagens in lysosomes. The potential of this pathway to regulate collagens in pathological conditions is evident from the increased extracellular accumulation of both collagens and collagen-like defense collagens following endocytic collagen receptor ablation. Here, we review how endocytic collagen receptors regulate collagen turnover during physiological conditions and in pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of collagens to regulate immune cells and discuss how endocytic collagen receptors can directly regulate immune cell activity in pathological conditions or do it indirectly by altering the extracellular milieu. Finally, we discuss the potential collagen receptors utilized by immune cells to directly detect ECM-related changes in the tissues which they encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik J Jürgensen
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet/Biotech Research and Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloesvej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Sander van Putten
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet/Biotech Research and Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloesvej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kirstine S Nørregaard
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet/Biotech Research and Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloesvej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Thomas H Bugge
- Proteases and Tissue Remodeling Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lars H Engelholm
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet/Biotech Research and Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloesvej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Niels Behrendt
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet/Biotech Research and Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloesvej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daniel H Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
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Hoffmann EJ, Ponik SM. Biomechanical Contributions to Macrophage Activation in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2020; 10:787. [PMID: 32509583 PMCID: PMC7251173 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in extracellular matrix composition and organization are known to promote tumor growth and metastatic progression in breast cancer through interactions with tumor cells as well as stromal cell populations. Macrophages display a spectrum of behaviors from tumor-suppressive to tumor-promoting, and their function is spatially and temporally dependent upon integrated signals from the tumor microenvironment including, but not limited to, cytokines, metabolites, and hypoxia. Through years of investigation, the specific biochemical cues that recruit and activate tumor-promoting macrophage functions within the tumor microenvironment are becoming clear. In contrast, the impact of biomechanical stimuli on macrophage activation has been largely underappreciated, however there is a growing body of evidence that physical cues from the extracellular matrix can influence macrophage migration and behavior. While the complex, heterogeneous nature of the extracellular matrix and the transient nature of macrophage activation make studying macrophages in their native tumor microenvironment challenging, this review highlights the importance of investigating how the extracellular matrix directly and indirectly impacts tumor-associated macrophage activation. Additionally, recent advances in investigating macrophages in the tumor microenvironment and future directions regarding mechano-immunomodulation in cancer will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J. Hoffmann
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Suzanne M. Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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12
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Kim H, Kim DW, Cho JY. Exploring the key communicator role of exosomes in cancer microenvironment through proteomics. Proteome Sci 2019; 17:5. [PMID: 31686989 PMCID: PMC6820930 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-019-0154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been many attempts to fully understand the mechanism of cancer behavior. Yet, how cancers develop and metastasize still remain elusive. Emerging concepts of cancer biology in recent years have focused on the communication of cancer with its microenvironment, since cancer cannot grow and live alone. Cancer needs to communicate with other cells for survival, and thus they secrete various messengers, including exosomes that contain many proteins, miRNAs, mRNAs, etc., for construction of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, these intercellular communications between cancer and its microenvironment, including stromal cells or distant cells, can promote tumor growth, metastasis, and escape from immune surveillance. In this review, we summarized the role of proteins in the exosome as communicators between cancer and its microenvironment. Consequently, we present cancer specific exosome proteins and their unique roles in the interaction between cancer and its microenvironment. Clinically, these exosomes might provide useful biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic tools for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- HuiSu Kim
- 1Department of Biochemistry, BK21 Plus and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- 1Department of Biochemistry, BK21 Plus and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Je-Yoel Cho
- 1Department of Biochemistry, BK21 Plus and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,2Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826 Korea
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