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Hartupee C, Nagalo BM, Chabu CY, Tesfay MZ, Coleman-Barnett J, West JT, Moaven O. Pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment is a major therapeutic barrier and target. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1287459. [PMID: 38361931 PMCID: PMC10867137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1287459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Limitations in early detection and treatment barriers contribute to the lack of substantial success in the treatment of this challenging-to-treat malignancy. Desmoplasia is the hallmark of PDAC microenvironment that creates a physical and immunologic barrier. Stromal support cells and immunomodulatory cells face aberrant signaling by pancreatic cancer cells that shifts the complex balance of proper repair mechanisms into a state of dysregulation. The product of this dysregulation is the desmoplastic environment that encases the malignant cells leading to a dense, hypoxic environment that promotes further tumorigenesis, provides innate systemic resistance, and suppresses anti-tumor immune invasion. This desmoplastic environment combined with the immunoregulatory events that allow it to persist serve as the primary focus of this review. The physical barrier and immune counterbalance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) make PDAC an immunologically cold tumor. To convert PDAC into an immunologically hot tumor, tumor microenvironment could be considered alongside the tumor cells. We discuss the complex network of microenvironment molecular and cellular composition and explore how they can be targeted to overcome immuno-therapeutic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner Hartupee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bolni Marius Nagalo
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
- The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Chiswili Y. Chabu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mulu Z. Tesfay
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Joycelynn Coleman-Barnett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John T. West
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Omeed Moaven
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Louisiana State University - Louisiana Children's Medical Center (LSU - LCMC) Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Wang Z, He R, Dong S, Zhou W. Pancreatic stellate cells in pancreatic cancer: as potential targets for future therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1185093. [PMID: 37409257 PMCID: PMC10318188 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1185093] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a strongly malignant gastrointestinal carcinoma characterized by late detection, high mortality rates, poor patient prognosis and lack of effective treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic strategies for this disease. Pancreatic stellate cells, which constitute a significant component of the mesenchymal cellular layer within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in modulating this environment through their interactions with pancreatic cancer cells. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which pancreatic stellate cells inhibit antitumor immune responses and promote cancer progression. We also discuss preclinical studies focusing on these cells, with the goal of providing some theoretical references for the development of new therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ru He
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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3
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Wang T, Wang Q, Pan G, Jia G, Li X, Wang C, Zhang L, Zuo C. ASIC1a involves the acid-mediated activation of pancreatic stellate cells associated with autophagy induction. Physiol Res 2023; 72:49-57. [PMID: 36545882 PMCID: PMC10069816 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer affects the physiological function of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which in turn promotes cancer progression. Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is responsible for acidosis-related physiopathological processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of acid exposure on the activation and autophagy of PSCs, and the role of ASIC1a in these events. The results showed that acidic medium upregulated the expression of ASIC1a, induced PSCs activation and autophagy, which can be suppressed by inhibiting ASIC1a using PcTx1 or ASIC1a knockdown, suggesting that ASIC1a involves these two processes. In addition, the acid-induced activation of PSCs was impaired after the application of autophagy inhibitor alone or in combination with ASIC1a siRNA, meaning a connection between autophagy and activation. Collectively, our study provides evidence for the involvement of ASIC1a in the acid-caused PSCs activation, which may be associated with autophagy induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China. , Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Siegel JB, Nasarre P, Hsu L, Mukherjee R, Gormley M, Richardson B, Khan I, Morningstar JE, Hilliard E, O’Bryan JP, Helke KL, Spruill L, Dolloff NG, Klauber-DeMore N. Secreted frizzled related-protein 2 is prognostic for human pancreatic cancer patient survival and is associated with fibrosis. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:287-300. [PMID: 37955079 PMCID: PMC10977449 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-220044] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, with five-year survival rates of 9%. We hypothesized that secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) may influence stromal growth in pancreatic cancer, since it increases fibrosis and collagen production in non-neoplastic pathologies. We assessed SFRP2 value as a biomarker and assessed its function in PDAC. SFRP2 gene expression in patients with PDAC was analyzed using TCGA data. Disease free survival (DFS) was analyzed using Kaplan Meier test. The effect of KRAS inhibition on SFRP2 expression in PDAC cells was assessed. The associations of stromal content with SFPR2 mRNA and protein with fibrosis were analyzed. The role of SFRP2 in mesenchymal transformation was assessed by western blot in fibroblasts. Of all cancers in TCGA, SFRP2 levels were highest in PDAC, and higher in PDAC than normal tissues (n= 234, p= 0.0003). High SFRP2 levels correlated with decreased DFS (p= 0.0097). KRAS inhibition reduced SFRP2 levels. Spearman correlation was 0.81 between stromal RNA and SFRP2 in human PDAC, and 0.75 between fibrosis and SFRP2 levels in PDAC tumors. SFRP2-treated fibroblasts displayed mesenchymal characteristics. SFRP2 is prognostic for PDAC survival, regulated by KRAS, and associated with PDAC fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie B. Siegel
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick Nasarre
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lillian Hsu
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rupak Mukherjee
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Meghan Gormley
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Bailey Richardson
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jordan E. Morningstar
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC, USA
| | - Eleanor Hilliard
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - John P. O’Bryan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kristi L. Helke
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Laura Spruill
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nathan G. Dolloff
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nancy Klauber-DeMore
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Lin H, Ye Z, Xu R, Li XE, Sun B. The transcription factor JUN is a major regulator of quiescent pancreatic stellate cell maintenance. Gene X 2023; 851:147000. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Cytoglobin attenuates pancreatic cancer growth via scavenging reactive oxygen species. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:23. [PMID: 35504863 PMCID: PMC9065067 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly challenging malignancy with extremely poor prognosis. Cytoglobin (CYGB), a hemeprotein involved in liver fibrosis and cancer development, is expressed in pericytes of all organs. Here, we examined the role of CYGB in the development of pancreatic cancer. CYGB expression appeared predominately in the area surrounding adenocarcinoma and negatively correlated with tumor size in patients with pancreatic cancer. Directly injecting 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene into the pancreatic tail in wild-type mice resulted in time-dependent induction of severe pancreatitis, fibrosis, and oxidative damage, which was rescued by Cygb overexpression in transgenic mice. Pancreatic cancer incidence was 93% in wild-type mice but only 55% in transgenic mice. Enhanced CYGB expression in human pancreatic stellate cells in vitro reduced cellular collagen synthesis, inhibited cell activation, increased expression of antioxidant-related genes, and increased CYGB secretion into the medium. Cygb-overexpressing or recombinant human CYGB (rhCYGB) -treated MIA PaCa-2 cancer cells exhibited dose-dependent cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, diminished cell migration, and reduction in colony formation. RNA sequencing in rhCYGB-treated MIA PaCa-2 cells revealed downregulation of cell cycle and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. An increase in MIA PaCa-2 cell proliferation and reactive oxygen species production by H2O2 challenge was blocked by rhCYGB treatment or Cygb overexpression. PANC-1, OCUP-A2, and BxPC-3 cancer cells showed similar responses to rhCYGB. Known antioxidants N-acetyl cysteine and glutathione also inhibited cancer cell growth. These results demonstrate that CYGB suppresses pancreatic stellate cell activation, pancreatic fibrosis, and tumor growth, suggesting its potential therapeutic application against pancreatic cancer.
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Chen J, Lv B, Zhan Y, Zhu K, Zhang R, Chen B, Jin Y, Li Y, Zheng J, Lin C. Comprehensive Exploration of Tumor Microenvironment Modulation Based on the ESTIMATE Algorithm in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:724261. [PMID: 35237505 PMCID: PMC8882770 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.724261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been reported to be closely related to the tumor initiation, progression, and prognosis. Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), one of the most common subtypes of bladder cancer worldwide, has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the past decade. However, whether the TME status of BLCA contributes to the prediction of BLCA prognosis still remains uncertain. In this study, the ESTIMATE algorithms were used to estimate the division of immune and stromal components in 406 BLCA samples downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). Based on the comparison between ESTIMATE scores, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected. Using the univariate Cox regression analysis, prognosis-related DEGs were further identified (p < 0.05). The LASSO regression analysis was then used to screen 11 genes that were highly related to the TME of BLCA to generate a novel prognostic gene signature. The following survival analyses showed that this signature could effectively predict the prognosis of BLCA. The clinical value of this signature was further verified in an external cohort obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (n = 120). Based on the stage-correlation analysis and differential expression analysis, IGF1 and MMP9 were identified as the hub genes in the signature. Additionally, using CIBERSORT algorithms, we found that both IGF1 and MMP9 were significantly associated with immune infiltration. Collectively, a novel TME-related prognostic signature contributes to accurately predict the prognosis of BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Boyu Lv
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yating Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yeping Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Changyong Lin, ; Yeping Li,
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Changyong Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Changyong Lin, ; Yeping Li,
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8
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Du W, Pasca di Magliano M, Zhang Y. Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Stromal Crosstalk-Mediated Immune Suppression in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682217. [PMID: 34290984 PMCID: PMC8287251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The stroma-rich, immunosuppressive microenvironment is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Tumor cells and other cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer associated fibroblasts, CD4+ T cells and myeloid cells, are linked by a web of interactions. Their crosstalk not only results in immune evasion of PDA, but also contributes to pancreatic cancer cell plasticity, invasiveness, metastasis, chemo-resistance, immunotherapy-resistance and radiotherapy-resistance. In this review, we characterize several prevalent populations of stromal cells in the PDA microenvironment and describe how the crosstalk among them drives and maintains immune suppression. We also summarize therapeutic approaches to target the stroma. With a better understanding of the complex cellular and molecular networks in PDA, strategies aimed at sensitizing PDA to chemotherapy or immunotherapy through re-programing the tumor microenvironment can be designed, and in turn lead to improved clinical treatment for pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Estaras M, Gonzalez-Portillo MR, Fernandez-Bermejo M, Mateos JM, Vara D, Blanco-Fernandez G, Lopez-Guerra D, Roncero V, Salido GM, González A. Melatonin Induces Apoptosis and Modulates Cyclin Expression and MAPK Phosphorylation in Pancreatic Stellate Cells Subjected to Hypoxia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115555. [PMID: 34074034 PMCID: PMC8197391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In certain diseases of the pancreas, pancreatic stellate cells form an important part of fibrosis and are critical for the development of cancer cells. A hypoxic condition develops within the tumor, to which pancreatic stellate cells adapt and are able to proliferate. The consequence is the growth of the tumor. Melatonin, the product of the pineal gland, is gaining attention as an agent with therapeutic potential against pancreatic cancers. Its actions on tumor cells lead, in general, to a reduction in cell viability and proliferation. However, its effects on pancreatic stellate cells subjected to hypoxia are less known. In this study, we evaluated the actions of pharmacological concentrations of melatonin (1 mM–1 µM) on pancreatic stellate cells subjected to hypoxia. The results show that melatonin induced a decrease in cell viability at the highest concentrations tested. Similarly, the incorporation of BrdU into DNA was diminished by melatonin. The expression of cyclins A and D also was decreased in the presence of melatonin. Upon treatment of cells with melatonin, increases in the expression of major markers of ER stress, namely BIP, phospho-eIF2α and ATF-4, were detected. Modulation of apoptosis was noticed as an increase in caspase-3 activation. In addition, changes in the phosphorylated state of p44/42, p38 and JNK MAPKs were detected in cells treated with melatonin. A slight decrease in the content of α-smooth muscle actin was detected in cells treated with melatonin. Finally, treatment of cells with melatonin decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2, 3, 9 and 13. Our observations suggest that melatonin, at pharmacological concentrations, diminishes the proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells subjected to hypoxia through modulation of cell cycle, apoptosis and the activation of crucial MAPKs. Cellular responses might involve certain ER stress regulator proteins. In view of the results, melatonin could be taken into consideration as a potential therapeutic agent for pancreatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Estaras
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (M.E.); (M.R.G.-P.); (G.M.S.)
| | - Manuel R. Gonzalez-Portillo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (M.E.); (M.R.G.-P.); (G.M.S.)
| | - Miguel Fernandez-Bermejo
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Pedro de Alcantara Hospital, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (M.F.-B.); (J.M.M.); (D.V.)
| | - Jose M. Mateos
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Pedro de Alcantara Hospital, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (M.F.-B.); (J.M.M.); (D.V.)
| | - Daniel Vara
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Pedro de Alcantara Hospital, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (M.F.-B.); (J.M.M.); (D.V.)
| | - Gerardo Blanco-Fernandez
- Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital, 06080 Badajoz, Spain; (G.B.-F.); (D.L.-G.)
| | - Diego Lopez-Guerra
- Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital, 06080 Badajoz, Spain; (G.B.-F.); (D.L.-G.)
| | - Vicente Roncero
- Unit of Histology and Pathological Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain;
| | - Gines M. Salido
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (M.E.); (M.R.G.-P.); (G.M.S.)
| | - Antonio González
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (M.E.); (M.R.G.-P.); (G.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Orai1 Channel Regulates Human-Activated Pancreatic Stellate Cell Proliferation and TGF β1 Secretion through the AKT Signaling Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102395. [PMID: 34063470 PMCID: PMC8156432 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Activated pancreatic stellate cells (aPSCs), the main source of cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), are well known as the key actor of the abundant fibrotic stroma development surrounding the tumor cells. In permanent communication with the tumor cells, they enhance PDAC early spreading and limit the drug delivery. However, the understanding of PSC activation mechanisms and the associated signaling pathways is still incomplete. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Ca2+, and Orai1 Ca2+ channels, in two main PSC activation processes: cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. Indeed, Ca2+ is a versatile second messenger implicated in the regulation of numerous biological processes. We believe that a better comprehension of PSC Ca2+ -dependent activation mechanisms will bring up new crucial PDAC early prognostic markers or new targeting approaches in PDAC treatment. Abstract Activated pancreatic stellate cells (aPSCs), the crucial mediator of pancreatic desmoplasia, are characterized, among others, by high proliferative potential and abundant transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) secretion. Over the past years, the involvement of Ca2+ channels in PSC pathophysiology has attracted great interest in pancreatic cancer research. We, thus, aimed to investigate the role of the Orai1 Ca2+ channel in these two PSC activation processes. Using the siRNA approach, we invalided Orai1 expression and assessed the channel functionality by Ca2+ imaging, the effect on aPSC proliferation, and TGFβ1 secretion. We demonstrated the functional expression of the Orai1 channel in human aPSCs and its implication in the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Orai1 silencing led to a decrease in aPSC proliferation, TGFβ1 secretion, and AKT activation. Interestingly, TGFβ1 induced a higher SOCE response by increasing Orai1 mRNAs and proteins and promoted both AKT phosphorylation and cell proliferation, abolished by Orai1 silencing. Together, our results highlight the role of Orai1-mediated Ca2+ entry in human aPSC pathophysiology by controlling cell proliferation and TGFβ1 secretion through the AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, we showed a TGFβ1-induced autocrine positive feedback loop by promoting the Orai1/AKT-dependent proliferation via the stimulation of Orai1 expression and function.
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11
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Cao W, Zeng Z, He Z, Lei S. Hypoxic pancreatic stellate cell-derived exosomal mirnas promote proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer through the PTEN/AKT pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:7120-7132. [PMID: 33653966 PMCID: PMC7993707 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer (PC) and contribute to its development and metastasis through mechanisms that remain incompletely characterized. Tumor hypoxia affects the function and behavior of PC and stromal cells, and can alter exosomal content to modify cell-cell communication. The present study explored the effects of exosomal miRNAs produced by hypoxia-preconditioned PSCs on the growth and metastatic potential of PC cells. Subcutaneous xenografts and liver metastasis mouse models revealed increased tumorigenic potential upon co-implantation of PC cells and PSCs as compared to PC cells alone. Screening miRNA profiles of mouse plasma exosomes and cultured PSCs, followed by miRNA overexpression and inhibition assays, enabled us to identify miR-4465 and miR-616-3p as prominent hypoxia-induced, PSC-derived, exosomal miRNAs promoting PC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Proteomics analysis of PC cells incubated with exosomes derived from hypoxic PSCs showed significant downregulation of PTEN. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and western blotting showed that both miR-4465 and miR-616-3p target PTEN and activate AKT signaling in PC cells. We conclude that hypoxia upregulates miR-4465 and miR-616-3p expression in PSC-derived exosomes. Following exosome uptake, these miRNAs promote PC progression and metastasis by suppressing the PTEN/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Cao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550009, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhirui Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550009, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhiwei He
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550009, Guizhou, China
| | - Shan Lei
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550009, Guizhou, China
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12
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Stellate Cells Aid Growth-Permissive Metabolic Reprogramming and Promote Gemcitabine Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040601. [PMID: 33546284 PMCID: PMC7913350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The great majority, more than 90%, of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) die within less than five years after detection of the disease, despite recent treatment advances. The poor prognosis is related to late diagnosis, aggressive disease progression, and tumor resistance to conventional chemotherapy. PDAC tumor tissue is characterized by dense fibrosis and poor nutrient availability. A large portion of the tumor is made up of stromal fibroblasts, the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are known to contribute to tumor progression in several ways. PSCs have been shown to act as an alternate energy source, induce drug resistance, and inhibit drug availability in tumor cells, however, the underlying exact molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this literature review, we discuss recent available knowledge about the contributions of PSCs to the overall progression of PDAC via changes in tumor metabolism and how this is linked to therapy resistance. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also known as pancreatic cancer (PC), is characterized by an overall poor prognosis and a five-year survival that is less than 10%. Characteristic features of the tumor are the presence of a prominent desmoplastic stromal response, an altered metabolism, and profound resistance to cancer drugs including gemcitabine, the backbone of PDAC chemotherapy. The pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) constitute the major cellular component of PDAC stroma. PSCs are essential for extracellular matrix assembly and form a supportive niche for tumor growth. Various cytokines and growth factors induce activation of PSCs through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, which in turn promote overall tumor growth and metastasis and induce chemoresistance. To maintain growth and survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic environment of PDAC, tumor cells fulfill their high energy demands via several unconventional ways, a process generally referred to as metabolic reprogramming. Accumulating evidence indicates that activated PSCs not only contribute to the therapy-resistant phenotype of PDAC but also act as a nutrient supplier for the tumor cells. However, the precise molecular links between metabolic reprogramming and an acquired therapy resistance in PDAC remain elusive. This review highlights recent findings indicating the importance of PSCs in aiding growth-permissive metabolic reprogramming and gemcitabine chemoresistance in PDAC.
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Shang C, Qiao J, Guo H. The dynamic behavior of lipid droplets in the pre-metastatic niche. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:990. [PMID: 33203856 PMCID: PMC7672095 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03207-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pre-metastatic niche is a favorable microenvironment for the colonization of metastatic tumor cells in specific distant organs. Lipid droplets (LDs, also known as lipid bodies or adiposomes) have increasingly been recognized as lipid-rich, functionally dynamic organelles within tumor cells, immune cells, and other stromal cells that are linked to diverse biological functions and human diseases. Moreover, in recent years, several studies have described the indispensable role of LDs in the development of pre-metastatic niches. This review discusses current evidence related to the biogenesis, composition, and functions of LDs related to the following characteristics of the pre-metastatic niche: immunosuppression, inflammation, angiogenesis/vascular permeability, lymphangiogenesis, organotropism, reprogramming. We also address the function of LDs in mediating pre-metastatic niche formation. The potential of LDs as markers and targets for novel antimetastatic therapies will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunliang Shang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, 100191, Beijing, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, 100191, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, 100191, Beijing, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, 100191, Beijing, China. .,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongyan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Bulle A, Lim KH. Beyond just a tight fortress: contribution of stroma to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:249. [PMID: 33122631 PMCID: PMC7596088 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel effective treatment is direly needed for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therapeutics that target the driver mutations, especially the KRAS oncoprotein and its effector cascades, have been ineffective. It is increasing clear that the extensive fibro-inflammatory stroma (or desmoplasia) of PDAC plays an active role in the progression and therapeutic resistance of PDAC. The desmoplastic stroma is composed of dense extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited mainly by the cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs) and infiltrated with various types of immune cells. The dense ECM functions as a physical barrier that limits tumor vasculatures and distribution of therapeutics to PDAC cells. In addition, mounting evidence have demonstrated that both CAFs and ECM promote PDAC cells aggressiveness through multiple mechanisms, particularly engagement of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. Acquisition of a mesenchymal-like phenotype renders PDAC cells more invasive and resistant to therapy-induced apoptosis. Here, we critically review seminal and recent articles on the signaling mechanisms by which each stromal element promotes EMT in PDAC. We discussed the experimental models that are currently employed and best suited to study EMT in PDAC, which are instrumental in increasing the chance of successful clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Bulle
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kian-Huat Lim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Xia SH. Prospect and clinical value of oxymatrine in prevention and treatment of pancreatic fibrosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2020; 28:819-826. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v28.i17.819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have confirmed that pancreatic stellate cell activation is the central event in the initiation and development of pancreatic fibrosis (PF), but the specific mechanism of PF is still unknown, and there is no specific treatment for PF. Some basic studies have confirmed that oxymatrine (OMT) has a certain therapeutic effect on PF, but further research is needed. It can be predicted that OMT has a far-reaching research prospect and good clinical application value for the prevention and treatment of PF, and is also conducive to the better development and utilization of traditional Chinese herbal medicine radix sophorae flavescentis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Hai Xia
- Gastroenterology Department of Medical Center of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force (Institute of Digestive Diseases of Medical Center), Medical Center for Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Splenic Disease of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatic Fibrosis and Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment, Tianjin 300162, China
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Norberg KJ, Liu X, Fernández Moro C, Strell C, Nania S, Blümel M, Balboni A, Bozóky B, Heuchel RL, Löhr JM. A novel pancreatic tumour and stellate cell 3D co-culture spheroid model. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:475. [PMID: 32460715 PMCID: PMC7251727 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating disease with poor outcome, generally characterized by an excessive stroma component. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and reproducible in vitro 3D-assay employing the main constituents of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, namely pancreatic stellate and cancer cells. METHOD A spheroid assay, directly co-culturing human pancreatic stellate cells with human pancreatic tumour cells in 3D was established and characterized by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. In order to facilitate the cell type-specific crosstalk analysis by real-time RT-PCR, we developed a novel in vitro 3D co-culture model, where the participating cell types were from different species, human and mouse, respectively. Using species-specific PCR primers, we were able to investigate the crosstalk between stromal and cancer cells without previous cell separation and sorting. RESULTS We found clear evidence for mutual influence, such as increased proliferation and a shift towards a more mesenchymal phenotype in cancer cells and an activation of pancreatic stellate cells towards the myofibroblast phenotype. Using a heterospecies approach, which we coined virtual sorting, confirmed the findings we made initially in the human-human spheroids. CONCLUSIONS We developed and characterized different easy to set up 3D models to investigate the crosstalk between cancer and stroma cells for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Norberg
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - X Liu
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LabMed), Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Strell
- Department of Cancer, Division of Upper GI, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Nania
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Blümel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Balboni
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Bozóky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LabMed), Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R L Heuchel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - J M Löhr
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Cancer, Division of Upper GI, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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