Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Development of Cancer

Relationship between urinary tract infections and serum vitamin D level in adults and children- a literature review

Over time, researchers have accumulated significant evidence indicating that vitamin D deficiency not only impacts skeletal health but also contributes to the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The risk of low serum 1, 25(OH)2D3 level ultimately directs the way to morbidity, the beginning of new diseases, and numerous infections. Infections are the first entity that affects those with vitamin D deficiency. The common infection is urinary tract infection (UTI), and its relationship with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency remains controversial. This infection affects both men and women, but comparatively, women are more prone to this infection because of the short length of the urethra, which makes an easy entry for the bacteria. The low level of serum vitamin D increases the risk of UTIs in children. Recurrent UTIs are one of the major weaknesses in women; if left untreated, they progress to appallingly serious conditions like kidney dysfunction, liver damage, etc. Hence improving the vitamin D status may help to improve the immune system, thus making it more resistant to infections. In this review, we have focused on examining whether vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are the causes of UTIs and the association between them in women and children. We have also described the connection between vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency with UTIs and additional nanotechnology- based treatment strategies.

Multiple aspects of matrix stiffness in cancer progression

The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in the processes of cell differentiation and proliferation. However, it is unclear to what extent tumor cells are influenced by biomechanical and biophysical changes of the surrounding microenvironment and how this response varies between different tumor forms, and over the course of tumor progression. The entire ensemble of genes encoding the ECM associated proteins is called matrisome. In cancer, the ECM evolves to become highly dysregulated, rigid, and fibrotic, serving both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic roles. Tumor desmoplasia is characterized by a dramatic increase of α-smooth muscle actin expressing fibroblast and the deposition of hard ECM containing collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid and is common in many solid tumors. In this review, we described the role of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, in desmoplastic matrix remodeling, tumor state transition driven by microenvironment forces and the signaling pathways in mechanotransduction as potential targeted therapies, focusing on the impact of qualitative and quantitative variations of the ECM on the regulation of tumor development, hypothesizing the presence of matrisome drivers, acting alongside the cell-intrinsic oncogenic drivers, in some stages of neoplastic progression and in some tumor contexts, such as pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

DDR1-targeted therapies: current limitations and future potential

Discoidin domain receptor (DDR)-1 has a crucial role in regulating vital processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and matrix remodeling. Overexpression or activation of DDR1 in various pathological scenarios makes it a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and neuropsychiatric, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize current therapeutic approaches targeting DDR1 from a medicinal chemistry perspective. Furthermore, we analyze factors other than issues of low selectivity and risk of resistance, contributing to the infrequent success of DDR1 inhibitors. The complex interplay between DDR1 and the extracellular matrix (ECM) necessitates additional validation, given that DDR1 might exhibit complex and synergistic interactions with other signaling molecules during ECM regulation. The mechanisms involved in DDR1 regulation in cancer and inflammation-related diseases also remain unknown.

A Scaffold-Assisted 3D Cancer Cell Model for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Real-Time Sensing and Imaging

Despite recent advances in the development of scaffold-based three-dimensional (3D) cell models, challenges persist in imaging and monitoring cell behavior within these complex structures due to their heterogeneous cell distribution and geometries. Incorporating sensors into 3D scaffolds provides a potential solution for real-time, in situ sensing and imaging of biological processes such as cell growth and disease development. We introduce a 3D printed hydrogel-based scaffold capable of supporting both surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensing and imaging of 3D breast cancer cell models. The scaffold incorporates plasmonic nanoparticles and SERS tags, for sensing and imaging, respectively. We demonstrate the scaffold's adaptability and modularity in supporting breast cancer spheroids, thereby enabling spatial and temporal monitoring of tumor evolution.

Crosstalk between T lymphocyte and extracellular matrix in tumor microenvironment

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex three-dimensional structure composed of proteins, glycans, and proteoglycans, constituting a critical component of the tumor microenvironment. Complex interactions among immune cells, extracellular matrix, and tumor cells promote tumor development and metastasis, consequently influencing therapeutic efficacy. Hence, elucidating these interaction mechanisms is pivotal for precision cancer therapy. T lymphocytes are an important component of the immune system, exerting direct anti-tumor effects by attacking tumor cells or releasing lymphokines to enhance immune effects. The ECM significantly influences T cells function and infiltration within the tumor microenvironment, thereby impacting the behavior and biological characteristics of tumor cells. T cells are involved in regulating the synthesis, degradation, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix through the secretion of cytokines and enzymes. As a result, it affects the proliferation and invasive ability of tumor cells as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying T lymphocyte-ECM interactions in the tumor immune microenvironment and their potential application in immunotherapy. It provides novel insights for the development of innovative tumor therapeutic strategies and drug.

Nicotine or marijuana vaping exposure during pregnancy and altered immune responses in offspring

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) - which include electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, or simply e-cigs, and marijuana vaping have become increasingly popular. ENDS devices have been established as one of the tobacco quit methods and promoted to be safer compared to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that e-cigarette and marijuana vape use can be harmful, with potential associations with cancer. Herein, we summarize the level of evidence to date for altered immune response, with a focus on cancer risks in the offspring after maternal use of, or aerosol exposures from, ENDS or marijuana vape during pregnancy. From 27 published articles retrieved from PubMed, we sought to find out identified carcinogens in ENDS aerosols and marijuana vapor, which cross the placental barrier and can increase cancer risk in the offspring. Carcinogens in vaping aerosols include aldehydes, metals, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, tobacco alkaloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. Additionally, there was only one passive vaping exposure case study on a human fetus, which noted that glycerol, aluminum, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, and lead crossed from the mother to the offspring's cord blood. The carcinogens (metals) in that study were at lower concentrations compared to the mother's biological matrices. Lastly, we observed that in utero exposures to ENDS-associated chemicals can occur in vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, brain, bladder, and heart. Any resulting DNA damage increases the risk of tumorigenesis. Future epidemiological studies are needed to examine the effects of passive aerosol exposures from existing and emerging electronic nicotine and marijuana products on developing offspring to cancer.

Recent advances in patient-derived tumor organoids for reconstructing TME of head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

The differences between existing preclinical models and the tumor microenvironment in vivo are one of the significant challenges hindering cancer therapy development. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTO) can highly retain tumor heterogeneity. Thus, it provides a more reliable platform for research in tumor biology, new drug screening, and precision medicine.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to summarise the characteristics of the existing preclinical models, the advantages of patient-derived tumor organoids in reconstructing the tumor microenvironment, and the latest research progress. Moreover, this study deciphers organoid culture technology in the clinical precision treatment of head and neck cancer to achieve better transformation. Studies were identified through a comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE (Wolters Kluwer), PubMed (National Library of Medicine), web of Science (Thomson Reuters) and, Scopus (Elsevier) databases, without publication date or language restrictions.

RESULTS

In tumor development, the interaction between cellular and non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a crucial role. Co-culture, Air-liquid interface culture, microfluidics, and decellularized matrix have depicted great potential in reconstructing the tumor microenvironment and simulating tumor genesis, development, and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

An accurate determination of stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix can be achieved by reconstructing the head and neck cancer tumor microenvironment using the PDTO model. Moreover, the interaction between head and neck cancer cells can also play an essential role in implementing the individualized precision treatment of head and neck cancer.

Biomechanical forces and force-triggered drug delivery in tumor neovascularization

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the typical hallmarks of tumor occurrence and development, and tumor neovascularization also exhibits distinct characteristics from normal blood vessels. As the number of cells and matrix inside the tumor increases, the biomechanical force is enhanced, specifically manifested as solid stress, fluid stress, stiffness, and topology. This mechanical microenvironment also provides shelter for tumors and intensifies angiogenesis, providing oxygen and nutritional support for tumor progression. During tumor development, the biomechanical microenvironment also emerges, which in turn feeds back to regulate the tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, and biochemical and biomechanical signals can regulate tumor angiogenesis. Blood vessels possess inherent sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, but compared to the extensive research on biochemical signal regulation, the study of the regulation of tumor neovascularization by biomechanical signals remains relatively scarce. Biomechanical forces can affect the phenotypic characteristics and mechanical signaling pathways of tumor blood vessels, directly regulating angiogenesis. Meanwhile, they can indirectly regulate tumor angiogenesis by causing an imbalance in angiogenesis signals and affecting stromal cell function. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of biomechanical forces in tumor angiogenesis is beneficial for better identifying and even taming the mechanical forces involved in angiogenesis, providing new therapeutic targets for tumor vascular normalization. Therefore, we summarized the composition of biomechanical forces and their direct or indirect regulation of tumor neovascularization. In addition, this review discussed the use of biomechanical forces in combination with anti-angiogenic therapies for the treatment of tumors, and biomechanical forces triggered delivery systems.

Biomedical applications of natural and synthetic polymer based nanocomposites

Various nanomaterials have been studied for their biomedical application in recent years. Among them, nanocomposites have a prominent medical application in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases. Nanocomposites are made up of polymeric matrix layers composed of synthetic or natural polymers like chitosan, polyethylene glycol, etc. Polymer nanocomposites are inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix. There are two types of polymeric nanocomposites which include natural and synthetic polymer nanocomposites. These nanocomposites have various biomedical applications, such as medical implants, wound healing, wound dressing, bone repair and replacement, and dental filling. Polymeric nanocomposites have a wide range of biomedical applications due to their high stability, non-immunogenic nature, sustained drug delivery, non-toxic, and can escape reticuloendothelial system uptake along with drug bioavailability improvement. In this review, we have discussed various types of natural and synthetic polymer nanocomposites and their biomedical applications.

Signaling Pathways in Trans-differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Recent Advances

Mesenchymal stem cells are a group of multipotent cells that can be induced to differentiate into other cell types. The cells fate is decided by various signaling pathways, growth factors, and transcription factors in differentiation. The proper coordination of these factors will result in cell specification. MSCs are capable of being differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Different conditions induces the MSCs into particular phenotypes. The MSC trans-differentiation ensues as a response to environmental factors or due to circumstances that prove to favor trans-differentiation. Depending on the stage at which they are expressed, and the genetic alterations they undergo prior to their expression, transcription factors can accelerate the process of trans-differentiation. Further research has been conducted on the challenging aspect of MSCs being developed into non-mesenchymal lineage. The cells that are differentiated in this way maintain their stability even after being induced in animals. The recent advancements in the trans-differentiation capacities of MSCs on induction with chemicals, growth inducers, improved differentiation mediums, growth factors from plant extracts, and electrical stimulation are discussed in this paper. Signaling pathways have a great effect on MSCs trans-differentiation and they need to be better understood for their applications in therapeutic techniques. So, this paper tends to review the major signaling pathways that play a vital role in the trans-differentiation of MSC.

The Potential of Extracellular Matrix- and Integrin Adhesion Complex-Related Molecules for Prostate Cancer Biomarker Discovery

Prostate cancer is among the top five cancer types according to incidence and mortality. One of the main obstacles in prostate cancer management is the inability to foresee its course, which ranges from slow growth throughout years that requires minimum or no intervention to highly aggressive disease that spreads quickly and resists treatment. Therefore, it is not surprising that numerous studies have attempted to find biomarkers of prostate cancer occurrence, risk stratification, therapy response, and patient outcome. However, only a few prostate cancer biomarkers are used in clinics, which shows how difficult it is to find a novel biomarker. Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrins is among the essential processes that govern its fate. Upon activation and ligation, integrins form multi-protein intracellular structures called integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). In this review article, the focus is put on the biomarker potential of the ECM- and IAC-related molecules stemming from both body fluids and prostate cancer tissue. The processes that they are involved in, such as tumor stiffening, bone turnover, and communication via exosomes, and their biomarker potential are also reviewed.

The entanglement of extracellular matrix molecules and immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer: a systematic review of the literature

Introduction

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a core pillar of cancer therapy as single agents or in combination regimens both in adults and children. Unfortunately, ICIs provide a long-lasting therapeutic effect in only one third of the patients. Thus, the search for predictive biomarkers of responsiveness to ICIs remains an urgent clinical need. The efficacy of ICIs treatments is strongly affected not only by the specific characteristics of cancer cells and the levels of immune checkpoint ligands, but also by other components of the tumor microenvironment, among which the extracellular matrix (ECM) is emerging as key player. With the aim to comprehensively describe the relation between ECM and ICIs' efficacy in cancer patients, the present review systematically evaluated the current literature regarding ECM remodeling in association with immunotherapeutic approaches.

Methods

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42022351180). PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched from inception to January 2023. Titles, abstracts and full text screening was performed to exclude non eligible articles. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results

After employing relevant MeSH and key terms, we identified a total of 5070 studies. Among them, 2540 duplicates, 1521 reviews or commentaries were found and excluded. Following title and abstract screening, the full text was analyzed, and 47 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were retained. The studies included in this systematic review comprehensively recapitulate the latest observations associating changes of the ECM composition following remodeling with the traits of the tumor immune cell infiltration. The present study provides for the first time a broad view of the tight association between ECM molecules and ICIs efficacy in different tumor types, highlighting the importance of ECM-derived proteolytic products as promising liquid biopsy-based biomarkers to predict the efficacy of ICIs.

Conclusion

ECM remodeling has an important impact on the immune traits of different tumor types. Increasing evidence pinpoint at ECM-derived molecules as putative biomarkers to identify the patients that would most likely benefit from ICIs treatments.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022351180, identifier CRD42022351180.

Cell-Tissue Interaction: The Biomimetic Approach to Design Tissue Engineered Biomaterials

The advancement achieved in Tissue Engineering is based on a careful and in-depth study of cell-tissue interactions. The choice of a specific biomaterial in Tissue Engineering is fundamental, as it represents an interface for adherent cells in the creation of a microenvironment suitable for cell growth and differentiation. The knowledge of the biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix is a useful tool for the optimization of polymeric scaffolds. This review aims to analyse the chemical, physical, and biological parameters on which are possible to act in Tissue Engineering for the optimization of polymeric scaffolds and the most recent progress presented in this field, including the novelty in the modification of the scaffolds' bulk and surface from a chemical and physical point of view to improve cell-biomaterial interaction. Moreover, we underline how understanding the impact of scaffolds on cell fate is of paramount importance for the successful advancement of Tissue Engineering. Finally, we conclude by reporting the future perspectives in this field in continuous development.

Cell-matrix and cell-cell interaction mechanics in guiding migration

Physical properties of tissue are increasingly recognised as major regulatory cues affecting cell behaviours, particularly cell migration. While these properties of the extracellular matrix have been extensively discussed, the contribution from the cellular components that make up the tissue are still poorly appreciated. In this mini-review, we will discuss two major physical components: stiffness and topology with a stronger focus on cell-cell interactions and how these can impact cell migration.

Molecular characteristics, clinical significance, and immune landscape of extracellular matrix remodeling-associated genes in colorectal cancer

Background

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is one of the hallmark events in cancer and has been shown to be closely related to tumor immunity. Immunotherapy has evolved as an important tool to treat various cancers and improve patient prognosis. The positive response to immunotherapy relies on the unique interaction between cancer and the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the relationship between ECM remodeling and clinical outcomes, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown.

Methods

We systematically evaluated 69 ECM remodeling-associated genes (EAGs) and comprehensively identified interactions between ECM remodeling and prognosis and the immune microenvironment in CRC patients. The EAG_score was used to quantify the subtype of ECM remodeling in patients. We then assessed their value in predicting prognosis and responding to treatment in CRC.

Results

After elaborating the molecular characteristics of ECM remodeling-related genes in CRC patients, a model consisting of two ECM remodeling-related genes (MEIS2, SLC2A3) was developed for predicting the prognosis of CRC patients, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis verified its reliable predictive ability. Furthermore, we created a highly reliable nomogram to enhance the clinical feasibility of the EAG_score. Significantly differences in TME and immune function, such as macrophages and CD8+ T cells, were observed between high- and low-risk CRC patients. In addition, drug sensitivity is also strongly related to EAG_score.

Conclusion

Overall, we developed a prognostic model associated with ECM remodeling, provided meaningful clinical implications for immunotherapy, and facilitated individualized treatment for CRC patients. Further studies are needed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of ECM remodeling in CRC.

Extracellular matrix-derived mechanical force governs breast cancer cell stemness and quiescence transition through integrin-DDR signaling

The extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as signals that regulate specific cell states in tumor tissues. Increasing evidence suggests that extracellular biomechanical force signals are critical in tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to explore the influence of ECM-derived biomechanical force on breast cancer cell status. Experiments were conducted using 3D collagen, fibrinogen, and Matrigel matrices to investigate the role of mechanical force in tumor development. Integrin-cytoskeleton-AIRE and DDR-STAT signals were examined using RNA sequencing and western blotting. Data from 1358 patients and 86 clinical specimens were used for ECM signature-prognosis analysis. Our findings revealed that ECM-derived mechanical force regulated tumor stemness and cell quiescence in breast cancer cells. A mechanical force of ~45 Pa derived from the extracellular substrate activated integrin β1/3 receptors, stimulating stem cell signaling pathways through the cytoskeleton/AIRE axis and promoting tumorigenic potential and stem-like phenotypes. However, excessive mechanical force (450 Pa) could drive stem-like cancer cells into a quiescent state, with the removal of mechanical forces leading to vigorous proliferation in quiescent cancer stem cells. Mechanical force facilitated cell cycle arrest to induce quiescence, dependent on DDR2/STAT1/P27 signaling. Therefore, ECM-derived mechanical force governs breast cancer cell status and proliferative characteristics through stiffness alterations. We further established an ECM signature based on the fibrinogen/fibronectin/vitronectin/elastin axis, which efficiently predicts patient prognosis in breast cancer. Our findings highlight the vital role of ECM-derived mechanical force in governing breast cancer cell stemness/quiescence transition and suggest the novel use of ECM signature in predicting the clinical prognosis of breast cancer.

Getting physical: Material mechanics is an intrinsic cell cue

Advances in biomaterial science have allowed for unprecedented insight into the ability of material cues to influence stem cell function. These material approaches better recapitulate the microenvironment, providing a more realistic ex vivo model of the cell niche. However, recent advances in our ability to measure and manipulate niche properties in vivo have led to novel mechanobiological studies in model organisms. Thus, in this review, we will discuss the importance of material cues within the cell niche, highlight the key mechanotransduction pathways involved, and conclude with recent evidence that material cues regulate tissue function in vivo.

Developing four cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature to predict prognosis and immune activity in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

There has been a recent discovery of a new type of cell death produced by copper-iron ions, called Cuproptosis (copper death). The purpose of this study was to identify LncRNA signatures associated with Cuproptosis in ovarian cancer that could be used as prognostic indicators.

METHODS

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) profiles with clinicopathological data from TCGA database were used to select prognostic CRLs and then constructed prognostic risk model using multivariate regression analysis and LASSO algorithms. An independent dataset from GEO database was used to validate the prognostic performance. Combined with clinical factors, we further constructed a prognostic nomogram. In addition, tumor immune microenvironment, somatic mutation and drug sensitivity were analyzed using ssGSEA, GSVA, ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms.

RESULT

A total of 129 CRLs were selected whose expression levels were significantly related to expression levels of 10 cuproptosis-related genes. The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that 12 CRLs were associated with overall survival (OS). Using LASSO algorithms and multivariate regression analysis, we constructed a four-CRLs prognostic signature in the training dataset. Patients in the training dataset could be classified into high- or low-risk subgroups with significantly different OS (log-rank p < 0.001). The prognostic performance was confirmed in TCGA-OC cohort (log-rank p < 0.001) and an independent GEO cohort (log-rank p = 0.023). Multivariate cox regression analysis proved the four-CRLs signature was an independent prognostic factor for OC. Additionally, different risk subtypes showed significantly different levels of immune cells, signal pathways, and drug response.

CONCLUSION

We established a prognostic signature based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs for OC patients, which will be of great value in predicting the prognosis patients and may provide a new perspective for research and individualized treatment.

Tumor-Associated Fibrosis Impairs the Response to Immunotherapy

Previously, impaired responses to immunotherapy in cancer had been attributed mainly to inherent tumor characteristics (tumor cell intrinsic factors) such as low immunogenicity, (low) mutational burden, weak host immune system, etc. However, mapping the responses of immunotherapeutic regimes in clinical trials for different types of cancer has pointed towards an obvious commonality - that tumors with a rich fibrotic stroma respond poorly or not at all. This has prompted a harder look on tumor cell extrinsic factors such as the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and specifically, the fibrotic stroma as a potential enabler of immunotherapy failure. Indeed, the role of cancer-associated fibrosis in impeding efficacy of immunotherapy is now well-established. In fact, recent studies reveal a complex interconnection between fibrosis and treatment efficacy. Accordingly, in this review we provide a general overview of what a tumor associated fibrotic reaction is and how it interacts with the members of immune system that are frequently seen to be modulated in a failed immunotherapeutic regime.

Pan-cancer analysis of ADAMs: A promising biomarker for prognosis and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy

Background: Members of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family play a vital role in cancer development. However, a comprehensive analysis of the landscape of the ADAM family in pan-cancer remains to be performed.

Methods: The correlation of the expression level and prognostic value with ADAMs in a pan-cancer cohort and the relationship between ADAMs and the stemness score, tumour microenvironment (TME), chemotherapy-related drug sensitivity, immune subtype, and immunotherapy outcome were investigated.

Results: ADAMs were differentially expressed between tumour and para-carcinoma tissues in the pan-cancer cohort, and the expression of ADAMs was significantly correlated with patient prognosis. Furthermore, ADAMs were significantly correlated with the stromal score and immune score based on the TME analysis. Additionally, ADAMs were also correlated with DNAss and RNAss in the pan-cancer cohort. On investigating the CellMiner database, ADAMs were revealed to be significantly correlated with the sensitivity of various drugs, including raloxifene and tamoxifen. Moreover, in the IMvigor210 and GSE78220 cohorts, ADAMs were correlated with immunotherapy response and immune activation genes. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were utilised to determine the differential level of ADAM9 in cancer and para-carcinoma tissues in patients’ samples.

Conclusion: This study elucidates the importance of ADAMs in cancer progression and lays a foundation for further exploration of ADAMs as potential pan-cancer targets.

Fiber diameters and parallel patterns: proliferation and osteogenesis of stem cells

Due to the innate extracellular matrix mimicking features, fibrous materials exhibited great application potential in biomedicine. In developing excellent fibrous biomaterial, it is essential to reveal the corresponding inherent fiber features' effects on cell behaviors. Due to the inevitable 'interference' cell adhesions to the background or between adjacent fibers, it is difficult to precisely reveal the inherent fiber diameter effect on cell behaviors by using a traditional fiber mat. A single-layer and parallel-arranged polycaprolactone fiber pattern platform with an excellent non-fouling background is designed and constructed herein. In this unique material platform, the 'interference' cell adhesions through interspace between fibers to the environment could be effectively ruled out by the non-fouling background. The 'interference' cell adhesions between adjacent fibers could also be excluded from the sparsely arranged (SA) fiber patterns. The influence of fiber diameter on stem cell behaviors is precisely and comprehensively investigated based on eliminating the undesired 'interference' cell adhesions in a controllable way. On the SA fiber patterns, small diameter fiber (SA-D1, D1 means 1 μm in diameter) may seriously restrict cell proliferation and osteogenesis when compared to the middle (SA-D8) and large (SA-D56) ones and SA-D8 shows the optimal osteogenesis enhancement effect. At the same time, the cells present similar proliferation ability and even the highest osteogenic ability on the densely arranged (DA) fiber patterns with small diameter fiber (DA-D1) when compared to the middle (DA-D8) and large (DA-D56) ones. The 'interference' cell adhesion between adjacent fibers under dense fiber arrangement may be the main reason for inducing these different cell behavior trends along with fiber diameters. Related results and comparisons have illustrated the effects of fiber diameter on stem cell behaviors more precisely and objectively, thus providing valuable reference and guidance for developing effective fibrous biomaterials.

Transcriptomic study of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with liver metastasis

Introduction: GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) is the most prominent mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, and liver is the most common metastasis site for GIST. The molecular mechanism leading to liver metastasis of GIST is currently unclear. Methods: With the goal of revealing the underlying mechanism, we performed whole-genome gene expression profiling on 18 pairs of RNA samples comprised of GIST tissues (with liver metastasis) and corresponding non-tumor tissues. After identifying differentially expressed gene, functional annotation and signal pathway analyses were conducted. GSE13861, datasets that compare GIST (without liver metastasis) with adjacent tissues, served as a comparison. Results: A total of 492 up-regulated genes and 629 down-regulated genes were identified as differentially expressed genes between liver metastasis tissues and non-tumor tissues. We characterized expression patterns of DEGs identified from our cohort and GSE13861 that show signatures of enrichment for functionality. In subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in both datasets. 493 genes were overlapped among our whole-genome gene expression profiling results and GSE13861, consisting 188 up-regulated genes and 305 down-regulated genes. By using CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape, CDH1, CD34, KIT, PROM1, SOX9, FGF2, CD24, ALDH1A1, JAG1 and NES were identified as top ten hub genes in tumorigenesis and liver metastasis of GIST. higher expression levels of FGF2, JAG1, CD34, ALDH1A1 and the lower expression level of CDH1 were respectively associated with unfavorable overall survival. Meanwhile higher expression levels of CD34, FGF2, KIT, JAG1, ALDH1A were correlated with worse disease-free survival. Discussion: The present study may help to provide candidate pathways and targets for treatment of GIST and prevention methods to liver metastasis.

The New General Biological Property of Stem-like Tumor Cells (Part II: Surface Molecules, Which Belongs to Distinctive Groups with Particular Functions, Form a Unique Pattern Characteristic of a Certain Type of Tumor Stem-like Cells)

An ability of poorly differentiated cells of different genesis, including tumor stem-like cells (TSCs), to internalize extracellular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragments was revealed in our studies. Using the models of Krebs-2 murine ascites carcinoma and EBV-induced human B-cell lymphoma culture, we demonstrated that dsDNA internalization into the cell consists of several mechanistically distinct phases. The primary contact with cell membrane factors is determined by electrostatic interactions. Firm contacts with cell envelope proteins are then formed, followed by internalization into the cell of the complex formed between the factor and the dsDNA probe bound to it. The key binding sites were found to be the heparin-binding domains, which are constituents of various cell surface proteins of TSCs-either the C1q domain, the collagen-binding domain, or domains of positively charged amino acids. These results imply that the interaction between extracellular dsDNA fragments and the cell, as well as their internalization, took place with the involvement of glycocalyx components (proteoglycans/glycoproteins (PGs/GPs) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs)) and the system of scavenger receptors (SRs), which are characteristic of TSCs and form functional clusters of cell surface proteins in TSCs. The key provisions of the concept characterizing the principle of organization of the "group-specific" cell surface factors of TSCs of various geneses were formulated. These factors belong to three protein clusters: GPs/PGs, GIP-APs, and SRs. For TSCs of different tumors, these clusters were found to be represented by different members with homotypic functions corresponding to the general function of the cluster to which they belong.

Epigenetic Alteration of the Cancer-Related Gene TGFBI in B Cells Infected with Epstein-Barr Virus and Exposed to Aflatoxin B1: Potential Role in Burkitt Lymphoma Development

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a malignant B cell neoplasm that accounts for almost half of pediatric cancers in sub-Saharan African countries. Although the BL endemic prevalence is attributable to the combination of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection with malaria and environmental carcinogens exposure, such as the food contaminant aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the molecular determinants underlying the pathogenesis are not fully understood. Consistent with the role of epigenetic mechanisms at the interface between the genome and environment, AFB1 and EBV impact the methylome of respectively leukocytes and B cells specifically. Here, we conducted a thorough investigation of common epigenomic changes following EBV or AFB1 exposure in B cells. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling identified an EBV-AFB1 common signature within the TGFBI locus, which encodes for a putative tumor suppressor often altered in cancer. Subsequent mechanistic analyses confirmed a DNA-methylation-dependent transcriptional silencing of TGFBI involving the recruitment of DNMT1 methyltransferase that is associated with an activation of the NF-κB pathway. Our results reveal a potential common mechanism of B cell transformation shared by the main risk factors of endemic BL (EBV and AFB1), suggesting a key determinant of disease that could allow the development of more efficient targeted therapeutic strategies.

Recent advances in targeted drug delivery for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has become a serious health problem with high impact worldwide. The heterogeneity of PDAC makes it difficult to apply drug delivery systems (DDS) used in other cancer models, for example, the poorly developed vascular system makes anti-angiogenic therapy ineffective. Due to its various malignant pathological changes, drug delivery against PDAC is a matter of urgent concern. Based on this situation, various drug delivery strategies specially designed for PDAC have been generated.

AREAS COVERED

This review will briefly describe how delivery systems can be designed through nanotechnology and formulation science. Most research focused on penetrating the stromal barrier, exploiting and alleviating the hypoxic microenvironment, targeting immune cells, or designing vaccines, and combination therapies. This review will summarize the ways to reverse the malignant pathological features of PDAC and hopefully provide ideas for subsequent studies.

EXPERT OPINION

Drug delivery systems designed to achieve penetrating functions or to alleviate hypoxia and activate immunity have achieved good therapeutic results in animal models in several studies. In future studies, there is a need to deliver PDAC therapeutics in a more precise manner, or the use of drug carriers for multiple functions simultaneously, are potential therapeutic strategy.

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems modulate the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer for enhanced therapy

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors with a low survival rate, partly because the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of extracellular matrix (ECM), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, and vascular systems, prevents effective drug delivery and chemoradiotherapy. Thus, modulating the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer is considered a promising therapeutic approach. Since nanoparticles are one of the most effective cancer treatment strategies, several nano-delivery platforms have been developed to regulate the TME and enhance treatment. Here, we summarize the latest advances in nano-delivery systems that alter the TME in pancreatic cancer by depleting ECM, inhibiting CAFs, reversing immunosuppression, promoting angiogenesis, or improving the hypoxic environment. We also discuss promising new targets for such systems. This review is expected to improve our understanding of how to modulate the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and guide the development of new therapies.

Tumor Nonimmune-Microenvironment-Related Gene Expression Signature Predicts Brain Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients after Surgery: A Machine Learning Approach Using Gene Expression Profiling

Simple Summary

It is important to be able to predict brain metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma patients; however, research in this area is still lacking. Much of the previous work on tumor microenvironments in lung adenocarcinoma with brain metastasis concerns the tumor immune microenvironment. The importance of the tumor nonimmune microenvironment (extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) feature, and angiogenesis) has been overlooked with regard to brain metastasis. We evaluated tumor nonimmune-microenvironment-related gene expression signatures that could predict brain metastasis after the surgical resection of lung adenocarcinoma using a machine learning approach. We identified a tumor nonimmune-microenvironment-related 17-gene expression signature, and this signature showed high brain metastasis predictive power in four machine learning classifiers. The immunohistochemical expression of the top three genes of the 17-gene expression signature yielded similar results to NanoString tests. Our tumor nonimmune-microenvironment-related gene expression signatures are important biological markers that can predict brain metastasis and provide patient-specific treatment options.

Abstract

Using a machine learning approach with a gene expression profile, we discovered a tumor nonimmune-microenvironment-related gene expression signature, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis, that could predict brain metastasis (BM) after the surgical resection of 64 lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD). Gene expression profiling identified a tumor nonimmune-microenvironment-related 17-gene expression signature that significantly correlated with BM. Of the 17 genes, 11 were ECM-remodeling-related genes. The 17-gene expression signature showed high BM predictive power in four machine learning classifiers (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.845 for naïve Bayes, 0.849 for support vector machine, 0.858 for random forest, and 0.839 for neural network). Subgroup analysis revealed that the BM predictive power of the 17-gene signature was higher in the early-stage LUAD than in the late-stage LUAD. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the ECM–receptor interaction pathway. The immunohistochemical expression of the top three genes of the 17-gene expression signature yielded similar results to NanoString tests. The tumor nonimmune-microenvironment-related gene expression signatures found in this study are important biological markers that can predict BM and provide patient-specific treatment options.

Inflammation, Extracellular Matrix Remodeling, and Proteostasis in Tumor Microenvironment

Cancer is a multifaceted and complex pathology characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Most cancers are recognized by an inflammatory environment rich in a myriad of factors produced by immune infiltrate cells that induce host cells to differentiate and to produce a matrix that is more favorable to tumor cells’ survival and metastasis. As a result, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is changed in terms of macromolecules content, degrading enzymes, and proteins. Altered ECM components, derived from remodeling processes, interact with a variety of surface receptors triggering intracellular signaling that, in turn, cancer cells exploit to their own benefit. This review aims to present the role of different aspects of ECM components in the tumor microenvironment. Particularly, we highlight the effect of pro- and inflammatory factors on ECM degrading enzymes, such as metalloproteases, and in a more detailed manner on hyaluronan metabolism and the signaling pathways triggered by the binding of hyaluronan with its receptors. In addition, we sought to explore the role of extracellular chaperones, especially of clusterin which is one of the most prominent in the extracellular space, in proteostasis and signaling transduction in the tumor microenvironment. Although the described tumor microenvironment components have different biological roles, they may engage common signaling pathways that favor tumor growth and metastasis.

Analysis of Colorectal Carcinogenesis Paradigm between Cold Constitution and Heat Constitution: Earlier ECM Collagen Deposition

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor around the world. Studying the unique constitution of CRC patients is conducive to the application of personalized medical treatment for CRC. The most common types of constitution in CRC are cold and heat constitution. A previous study has suggested that the malignant progression in cold and heat constitution CRC are different; however, the mechanism remains unclear. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is likely to vary with each individual constitution, which may affect the tumor growth in different constitutions. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the most important component of TME, plays a critical role in disease progression and outcome in patients with CRC. Moreover, collagen, the major component of the ECM, determines the main functional characteristics of ECM and tissue fibrosis caused by collagen deposition, which is one of the signs of CRC malignant progression. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms leading to different colorectal carcinogenesis paradigms between the cold constitution and heat constitution within the context of ECM collagen deposition. We established the CRC rat models and enrolled 30 CRC patients with cold and heat constitution. The collagen-related parameters were detected by using Sirius red staining combined with polarized light microscope, and expressions of collagen (COL I and COL III) and lysyl oxidase (LOX and LOXL2) were determined using immunohistochemistry, while the mRNA levels of COL1A1, COL3A1, LOX, and LOXL2 were measured by qRT-PCR. We found that a higher degree of collagen deposition in the cold-constitution group. The results suggest cold and heat constitution may affect the colorectal carcinogenesis paradigm by influencing the early collagen deposition in colon tissue. The study may provide an effective idea for clinicians to improve the prognosis of CRC patients with different constitutions.

Prolyl-4-Hydroxylase α Subunit 2 as a Novel Potential Biomarker for Predicting the Prognosis of Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Objective

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic significance of prolyl-4-hydroxylase α subunit 2 (P4HA2) in patients with EOC.

Patients and Methods

A total of 217 clinical samples (EOC tissues, 167 cases; normal ovarian, 50 cases) were collected and pathologically confirmed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. P4HA2 expression in clinical samples was stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Relationship between P4HA2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of EOC patients were analyzed using chi-square test. The differential expression of targets was analyzed in Oncomine database. The prognostic value of P4HA2 was investigated in clinical EOC patients and Kaplan–Meier (KM) Plotter database.

Results

IHC staining showed that P4HA2 was significantly up-regulated in EOC tissues, compared to the normal tissues. Two databases retrieved from Oncomine database further confirmed the up-regulation P4HA2 in EOC. Chi-square test demonstrated that P4HA2 expression was associated with clinical stage (p=0.036), tumor grade (p<0.001), and residual disease (p=0.022). Both in clinical samples and KM Plotter database, high P4HA2 expression was significantly associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox’s proportional hazards regression analysis suggested that high P4HA2 expression were independent risk factors for the survival of EOC patients. Besides, we confirmed the positive correlation between P4HA2 and COL1A1 expression. Moreover, COL1A1 was found to be up-regulated in EOC and also associated with short PFS and OS.

Conclusion

The present study preliminarily proved that P4HA2 expression was associated with clinical outcome in EOC patients. P4HA2 might be a prognostic factor for EOC progression, and has the potential to be a valuable therapeutic target for EOC.