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Zou M, Qattan A, Al-Alwan M, Ghebeh H, Binjumah N, Al-Haj L, Khabar KSA, Altaweel A, Almohanna F, Assiri AM, Aboussekhra A, Alzahrani AS, Shi Y. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis and drug target discovery reveal key genes and pathways in thyroid cancer metastasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2025; 16:1514264. [PMID: 39996058 PMCID: PMC11847698 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1514264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metastasis is the major cause of thyroid cancer morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanisms are still poorly understood. Methods We performed genome-wide transcriptome analysis comparing gene expression profile of metastatic thyroid cancer cells (Met) with primary tumor cells established from transgenic mouse models of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC), and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Results Genes involved in tumor microenvironment (TME), inflammation, and immune escape were significantly overexpressed in Met cells. Notably, IL-6-mediated inflammatory and PD-L1 pathways were highly active in Met cells with increased secretion of pro-inflammatory and pro-metastatic cytokines such as CCL2, CCL11, IL5, IL6, and CXCL5. Furthermore, Met cells showed robust overexpression of Tbxas1, a thromboxane A synthase 1 gene that catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin H2 to thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a potent inducer of platelet aggregation. Application of aspirin, a TXA2 inhibitor, significantly reduced lung metastases. Mertk, a member of the TAM (Tyro, Axl, Mertk) family of RTKs, was also overexpressed in Met cells, which led to increased MAPK activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and enrichment of cancer stem cells. Braf-mutant Met cells developed resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor PLX4720, but remained sensitive to β-catenin inhibitor PKF118-310. Conclusion We have identified several overexpressed genes/pathways in thyroid cancer metastasis, making them attractive therapeutic targets. Given the complexity of metastasis involving multiple pathways (PD-L1, Mertk, IL6, COX-1/Tbxas1-TXA2), simultaneously targeting more than one of these pathways may be warranted to achieve better therapeutic effect for metastatic thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Zou
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Qattan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monther Al-Alwan
- Department of Cell Therapy and Immunobiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hazem Ghebeh
- Department of Cell Therapy and Immunobiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Binjumah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Latifa Al-Haj
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. A. Khabar
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen Altaweel
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Falah Almohanna
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelilah Aboussekhra
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S. Alzahrani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yufei Shi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Johansson A, Kalliara E, Belfrage E, Alling T, Pyl PT, Gerdtsson AS, Gullberg U, Porwit A, Drott K, Ek S. The Progression of Mycosis Fungoides During Treatment with Mogamulizumab: A BIO-MUSE Case Study of the Tumor and Immune Response in Peripheral Blood and Tissue. Biomedicines 2025; 13:186. [PMID: 39857770 PMCID: PMC11761615 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2024] [Revised: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/objectives: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare malignancy, with an indolent course in the early stages of the disease. However, due to major molecular and clinical heterogeneity, patients at an advanced stage of the disease have variable responses to treatment and considerably reduced life expectancy. Today, there is a lack of specific markers for the progression from early to advanced stages of the disease. To address these challenges, the non-interventional BIO-MUSE trial was initiated. Here, we report on a case study involving one patient, where combined omics analysis of tissue and blood was used to reveal the unique molecular features associated with the progression of the disease. Methods: We applied 10× genomics-based single-cell RNA sequencing to CD3+ peripheral T-cells, combined with T-cell receptor sequencing, to samples collected at multiple timepoints during the progression of the disease. In addition, GeoMx-based digital spatial profiling of T-helper (CD3+/CD8-), T-cytotoxic (CD3+/CD8+), and CD163+ cells was performed on skin biopsies. Results. The results pinpoint targets, such as transforming growth factor β1, as some of the mechanisms underlying disease progression, which may have the potential to improve patient prognostication and the development of precision medicine efforts. Conclusions: We propose that in patients with MF, the evolution of the malignant clone and the associated immune response need to be studied jointly to define relevant strategies for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Johansson
- Department of Immunotechnology, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Eirini Kalliara
- Department of Immunotechnology, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Belfrage
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Skane University Hospital (SUS), 205 02 Lund, Sweden
| | - Teodor Alling
- Department of Immunotechnology, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Paul Theodor Pyl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandström Gerdtsson
- Department of Immunotechnology, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Urban Gullberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Porwit
- Division of Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Drott
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Ek
- Department of Immunotechnology, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
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Sridaran D, Mahajan NP. ACK1/TNK2 kinase: molecular mechanisms and emerging cancer therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2025; 46:62-77. [PMID: 39721828 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2024] [Revised: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
Activated CDC42-associated kinase 1 (ACK1), encoded by the TNK2 gene, is a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase whose aberrant activation correlates positively with cancer severity. Recent research has revealed the functional relevance of this oncokinase - it is an epigenetic regulator that drives cancer progression in multiple malignancies. Although ACK1 is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention, incomplete knowledge of its diverse signaling mechanisms and the lack of specific inhibitors have challenged its clinical success. We summarize recent breakthroughs in understanding ACK1 regulation and cellular signaling, and shed light on its immunomodulatory role in balancing T cell activation. We provide a comprehensive overview of preclinical, proof-of-concept studies of potent ACK1-targeting small-molecule inhibitors that are expected to enter clinical trials for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Sridaran
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Cancer Research Building, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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4
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Bond A, Morrissey MA. Biochemical and biophysical mechanisms macrophages use to tune phagocytic appetite. J Cell Sci 2025; 138:JCS263513. [PMID: 39749603 PMCID: PMC11828473 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.263513] [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] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Macrophages phagocytose, or eat, pathogens, dead cells and cancer cells. To activate phagocytosis, macrophages recognize 'eat me' signals like IgG and phosphatidylserine on the target cell surface. Macrophages must carefully adjust their phagocytic appetite to ignore non-specific or transient eat me signal exposure on healthy cells while still rapidly recognizing pathogens and debris. Depending on the context, macrophages can increase their appetite for phagocytosis, to prioritize an effective immune response, or decrease their appetite, to avoid damage to healthy tissue during homeostasis. In this Review, we discuss the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms that macrophages employ to increase or decrease their sensitivity or capacity for phagocytosis. We discuss evidence that macrophages tune their sensitivity via several mechanisms, including altering the balance of activating and inhibitory receptor expression, altering the availability of activating receptors, as well as influencing their clustering and mobility, and modulating inhibitory receptor location. We also highlight how membrane availability limits the capacity of macrophages for phagocytosis and discuss potential mechanisms to promote membrane recycling and increase phagocytic capacity. Overall, this Review highlights recent work detailing the molecular toolkit that macrophages use to alter their appetite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalise Bond
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Meghan A. Morrissey
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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Shofolawe-Bakare O, Toragall VB, Hulugalla K, Mayatt R, Iammarino P, Bentley JP, Smith AE, Werfel T. Glycopolymeric Nanoparticles Block Breast Cancer Growth by Inhibiting Efferocytosis in the Tumor Microenvironment. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2024; 7:28851-28863. [PMID: 40443825 PMCID: PMC12121950 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.4c06534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2025]
Abstract
Conventional inhibitors of immune checkpoints such as anti-programmed death-1 and its ligand (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA4) have revolutionized therapeutic approaches to cancer, establishing immunotherapy as the standard of care for many cancers. A significant number of cancers, however, remain refractory to the inhibition of these immune checkpoints, leading to the search for alternative immune checkpoints that are more relevant to those diseases. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-mediated efferocytosis is an increasingly appreciated immune checkpoint with a profound impact on the phenotype of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs perform their efferocytic function through the receptor MerTK, and MerTK activity correlates with tumor progression. To combat efferocytosis in the TME, we developed poly[[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate]-b-poly(methacrylamidomannose)] nanoparticles (PMAM NPs) capable of encapsulating and preferentially delivering UNC2025 (a MerTK inhibitor) to TAMs. The NPs had suitable physicochemical properties, such as a size of 130 nm and a neutral surface charge. The PMAM NPs encapsulated hydrophobic cargo and released them in a pH-dependent manner, showing suitability for cytosolic delivery. Moreover, the PMAM NPs showed 12-fold greater macrophage internalization than traditional PEGMA NPs. Macrophage internalization was shown to be dependent on the mannose receptor CD206, as the blockade of CD206 led to a significant decrease in PMAM NP internalization. Furthermore, PMAM NPs had a lower internalization than PEGMA NPs in 4T1 cancer cells that do not express CD206, further confirming macrophage selectivity. In vivo biodistribution studies showed the PMAM NPs were capable of internalization by TAMs in the TME. Lastly, UNC2025-PMAM NPs significantly reduced tumor volume compared to free UNC2025, showing greater therapeutic efficacy in a model of triple-negative breast cancer. These glycopolymer-based, efferocytosis-blocking NPs have promise both as a class of standalone cancer immunotherapy and as an adjuvant to improve response rates to checkpoint immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veeresh B. Toragall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
| | - Kenneth Hulugalla
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
| | - Railey Mayatt
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA. 39762
| | - Paige Iammarino
- Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA, 39762
| | - John P. Bentley
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
| | - Adam E. Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
| | - Thomas Werfel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA, 38677
- Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA, 39216
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Sathe BD, Jaiswal S, Kumar D, Singh TG, Nainwal N, Rawat P, Yadav S, Kumar B, Dwivedi AR, Rathod SV. Design and Development of Novel Hybrids Based on Pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]Triazine and 1-(Methylpiperidin-4-yl) Aniline-Based Analogs: Exploring the Utility as Anticancer Agents via MERTK Inhibition. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 104:e70023. [PMID: 39635932 PMCID: PMC11618975 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.70023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
Mer-tyrosine kinase (MERTK), a member of the AXL, TYRO3, and MERTK (TAM) family, is one of the promising targets for cancer treatment. It plays a key role in cancer cell survival and proliferation and regulates immune responses in cancer. The study aimed to rationally design and develop molecules considering the pharmacophoric requirements of MERTK using a multi-synthetic approach followed by the hybridization of individual pharmacophores. A hybrid drug design approach was employed by hybridization of pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine and 1-(methylpiperidin-4-yl)aniline pharmacophoric systems to develop novel leads (1K1-1K5). The molecules were synthesized via a multi-step synthetic approach. The synthesized molecules were assessed for their pharmacological potential via cell viability, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and MERTK inhibition studies corroborated by in silico studies. IK5 was found to have an IC50 value of 0.36 μM towards A549, followed by 0.42 μM and 0.80 μM against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Further, the molecules were also analyzed for their microsomal stability and were found to be stable with better intrinsic clearance profiles. The molecules thus pave a strategy for developing novel MERTK inhibitors and their advance in vitro and in vivo assessment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Dashrath Sathe
- Department of ChemistryBharatiya Vidya Bhavan College, Chowpatty, Mumbai UniversityMumbaiIndia
- Integral Biosciences Pvt Ltd., Drug Discovery BiotechNoidaIndia
| | - Shivani Jaiswal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ResearchGLA UniversityMathuraIndia
| | - Devendra Kumar
- School of PharmacyNarsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)DhuleMaharashtraIndia
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Centre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara College of PharmacyChitkara UniversityRajpuraPunjabIndia
| | - Nidhi Nainwal
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUttaranchal UniversityDehradunUttarakhandIndia
| | - Pramod Rawat
- Department of BiotechnologyGraphic Era (Deemed to Be University)DehradunIndia
- Department of BiotechnologyGraphic Era Hill UniversityDehradunIndia
| | - Savita Yadav
- IES Institute of PharmacyIES UniversityBhopalMadhya PradeshIndia
| | - Bhupinder Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesChauras Campus, HNB Garhwal University (A Central University)SrinagarUttarakhandIndia
| | | | - S. V. Rathod
- Department of ChemistryBharatiya Vidya Bhavan College, Chowpatty, Mumbai UniversityMumbaiIndia
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7
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Wang C, Liu H, Yang Y, Sun Q, Yin L, Yang L, Wang X, Zhao W, Wan Q, Liu G, Chen Y, Li Z, Wang L. Preliminary Study of Radionuclide-Labeled MerTK-Targeting PET Imaging Agents for the Diagnosis of Melanoma. J Med Chem 2024; 67:19813-19825. [PMID: 39484831 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02156] [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: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
MerTK PET imaging holds potential as a promising approach for assessing tumor aggressiveness and monitoring treatment response. In this study, we synthesized a series of 18F- and 68Ga-labeled tracers derived from MerTK inhibitors for detection of MerTK expression. Among the synthesized agents, the dimeric compounds [68Ga]10 and [68Ga]12 demonstrated good in vivo and in vitro stability, high affinities to the MerTK receptor, and good MerTK-targeting specificity. Notably, [68Ga]10 exhibited a tumor uptake of 2.6 ± 0.2%ID/g at 1 h p. i. in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice, nearly tripling the uptake of its monomeric counterpart [68Ga]3. A similar enhancement was observed with [68Ga]12 compared to its monomeric analog [68Ga]6. Additionally, [18F]14 achieved a tumor uptake of 7.6 ± 0.5%ID/g at 2 h p. i., outperforming the previously reported [18F]15. Biodistribution analysis further validated the results, highlighting their potential for clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yunyi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Qinghong Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Liping Yin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Weiling Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Qiang Wan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Guangfu Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zibo Li
- Department of Radiology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
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Leroy V, Manual Kollareth DJ, Tu Z, Valisno JAC, Woolet-Stockton M, Saha B, Emtiazjoo AM, Rackauskas M, Moldawer LL, Efron PA, Cai G, Atkinson C, Upchurch GR, Sharma AK. MerTK-dependent efferocytosis by monocytic-MDSCs mediates resolution of ischemia/reperfusion injury after lung transplant. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e179876. [PMID: 39172530 PMCID: PMC11466183 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.179876] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung transplantation (LTx) outcomes are impeded by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and subsequent chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). We examined the undefined role of receptor Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) on monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) in efferocytosis to facilitate resolution of lung IRI. Single-cell RNA sequencing of lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from patients after LTx were analyzed. Murine lung hilar ligation and allogeneic orthotopic LTx models of IRI were used with BALB/c (WT), Cebpb-/- (MDSC-deficient), Mertk-/-, or MerTK-cleavage-resistant mice. A significant downregulation in MerTK-related efferocytosis genes in M-MDSC populations of patients with CLAD was observed compared with healthy individuals. In the murine IRI model, a significant increase in M-MDSCs, MerTK expression, and efferocytosis and attenuation of lung dysfunction was observed in WT mice during injury resolution that was absent in Cebpb-/- and Mertk-/- mice. Adoptive transfer of M-MDSCs in Cebpb-/- mice significantly attenuated lung dysfunction and inflammation. Additionally, in a murine orthotopic LTx model, increases in M-MDSCs were associated with resolution of lung IRI in the transplant recipients. In vitro studies demonstrated the ability of M-MDSCs to efferocytose apoptotic neutrophils in a MerTK-dependent manner. Our results suggest that MerTK-dependent efferocytosis by M-MDSCs can substantially contribute to the resolution of post-LTx IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Leroy
- Department of Surgery
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
| | | | - Zhenxiao Tu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Biplab Saha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amir M. Emtiazjoo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | - Guoshuai Cai
- Department of Surgery
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Carl Atkinson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ashish K. Sharma
- Department of Surgery
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Chen Y, Chen CY, Huang H, Luo Z, Mu Y, Li S, Huang Y, Li S. Knocking down of Xkr8 enhances chemotherapy efficacy through modulating tumor immune microenvironment. J Control Release 2024; 370:479-489. [PMID: 38685385 PMCID: PMC11186464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.041] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Scramblase Xk-related protein 8 (Xkr8) regulates the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) during apoptosis and holds a pivotal role in fostering tumor immunosuppression. Targeting Xkr8 in conjunction with chemotherapy demonstrated a novel avenue for amplifying antitumor immune response and overcoming chemo-immune resistance. Here we further evaluated this strategy by using a clinically relevant orthotopic model and elucidated the mechanism through in-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We found that Xkr8 knockdown exhibited the potential to lead to immunogenic cell death (ICD) by impeding the normal clearance of apoptotic cells. Co-delivery of Xkr8 small interference RNA (siRNA) and a prodrug conjugate of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and oxoplatin (FuOXP) showed remarkable therapeutic efficacy in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor model with increased infiltration of proliferative NK cells and activated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Single-cell trajectory analysis further unveiled that tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells are differentiated favorably to cytotoxic over exhausted phenotype after combination treatment. Our study sheds new light on the impact of Xkr8 knockdown on TME and solidifies the rationale of combining Xkr8 knockdown with chemotherapy to treat various types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuang Chen
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chien-Yu Chen
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haozhe Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqing Mu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shichen Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yixian Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Tang C, Sun Q, Zeng X, Yang X, Liu F, Zhao J, Shen Y, Liu B, Wen J, Li Y. Cell-type specific inference from bulk RNA-sequencing data by integrating single cell reference profiles via EPIC-unmix. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.23.595514. [PMID: 38826297 PMCID: PMC11142188 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.595514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Cell type specific (CTS) analysis is essential to reveal biological insights obscured in bulk tissue data. However, single-cell (sc) or single-nuclei (sn) resolution data are still cost-prohibitive for large-scale samples. Thus, computational methods to perform deconvolution from bulk tissue data are highly valuable. We here present EPIC-unmix, a novel two-step empirical Bayesian method integrating reference sc/sn RNA-seq data and bulk RNA-seq data from target samples to enhance the accuracy of CTS inference. We demonstrate through comprehensive simulations across three tissues that EPIC-unmix achieved 4.6% - 109.8% higher accuracy compared to alternative methods. By applying EPIC-unmix to human bulk brain RNA-seq data from the ROSMAP and MSBB cohorts, we identified multiple genes differentially expressed between Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases versus controls in a CTS manner, including 57.4% novel genes not identified using similar sample size sc/snRNA-seq data, indicating the power of our in-silico approach. Among the 6-69% overlapping, 83%-100% are in consistent direction with those from sc/snRNA-seq data, supporting the reliability of our findings. EPIC-unmix inferred CTS expression profiles similarly empowers CTS eQTL analysis. Among the novel eQTLs, we highlight a microglia eQTL for AD risk gene AP3B2, obscured in bulk and missed by sc/snRNA-seq based eQTL analysis. The variant resides in a microglia-specific cCRE, forming chromatin loop with AP3B2 promoter region in microglia. Taken together, we believe EPIC-unmix will be a valuable tool to enable more powerful CTS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenwei Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Quan Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xinyue Zeng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jinying Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yin Shen
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bixiang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Wen
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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11
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Chen P, Li Z, Li N. Establishment of a novel efferocytosis potential index predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in cancers. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30337. [PMID: 38707349 PMCID: PMC11068824 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The biological function and prognostic value of efferocytosis in cancer remains unclear. In this study, we systematically analysed the expression profiles and genetic variations of 50 efferocytosis-related regulator genes in 33 cancer types. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we established an efferocytosis potential index (EPI) model to represent the efferocytosis level in each cancer type. The relationship between the EPI and prognosis, immune-related molecules, specific pathways, and drug sensitivity was determined. We found that efferocytosis regulator genes were abnormally expressed in cancer tissue, perhaps owing to copy number variations, gene alterations, and DNA methylation. For the most part, the EPI was higher in tumour vs. normal tissues. In most of the 33 cancer types, it positively correlated with cell death- and immune-related pathway enrichment, the tumour microenvironment, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity. For specific cancers, a high EPI may be a prognostic risk factor and, in patients treated receiving immune checkpoint therapy, a predictor of poor prognosis. Our study reveals the biological functions of efferocytosis-related regulator genes in distinct cancers and highlights the potential of efferocytosis intervention in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhanzhan Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
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12
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Iida M, Crossman BE, Kostecki KL, Glitchev CE, Kranjac CA, Crow MT, Adams JM, Liu P, Ong I, Yang DT, Kang I, Salgia R, Wheeler DL. MerTK Drives Proliferation and Metastatic Potential in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5109. [PMID: 38791148 PMCID: PMC11121248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and receptor tyrosine kinase HER2 expression. Due to the limited number of FDA-approved targeted therapies for TNBC, there is an ongoing need to understand the molecular underpinnings of TNBC for the development of novel combinatorial treatment strategies. This study evaluated the role of the MerTK receptor tyrosine kinase on proliferation and invasion/metastatic potential in TNBC. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated MerTK expression in 58% of patient-derived TNBC xenografts. The stable overexpression of MerTK in human TNBC cell lines induced an increase in proliferation rates, robust in vivo tumor growth, heightened migration/invasion potential, and enhanced lung metastases. NanoString nCounter analysis of MerTK-overexpressing SUM102 cells (SUM102-MerTK) revealed upregulation of several signaling pathways, which ultimately drive cell cycle progression, reduce apoptosis, and enhance cell survival. Proteomic profiling indicated increased endoglin (ENG) production in SUM102-MerTK clones, suggesting that MerTK creates a conducive environment for increased proliferative and metastatic activity via elevated ENG expression. To determine ENG's role in increasing proliferation and/or metastatic potential, we knocked out ENG in a SUM102-MerTK clone with CRISPR technology. Although this ENG knockout clone exhibited similar in vivo growth to the parental SUM102-MerTK clone, lung metastasis numbers were significantly decreased ~4-fold, indicating that MerTK enhances invasion and metastasis through ENG. Our data suggest that MerTK regulates a unique proliferative signature in TNBC, promoting robust tumor growth and increased metastatic potential through ENG upregulation. Targeting MerTK and ENG simultaneously may provide a novel therapeutic approach for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Bridget E. Crossman
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Kourtney L. Kostecki
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Christine E. Glitchev
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Carlene A. Kranjac
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Madisen T. Crow
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Jillian M. Adams
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Peng Liu
- Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (P.L.); (I.O.)
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Irene Ong
- Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (P.L.); (I.O.)
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David T. Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Irene Kang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (I.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (I.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Deric L. Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.I.); (B.E.C.); (K.L.K.); (C.E.G.); (C.A.K.); (M.T.C.); (J.M.A.)
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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Leroy V, Manual Kollareth DJ, Tu Z, Valisno JAC, Woolet-Stockton M, Saha B, Emtiazjoo AM, Rackauskas M, Moldawer LL, Efron PA, Cai G, Atkinson C, Upchurch GR, Sharma AK. MerTK-dependent efferocytosis by monocytic-MDSCs mediates resolution of post-lung transplant injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576261. [PMID: 38328174 PMCID: PMC10849528 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Rationale Patients with end stage lung diseases require lung transplantation (LTx) that can be impeded by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) leading to subsequent chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and inadequate outcomes. Objectives We examined the undefined role of MerTK (receptor Mer tyrosine kinase) on monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) in efferocytosis (phagocytosis of apoptotic cells) to facilitate resolution of lung IRI. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing of lung tissue and BAL from post-LTx patients was analyzed. Murine lung hilar ligation and allogeneic orthotopic LTx models of IRI were used with Balb/c (WT), cebpb -/- (MDSC-deficient), Mertk -/- or MerTK-CR (cleavage resistant) mice. Lung function, IRI (inflammatory cytokine and myeloperoxidase expression, immunohistology for neutrophil infiltration), and flow cytometry of lung tissue for efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils were assessed in mice. Measurements and Main Results A significant downregulation in MerTK-related efferocytosis genes in M-MDSC populations of CLAD patients compared to healthy subjects was observed. In the murine IRI model, significant increase in M-MDSCs, MerTK expression and efferocytosis was observed in WT mice during resolution phase that was absent in cebpb -/- Land Mertk -/- mice. Adoptive transfer of M-MDSCs in cebpb -/- mice significantly attenuated lung dysfunction, and inflammation leading to resolution of IRI. Additionally, in a preclinical murine orthotopic LTx model, increases in M-MDSCs were associated with resolution of lung IRI in the transplant recipients. In vitro studies demonstrated the ability of M-MDSCs to efferocytose apoptotic neutrophils in a MerTK-dependent manner. Conclusions Our results suggest that MerTK-dependent efferocytosis by M-MDSCs can significantly contribute to the resolution of post-LTx IRI.
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Puengel T, Tacke F. Role of Kupffer cells and other immune cells. SINUSOIDAL CELLS IN LIVER DISEASES 2024:483-511. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-95262-0.00024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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15
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Basak U, Sarkar T, Mukherjee S, Chakraborty S, Dutta A, Dutta S, Nayak D, Kaushik S, Das T, Sa G. Tumor-associated macrophages: an effective player of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295257. [PMID: 38035101 PMCID: PMC10687432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is primarily caused by interactions between transformed cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages) make up the majority of the invading immune components, which are further categorized as anti-tumor M1 and pro-tumor M2 subtypes. While M1 is known to have anti-cancer properties, M2 is recognized to extend a protective role to the tumor. As a result, the tumor manipulates the TME in such a way that it induces macrophage infiltration and M1 to M2 switching bias to secure its survival. This M2-TAM bias in the TME promotes cancer cell proliferation, neoangiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, matrix remodeling for metastatic support, and TME manipulation to an immunosuppressive state. TAMs additionally promote the emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are known for their ability to originate, metastasize, and relapse into tumors. CSCs also help M2-TAM by revealing immune escape and survival strategies during the initiation and relapse phases. This review describes the reasons for immunotherapy failure and, thereby, devises better strategies to impair the tumor-TAM crosstalk. This study will shed light on the understudied TAM-mediated tumor progression and address the much-needed holistic approach to anti-cancer therapy, which encompasses targeting cancer cells, CSCs, and TAMs all at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udit Basak
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Tania Sarkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sumon Mukherjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Apratim Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Saikat Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Debadatta Nayak
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Kaushik
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Das
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Gaurisankar Sa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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16
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Du Y, Dong S, Jiang W, Li M, Li W, Li X, Zhou W. Integration of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Bulk RNA Sequencing Reveals That TAM2-Driven Genes Affect Immunotherapeutic Response and Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12787. [PMID: 37628967 PMCID: PMC10454560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages M2 (TAM2), which are highly prevalent infiltrating immune cells in the stroma of pancreatic cancer (PC), have been found to induce an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thus enhancing tumor initiation and progression. However, the immune therapy response and prognostic significance of regulatory genes associated with TAM2 in PC are currently unknown. Based on TCGA transcriptomic data and single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database, we identified TAM2-driven genes using the WGCNA algorithm. Molecular subtypes based on TAM2-driven genes were clustered using the ConsensusClusterPlus algorithm. The study constructed a prognostic model based on TAM2-driven genes through Lasso-COX regression analysis. A total of 178 samples obtained by accessing TCGA were accurately categorized into two molecular subtypes, including the high-TAM2 infiltration (HMI) cluster and the low-TAM2 infiltration (LMI) cluster. The HMI cluster exhibits a poor prognosis, a malignant tumor phenotype, immune-suppressive immune cell infiltration, resistance to immunotherapy, and a high number of genetic mutations, while the LMI cluster is the opposite. The prognostic model composed of six hub genes from TAM2-driven genes exhibits a high degree of accuracy in predicting the prognosis of patients with PC and serves as an independent risk factor. The induction of TAM2 was employed as a means of verifying these six gene expressions, revealing the significant up-regulation of BCAT1, BST2, and MERTK in TAM2 cells. In summary, the immunophenotype and prognostic model based on TAM2-driven genes offers a foundation for the clinical management of PC. The core TAM2-driven genes, including BCAT1, BST2, and MERTK, are involved in regulating tumor progression and TAM2 polarization, which are potential targets for PC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Du
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Wenkai Jiang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Mengyao Li
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Wancheng Li
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Xin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (Y.D.); (S.D.); (W.J.); (M.L.); (W.L.)
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
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Gadiyar V, Patel G, Chen J, Vigil D, Ji N, Campbell V, Sharma K, Shi Y, Weiss MM, Birge RB, Davra V. Targeted degradation of MERTK and other TAM receptor paralogs by heterobifunctional targeted protein degraders. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135373. [PMID: 37545504 PMCID: PMC10397400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
TAM receptors (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) comprise a family of homologous receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) that are expressed across a range of liquid and solid tumors where they contribute to both oncogenic signaling to promote tumor proliferation and survival, as well as expressed on myeloid and immune cells where they function to suppress host anti-tumor immunity. In recent years, several strategies have been employed to inhibit TAM kinases, most notably small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and inhibitory neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block receptor dimerization. Targeted protein degraders (TPD) use the ubiquitin proteasome pathway to redirect E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and target specific proteins for degradation. Here we employ first-in-class TPDs specific for MERTK/TAMs that consist of a cereblon E3 ligase binder linked to a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting MERTK and/or AXL and TYRO3. A series of MERTK TPDs were designed and investigated for their capacity to selectively degrade MERTK chimeric receptors, reduce surface expression on primary efferocytic bone marrow-derived macrophages, and impact on functional reduction in efferocytosis (clearance of apoptotic cells). We demonstrate proof-of-concept and establish that TPDs can be tailored to either selectivity degrades MERTK or concurrently degrade multiple TAMs and modulate receptor expression in vitro and in vivo. This work demonstrates the utility of proteome editing, enabled by tool degraders developed here towards dissecting the therapeutically relevant pathway biology in preclinical models, and the ability for TPDs to degrade transmembrane proteins. These data also provide proof of concept that TPDs may serve as a viable therapeutic strategy for targeting MERTK and other TAMs and that this technology could be expanded to other therapeutically relevant transmembrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Gadiyar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Gopi Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Jesse Chen
- Department of Research and Development, Kymera Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Dominico Vigil
- Department of Research and Development, Kymera Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Nan Ji
- Department of Research and Development, Kymera Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Veronica Campbell
- Department of Research and Development, Kymera Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Kirti Sharma
- Department of Research and Development, Kymera Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Yatao Shi
- Department of Research and Development, Kymera Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Matthew M. Weiss
- Department of Research and Development, Kymera Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Raymond B. Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Viralkumar Davra
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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Xu K, Liu Y, Luo H, Wang T. Efferocytosis signatures as prognostic markers for revealing immune landscape and predicting immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1218244. [PMID: 37383726 PMCID: PMC10294713 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1218244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal liver cancer with late diagnosis; therefore, the identification of new early biomarkers could help reduce mortality. Efferocytosis, a process in which one cell engulfs another cell, including macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, etc., plays a complex role in tumorigenesis, sometimes promoting and sometimes inhibiting tumor development. However, the role of efferocytosis-related genes (ERGs) in HCC progression has been poorly studied, and their regulatory effects in HCC immunotherapy and drug targeting have not been reported. Methods: We downloaded efferocytosis-related genes from the Genecards database and screened for ERGs that showed significant expression changes between HCC and normal tissues and were associated with HCC prognosis. Machine learning algorithms were used to study prognostic gene features. CIBERSORT and pRRophetic R packages were used to evaluate the immune environment of HCC subtypes and predict treatment response. CCK-8 experiments conducted on HCC cells were used to assess the reliability of drug sensitivity prediction. Results: We constructed a prognostic prediction model composed of six genes, and the ROC curve showed good predictive accuracy of the risk model. In addition, two ERG-related subgroups in HCC showed significant differences in tumor immune landscape, immune response, and prognostic stratification. The CCK-8 experiment conducted on HCC cells confirmed the reliability of drug sensitivity prediction. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the importance of efferocytosis in HCC progression. The risk model based on efferocytosis-related genes developed in our study provides a novel precision medicine approach for HCC patients, allowing clinicians to customize treatment plans based on unique patient characteristics. The results of our investigation carry noteworthy implications for the development of individualized treatment approaches involving immunotherapy and chemotherapy, thereby potentially facilitating the realization of personalized and more efficacious therapeutic interventions for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Huiyan Luo
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Tengfei Wang
- Department of Equipment, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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