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Huang L, Gao R, Nan L, Qi J, Yang S, Shao S, Xie J, Pan M, Qiu T, Zhang J. Anti-VEGFR2-Interferon α Promotes the Infiltration of CD8+ T Cells in Colorectal Cancer by Upregulating the Expression of CCL5. J Immunother 2024; 47:195-204. [PMID: 38654631 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
SUMMARY Immunocytokines are a promising immunotherapeutic approach in cancer therapy. Anti-VEGFR2-interferon α (IFNα) suppressed colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and enhanced CD8 + T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting great clinical translational potential. However, the mechanism of how the anti-VEGFR2-IFNα recruits T cells has not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that anti-VEGFR2-IFNα suppressed CRC metastasis and enhanced CD8 + T-cell infiltration. RNA sequencing revealed a transcriptional activation of CCL5 in metastatic CRC cells, which was correlated with T-cell infiltration. IFNα but not anti-VEGFR2 could further upregulate CCL5 in tumors. In immunocompetent mice, both IFNα and anti-VEGFR2-IFNα increased the subset of tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T cells through upregulation of CCL5. Knocking down CCL5 in tumor cells attenuated the infiltration of CD8 + T cells and dampened the antitumor efficacy of anti-VEGFR2-IFNα treatment. We, therefore, propose upregulation of CCL5 is a key to enhance infiltration of CD8 + T cells in metastatic CRC with IFNα and IFNα-based immunocytokine treatments. These findings may help the development of IFNα related immune cytokines for the treatment of less infiltrated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhua Huang
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Rui Gao
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lidi Nan
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jingyao Qi
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Siyu Yang
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Shao
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jiajun Xie
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhu Pan
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | | | - Juan Zhang
- Antibody Engineering Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biopharmaceutical, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
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2
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Hou S, Zhao Y, Chen J, Lin Y, Qi X. Tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer metastasis: molecular insights and translational perspectives. J Transl Med 2024; 22:62. [PMID: 38229160 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04856-x] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of high mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC), which is not only driven by changes occurring within the tumor cells, but is also influenced by the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and components in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, the exploration of TME remodeling and its impact on CRC metastasis has attracted increasing attention owing to its potential to uncover novel therapeutic avenues. Noteworthy, emerging studies suggested that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the TME played important roles in CRC metastasis by secreting a variety of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and proteases. Moreover, TAMs are often associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance, making them promising targets for CRC therapy. Given the prognostic and clinical value of TAMs, this review provides an updated overview on the origin, polarization and function of TAMs, and discusses the mechanisms by which TAMs promote the metastatic cascade of CRC. Potential TAM-targeting techniques for personalized theranostics of metastatic CRC are emphasized. Finally, future perspectives and challenges for translational applications of TAMs in CRC development and metastasis are proposed to help develop novel TAM-based strategies for CRC precision medicine and holistic healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Hou
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215011, China
| | - Yuanchun Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215011, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215011, China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
- Center for Systems Biology, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Xin Qi
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215011, China.
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3
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Li X, Peng X, Zoulikha M, Boafo GF, Magar KT, Ju Y, He W. Multifunctional nanoparticle-mediated combining therapy for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:1. [PMID: 38161204 PMCID: PMC10758001 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01668-1] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Combining existing drug therapy is essential in developing new therapeutic agents in disease prevention and treatment. In preclinical investigations, combined effect of certain known drugs has been well established in treating extensive human diseases. Attributed to synergistic effects by targeting various disease pathways and advantages, such as reduced administration dose, decreased toxicity, and alleviated drug resistance, combinatorial treatment is now being pursued by delivering therapeutic agents to combat major clinical illnesses, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Combinatorial therapy involves combining or co-delivering two or more drugs for treating a specific disease. Nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drug delivery systems, i.e., liposomal NPs, polymeric NPs and nanocrystals, are of great interest in combinatorial therapy for a wide range of disorders due to targeted drug delivery, extended drug release, and higher drug stability to avoid rapid clearance at infected areas. This review summarizes various targets of diseases, preclinical or clinically approved drug combinations and the development of multifunctional NPs for combining therapy and emphasizes combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on drug delivery for treating severe clinical diseases. Ultimately, we discuss the challenging of developing NP-codelivery and translation and provide potential approaches to address the limitations. This review offers a comprehensive overview for recent cutting-edge and challenging in developing NP-mediated combination therapy for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Xiuju Peng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Makhloufi Zoulikha
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - George Frimpong Boafo
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Kosheli Thapa Magar
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Yanmin Ju
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China.
| | - Wei He
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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4
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Gao Y, Zhang Y, Xia H, Ren Y, Zhang H, Huang S, Li M, Wang Y, Li H, Liu H. Biomimetic virus-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles improved cellular internalization for co-delivery of antigen and agonist to enhance Tumor immunotherapy. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2183814. [PMID: 36843529 PMCID: PMC9980018 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2183814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanocarrier antigen-drug delivery system interacts specifically with immune cells and provides intelligent delivery modes to improve antigen delivery efficiency and facilitate immune progression. However, these nanoparticles often have weak adhesion to cells, followed by insufficient cell absorption, leading to a failed immune response. Inspired by the structure and function of viruses, virus-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (VMSNs) were prepared by simulating the surface structure, centripetal-radialized spike structure and rough surface topology of the virus and co-acted with the toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) and antigens oocyte albumin (OVA). Compared to the conventional spherical mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), VMSNs which was proven to be biocompatible in both cellular and in vivo level, had higher cell invasion ability and unique endocytosis pathway that was released from lysosomes and promoted antigen cross-expression. Furthermore, VMSNs effectively inhibited B16-OVA tumor growth by activating DCs maturation and increasing the proportion of CD8+ T cells. This work demonstrated that virus-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles co-supply OVA and IMQ, could induce potent tumor immune responses and inhibit tumor growth as a consequence of the surface spike structure induces a robust cellular immune response, and undoubtedly provided a good basis for further optimizing the nanovaccine delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yingxi Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hong Xia
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yuqing Ren
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Haibin Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Siwen Huang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Meiju Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Heran Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Hongzhuo Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China,CONTACT Heran Li School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Liaoning, 110122, China; Hongzhuo Liu Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
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5
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Dual-responsive nanoparticles loading bevacizumab and gefitinib for molecular targeted therapy against non-small cell lung cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:244-254. [PMID: 35705687 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00930-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is newly available for molecular targeted therapy against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinic. However, the therapeutic benefits remain unsatisfying due to the poor drug delivery to targets of interest. In this study, we developed bevacizumab-coated gefitinib-loaded nanoparticles (BCGN) with dual-responsive drug release for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Through an exogenous corona strategy, bevacizumab is easily coated on gefitinib-loaded nanoparticles via electrostatic interaction. After intravenous injection, BCGN are efficiently accumulated in NSCLC tumors as confirmed by dual-model imaging. Bevacizumab is released from BCGN upon oxidation in tumor microenvironment, whereas gefitinib is released after being internalized by tumor cells and disassembled in reduction cytoplasm. The dual-responsive release of bevacizumab and gefitinib significantly inhibits tumor growth in both A549 and HCC827 human NSCLC models. Our approach provides a promising strategy to improve combinational molecular targeted therapy of NSCLC with precisely controlled drug release.
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6
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Atreya I, Neurath MF. How the Tumor Micromilieu Modulates the Recruitment and Activation of Colorectal Cancer-Infiltrating Lymphocytes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112940. [PMID: 36428508 PMCID: PMC9687992 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful treatment of advanced colorectal cancer disease still represents an insufficiently solved clinical challenge, which is further complicated by the fact that the majority of malignant colon tumors show only relatively low immunogenicity and therefore have only limited responsiveness to immunotherapeutic approaches, such as, for instance, the use of checkpoint inhibitors. As it has been well established over the past two decades that the local tumor microenvironment and, in particular, the quantity, quality, and activation status of intratumoral immune cells critically influence the clinical prognosis of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and their individual benefits from immunotherapy, the enhancement of the intratumoral accumulation of cytolytic effector T lymphocytes and other cellular mediators of the antitumor immune response has emerged as a targeted objective. For the future identification and clinical validation of novel therapeutic target structures, it will thus be essential to further decipher the molecular mechanisms and cellular interactions in the intestinal tumor microenvironment, which are crucially involved in immune cell recruitment and activation. In this context, our review article aims at providing an overview of the key chemokines and cytokines whose presence in the tumor micromilieu relevantly modulates the numeric composition and antitumor capacity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Atreya
- Department of Medicine 1, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F. Neurath
- Department of Medicine 1, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8535204; Fax: +49-9131-8535209
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7
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Li X, Yuan F, Zhou L. Organ Crosstalk in Acute Kidney Injury: Evidence and Mechanisms. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226637. [PMID: 36431113 PMCID: PMC9693488 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is becoming a public health problem worldwide. AKI is usually considered a complication of lung, heart, liver, gut, and brain disease, but recent findings have supported that injured kidney can also cause dysfunction of other organs, suggesting organ crosstalk existence in AKI. However, the organ crosstalk in AKI and the underlying mechanisms have not been broadly reviewed or fully investigated. In this review, we summarize recent clinical and laboratory findings of organ crosstalk in AKI and highlight the related molecular mechanisms. Moreover, their crosstalk involves inflammatory and immune responses, hemodynamic change, fluid homeostasis, hormone secretion, nerve reflex regulation, uremic toxin, and oxidative stress. Our review provides important clues for the intervention for AKI and investigates important therapeutic potential from a new perspective.
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8
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Yuan J, Li J, Gao C, Jiang C, Xiang Z, Wu J. Immunotherapies catering to the unmet medical need of cold colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1022190. [PMID: 36275766 PMCID: PMC9579278 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a common malignant tumor of gastrointestinal tract, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has gradually increased in recent years. In western developed countries, it has even become the second largest malignant tumor next to lung cancer. Immunotherapy is a hot topic in the field of cancer therapy, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), adoptive cell therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines and cytokines, aiming to improve the ability of the immune system to recognize, target and eliminate cancer cells. However, cold CRC, which accounts for a high proportion of CRC, is not so reactive to it. The development of immunotherapy to prevent cancer cells from forming “immune escape” pathways to the immune system in cold CRC, has been under increasing study attention. There is proof that an organic combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and several immunotherapies can considerably boost the immune system’s capacity to eradicate tumor cells. In this review, we summarized the role of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. In addition, we propose a breakthrough and strategy to improve the role of immunotherapy in cold CRC based on its characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ce Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ze Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Wu, ; Ze Xiang,
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Wu, ; Ze Xiang,
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9
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Waddell JJ, Townsend PH, Collins ZS, Walter C. Liver-Directed Therapy for Metastatic Colon Cancer: Update. CURRENT COLORECTAL CANCER REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11888-022-00474-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Li Y, Chen Z, Han J, Ma X, Zheng X, Chen J. Functional and Therapeutic Significance of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:781233. [PMID: 35186730 PMCID: PMC8847181 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.781233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its acquisition of resistance to treatment become the research hotspots. As an important component of TME, the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) regulate multiple critical oncogenic processes, namely, occurrence, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance in CRC. In this review, we have discussed the functional and therapeutic significance of TAMs in CRC. M1 macrophages act as the tumor suppressor while M2 macrophages promote CRC. The polarization of TAMs is mainly regulated by the pathways such as NFKB1 pathways, STAT3 pathways, WNT5A pathways, and PI3K pathways in CRC. Furthermore, the M2 polarization of TAMs is not only controllable but also reversible. Finally, we provide insights into the TAMs-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenmei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Han
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochen Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Su T, Huang S, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Zhang S, Guan J, Meng M, Liu L, Wang C, Yu D, Kwan HY, Huang Z, Huang Q, Lai-Han Leung E, Hu M, Wang Y, Liu Z, Lu L. miR-7/TGF- β2 axis sustains acidic tumor microenvironment-induced lung cancer metastasis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:821-837. [PMID: 35251919 PMCID: PMC8896986 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidosis, regardless of hypoxia involvement, is recognized as a chronic and harsh tumor microenvironment (TME) that educates malignant cells to thrive and metastasize. Although overwhelming evidence supports an acidic environment as a driver or ubiquitous hallmark of cancer progression, the unrevealed core mechanisms underlying the direct effect of acidification on tumorigenesis have hindered the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and clinical therapy. Here, chemical-induced and transgenic mouse models for colon, liver and lung cancer were established, respectively. miR-7 and TGF-β2 expressions were examined in clinical tissues (n = 184). RNA-seq, miRNA-seq, proteomics, biosynthesis analyses and functional studies were performed to validate the mechanisms involved in the acidic TME-induced lung cancer metastasis. Our data show that lung cancer is sensitive to the increased acidification of TME, and acidic TME-induced lung cancer metastasis via inhibition of miR-7-5p. TGF-β2 is a direct target of miR-7-5p. The reduced expression of miR-7-5p subsequently increases the expression of TGF-β2 which enhances the metastatic potential of the lung cancer. Indeed, overexpression of miR-7-5p reduces the acidic pH-enhanced lung cancer metastasis. Furthermore, the human lung tumor samples also show a reduced miR-7-5p expression but an elevated level of activated TGF-β2; the expressions of both miR-7-5p and TGF-β2 are correlated with patients' survival. We are the first to identify the role of the miR-7/TGF-β2 axis in acidic pH-enhanced lung cancer metastasis. Our study not only delineates how acidification directly affects tumorigenesis, but also suggests miR-7 is a novel reliable biomarker for acidic TME and a novel therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Our study opens an avenue to explore the pH-sensitive subcellular components as novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
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Key Words
- AOM/DSS, azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate
- Acidic tumor microenvironment
- B[a]P, benzopyrene
- CA9, carbonic anhydrase IX
- DAB, diaminobenzidine
- DAVID, Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery
- DEGs, differentially expressed genes
- DEN, diethylnitrosamine
- DEPs, differentially expressed proteins
- DSS, dextran sodium sulfate
- GEMMs, genetically engineered tumor mouse models
- GSEA, gene set enrichment analysis
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- ISH, in situ hybridization
- Invasion
- KEGG, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
- LUAD, lung adenocarcinoma
- LUSC, lung squamous cell carcinoma
- Lung cancer
- MCT, monocarboxylate transporter
- Metastasis
- NHE, Na+/H+ exchanger
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- TGF-β2
- TME, tumor microenvironment
- TMT, tandem mass tagging
- V-ATPase, vacuolar ATPase
- miR-7-5p
- pH
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