1
|
Sun X, Li W, Li G, Yang H, Jiang Z, Shen L, Shen Y, Liu Y, Wang G. A novel long non-coding RNA LINC00524 facilitates invasion and metastasis through interaction with TDP43 in breast cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18275. [PMID: 38568058 PMCID: PMC10989564 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18275] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health concern worldwide, with metastasis being a primary contributor to patient mortality. While advances in understanding the disease's progression continue, the underlying mechanisms, particularly the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are not fully deciphered. In this study, we examined the influence of the lncRNA LINC00524 on BC invasion and metastasis. Through meticulous analyses of TCGA and GEO data sets, we observed a conspicuous elevation of LINC00524 expression in BC tissues. This increased expression correlated strongly with a poorer prognosis for BC patients. A detailed Gene Ontology analysis suggested that LINC00524 likely exerts its effects through RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) mechanisms. Experimentally, LINC00524 was demonstrated to amplify BC cell migration, invasion and proliferation in vitro. Additionally, in vivo tests showed its potent role in promoting BC cell growth and metastasis. A pivotal discovery was LINC00524's interaction with TDP43, which leads to the stabilization of TDP43 protein expression, an element associated with unfavourable BC outcomes. In essence, our comprehensive study illuminates how LINC00524 accelerates BC invasion and metastasis by binding to TDP43, presenting potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianglin Sun
- Department of Physiology and Hypoxic Biomedicine, Institute of Special Environmental MedicineNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Department of Physiology and Hypoxic Biomedicine, Institute of Special Environmental MedicineNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Physiology and Hypoxic Biomedicine, Institute of Special Environmental MedicineNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Physiology and Hypoxic Biomedicine, Institute of Special Environmental MedicineNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Zhenglin Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Hypoxic Biomedicine, Institute of Special Environmental MedicineNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Lihua Shen
- Department of PathologyAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | | | - Yifei Liu
- Department of PathologyAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Guohua Wang
- Department of Physiology and Hypoxic Biomedicine, Institute of Special Environmental MedicineNantong UniversityNantongChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee SH, Brianna. Association of microRNA-21 expression with breast cancer subtypes and its potential as an early biomarker. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155073. [PMID: 38218039 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer has become the most diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2020 with high morbidity and mortality rates. The alarming increase in breast cancer incidence has sprung many researchers to focus on developing novel screening tests to identify early breast cancer which will allow clinicians to provide timely and effective treatments. With much evidence supporting the notion that the deregulation of miRNAs (a class of non-coding RNA) greatly contributes to cancer initiation and progression, the promising role of miRNAs as cancer biomarkers is gaining traction in the research world. Among the upregulated miRNAs identified in breast carcinogenesis, miR-21 was shown to be significantly expressed in breast cancer tissues and bodily fluids of breast cancer patients. Therein, this review paper aims to provide an overview of breast cancer, the role and significance of miR-21 in breast cancer pathogenesis, and its potential as a breast cancer biomarker. The paper also discusses the current types of tumor biomarkers and their limitations, the presence of miR-21 in extracellular vesicles and plasma, screening methods available for miRNA detection along with some challenges faced in developing diagnostic miR-21 testing for breast cancer to provide readers with a comprehensive outlook based on using miR-21 in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sau Har Lee
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Digital Health and Medical Advancements Impact Lab, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Brianna
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Darul Ehsan, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Borzone FR, Giorello MB, Sanmartin MC, Yannarelli G, Martinez LM, Chasseing NA. Mesenchymal stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:238-256. [PMID: 35485850 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have an essential role in cancer progression, invasion and therapy resistance. Therefore, they are considered as highly promising future therapeutic targets against breast cancer. The intrinsic tumour tropism and immunomodulatory capacities of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells are of special relevance for developing mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-based anti-tumour therapies that suppress primary tumour growth and metastasis. In addition, the utilization of therapies that target the stromal components of the tumour microenvironment in combination with standard drugs is an innovative tool that could improve patients' response to therapies and their survival. In this review, we discuss the currently available information regarding the possible use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-derived anti-tumour therapies, as well as the utilization of therapies that target CAFs in breast cancer microenvironment. Finally, these data can serve as a guide map for future research in this field, ultimately aiding the effective transition of these results into the clinic. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Raúl Borzone
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Giorello
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Cecilia Sanmartin
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Yannarelli
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Marcelo Martinez
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Norma Alejandra Chasseing
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu L, Zhang X, Zhang S, Zhang Q, Cao L, Zhang Y, Wang D, Liang X, Wu W, Wu S, Jiang R, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhou G, Xu K, Meng Z. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:2209-2220. [PMID: 36715834 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-00998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has a relatively good prognosis, yet there are some invasive PTC cases with worse clinicopathological features and poor outcome. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the expression of marker proteins of CAFs in PTC and their correlations with clinicopathological features through immunohistochemistry. The medical records of 125 PTC patients were reviewed in this study, whose specimens were retrieved for immunohistochemistry. Four CAFs marker proteins, FAP fibroblast activated protein (FAP), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α(PDGFR-α), were stained and scored. Then, statistical analyses were performed. The immunoreactivity scores of FAP and α-SMA correlated with tumor size, BRAF mutation, extrathyroidal, invasion, pathological subtype, lymph node metastasis and ATA risk stratification. Moreover, binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves showed that high FAP and α-SMA immunoreactivity scores were risk factors for extrathyroidal invasion, BRAF mutation, multi-focality and lymph node metastasis (especially N1b) with good sensitivity and accuracy in prediction. A better performance was found in FAP than α-SMA. Strong expressions of CAFs were risk factors for worse thyroid cancer clinicopathological features. FAP was the better CAFs marker for PTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuhan Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, 300190, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Liang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuanghu Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Pathology Section, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guiming Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ke Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Singh S, Barik D, Arukha AP, Prasad S, Mohapatra I, Singh A, Singh G. Small Molecule Targeting Immune Cells: A Novel Approach for Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2621. [PMID: 37892995 PMCID: PMC10604364 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional and cancer immunotherapies encompass diverse strategies to address various cancer types and stages. However, combining these approaches often encounters limitations such as non-specific targeting, resistance development, and high toxicity, leading to suboptimal outcomes in many cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is orchestrated by intricate interactions between immune and non-immune cells dictating tumor progression. An innovative avenue in cancer therapy involves leveraging small molecules to influence a spectrum of resistant cell populations within the TME. Recent discoveries have unveiled a phenotypically diverse cohort of innate-like T (ILT) cells and tumor hybrid cells (HCs) exhibiting novel characteristics, including augmented proliferation, migration, resistance to exhaustion, evasion of immunosurveillance, reduced apoptosis, drug resistance, and heightened metastasis frequency. Leveraging small-molecule immunomodulators to target these immune players presents an exciting frontier in developing novel tumor immunotherapies. Moreover, combining small molecule modulators with immunotherapy can synergistically enhance the inhibitory impact on tumor progression by empowering the immune system to meticulously fine-tune responses within the TME, bolstering its capacity to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This review outlines strategies involving small molecules that modify immune cells within the TME, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic interventions and enhancing the anti-tumor response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Debashis Barik
- Center for Computational Natural Science and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032, Telangana, India
| | | | | | - Iteeshree Mohapatra
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Amar Singh
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gatikrushna Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu W, Wang B, Zhou M, Liu D, Chen F, Zhao X, Lu Y. Redox Dysregulation in the Tumor Microenvironment Contributes to Cancer Metastasis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:472-490. [PMID: 37002890 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Redox dysregulation under pathological conditions results in excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, leading to oxidative stress and cellular oxidative damage. ROS function as a double-edged sword to modulate various types of cancer development and survival. Recent Advances: Emerging evidence has underlined that ROS impact the behavior of both cancer cells and tumor-associated stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and these cells have developed complex systems to adapt to high ROS environments during cancer progression. Critical Issues: In this review, we integrated current progress regarding the impact of ROS on cancer cells and tumor-associated stromal cells in the TME and summarized how ROS production influences cancer cell behaviors. Then, we summarized the distinct effects of ROS during different stages of tumor metastasis. Finally, we discussed potential therapeutic strategies for modulating ROS for the treatment of cancer metastasis. Future Directions: Targeting the ROS regulation during cancer metastasis will provide important insights into the design of effective single or combinatorial cancer therapeutic strategies. Well-designed preclinical studies and clinical trials are urgently needed to understand the complex regulatory systems of ROS in the TME. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 472-490.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanning Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Boda Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingzhen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fulin Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaodi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maucort C, Bonnet M, Ortuno JC, Tucker G, Quissac E, Verreault M, Azoulay S, Di Giorgio C, Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Synthesis of Bleomycin-Inspired RNA Ligands Targeting the Biogenesis of Oncogenic miRNAs. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10639-10657. [PMID: 37449818 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00797] [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: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of gene expression and represent a promising target for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Among these ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are involved in the regulation of gene expression, and their dysregulation has been linked to several diseases such as cancers. Indeed, oncogenic miRNAs are overexpressed in cancer cells, thus promoting tumorigenesis and maintenance of cancer stem cells that are resistant to chemotherapy and often responsible for therapeutic failure. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of new small-molecule RNA binders able to inhibit the biogenesis of oncogenic miRNAs and target efficiently cancer stem cells. Through the biochemical study of their interaction with the target and thanks to intracellular assays, we describe the structure-activity relationships for this new series of RNA ligands, and we identify compounds bearing a very promising antiproliferative activity against cancer stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Maucort
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Maurinne Bonnet
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Jean-Claude Ortuno
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Gordon Tucker
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Emie Quissac
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Maïté Verreault
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Azoulay
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Christophe Di Giorgio
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Maria Duca
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Watabe T, Takahashi K, Pietras K, Yoshimatsu Y. Roles of TGF-β signals in tumor microenvironment via regulation of the formation and plasticity of vascular system. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:130-138. [PMID: 37068553 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells evolve in tumor microenvironment composed of multiple cell types. Among these, endothelial cells (ECs) are the major players in tumor angiogenesis, which is a driver of tumor progression and metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that ECs also contribute to tumor progression and metastasis as they modify their phenotypes to differentiate into mesenchymal cells through a process known as endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). This plasticity of ECs is mediated by various cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and modulated by other stimuli depending on the cellular contexts. Recent lines of evidence have shown that EndoMT is involved in various steps of tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, intravasation and extravasation of cancer cells, formation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and cancer therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize current updates on EndoMT, highlight the roles of EndoMT in tumor progression and metastasis, and underline targeting EndoMT as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Watabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshimatsu
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Villegas-Pineda JC, Ramírez-de-Arellano A, Bueno-Urquiza LJ, Lizarazo-Taborda MDR, Pereira-Suárez AL. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in gynecological malignancies: are they really allies of the enemy? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1106757. [PMID: 37168385 PMCID: PMC10164963 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1106757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular and cellular components of the tumor microenvironment are essential for cancer progression. The cellular element comprises cancer cells and heterogeneous populations of non-cancer cells that satisfy tumor needs. Immune, vascular, and mesenchymal cells provide the necessary factors to feed the tumor mass, promote its development, and favor the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to adjacent and distant anatomical sites. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are mesenchymal cells that promote carcinogenesis and progression of various malignant neoplasms. CAFs act through the secretion of metalloproteinases, growth factors, cytokines, mitochondrial DNA, and non-coding RNAs, among other molecules. Over the last few years, the evidence on the leading role of CAFs in gynecological cancers has notably increased, placing them as the cornerstone of neoplastic processes. In this review, the recently reported findings regarding the promoting role that CAFs play in gynecological cancers, their potential use as therapeutic targets, and the new evidence suggesting that they could act as tumor suppressors are analyzed and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Villegas-Pineda
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Adrián Ramírez-de-Arellano
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Lesly Jazmín Bueno-Urquiza
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | | | - Ana Laura Pereira-Suárez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Ana Laura Pereira-Suárez,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tumor-promoting aftermath post-chemotherapy: A focus on breast cancer. Life Sci 2022; 310:121125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
12
|
Shah K, Mallik SB, Gupta P, Iyer A. Targeting Tumour-Associated Fibroblasts in Cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:908156. [PMID: 35814453 PMCID: PMC9258494 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.908156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours develop within complex tissue environments consisting of aberrant oncogenic cancer cells, diverse innate and adaptive immune cells, along with structural stromal cells, extracellular matrix and vascular networks, and many other cellular and non-cellular soluble constituents. Understanding the heterogeneity and the complex interplay between these cells remains a key barrier in treating tumours and cancers. The immune status of the pre-tumour and tumour milieu can dictate if the tumour microenvironment (TME) supports either a pro-malignancy or an anti-malignancy phenotype. Identification of the factors and cell types that regulate the dysfunction of the TME is crucial in order to understand and modulate the immune status of tumours. Among these cell types, tumour-associated fibroblasts are emerging as a major component of the TME that is often correlated with poor prognosis and therapy resistance, including immunotherapies. Thus, a deeper understanding of the complex roles of tumour-associated fibroblasts in regulating tumour immunity and cancer therapy could provide new insight into targeting the TME in various human cancers. In this review, we summarize recent studies investigating the role of immune and key stromal cells in regulating the immune status of the TME and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting stromal cells, especially tumour-associated fibroblasts, within the TME as an adjuvant therapy to sensitize immunosuppressive tumours and prevent cancer progression, chemo-resistance and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kairav Shah
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Praveer Gupta
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Abishek Iyer
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Banik A, Sharma R, Chauhan A, Singh S. Cutting the umbilical cord: Cancer stem cell-targeted therapeutics. Life Sci 2022; 299:120502. [PMID: 35351466 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120502] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are a notoriously quiescent subpopulation of cells within heterogeneous tumors exhibiting self-renewal, differentiation and drug-resistant capabilities leading to tumor relapse. Heterogeneous cell populations in tumor microenvironment develop an elaborate network of signalling and factors supporting the CSC population within a niche. Identification of specific biomarkers for CSCs facilitates their isolation. CSCs demonstrate abilities that bypass immune surveillance, exhibit resistance to therapy, and induce cancer recurrence while promoting altered metabolism of the bulk tumor, thereby encouraging metastasis. The fight against cancer is prone to relapse without discussing the issue of CSCs, making it imperative for encapsulation of current studies. In this review, we provide extensive knowledge of recent therapeutics developed that target CSCs via multiple signalling cascades, altered metabolism and the tumor microenvironment. Thorough understanding of the functioning of CSCs, their interaction with different cells in the tumor microenvironment as well as current gaps in knowledge are addressed. We present possible strategies to disrupt the cellular and molecular interplay within the tumor microenvironment and make it less conducive for CSCs, which may aid in their eradication with subsequently better treatment outcomes. In conclusion, we discuss a brief yet functional idea of emerging concepts in CSC biology to develop efficient therapeutics acting on cancer recurrence and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Banik
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Chinna Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Rishika Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Akansha Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Sandhya Singh
- Amity Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Han L, Seward C, Leone G, Ostrowski MC. Origin, activation and heterogeneity of fibroblasts associated with pancreas and breast cancers. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 154:169-201. [PMID: 35459469 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreas and breast cancers both contain abundant stromal components within the tumor tissues. A prominent cell type within the stroma is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play critical and complex roles establishing the tumor microenvironment to either promote or prevent tumor progression. Recently, complex genetic models and single cell-based techniques have provided emerging insights on the precise functions and cellular heterogeneity of CAFs. The transformation of normal fibroblasts into CAFs is a key event during tumor initiation and progression. Such coordination between tumor cells and fibroblasts plays an important role in cancer development. Reprograming fibroblasts is currently being explored for therapeutic benefits. In this review, we will discuss recent literature shedding light on the tissues of origin, activation mechanisms, and heterogeneity of CAFs comparing pancreas and breast cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Cara Seward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Gustavo Leone
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Medical college of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mollah F, Varamini P. Overcoming Therapy Resistance and Relapse in TNBC: Emerging Technologies to Target Breast Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1921. [PMID: 34944738 PMCID: PMC8698629 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer. Often, TNBC is not effectively treated due to the lack of specificity of conventional therapies and results in relapse and metastasis. Breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (BCAFs) are the predominant cells that reside in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and regulate tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis, and therapy resistance. BCAFs secrete a wide range of factors, including growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines, some of which have been proved to lead to a poor prognosis and clinical outcomes. This TME component has been emerging as a promising target due to its crucial role in cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance. A number of therapeutic candidates are designed to effectively target BCAFs with a focus on their tumor-promoting properties and tumor immune response. This review explores various agents targeting BCAFs in TNBC, including small molecules, nucleic acid-based agents, antibodies, proteins, and finally, nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Mollah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Pegah Varamini
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Orlandella FM, Auletta L, Greco A, Zannetti A, Salvatore G. Preclinical Imaging Evaluation of miRNAs' Delivery and Effects in Breast Cancer Mouse Models: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6020. [PMID: 34885130 PMCID: PMC8656589 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have conducted a systematic review focusing on the advancements in preclinical molecular imaging to study the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of miRNAs in mouse models of breast cancer. METHODS A systematic review of English articles published in peer-reviewed journals using PubMed, EMBASE, BIOSIS™ and Scopus was performed. Search terms included breast cancer, mouse, mice, microRNA(s) and miRNA(s). RESULTS From a total of 2073 records, our final data extraction was from 114 manuscripts. The most frequently used murine genetic background was Balb/C (46.7%). The most frequently used model was the IV metastatic model (46.8%), which was obtained via intravenous injection (68.9%) in the tail vein. Bioluminescence was the most used frequently used tool (64%), and was used as a surrogate for tumor growth for efficacy treatment or for the evaluation of tumorigenicity in miRNA-transfected cells (29.9%); for tracking, evaluation of engraftment and for response to therapy in metastatic models (50.6%). CONCLUSIONS This review provides a systematic and focused analysis of all the information available and related to the imaging protocols with which to test miRNA therapy in an in vivo mice model of breast cancer, and has the purpose of providing an important tool to suggest the best preclinical imaging protocol based on available evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Auletta
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.Z.)
| | - Adelaide Greco
- InterDepartmental Center of Veterinary Radiology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.Z.)
| | - Giuliana Salvatore
- IRCCS SDN, 80143 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Motor Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.A.R.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yeh YC, Lawal B, Hsiao M, Huang TH, Huang CYF. Identification of NSP3 ( SH2D3C) as a Prognostic Biomarker of Tumor Progression and Immune Evasion for Lung Cancer and Evaluation of Organosulfur Compounds from Allium sativum L. as Therapeutic Candidates. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1582. [PMID: 34829812 PMCID: PMC8615911 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The multi-domain non-structural protein 3 (NSP3) is an oncogenic molecule that has been concomitantly implicated in the progression of coronavirus infection. However, its oncological role in lung cancer and whether it plays a role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment is not properly understood. In the present in silico study, we demonstrated that NSP3 (SH2D3C) is associated with advanced stage and poor prognoses of lung cancer cohorts. Genetic alterations of NSP3 (SH2D3C) co-occurred inversely with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) alterations and elicited its pathological role via modulation of various components of the immune and inflammatory pathways in lung cancer. Our correlation analysis suggested that NSP3 (SH2D3C) promotes tumor immune evasion via dysfunctional T-cell phenotypes and T-cell exclusion mechanisms in lung cancer patients. NSP3 (SH2D3C) demonstrated a high predictive value and association with therapy resistance in lung cancer, hence serving as an attractive target for therapy exploration. We evaluated the in silico drug-likeness and NSP3 (SH2D3C) target efficacy of six organosulfur small molecules from Allium sativum using a molecular docking study. We found that the six organosulfur compounds demonstrated selective cytotoxic potential against cancer cell lines and good predictions for ADMET properties, drug-likeness, and safety profile. E-ajoene, alliin, diallyl sulfide, 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin, allicin, and S-allyl-cysteine docked well into the NSP3 (SH2D3C)-binding cavity with binding affinities ranging from -4.3~-6.70 Ă and random forest (RF) scores ranging from 4.31~5.26 pKd. However, S-allyl-cysteine interaction with NSP3 (SH2D3C) is unfavorable and hence less susceptible to NSP3 ligandability. In conclusion, our study revealed that NSP3 is an important onco-immunological biomarker encompassing the tumor microenvironment, disease staging and prognosis in lung cancer and could serve as an attractive target for cancer therapy. The organosulfur compounds from A. sativum have molecular properties to efficiently interact with the binding site of NSP3 and are currently under vigorous preclinical study in our laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chieh Yeh
- Program in Molecular Medicine, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Bashir Lawal
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan;
| | - Tse-Hung Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department & Graduate Institute of Chemical Engineering & Graduate Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 243, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ying F. Huang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang M, Zhao X, Huang F, Wang L, Huang J, Gong Z, Yu W. Exosomal proteins: Key players mediating pre‑metastatic niche formation and clinical implications (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 58:4. [PMID: 33649844 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a destructive characteristic of malignant tumors and the fundamental reason why malignant tumors are difficult to cure. The concept of a pre‑metastatic niche (PMN) provides a novel way to elucidate the molecular mechanism of tumor metastasis. At present, the PMN has been considered as a critical determinant priming distal sites for metastasis. Accumulating evidence has suggested that exosomes are cellular communicators serving a pivotal role in mediating tumor cell metastasis by establishing the PMN. Among exosomal cargos, non‑coding RNAs and proteins are two commonly studied components; however, the latter has received less attention. The present review aimed to summarize the findings regarding cargo proteins selectively loaded in malignant tumor‑derived exosomes. Metastasis‑associated proteins have been demonstrated to be selectively enriched in malignant tumor‑derived exosomes. Exosomal proteins promote PMN formation to mediate the site‑specific metastasis of tumor cells by inducing lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis and permeability, educating stromal cells, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and suppressing the antitumor immune response. These exosomal proteins have great potential in predicting organ‑directed metastasis and prognosis, as well as in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Jiaying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Wanjun Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Raue R, Frank AC, Syed SN, Brüne B. Therapeutic Targeting of MicroRNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042210. [PMID: 33672261 PMCID: PMC7926641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor-microenvironment (TME) is an amalgamation of various factors derived from malignant cells and infiltrating host cells, including cells of the immune system. One of the important factors of the TME is microRNAs (miRs) that regulate target gene expression at a post transcriptional level. MiRs have been found to be dysregulated in tumor as well as in stromal cells and they emerged as important regulators of tumorigenesis. In fact, miRs regulate almost all hallmarks of cancer, thus making them attractive tools and targets for novel anti-tumoral treatment strategies. Tumor to stroma cell cross-propagation of miRs to regulate protumoral functions has been a salient feature of the TME. MiRs can either act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes (oncomiRs) and both miR mimics as well as miR inhibitors (antimiRs) have been used in preclinical trials to alter cancer and stromal cell phenotypes. Owing to their cascading ability to regulate upstream target genes and their chemical nature, which allows specific pharmacological targeting, miRs are attractive targets for anti-tumor therapy. In this review, we cover a recent update on our understanding of dysregulated miRs in the TME and provide an overview of how these miRs are involved in current cancer-therapeutic approaches from bench to bedside.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Raue
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
| | - Ann-Christin Frank
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
| | - Shahzad Nawaz Syed
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-7424 (B.B.)
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
- Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-7424 (B.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fan T, Zhu M, Wang L, Liu Y, Tian H, Zheng Y, Tan F, Sun N, Li C, He J. Immune profile of the tumor microenvironment and the identification of a four-gene signature for lung adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2397-2417. [PMID: 33318300 PMCID: PMC7880407 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The composition and relative abundances of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are key factors affecting the progression of lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) and the efficacy of immunotherapy. Using the cancer gene expression dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program, we scored stromal and immune cells for tumor purity prediction by CIBERSORT and ESTMATE. Differential expression analysis was employed to identify 374 genes between the high-score group and the low-score group, which were utilized to conduct Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Cox regression analysis were performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to identify four key tumor microenvironment (TME) -related genes (CCR2, CCR4, P2RY12, and P2RY13). The expression levels of the four DEGs differed significantly among LUAD patients of different ages, genders, and TNM stages. We found that the infiltration of resting memory CD4+ T cells, memory B cells, and M0 macrophages into the TME was co-regulated by these four DEGs. These four genes were closely related to the prognosis of LUAD and affected the infiltration of immune cells into the TME, which had predictive prognostic value in LUAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Fan
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Mingchuang Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Liyu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Fengwei Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fang Z, Xu J, Zhang B, Wang W, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. The promising role of noncoding RNAs in cancer-associated fibroblasts: an overview of current status and future perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:154. [PMID: 33213510 PMCID: PMC7678062 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00988-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most important component of the stromal cell population in the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial players in tumor initiation and progression. The interaction between CAFs and tumor cells, as well as the resulting effect, is much greater than initially expected. Numerous studies have shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an irreplaceable role in this interplay, and related evidence continues to emerge and advance. Under the action of ncRNAs, normal fibroblasts are directly or indirectly activated into CAFs, and their metabolic characteristics are changed; thus, CAFs can more effectively promote tumor progression. Moreover, via ncRNAs, activated CAFs can affect the gene expression and secretory characteristics of cells, alter the TME and enhance malignant biological processes in tumor cells to contribute to tumor promotion. Previously, ncRNA dysregulation was considered the main mechanism by which ncRNAs participate in the crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. Recently, however, exosomes containing ncRNAs have been identified as another vital mode of interaction between these two types of cells, with a more direct and clear function. Gaining an in-depth understanding of ncRNAs in CAFs and the complex regulatory network connecting CAFs with tumor cells might help us to establish more effective and safer approaches for cancer therapies targeting ncRNAs and CAFs and offer new hope for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kanzaki R, Pietras K. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts: Opportunities for precision medicine. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2708-2717. [PMID: 32573845 PMCID: PMC7419037 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite marked development in cancer therapies during recent decades, the prognosis for advanced cancer remains poor. The conventional tumor-cell-centric view of cancer can only explain part of cancer progression, and thus a thorough understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial. Among cells within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are attracting attention as a target for cancer therapy. However, CAFs present a heterogeneous population of cells and more detailed classification of CAFs and investigation of functions of each subset is needed to develop novel CAF-targeted therapies. In this context, application of newly developed approaches to single-cell analysis has already made an impact on our understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs. Here, we review the recent literature on CAF heterogeneity and function, and discuss the possibility of novel therapies targeting CAF subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryu Kanzaki
- Division of Translational Cancer ResearchDepartment of Laboratory MedicineLund University Cancer CentreLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Division of Translational Cancer ResearchDepartment of Laboratory MedicineLund University Cancer CentreLund UniversityLundSweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
The life cycle of cancer-associated fibroblasts within the tumour stroma and its importance in disease outcome. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:931-942. [PMID: 31992854 PMCID: PMC7109057 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0705-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) determines vital aspects of tumour development, such as tumour growth, metastases and response to therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant and extremely influential in this process and interact with cellular and matrix TME constituents such as endothelial and immune cells and collagens, fibronectin and elastin, respectively. However, CAFs are also the recipients of signals—both chemical and physical—that are generated by the TME, and their phenotype effectively evolves alongside the tumour mass during tumour progression. Amid a rising clinical interest in CAFs as a crucial force for disease progression, this review aims to contextualise the CAF phenotype using the chronological framework of the CAF life cycle within the evolving tumour stroma, ranging from quiescent fibroblasts to highly proliferative and secretory CAFs. The emergence, properties and clinical implications of CAF activation are discussed, as well as research strategies used to characterise CAFs and current clinical efforts to alter CAF function as a therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhong S, Jeong JH, Chen Z, Chen Z, Luo JL. Targeting Tumor Microenvironment by Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Transl Oncol 2019; 13:57-69. [PMID: 31785429 PMCID: PMC6909103 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a hypoxic, acidic, and immune/inflammatory cell–enriched milieu that plays crucial roles in tumor development, growth, progression, and therapy resistance. Targeting TME is an attractive strategy for the treatment of solid tumors. Conventional cancer chemotherapies are mostly designed to directly kill cancer cells, and the effectiveness is always compromised by their penetration and accessibility to cancer cells. Small-molecule inhibitors, which exhibit good penetration and accessibility, are widely studied, and many of them have been successfully applied in clinics for cancer treatment. As TME is more penetrable and accessible than tumor cells, a lot of efforts have recently been made to generate small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target TME or the components of TME or develop special drug-delivery systems that release the cytotoxic drugs specifically in TME. In this review, we briefly summarize the recent advances of small-molecule inhibitors that target TME for the tumor treatment. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is an indispensable part of tumor and is an important therapeutic target. TME is more penetrable and accessible than tumor cell area. Small-molecule inhibitors that target TME are very promising. The target efficiency can be improved by specific deliver and release systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shangwei Zhong
- The Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Ji-Hak Jeong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Zhikang Chen
- The Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Zihua Chen
- The Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Jun-Li Luo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Stromal reprogramming: A target for tumor therapy. Life Sci 2019; 239:117049. [PMID: 31730862 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as the dominant, long-lived and highly plastic cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) with multi-faceted roles that are endowed with tumor aggressive features. They can instruct and shape the stroma of tumor into being a highly qualified bed for cellular recruitment, differentiation and plasticity in the host tissue or secondary organ/s. In this Review, we have a discussion over CAF reprogramming as a general concept, inducers and outcomes, pursued by suggesting potential strategies to combat this key promoter of tumor.
Collapse
|
26
|
An Y, Liu F, Chen Y, Yang Q. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:13-24. [PMID: 31642585 PMCID: PMC6933413 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have shown that cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in tumour progression, including carcinogenesis, invasion, metastasis and the chemoresistance of cancer cells. Immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and T cells, play a dual role in the tumour microenvironment. Although increasing research has focused on studying interactions between distinct cells in the tumour microenvironment, the complex relationships between CAFs and immune cells remain unclear and need further study. Here, we summarize our current understanding of crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells, which may help clarify their diagnostic and therapeutic value in tumour progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan An
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Fengtian Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Synthetic small-molecule RNA ligands: future prospects as therapeutic agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1242-1255. [PMID: 31534649 PMCID: PMC6748380 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00195f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA is one of the most intriguing and promising biological targets for the discovery of innovative drugs in many pathologies and various biologically relevant RNAs that could serve as drug targets have already been identified. Among the most important ones, one can mention prokaryotic ribosomal RNA which is the target of several marketed antibiotics, viral RNAs or oncogenic microRNAs that are tightly involved in the development and progression of various cancers. Oligonucleotides are efficient and specific RNA targeting agents but suffer from poor pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. For this reason, a number of synthetic small-molecule ligands have been identified and studied upon screening of chemical libraries or focused design of RNA binders. In this review, we report the most relevant examples of synthetic compounds bearing sufficient selectivity to envisage clinical studies and future therapeutic applications with a particular attention for the main strategies that can be undertaken toward the improvement of selectivity and biological activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Di Giorgio
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) , Nice , France .
| | - M Duca
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) , Nice , France .
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Crosstalk between Notch, HIF-1α and GPER in Breast Cancer EMT. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072011. [PMID: 29996493 PMCID: PMC6073901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway acts in both physiological and pathological conditions, including embryonic development and tumorigenesis. In cancer progression, diverse mechanisms are involved in Notch-mediated biological responses, including angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). During EMT, the activation of cellular programs facilitated by transcriptional repressors results in epithelial cells losing their differentiated features, like cell–cell adhesion and apical–basal polarity, whereas they gain motility. As it concerns cancer epithelial cells, EMT may be consequent to the evolution of genetic/epigenetic instability, or triggered by factors that can act within the tumor microenvironment. Following a description of the Notch signaling pathway and its major regulatory nodes, we focus on studies that have given insights into the functional interaction between Notch signaling and either hypoxia or estrogen in breast cancer cells, with a particular focus on EMT. Furthermore, we describe the role of hypoxia signaling in breast cancer cells and discuss recent evidence regarding a functional interaction between HIF-1α and GPER in both breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). On the basis of these studies, we propose that a functional network between HIF-1α, GPER and Notch may integrate tumor microenvironmental cues to induce robust EMT in cancer cells. Further investigations are required in order to better understand how hypoxia and estrogen signaling may converge on Notch-mediated EMT within the context of the stroma and tumor cells interaction. However, the data discussed here may anticipate the potential benefits of further pharmacological strategies targeting breast cancer progression.
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu S, Yang Z, Jin P, Yang X, Li X, Wei X, Wang Y, Long S, Zhang T, Chen G, Sun C, Ma D, Gao Q. Metformin Suppresses Tumor Progression by Inactivating Stromal Fibroblasts in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1291-1302. [PMID: 29545331 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Xu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyuan Yang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Sixiang Long
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Taoran Zhang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chaoyang Sun
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Modulation of oncogenic miRNA biogenesis using functionalized polyamines. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1667. [PMID: 29374231 PMCID: PMC5786041 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20053-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are key factors in the regulation of gene expression and their deregulation has been directly linked to various pathologies such as cancer. The use of small molecules to tackle the overexpression of oncogenic miRNAs has proved its efficacy and holds the promise for therapeutic applications. Here we describe the screening of a 640-compound library and the identification of polyamine derivatives interfering with in vitro Dicer-mediated processing of the oncogenic miR-372 precursor (pre-miR-372). The most active inhibitor is a spermine-amidine conjugate that binds to the pre-miR-372 with a KD of 0.15 µM, and inhibits its in vitro processing with a IC50 of 1.06 µM. The inhibition of miR-372 biogenesis was confirmed in gastric cancer cells overexpressing miR-372 and a specific inhibition of proliferation through de-repression of the tumor suppressor LATS2 protein, a miR-372 target, was observed. This compound modifies the expression of a small set of miRNAs and its selective biological activity has been confirmed in patient-derived ex vivo cultures of gastric carcinoma. Polyamine derivatives are promising starting materials for future studies about the inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the application of functionalized polyamines as miRNAs interfering agents.
Collapse
|
31
|
Ren Y, Jia HH, Xu YQ, Zhou X, Zhao XH, Wang YF, Song X, Zhu ZY, Sun T, Dou Y, Tian WP, Zhao XL, Kang CS, Mei M. Paracrine and epigenetic control of CAF-induced metastasis: the role of HOTAIR stimulated by TGF-ß1 secretion. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:5. [PMID: 29325547 PMCID: PMC5765658 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0758-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The communication between carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and cancer cells facilitate tumor metastasis. In this study, we further underlying the epigenetic mechanisms of CAFs feed the cancer cells and the molecular mediators involved in these processes. Methods MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with CAFs culture conditioned medium, respectively. Cytokine antibody array, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to identify the key chemokines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the transactivation of target LncRNA by CAFs. A series of in vitro assays was performed with RNAi-mediated knockdown to elucidate the function of LncRNA. An orthotopic mouse model of MDA-MB-231 was conducted to confirm the mechanism in vivo. Results Here we reported that TGF-β1 was top one highest level of cytokine secreted by CAFs as revealed by cytokine antibody array. Paracrine TGF-β1 was essential for CAFs induced EMT and metastasis in breast cancer cells, which is a crucial mediator of the interaction between stromal and cancer cells. CAF-CM significantly enhanced the HOTAIR expression to promote EMT, whereas treatment with small-molecule inhibitors of TGF-β1 attenuated the activation of HOTAIR. Most importantly, SMAD2/3/4 directly bound the promoter site of HOTAIR, located between nucleotides -386 and -398, -440 and -452, suggesting that HOTAIR was a directly transcriptional target of SMAD2/3/4. Additionally, CAFs mediated EMT by targeting CDK5 signaling through H3K27 tri-methylation. Depletion of HOTAIR inhibited CAFs-induced tumor growth and lung metastasis in MDA-MB-231 orthotopic animal model. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that CAFs promoted the metastatic activity of breast cancer cells by activating the transcription of HOTAIR via TGF-β1 secretion, supporting the pursuit of the TGF-β1/HOTAIR axis as a target in breast cancer treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12943-018-0758-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ren
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Huan-Huan Jia
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yi-Qi Xu
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Head and Neck, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yun-Fei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Lab of Neuro- oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xin Song
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhi-Yan Zhu
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yan Dou
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Wei-Ping Tian
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiu-Lan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Chun-Sheng Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Lab of Neuro- oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro-repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Mei Mei
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Assi M. The differential role of reactive oxygen species in early and late stages of cancer. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 313:R646-R653. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00247.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The large doses of vitamins C and E and β-carotene used to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative damages in cancerous tissue have produced disappointing and contradictory results. This therapeutic conundrum was attributed to the double-faced role of ROS, notably, their ability to induce either proliferation or apoptosis of cancer cells. However, for a ROS-inhibitory approach to be effective, it must target ROS when they induce proliferation rather than apoptosis. On the basis of recent advances in redox biology, this review underlined a differential regulation of prooxidant and antioxidant system, respective to the stage of cancer. At early precancerous and neoplastic stages, antioxidant activity decreases and ROS appear to promote cancer initiation via inducing oxidative damage and base pair substitution mutations in prooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, such as RAS and TP53, respectively. Whereas in late stages of cancer progression, tumor cells escape apoptosis by producing high levels of intracellular antioxidants, like NADPH and GSH, via the pentose phosphate pathway to buffer the excessive production of ROS and related intratumor oxidative injuries. Therefore, antioxidants should be prohibited in patients with advanced stages of cancer and/or undergoing anticancer therapies. Interestingly, the biochemical and biophysical properties of some polyphenols allow them to selectively recognize tumor cells. This characteristic was exploited to design and deliver nanoparticles coated with low doses of polyphenols and containing chemotherapeutic drugs into tumor-bearing animals. First results are encouraging, which may revolutionize the conventional use of antioxidants in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Assi
- Laboratory “Movement, Sport and Health Sciences,” University of Rennes II-Ecole Normale Superieur Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yang Z, Yang X, Xu S, Jin P, Li X, Wei X, Liu D, Huang K, Long S, Wang Y, Sun C, Chen G, Hu J, Meng L, Ma D, Gao Q. Reprogramming of stromal fibroblasts by SNAI2 contributes to tumor desmoplasia and ovarian cancer progression. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:163. [PMID: 29041931 PMCID: PMC5645935 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0732-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular profiling in ovarian cancer (OC) revealed that the desmoplasia subtype presented the poorest prognosis, highlighting the contribution of stromal fibroblasts in tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of SNAI2 driving the transcriptional reprogramming of fibroblasts within tumors. METHODS SNAI2 expression was evaluated in microdissected profiles of various cancers and in various molecular subtypes of OC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA) were performed to explore the correlation between SNAI2 and stromal fibroblast activation. The SNAI2 defined signature in the mesenchymal OC subtype was identified through an integrative analysis of the TCGA and the Tothill datasets. The predictive value of this signature was validated in independent datasets. SNAI2 expression alteration influence of tumor growth in primary CAFs was evaluated in 3D organotypic and murine xenograft models. RESULTS We demonstrated that SNAI2 was frequently activated in the tumor stroma, correlated with fibroblast activation and worse patient outcome in OC. SNAI2 transformed normal fibroblasts to a CAF-like state and boosted their tumor-supporting role in 3D organotypic culture and in OC xenograft model. SNAI2 drove a transcriptional signature in the mesenchymal subtype of OC that contributed to tumor desmoplasia, which fed back to increase SNAI2 expression and sustain fibroblast activation. CONCLUSIONS Our results address the role of SNAI2 in reprogramming stromal fibroblasts. The identified SNAI2 mesenchymal signature has both a predictive value and biological relevance and might be a therapeutic target for stroma-oriented therapy against the desmoplasia OC subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongyuan Yang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Sen Xu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Ping Jin
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Kecheng Huang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Sixiang Long
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Chaoyang Sun
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Junbo Hu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Li Meng
- Department of hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key laboratory of the ministry of education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Anv., Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gascard P, Tlsty TD. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts: orchestrating the composition of malignancy. Genes Dev 2017; 30:1002-19. [PMID: 27151975 PMCID: PMC4863733 DOI: 10.1101/gad.279737.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 513] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The tumor stroma is no longer seen solely as physical support for mutated epithelial cells but as an important modulator and even a driver of tumorigenicity. Within the tumor stromal milieu, heterogeneous populations of fibroblast-like cells, collectively termed carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are key players in the multicellular, stromal-dependent alterations that contribute to malignant initiation and progression. This review focuses on novel insights into the contributions of CAFs to disease progression, emergent events leading to the generation of CAFs, identification of CAF-specific biomarkers predictive of disease outcome, and recent therapeutic approaches aimed at blunting or reverting detrimental protumorigenic phenotypes associated with CAFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gascard
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Thea D Tlsty
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Approaches for the Discovery of Small Molecule Ligands Targeting microRNAs. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2017_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|