1
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Bao Y, Tong C, Xiong X. CXCL3: A key player in tumor microenvironment and inflammatory diseases. Life Sci 2024; 348:122691. [PMID: 38714265 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
CXCL3 (C-X-C Motif Chemokine 3), a member of the C-X-C chemokine subfamily, operates as a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils, thereby orchestrating the recruitment and migration of leukocytes alongside eliciting an inflammatory response. Recent inquiries have shed light on the pivotal roles of CXCL3 in the context of carcinogenesis. In the tumor microenvironment, CXCL3 emanating from both tumor and stromal cells intricately modulates cellular behaviors through autocrine and paracrine actions, primarily via interaction with its receptor CXCR2. Activation of signaling cascades such as ERK/MAPK, AKT, and JAK2/STAT3 underscores CXCL3's propensity to favor tumorigenic processes. However, CXCL3 exhibits dualistic behaviors, as evidenced by its capacity to exert anti-tumor effects under specific conditions. Additionally, the involvement of CXCL3 extends to inflammatory disorders like eclampsia, obesity, and asthma. This review encapsulates the structural attributes, biological functionalities, and molecular underpinnings of CXCL3 across both tumorigenesis and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Bao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Queen Mary School of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chang Tong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Xiangyang Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
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2
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Guo B, Zheng Y, Fan Y, Yang Y, Wang Y, Qin L, An Y, Xu X, Zhang X, Sun G, Dou H, Shao C, Gong Y, Jiang B, Hu H. Enhanced Apc Min/+ adenoma formation after epithelial CUL4B deletion by recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Neoplasia 2024; 53:101005. [PMID: 38761506 PMCID: PMC11127156 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as a prevalent malignancy globally. A pivotal event in CRC pathogenesis involves the loss-of-function mutation in the APC gene, leading to the formation of benign polyps. Despite the well-established role of APC, the contribution of CUL4B to CRC initiation in the pre-tumorous stage remains poorly understood. In this investigation, we generated a murine model by crossing ApcMin/+ mice with Cul4bΔIEC mice to achieve specific deletion of Cul4b in the gut epithelium against an ApcMin/+ background. By employing histological methods, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), and flow cytometry, we assessed alterations and characterized the immune microenvironment. Our results unveiled that CUL4B deficiency in gut epithelium expedited ApcMin/+ adenoma formation. Notably, CUL4B in adenomas restrained the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In vivo inhibition of MDSCs significantly delayed the growth of CUL4B deleted ApcMin/+ adenomas. Furthermore, the addition of MDSCs to in vitro cultured ApcMin/+; Cul4bΔIEC adenoma organoids mitigated their alterations. Mechanistically, CUL4B directly interacted with the promoter of Csf3, the gene encoding granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) by coordinating with PRC2. Inhibiting CUL4B epigenetically activated the expression of G-CSF, promoting the recruitment of MDSCs. These findings offer novel insights into the tumor suppressor-like roles of CUL4B in regulating ApcMin/+ adenomas, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC initiation and progression in the context of activated Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yawen Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujia Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuxing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liping Qin
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yachun An
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiyu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gongping Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Histoembryology, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Dou
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baichun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Huili Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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3
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Li X, Feng X, Zhou J, Luo Y, Chen X, Zhao J, Chen H, Xiong G, Luo G. A muti-modal feature fusion method based on deep learning for predicting immunotherapy response. J Theor Biol 2024; 586:111816. [PMID: 38589007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has greatly improved the survival of cancer patients in the past few years, but only a small number of patients respond to ICT. To predict ICT response, we developed a multi-modal feature fusion model based on deep learning (MFMDL). This model utilizes graph neural networks to map gene-gene relationships in gene networks to low dimensional vector spaces, and then fuses biological pathway features and immune cell infiltration features to make robust predictions of ICT. We used five datasets to validate the predictive performance of the MFMDL. These five datasets span multiple types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and gastric cancer. We found that the prediction performance of multi-modal feature fusion model based on deep learning is superior to other traditional ICT biomarkers, such as ICT targets or tumor microenvironment-associated markers. In addition, we also conducted ablation experiments to demonstrate the necessity of fusing different modal features, which can improve the prediction accuracy of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Li
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Xuan Feng
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yuchao Luo
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Jiapeng Zhao
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Haowen Chen
- College of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| | - Guoming Xiong
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Guoliang Luo
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
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4
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Yuan M, Zhang C, Chen S, Ye S, Liu H, Ke H, Huang J, Liang G, Yu R, Hu T, Wu X, Lan P. PDP1 promotes KRAS mutant colorectal cancer progression by serving as a scaffold for BRAF and MEK1. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217007. [PMID: 38849010 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217007] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The oncogenic role of KRAS in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is well-established. Despite this, identifying effective therapeutic targets for KRAS-mutated CRC remains a significant challenge. This study identifies pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase catalytic subunit 1 (PDP1) as a previously unrecognized yet crucial regulator in the progression of KRAS mutant CRC. A substantial upregulation of PDP1 expression is observed in KRAS mutant CRC cells and tissues compared to wild-type KRAS samples, which correlates with poorer prognosis. Functional experiments elucidate that PDP1 accelerates the malignance of KRAS mutant CRC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PDP1 acts as a scaffold, enhancing BRAF and MEK1 interaction and activating the MAPK signaling, thereby promoting CRC progression. Additionally, transcription factor KLF5 is identified as the key regulator for PDP1 upregulation in KRAS mutant CRC. Crucially, targeting PDP1 combined with MAPK inhibitors exhibits an obvious inhibitory effect on KRAS mutant CRC. Overall, PDP1 is underscored as a vital oncogenic driver and promising therapeutic target for KRAS mutant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yuan
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Shaopeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Shubiao Ye
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Huashan Liu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Haoxian Ke
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510288, PR China
| | - Junfeng Huang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Guanzhan Liang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Runfeng Yu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Tuo Hu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China.
| | - Xianrui Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510288, PR China.
| | - Ping Lan
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, PR China.
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5
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Shao L, Srivastava R, Delgoffe GM, Thorne SH, Sarkar SN. An IRF2-Expressing Oncolytic Virus Changes the Susceptibility of Tumor Cells to Antitumor T Cells and Promotes Tumor Clearance. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:779-790. [PMID: 38517470 PMCID: PMC11150089 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0573] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) can promote antitumor immunity. However, we have shown previously that in the tumor cell, IRF1 can promote tumor growth, and IRF1-deficient tumor cells exhibit severely restricted tumor growth in several syngeneic mouse tumor models. Here, we investigate the potential of functionally modulating IRF1 to reduce tumor progression and prolong survival. Using inducible IRF1 expression, we established that it is possible to regulate IRF1 expression to modulate tumor progression in established B16-F10 tumors. Expression of IRF2, which is a functional antagonist of IRF1, downregulated IFNγ-induced expression of inhibitory ligands, upregulated MHC-related molecules, and slowed tumor growth and extended survival. We characterized the functional domain(s) of IRF2 needed for this antitumor activity, showing that a full-length IRF2 was required for its antitumor functions. Finally, using an oncolytic vaccinia virus as a delivery platform, we showed that IRF2-expressing vaccinia virus suppressed tumor progression and prolonged survival in multiple tumor models. These results suggest the potency of targeting IRF1 and using IRF2 to modulate immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Shao
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rashmi Srivastava
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Greg M. Delgoffe
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Stephen H. Thorne
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Saumendra N. Sarkar
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
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6
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Liu Y, Wong CC, Ding Y, Gao M, Wen J, Lau HCH, Cheung AHK, Huang D, Huang H, Yu J. Peptostreptococcus anaerobius mediates anti-PD1 therapy resistance and exacerbates colorectal cancer via myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mice. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1467-1482. [PMID: 38750176 PMCID: PMC11153135 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01695-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria such as the oral microbiome member Peptostreptococcus anaerobius can exacerbate colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Little is known regarding whether these immunomodulatory bacteria also affect antitumour immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Here we show that administration of P. anaerobius abolished the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy in mouse models of CRC. P. anaerobius both induced intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and stimulated their immunosuppressive activities to impair effective T cell responses. Mechanistically, P. anaerobius administration activated integrin α2β1-NF-κB signalling in CRC cells to induce secretion of CXCL1 and recruit CXCR2+ MDSCs into tumours. The bacterium also directly activated immunosuppressive activity of intratumoral MDSCs by secreting lytC_22, a protein that bound to the Slamf4 receptor on MDSCs and promoted ARG1 and iNOS expression. Finally, therapeutic targeting of either integrin α2β1 or the Slamf4 receptor were revealed as promising strategies to overcome P. anaerobius-mediated resistance to anti-PD1 therapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Liu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanqiang Ding
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengxue Gao
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Wen
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Harry Cheuk-Hay Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alvin Ho-Kwan Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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7
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Park R, Saeed A. Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer - Finding the Achilles' Heel. NEJM EVIDENCE 2024; 3:EVIDra2300353. [PMID: 38804784 DOI: 10.1056/evidra2300353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
AbstractColorectal cancer treatment has evolved considerably in the last decade with the development of immunotherapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies have brisk and durable responses in patients with advanced microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer, both surgically resectable and unresectable; however, patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer in general do not respond to the same therapy. Emerging evidence shows that immune checkpoint inhibitors may elicit responses in subsets of patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer, especially when combined with other anticancer agents that can modulate the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, rationally designed therapeutic combinations involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, as well as the development of predictive biomarkers for optimal patient selection, have emerged as two key areas of active research. In addition, other immunotherapeutic agents such as cell-based therapies and bispecific T-cell engagers are beginning to be studied in preclinical and early-phase settings. Although by no means a universal treatment strategy, immunotherapy can elicit responses in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer and further research is needed to extend their benefit to patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. Here, we review the current state of immunotherapeutic regimens for microsatellite stable colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Park
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
- Department of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh
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8
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Singh M, Morris VK, Bandey IN, Hong DS, Kopetz S. Advancements in combining targeted therapy and immunotherapy for colorectal cancer. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00091-8. [PMID: 38821852 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.05.001] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal cancer posing significant clinical challenges. CRC management traditionally involves surgery, often coupled with chemotherapy. However, unresectable or metastatic CRC (mCRC) presents a complex challenge necessitating innovative treatment strategies. Targeted therapies have emerged as the cornerstone of treatment in such cases, with interventions tailored to specific molecular attributes. Concurrently, immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to combat malignant cells. This review explores the evolving landscape of CRC treatment, focusing on the synergy between immunotherapies and targeted therapies, thereby offering new avenues for enhancing the effectiveness of therapy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Singh
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Van Karlyle Morris
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Irfan N Bandey
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David S Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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9
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Cañellas-Socias A, Sancho E, Batlle E. Mechanisms of metastatic colorectal cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00934-z. [PMID: 38806657 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00934-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and improvements in understanding colorectal cancer (CRC), its metastatic form continues to pose a substantial challenge, primarily owing to limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. This Review addresses the emerging focus on metastatic CRC (mCRC), which has historically been under-studied compared with primary CRC despite its lethality. We delve into two crucial aspects: the molecular and cellular determinants facilitating CRC metastasis and the principles guiding the evolution of metastatic disease. Initially, we examine the genetic alterations integral to CRC metastasis, connecting them to clinically marked characteristics of advanced CRC. Subsequently, we scrutinize the role of cellular heterogeneity and plasticity in metastatic spread and therapy resistance. Finally, we explore how the tumour microenvironment influences metastatic disease, emphasizing the effect of stromal gene programmes and the immune context. The ongoing research in these fields holds immense importance, as its future implications are projected to revolutionize the treatment of patients with mCRC, hopefully offering a promising outlook for their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Cañellas-Socias
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Elena Sancho
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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He B, Bie Q, Zhao R, Yan Y, Dong G, Zhang B, Wang S, Xu W, Tian D, Hao Y, Zhang Y, Zhao M, Xiong H, Zhang B. Arachidonic acid released by PIK3CA mutant tumor cells triggers malignant transformation of colonic epithelium by inducing chromatin remodeling. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101510. [PMID: 38614093 PMCID: PMC11148513 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Key gene mutations are essential for colorectal cancer (CRC) development; however, how the mutated tumor cells impact the surrounding normal cells to promote tumor progression has not been well defined. Here, we report that PIK3CA mutant tumor cells transmit oncogenic signals and result in malignant transformation of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) via paracrine exosomal arachidonic acid (AA)-induced H3K4 trimethylation. Mechanistically, PIK3CA mutations sustain SGK3-FBW7-mediated stability of the cPLA2 protein, leading to the synthetic increase in AA, which is transported through exosome and accumulated in IECs. Transferred AA directly binds Menin and strengthens the interactions of Menin and MLL1/2 methyltransferase. Finally, the combination of VTP50469, an inhibitor of the Menin-MLL interaction, and alpelisib synergistically represses PDX tumors harboring PIK3CA mutations. Together, these findings unveil the metabolic link between PIK3CA mutant tumor cells and the IECs, highlighting AA as the potential target for the treatment of patients with CRC harboring PIK3CA mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, China; School of Integrative Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Qingli Bie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, China; School of Integrative Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Rou Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, China
| | - Yugang Yan
- School of Medical Engineering, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China
| | - Guanjun Dong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China
| | - Baogui Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, China
| | - Wenrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Dongxing Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, China
| | - Yujun Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhao
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, China.
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11
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Ryan AT, Kim M, Lim K. Immune Cell Migration to Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:844. [PMID: 38786066 PMCID: PMC11120175 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100844] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune cell migration is required for the development of an effective and robust immune response. This elegant process is regulated by both cellular and environmental factors, with variables such as immune cell state, anatomical location, and disease state that govern differences in migration patterns. In all cases, a major factor is the expression of cell surface receptors and their cognate ligands. Rapid adaptation to environmental conditions partly depends on intrinsic cellular immune factors that affect a cell's ability to adjust to new environment. In this review, we discuss both myeloid and lymphoid cells and outline key determinants that govern immune cell migration, including molecules required for immune cell adhesion, modes of migration, chemotaxis, and specific chemokine signaling. Furthermore, we summarize tumor-specific elements that contribute to immune cell trafficking to cancer, while also exploring microenvironment factors that can alter these cellular dynamics within the tumor in both a pro and antitumor fashion. Specifically, we highlight the importance of the secretome in these later aspects. This review considers a myriad of factors that impact immune cell trajectory in cancer. We aim to highlight the immunotherapeutic targets that can be harnessed to achieve controlled immune trafficking to and within tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison T. Ryan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.T.R.); (M.K.)
- David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Minsoo Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.T.R.); (M.K.)
- David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Kihong Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.T.R.); (M.K.)
- David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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12
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Rauth S, Malafa M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Cancer Targeted Therapies: Harnessing Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Factors, and Metabolomics Insights. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04917-5. [PMID: 38759843 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment strategies for patients with GI tumors have focused on oncogenic molecular profiles associated with tumor cells. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor cell functions are modulated by its microenvironment, compromising fibroblasts, extracellular matrices, microbiome, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system. Along with the tumor microenvironment components, alterations in key metabolic pathways have emerged as a hallmark of tumor cells. From these perspectives, this review will highlight the functions of different cellular components of the GI tumor microenvironment and their implications for treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the major metabolic reprogramming in GI tumor cells and how understanding metabolic rewiring could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Finally, we briefly summarize the targeted agents currently being studied in GI cancers. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors during tumor progression is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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13
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Sahin IH, Saridogan T, Ayasun R, Syed MP, Gorantla V, Malhotra M, Thomas R, Rhee J, Zhang J, Hsu D, Singhi AD, Saeed A. Targeting KRAS Oncogene for Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A New Step Toward Precision Medicine. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300787. [PMID: 38739872 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are common driver oncogenes associated with the development of several solid tumors. KRAS oncogene has been considered a highly challenging target for drug development because of structural features, including the lack of deep groove on its catalytic unit. However, by leveraging cysteine residues, covalent KRAS inhibitors irreversibly trap KRAS G12C mutants in their inactive GDP-bound state. These agents have resulted in significant clinical responses among patients with KRAS G12C-mutant solid tumors, including patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Other allele-specific inhibitors of KRAS oncogene and panKRAS and panRAS inhibitors are also currently being investigated in clinical trials. This review article overviews recent clinical progress on KRAS G12C targeting for the management of patients with KRAS G12C-mutant CRC and provides an update on other RAS targeting approaches. We also discuss the unique biological features of RAS-mutant CRC, which require the combination of KRAS inhibitors and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy, and elaborate on resistance mechanisms and novel therapeutic avenues that may define future treatment paradigms of patients with RAS-mutant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Halil Sahin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Ruveyda Ayasun
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Masood Pasha Syed
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Roby Thomas
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John Rhee
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Janie Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dennis Hsu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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14
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Wang K, Wang Y, Yin K. Role played by MDSC in colitis-associated colorectal cancer and potential therapeutic strategies. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:243. [PMID: 38717677 PMCID: PMC11078801 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05755-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Colitis-associated colorectal cancer has been a hot topic in public health issues worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significance of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the progression of this ailment, but the specific mechanism of their role in the transformation of inflammation to cancer is unclear, and potential therapies targeting MDSC are also unclear. This paper outlines the possible involvement of MDSC to the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. It also explores the immune and other relevant roles played by MDSC, and collates relevant targeted therapies against MDSC. In addition, current targeted therapies for colorectal cancer are analyzed and summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Jiefang Road No. 438, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212000, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, 213003, China
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Institute of Digestive Diseases, Jiangsu University, Jiefang Road No. 438, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212000, China.
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15
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Liu J, He X, Deng S, Zhao S, Zhang S, Chen Z, Xue C, Zeng L, Zhao H, Zhou Y, Bai R, Xu Z, Liu S, Zhou Q, Li M, Zhang J, Huang X, Chen R, Wang L, Lin D, Zheng J. QDPR deficiency drives immune suppression in pancreatic cancer. Cell Metab 2024; 36:984-999.e8. [PMID: 38642552 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.03.015] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The relevance of biopterin metabolism in resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy remains unknown. We demonstrate that the deficiency of quinoid dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR), a critical enzyme regulating biopterin metabolism, causes metabolite dihydrobiopterin (BH2) accumulation and decreases the ratio of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) to BH2 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). The reduced BH4/BH2 ratio leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and a decrease in the distribution of H3K27me3 at CXCL1 promoter. Consequently, myeloid-derived suppressor cells are recruited to tumor microenvironment via CXCR2 causing resistance to ICB therapy. We discovered that BH4 supplementation is capable to restore the BH4/BH2 ratio, enhance anti-tumor immunity, and overcome ICB resistance in QDPR-deficient PDACs. Tumors with lower QDPR expression show decreased responsiveness to ICB therapy. These findings offer a novel strategy for selecting patient and combining therapies to improve the effectiveness of ICB therapy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihan Zhao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoping Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziming Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunling Xue
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxing Zeng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongzhe Zhao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruihong Bai
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zilan Xu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqiu Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialiang Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rufu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqin Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China; Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jian Zheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Zhou Y, Li H, Zhang Y, Zhao E, Huang C, Pan X, Shu F, Liu Z, Tang N, Li F, Liao W. Deubiquitinase USP4 suppresses antitumor immunity by inhibiting IRF3 activation and tumor cell-intrinsic interferon response in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 589:216836. [PMID: 38556105 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite the approval of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy for various tumor types, its effectiveness is limited to only approximately 15% of patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC). Approximately 80%-85% of CRC patients have a microsatellite stability (MSS) phenotype, which features a rare T-cell infiltration. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms underlying resistance to ICB in patients with MSS CRC is imperative. In this study, we demonstrate that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 4 (USP4) is upregulated in MSS CRC tumors and negatively regulates the immune response against tumors in CRC. Additionally, USP4 represses the cellular interferon (IFN) response and antigen presentation and impairs PRR signaling-mediated cell death. Mechanistically, USP4 impedes the nuclear localization of interferon regulator Factor 3 (IRF3) by deubiquitinating the K63-polyubiquitin chain of TRAF6 and IRF3. Knockdown of USP4 enhances the infiltration of T cells in CRC tumors and overcomes ICB resistance in an MC38 syngeneic mouse model. Moreover, published datasets revealed that patients showing higher USP4 expression exhibited decreased responsiveness to anti-PD-L1 therapy. These findings highlight an essential role of USP4 in the suppression of antitumor immunity in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Huali Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Enen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Chengmei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Xingyan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Feng Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Zhihao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Na Tang
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fengtian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; School of Biosciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wenting Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
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17
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Suba Z. DNA Damage Responses in Tumors Are Not Proliferative Stimuli, but Rather They Are DNA Repair Actions Requiring Supportive Medical Care. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1573. [PMID: 38672654 PMCID: PMC11049279 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tumors, somatic mutagenesis presumably drives the DNA damage response (DDR) via altered regulatory pathways, increasing genomic instability and proliferative activity. These considerations led to the standard therapeutic strategy against cancer: the disruption of mutation-activated DNA repair pathways of tumors. PURPOSE Justifying that cancer cells are not enemies to be killed, but rather that they are ill human cells which have the remnants of physiologic regulatory pathways. RESULTS 1. Genomic instability and cancer development may be originated from a flaw in estrogen signaling rather than excessive estrogen signaling; 2. Healthy cells with genomic instability exhibit somatic mutations, helping DNA restitution; 3. Somatic mutations in tumor cells aim for the restoration of DNA damage, rather than further genomic derangement; 4. In tumors, estrogen signaling drives the pathways of DNA stabilization, leading to apoptotic death; 5. In peritumoral cellular infiltration, the genomic damage of the tumor induces inflammatory cytokine secretion and increased estrogen synthesis. In the inflammatory cells, an increased growth factor receptor (GFR) signaling confers the unliganded activation of estrogen receptors (ERs); 6. In breast cancer cells responsive to genotoxic therapy, constitutive mutations help the upregulation of estrogen signaling and consequential apoptosis. In breast tumors non-responsive to genotoxic therapy, the possibilities for ER activation via either liganded or unliganded pathways are exhausted, leading to farther genomic instability and unrestrained proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the real character and behavior of human tumors at the molecular level suggests that we should learn the genome repairing methods of tumors and follow them by supportive therapy, rather than provoking additional genomic damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Suba
- Department of Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György Str. 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
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18
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Yasuda T, Wang YA. Gastric cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment heterogeneity: implications for therapy development. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00057-8. [PMID: 38600020 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.03.008] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has revolutionized solid tumor treatment, durable responses in gastric cancer (GC) remain limited. The heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates immune evasion, contributing to resistance to conventional and immune therapies. Recent studies have highlighted how specific TME components in GC acquire immune escape capabilities through cancer-specific factors. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and targeting the immunosuppressive TME will enhance immunotherapy efficacy and patient outcomes. This review summarizes recent advances in GC TME research and explores the role of the immune-suppressive system as a context-specific determinant. We also provide insights into potential treatments beyond checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahito Yasuda
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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19
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Ke S, Lei Y, Guo Y, Xie F, Yu Y, Geng H, Zhong Y, Xu D, Liu X, Yu F, Xia X, Zhang Z, Zhu C, Ling W, Li B, Zhao W. CD177 drives the transendothelial migration of Treg cells enriched in human colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1506. [PMID: 38596253 PMCID: PMC11003710 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Regulatory T (Treg) cells regulate immunity in autoimmune diseases and cancers. However, immunotherapies that target tumor-infiltrating Treg cells often induce unwanted immune responses and tissue inflammation. Our research focussed on exploring the expression pattern of CD177 in tumor-infiltrating Treg cells with the aim of identifying a potential target that can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and survival data were obtained from public databases. Twenty-one colorectal cancer patient samples, including fresh tumor tissues, peritumoral tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), were analysed using flow cytometry. The transendothelial activity of CD177+ Treg cells was substantiated using in vitro experiments. Results ScRNA-seq and flow cytometry results indicated that CD177 was exclusively expressed in intratumoral Treg cells. CD177+ Treg cells exhibited greater activation status and expressed elevated Treg cell canonical markers and immune checkpoint molecules than CD177- Treg cells. We further discovered that both intratumoral CD177+ Treg cells and CD177-overexpressing induced Treg (iTreg) cells had lower levels of PD-1 than their CD177- counterparts. Moreover, CD177 overexpression significantly enhanced the transendothelial migration of Treg cells in vitro. Conclusions These results demonstrated that Treg cells with higher CD177 levels exhibited an enhanced activation status and transendothelial migration capacity. Our findings suggest that CD177 may serve as an immunotherapeutic target and that overexpression of CD177 may improve the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouyu Ke
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yi Lei
- Center for Immune‐Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yixian Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Feng Xie
- Center for Immune‐Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yimeng Yu
- Center for Immune‐Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Haigang Geng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yiqing Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Danhua Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Fengrong Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiang Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zizhen Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Chunchao Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Ling
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Bin Li
- Center for Immune‐Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wenyi Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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20
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Singhal A, Li BT, O'Reilly EM. Targeting KRAS in cancer. Nat Med 2024; 30:969-983. [PMID: 38637634 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02903-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
RAS family variants-most of which involve KRAS-are the most commonly occurring hotspot mutations in human cancers and are associated with a poor prognosis. For almost four decades, KRAS has been considered undruggable, in part due to its structure, which lacks small-molecule binding sites. But recent developments in bioengineering, organic chemistry and related fields have provided the infrastructure to make direct KRAS targeting possible. The first successes occurred with allele-specific targeting of KRAS p.Gly12Cys (G12C) in non-small cell lung cancer, resulting in regulatory approval of two agents-sotorasib and adagrasib. Inhibitors targeting other variants beyond G12C have shown preliminary antitumor activity in highly refractory malignancies such as pancreatic cancer. Herein, we outline RAS pathobiology with a focus on KRAS, illustrate therapeutic approaches across a variety of malignancies, including emphasis on the 'on' and 'off' switch allele-specific and 'pan' RAS inhibitors, and review immunotherapeutic and other key combination RAS targeting strategies. We summarize mechanistic understanding of de novo and acquired resistance, review combination approaches, emerging technologies and drug development paradigms and outline a blueprint for the future of KRAS therapeutics with anticipated profound clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupriya Singhal
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bob T Li
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Early Drug Development Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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Wang K, Wu J, Yang Z, Zheng B, Shen S, Wang RR, Zhang Y, Wang HY, Chen L, Qiu X. Hyperactivation of β-catenin signal in hepatocellular carcinoma recruits myeloid-derived suppressor cells through PF4-CXCR3 axis. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216690. [PMID: 38307410 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The high mutation rate of CTNNB1 (37 %) and Wnt-β-catenin signal-associated genes (54 %) has been notified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The activation of Wnt-β-catenin signal pathway was reported to be associated with an immune "desert" phenotype, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we mainly employed orthotopic HCC models to explore on it. Mass cytometry depicted the immune contexture of orthotopic HCC syngeneic grafts, unveiling that the exogenous expression of β-catenin significantly increased the percentage of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and decreased the percentage of CD8+ T-cells. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry further confirmed the findings. The protein microarray analysis, Western blot and PCR identified PF4 as its downstream regulating cytokine. Intratumorally injection of cytokine PF4 enhanced the accumulation of MDSCs. Knockout of PF4 abolished the effect of β-catenin on recruiting MDSCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that β-catenin increases the mRNA level of PF4 via binding to PF4's promoter region. In vitro chemotaxis assay and in vivo administration of specific inhibitors identified CXCR3 on MDSCs as receptor for recruiting PF4. Lastly, the significant correlations across β-catenin, PF4 and MDSCs and CD8+ T-cells infiltration were verified in HCC clinical samples. Our results unveiled HCC tumor cell intrinsic hyperactivation of β-catenin can recruit MDSC through PF4-CXCR3, which contributes to the formation of immune "desert" phenotype. Our study provided new insights into the development of immunotherapeutic strategy of HCC with CTNNB1 mutation. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies PF4-CXCR3-MDSCs as a downstream mechanism underlying CTNNB1 mutation associated immune "desert" phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiting Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jianmin Wu
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhao Yang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 200441, China
| | - Siyun Shen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 200441, China
| | - Rui-Ru Wang
- Berry Oncology Corporation, Digital Fujian Park, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yani Zhang
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 200441, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, 200438, China; Department of Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xinyao Qiu
- Department of Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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22
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Tan Z, Chiu MS, Yue M, Kwok HY, Tse MH, Wen Y, Chen B, Yang D, Zhou D, Song YQ, Man K, Chen Z. Enhancing the efficacy of vaccinia-based oncolytic virotherapy by inhibiting CXCR2-mediated MDSC trafficking. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:633-646. [PMID: 38066571 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad150] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is an innovative approach for cancer treatment. However, recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into the tumor microenvironment (TME) after oncolysis-mediated local inflammation leads to tumor resistance to the therapy. Using the murine malignant mesothelioma model, we demonstrated that the in situ vaccinia virotherapy recruited primarily polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) into the TME, where they exhibited strong suppression of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in a reactive oxygen species-dependent way. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis confirmed the suppressive profile of PMN-MDSCs at the transcriptomic level and identified CXCR2 as a therapeutic target expressed on PMN-MDSCs. Abrogating PMN-MDSC trafficking by CXCR2-specific small molecule inhibitor during the vaccinia virotherapy exhibited enhanced antitumor efficacy in 3 syngeneic cancer models, through increasing CD8+/MDSC ratios in the TME, activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and skewing suppressive TME into an antitumor environment. Our results warrant clinical development of CXCR2 inhibitor in combination with oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwu Tan
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Sum Chiu
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yue
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Hau Yee Kwok
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Ho Tse
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Bohao Chen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei Yang
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Zhou
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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23
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Jiang Y, Zheng Y, Zhang YW, Kong S, Dong J, Wang F, Ziman B, Gery S, Hao JJ, Zhou D, Zhou J, Ho AS, Sinha UK, Chen J, Zhang S, Yin C, Wei DD, Hazawa M, Pan H, Lu Z, Wei WQ, Wang MR, Koeffler HP, Lin DC, Jiang YY. Reciprocal inhibition between TP63 and STAT1 regulates anti-tumor immune response through interferon-γ signaling in squamous cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2484. [PMID: 38509096 PMCID: PMC10954759 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46785-9] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common and aggressive malignancies. Immune check point blockade (ICB) therapy using PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies has been approved in several types of advanced SCCs. However, low response rate and treatment resistance are common. Improving the efficacy of ICB therapy requires better understanding of the mechanism of immune evasion. Here, we identify that the SCC-master transcription factor TP63 suppresses interferon-γ (IFNγ) signaling. TP63 inhibition leads to increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and heighten tumor killing in in vivo syngeneic mouse model and ex vivo co-culture system, respectively. Moreover, expression of TP63 is negatively correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation in patients with SCC. Silencing of TP63 enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of PD-1 blockade by promoting CD8+ T cell infiltration and functionality. Mechanistically, TP63 and STAT1 mutually suppress each other to regulate the IFNγ signaling by co-occupying and co-regulating their own promoters and enhancers. Together, our findings elucidate a tumor-extrinsic function of TP63 in promoting immune evasion of SCC cells. Over-expression of TP63 may serve as a biomarker predicting the outcome of SCC patients treated with ICB therapy, and targeting TP63/STAT/IFNγ axis may enhance the efficacy of ICB therapy for this deadly cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Jiang
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yueyuan Zheng
- Clinical Big Data Research Center, Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuan-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Shuai Kong
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jinxiu Dong
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Benjamin Ziman
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Sigal Gery
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Jia-Jie Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Jianian Zhou
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Allen S Ho
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Uttam K Sinha
- Department of otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jian Chen
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chuntong Yin
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wei
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Masaharu Hazawa
- Cell-Bionomics Research Unit, Innovative Integrated Bio-Research Core, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Huaguang Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Zhihao Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Wei
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Ming-Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - H Phillip Koeffler
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - De-Chen Lin
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Yan-Yi Jiang
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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24
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Shi A, Lin C, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhong J, Lyu J. EPRIM: An approach of identifying cancer immune-related epigenetic regulators. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102100. [PMID: 38222302 PMCID: PMC10784696 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation contributes to the dysregulation of gene expression involved in cancer biology. Nevertheless, the roles of epigenetic regulators (ERs) in tumor immunity and immune response remain basically unclear. Here, we developed the epigenetic regulator in immunology (EPRIM) approach to identify immune-related ERs and comprehensively dissected the ER regulation in tumor immune response across 33 cancers. The identified immune-related ERs were related to immune infiltration and could stratify cancer patients into two risk groups in multiple independent datasets. These patient groups were characterized by distinct immune functions, immune infiltrates, driver gene mutations, and prognoses. Furthermore, we constructed an immune ER-based signature and highlighted its potential utility in predicting clinical benefit from immunotherapy and selecting therapeutic agents. Taken together, our identification and evaluation of immune-related ERs highlight the usefulness of EPRIM for the understanding of ERs in immune regulation and the clinical relevance in evaluation of cancer patient prognosis and response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiai Shi
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, People’s Republic of China
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaohuan Lin
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jilu Wang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying’ao Chen
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinjin Zhong
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| | - Jie Lyu
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, People’s Republic of China
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, People’s Republic of China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Exploiting the therapeutic implications of KRAS inhibition on tumor immunity. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:338-357. [PMID: 38471457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, RAS oncogenic proteins have transitioned from being deemed undruggable to having two clinically approved drugs, with several more in advanced stages of development. Despite the initial benefit of KRAS-G12C inhibitors for patients with tumors harboring this mutation, the rapid emergence of drug resistance underscores the urgent need to synergize these inhibitors with other therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes. RAS mutant tumor cells can create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting an increased susceptibility to immunotherapies following RAS inhibition. This provides a rationale for combining RAS inhibitory drugs with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, achieving this synergy in the clinical setting has proven challenging. Here, we explore how understanding the impact of RAS mutant tumor cells on the TME can guide innovative approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies, review progress in both pre-clinical and clinical stages, and discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Downward
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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26
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Rosell R, Codony-Servat J, González J, Santarpia M, Jain A, Shivamallu C, Wang Y, Giménez-Capitán A, Molina-Vila MA, Nilsson J, González-Cao M. KRAS G12C-mutant driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 195:104228. [PMID: 38072173 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS G12C mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) partially respond to KRAS G12C covalent inhibitors. However, early adaptive resistance occurs due to rewiring of signaling pathways, activating receptor tyrosine kinases, primarily EGFR, but also MET and ligands. Evidence indicates that treatment with KRAS G12C inhibitors (sotorasib) triggers the MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C trimeric complex. Activation of MRAS occurs from alterations in the Scribble and Hippo-dependent pathways, leading to YAP activation. Other mechanisms that involve STAT3 signaling are intertwined with the activation of MRAS. The high-resolution MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C crystallization structure allows in silico analysis for drug development. Activation of MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C is primarily Scribble-driven and downregulated by HUWE1. The reactivation of the MRAS complex is carried out by valosin containing protein (VCP). Exploring these pathways as therapeutic targets and their impact on different chemotherapeutic agents (carboplatin, paclitaxel) is crucial. Comutations in STK11/LKB1 often co-occur with KRAS G12C, jeopardizing the effect of immune checkpoint (anti-PD1/PDL1) inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rosell
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona (IGTP), Spain; IOR, Hospital Quiron-Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Jessica González
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona (IGTP), Spain
| | - Mariacarmela Santarpia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Italy
| | - Anisha Jain
- Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Chandan Shivamallu
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Yu Wang
- Genfleet Therapeutics, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Jonas Nilsson
- Department Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Sweden
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27
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Chen J, Lu W, Chen M, Cai Z, Zhan P, Liu X, Zhu S, Ye M, Lv T, Lv J, Song Y, Wang D. Efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with oncogene-driven non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359231225036. [PMID: 38420602 PMCID: PMC10901068 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231225036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy is an emerging antitumor therapy that can improve the survival of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, only about 20% of NSCLC patients can benefit from this treatment. At present, whether patients with driving gene-positive NSCLC can benefit from immunotherapy is one of the hot issues. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with oncogene-driven NSCLC and concluded the efficacy of altered subtypes. Methods A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The primary endpoints included the objective response rate (ORR), median progression-free survival (mPFS), and median overall survival (mOS) in patients with oncogene-driven NSCLC. Results In all, 86 studies involving 4524 patients with oncogene-driven NSCLC were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled ORRs in clinical trials treated with monoimmunotherapy of EGFR, ALK, and KRAS alteration were 6%, 0%, and 23%, respectively. In retrospective studies, the pooled ORRs of EGFR, ALK, KRAS, BRAF, MET, HER2, RET, and ROS1 alteration were 8%, 3%, 28%, 24%, 23%, 14%, 7%, and 8%, respectively. Among them, the pooled ORRs of KRAS non-G12C mutation, KRAS G12C mutation, BRAF V600E mutation, BRAF non-V600E mutation, MET-exon 14 skipping, and MET-amplification were 33% 40%, 20%, 34%, 17%, and 60%, respectively. In addition, the pooled mPFS rates of EGFR, KRAS, MET, HER2, and RET alteration were 2.77, 3.24, 2.48, 2.31, and 2.68 months, while the pooled mOS rates of EGFR and KRAS alteration were 9.98 and 12.29 months, respectively. In prospective data concerning EGFR mutation, the pooled ORR and mPFS treated with chemo-immunotherapy (IC) reached 38% and 6.20 months, while 58% and 8.48 months with chemo-immunotherapy plus anti-angiogenesis therapy (ICA). Moreover, the pooled mPFS and mOS of monoimmunotherapy was 2.33 months and 12.43 months. Conclusions EGFR-, ALK-, HER2-, RET-, and ROS1-altered NSCLC patients have poor reactivity to monoimmunotherapy but the efficacy of immune-based combined therapy is significantly improved. KRAS G12C mutation, BRAF non-V600E mutation, and MET amplification have better responses to immunotherapy, and more prospective studies are needed for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wanjun Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zijing Cai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Zhan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Suhua Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingxiang Ye
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tangfeng Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawen Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002 China
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002 China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002 China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002 China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002 China
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Saeed A, Park R, Pathak H, Al-Bzour AN, Dai J, Phadnis M, Al-Rajabi R, Kasi A, Baranda J, Sun W, Williamson S, Chiu YC, Osmanbeyoglu HU, Madan R, Abushukair H, Mulvaney K, Godwin AK, Saeed A. Clinical and biomarker results from a phase II trial of combined cabozantinib and durvalumab in patients with chemotherapy-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC): CAMILLA CRC cohort. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1533. [PMID: 38378868 PMCID: PMC10879200 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45960-2] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
CAMILLA is a basket trial (NCT03539822) evaluating cabozantinib plus the ICI durvalumab in chemorefractory gastrointestinal cancer. Herein, are the phase II colorectal cohort results. 29 patients were evaluable. 100% had confirmed pMMR/MSS tumors. Primary endpoint was met with ORR of 27.6% (95% CI 12.7-47.2%). Secondary endpoints of 4-month PFS rate was 44.83% (95% CI 26.5-64.3%); and median OS was 9.1 months (95% CI 5.8-20.2). Grade≥3 TRAE occurred in 39%. In post-hoc analysis of patients with RAS wild type tumors, ORR was 50% and median PFS and OS were 6.3 and 21.5 months respectively. Exploratory spatial transcriptomic profiling of pretreatment tumors showed upregulation of VEGF and MET signaling, increased extracellular matrix activity and preexisting anti-tumor immune responses coexisting with immune suppressive features like T cell migration barriers in responders versus non-responders. Cabozantinib plus durvalumab demonstrated anti-tumor activity, manageable toxicity, and have led to the activation of the phase III STELLAR-303 trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Robin Park
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Cente, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Harsh Pathak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ayah Nedal Al-Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Junqiang Dai
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Milind Phadnis
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Raed Al-Rajabi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Ks, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Anup Kasi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Ks, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Joaquina Baranda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Ks, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Weijing Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Ks, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Stephen Williamson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Ks, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | | | - Rashna Madan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Hassan Abushukair
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kelly Mulvaney
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Andrew K Godwin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Azhar Saeed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
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Sahu P, Mitra A, Ganguly A. Targeting KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways for immunomodulation and improving treatment outcomes in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:167-222. [PMID: 38782499 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Historically, KRAS has been considered 'undruggable' inspite of being one of the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins in solid tumors, primarily due to the paucity of pharmacologically 'druggable' pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, pioneering developments in drug design capable of targeting the mutant KRAS isoforms especially KRASG12C-mutant cancers, have opened the doors for emergence of combination therapies comprising of a plethora of inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. SHP2 signaling pathway, primarily known for activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as KRAS has come up as a potential target for such combination therapies as it emerged to be the signaling protein connecting KRAS and the immune signaling pathways and providing the link for understanding the overlapping regions of RAS/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. Thus, SHP2 inhibitors having potent tumoricidal activity as well as role in immunomodulation have generated keen interest in researchers to explore its potential as combination therapy in KRAS mutant solid tumors. However, the excitement with these combination therapies need to overcome challenges thrown up by drug resistance and enhanced toxicity. In this review, we will discuss KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways and their roles in immunomodulation and regulation of tumor microenvironment and also analyze the positive effects and drawbacks of the different combination therapies targeted at these signaling pathways along with their present and future potential to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
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Martín-García D, García-Aranda M, Redondo M. Biomarker Identification through Proteomics in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2283. [PMID: 38396959 PMCID: PMC10888664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a devastating disease that ranks third in diagnosis and as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The early detection of CRC has been shown to be the most effective strategy to improve treatment outcomes and patient survival. Therefore, current lines of research focus on the development of reliable diagnostic tools. Targeted therapies, in combination with standard chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have emerged as promising treatment protocols in CRC. However, their effectiveness is linked to the molecular characteristics of each patient. The importance of discovering biomarkers that help predict response to therapies and assess prognosis is evident as they allow for a fundamental step towards personalized care and successful treatments. Among the ongoing efforts to identify them, mass spectrometry-based translational proteomics presents itself as a unique opportunity as it enables the discovery and application of protein biomarkers that may revolutionize the early detection and treatment of CRC. Our objective is to show the most recent studies focused on the identification of CRC-related protein markers, as well as to provide an updated view of advances in the field of proteomics and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Martín-García
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS), 29590 Málaga, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, 29602 Marbella, Spain
| | - Marilina García-Aranda
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS), 29590 Málaga, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, 29602 Marbella, Spain
| | - Maximino Redondo
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS), 29590 Málaga, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, 29602 Marbella, Spain
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Asleh K, Ouellette RJ. Tumor Copy Number Alteration Burden as a Predictor for Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade across Different Cancer Types. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:732. [PMID: 38398121 PMCID: PMC10886982 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040732] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) benefits only a subset of advanced cancer patients, and predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy response are needed. Recently, copy number alteration (CNA) burden has been proposed to predict ICB resistance. We assessed this finding using the publicly accessible data for 1661 ICB-treated patients whose tumors were profiled by MSK-IMPACT, an approved targeted assay in clinical care. We tested the hypothesis that the continuous increase in CNA burden is associated with poor overall survival following ICB. In addition, we hypothesized that the combinatorial biomarkers of tumor mutational burden (TMB) and CNA burden would better stratify patients for immune status and ICB response. Of the 1661 cases, 79% (n = 1307) were treated with anti PD-1/PD-L1 and the remaining 21% (n = 354) with anti CTLA-4 or the combination of both. In a multivariate analysis, increase in CNA burden was associated with poor overall survival [HR = 1.52, 95% CI (1.01-2.30), p = 0.04]. The combination of biomarkers TMB and CNA burden stratified patients into four clinically distinct subsets among which "LowTMB/HighCNA" showed the worst survival (p < 0.0001). The four patient subsets had unique CNA profiles and enriched pathways, which could predict transcriptional and phenotypic effects related to immune signaling and CD8+ T-cell abundance in the tumor microenvironment. CNA burden was associated with poor overall survival in patients receiving ICB and could improve patient stratification when incorporated with TMB. These findings may guide patient selection for immunotherapy or alternative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karama Asleh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Halifax, NS B3H 1V8, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 0A2, Canada;
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Rodney J. Ouellette
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 0A2, Canada;
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB E1C 8X3, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
- Dr. Georges L. Dumont University Hospital, Vitalité Health Network, Moncton, NB E1C 2Z3, Canada
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Xu M, Zhao X, Wen T, Qu X. Unveiling the role of KRAS in tumor immune microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116058. [PMID: 38171240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rats sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), the first discovered human oncogene, has long been recognized as "undruggable". KRAS mutations frequently occur in multiple human cancers including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), colorectal cancer(CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC), functioning as a "molecule switch" determining the activation of various oncogenic signaling pathways. Except for its intrinsic pro-tumorigenic role, KRAS alteration also exhibits an unique immune signature characterized by elevated PD-L1 level and high tumor mutational burden(TMB). KRAS mutation shape an immune suppressive microenvironment by impeding effective T cells infiltration and recruiting suppressive immune cells including myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs), regulatory T cells(Tregs), cancer associated fibroblasts(CAFs). In immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI) era, NSCLC patients with mutated KRAS tend to be more responsive to ICI than patients with intact KRAS. The hallmark for KRAS mutation is the existence of multiple kinds of co-mutations. Different types of co-alterations have distinct tumor microenvironment(TME) signatures and responses to ICI. TP53 co-mutation possess a "hot" TME and achieve higher response to immunotherapy while other loss of function mutation correlated with a "colder" TME and a poor outcome to ICI-based therapy. The groundbreaking discovery of KRAS G12C inhibitors significantly improved outcomes for this KRAS subtype even though efficacy was limited to NSCLC patients. KRAS G12C inhibitors also restore the suppressive TME, creating an opportunity for combinations with ICI. However, an inevitable challenge to KRAS inhibitors is drug resistance. Promising combination strategies such as combination with SHP2 is an approach deserve further exploration because of their immune modulatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Zhou Z, Lin T, Chen S, Zhang G, Xu Y, Zou H, Zhou A, Zhang Y, Weng S, Han X, Liu Z. Omics-based molecular classifications empowering in precision oncology. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-023-00912-8. [PMID: 38294647 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00912-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past decades, cancer enigmatical heterogeneity at distinct expression levels could interpret disparities in therapeutic response and prognosis. It built hindrances to precision medicine, a tactic to tailor customized treatment informed by the tumors' molecular profile. Single-omics analysis dissected the biological features associated with carcinogenesis to some extent but still failed to revolutionize cancer treatment as expected. Integrated omics analysis incorporated tumor biological networks from diverse layers and deciphered a holistic overview of cancer behaviors, yielding precise molecular classification to facilitate the evolution and refinement of precision medicine. CONCLUSION This review outlined the biomarkers at multiple expression layers to tutor molecular classification and pinpoint tumor diagnosis, and explored the paradigm shift in precision therapy: from single- to multi-omics-based subtyping to optimize therapeutic regimens. Ultimately, we firmly believe that by parsing molecular characteristics, omics-based typing will be a powerful assistant for precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ting Lin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yudi Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Haijiao Zou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Aoyang Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Kong Q, Zhu H, Gong W, Deng X, Liu B, Dong J. Modified Bushen Yiqi formula enhances antitumor immunity by reducing the chemotactic recruitment of M2-TAMs and PMN-MDSCs in Lewis lung cancer-bearing mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117183. [PMID: 37739106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Modified Bushen Yiqi formula (MBYF) has shown efficacy as an herbal combination therapy with anti-PD-1 for lung cancer patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of its antitumor effects in lung cancer remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to observe the antitumor effect of MBYF and explore its synergistic mechanism in combination with anti-PD-1 based on the tumor immune microenvironment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antitumor effect of MBYF was assessed in Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC)-bearing mice by evaluating tumor volume, weight, and histology in five groups (model control, MBYF 8.125 g/kg, MBYF 16.25 g/kg, MBYF 32.50 g/kg, anti-PD-1). Mechanisms were analyzed using pharmacology network and tumor RNA-sequencing. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Targets and pathways were validated through qRT-PCR, immuno-histochemistry, and western blotting. The synergistic effect of MBYF in combination with anti-PD-1 was validated in three groups (model control, anti-PD-1, anti-PD-1+MBYF 16.25 g/kg). RESULTS MBYF inhibited tumor growth and proliferation and demonstrated safety for the heart, liver, and kidney. Mechanistically, MBYF downregulated tumor proliferation by suppressing the expression of CCND1, CTNNB1, EGFR, and the PI3K-AKT/STAT3/ERK pathway. Furthermore, MBYF may upregulated the antitumor immunity (CD4+T cells, active CD8+ T cells, and NK cells) by reducing the infiltration of M2-TAMs and PMN-MDSCs. MBYF may inhibit the recruitment of M2-TAMs by downregulating the CCR5-CCLs axis and PMN-MDSCs by the CXCR2-CXCLs axis. In vivo study confirmed that MBYF enhanced the antitumor effect of anti-PD-1 therapy. CONCLUSION Modified Bushen Yiqi formula enhances antitumor immunity in the treatment of lung cancer by reducing the chemotactic recruitment of M2-TAMs and PMN-MDSCs, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy to enhance anti-PD-1 responses and improve treatment outcomes. Further research and clinical studies are needed to validate and expand upon these promising findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Kong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huahe Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weiyi Gong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaohong Deng
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Baojun Liu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Fang ZX, Chen WJ, Wu Z, Hou YY, Lan YZ, Wu HT, Liu J. Inflammatory response in gastrointestinal cancers: Overview of six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate in pathophysiology and clinical implications. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:9-22. [PMID: 38292664 PMCID: PMC10823946 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers (GICs), the common solid tumors worldwide. Precancerous lesions, such as chronic atrophic inflammation and ulcers, are related to inflammatory responses in vivo and likely to occur in hyperplasia and tumorigenesis. Unfortunately, due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets, the prognosis of patients with GICs is still unsatisfactory. Interestingly, it is found that six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate (STEAPs), a group of metal reductases, are significantly associated with the progression of malignancies, playing a crucial role in systemic metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory responses. The structure and functions of STEAPs suggest that they are closely related to intracellular oxidative stress, responding to inflammatory reactions. Under the imbalance status of abnormal oxidative stress, STEAP members are involved in cell transformation and the development of GICs by inhibiting or activating inflammatory process. This review focuses on STEAPs in GICs along with exploring their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients suffering from these types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Xuan Fang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Jia Chen
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan-Yu Hou
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang-Zheng Lan
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
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Li XQ, Yin SQ, Chen L, Tulamaiti A, Xiao SY, Zhang XL, Shi L, Miao XC, Yang Y, Xing X. Identification of a novel m6A-related lncRNAs signature and immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:116. [PMID: 38262966 PMCID: PMC10804632 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks as the fourth leading cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related with poor prognosis and immunotherapeutic effect in PDAC. The aim of this study is to construct and validate a m6A-related lncRNAs signature and assess immunotherapeutic drug sensitivity in PDAC. METHODS RNA-seq data for 178 cases of PDAC patients and 167 cases of normal pancreatic tissue were obtained from TCGA and GTEx databases, respectively. A set of 21 m6A-related genes were downloaded based on the previous report. Co-expression network was conducted to identify m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC. Cox analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression model were used to construct a risk prognosis model. The relationship between signature genes and immune function was explored by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were utilized to evaluate the response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, the expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs on PDAC cell lines were measured by the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups was validated using PDAC cell lines by Cell-Counting Kit 8 (CCK8). RESULTS The risk prognosis model was successfully constructed based on 4 m6A-related lncRNAs, and PDAC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk groups. The overall survival (OS) of the high-risk groups was more unfavorable compared with the low-risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the risk prognosis model reasonably predicted the 2-, 3- and 5-year OS of PDAC patients. qPCR analysis confirmed the decreased expression levels of 4 m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC cells compared to the normal pancreatic cells. Furthermore, CCK8 assay revealed that Phenformin exhibited higher sensitivity in the high-risk groups, while Pyrimethamine exhibited higher sensitivity in the low-risk groups. CONCLUSION The prognosis of patients with PDAC were well predicted in the risk prognosis model based on m6A-related lncRNAs, and selected immunotherapy drugs have potential values for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Qing Li
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Qi Yin
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China
| | - Aziguli Tulamaiti
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Yu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Cao Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xin Xing
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China.
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Zhou C, Li W, Liang Z, Wu X, Cheng S, Peng J, Zeng K, Li W, Lan P, Yang X, Xiong L, Zeng Z, Zheng X, Huang L, Fan W, Liu Z, Xing Y, Kang L, Liu H. Mutant KRAS-activated circATXN7 fosters tumor immunoescape by sensitizing tumor-specific T cells to activation-induced cell death. Nat Commun 2024; 15:499. [PMID: 38216551 PMCID: PMC10786880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44779-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutant KRAS (KRASMUT) is often exploited by cancers to shape tumor immunity, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) from KRASMUT cancers are sensitive to activation-induced cell death (AICD). circATXN7, an NF-κB-interacting circular RNA, governs T cell sensitivity to AICD by inactivating NF-κB. Mechanistically, histone lactylation derived from KRASMUT tumor cell-produced lactic acid directly activates transcription of circATXN7, which binds to NF-κB p65 subunit and masks the p65 nuclear localization signal motif, thereby sequestering it in the cytoplasm. Clinically, circATXN7 upregulation in tumor-specific CTLs correlates with adverse clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic resistance. Genetic ablation of circAtxn7 in CD8+ T cells leads to mutant-selective tumor inhibition, while also increases anti-PD1 efficacy in multiple tumor models in female mice. Furthermore, targeting circATXN7 in adoptively transferred tumor-reactive CTLs improves their antitumor activities. These findings provide insight into how lymphocyte-expressed circRNAs contribute to T-cell fate decisions and anticancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenxing Liang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianrui Wu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sijing Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhong Peng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Zeng
- Precision Medical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weihao Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Lan
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziwei Zeng
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhua Fan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanzhen Liu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Xing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Liang Kang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Huashan Liu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Albadari N, Xie Y, Li W. Deciphering treatment resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer: roles of drug transports, EGFR mutations, and HGF/c-MET signaling. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1340401. [PMID: 38269272 PMCID: PMC10806212 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1340401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2023, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. At the time of the initial visit, 20% of patients diagnosed with CRC have metastatic CRC (mCRC), and another 25% who present with localized disease will later develop metastases. Despite the improvement in response rates with various modulation strategies such as chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, the prognosis of mCRC is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of 14%, and the primary reason for treatment failure is believed to be the development of resistance to therapies. Herein, we provide an overview of the main mechanisms of resistance in mCRC and specifically highlight the role of drug transports, EGFR, and HGF/c-MET signaling pathway in mediating mCRC resistance, as well as discuss recent therapeutic approaches to reverse resistance caused by drug transports and resistance to anti-EGFR blockade caused by mutations in EGFR and alteration in HGF/c-MET signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wei Li
- College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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39
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Edin S, Gylling B, Li X, Stenberg Å, Löfgren-Burström A, Zingmark C, van Guelpen B, Ljuslinder I, Ling A, Palmqvist R. Opposing roles by KRAS and BRAF mutation on immune cell infiltration in colorectal cancer - possible implications for immunotherapy. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:143-150. [PMID: 38040818 PMCID: PMC10781968 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02483-9] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune response has important clinical value in colorectal cancer (CRC) in both prognosis and response to immunotherapy. This study aims to explore tumour immune cell infiltration in relation to clinically well-established molecular markers of CRC. METHODS Multiplex immunohistochemistry and multispectral imaging was used to evaluate tumour infiltration of cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), Th1 cells (T-bet+), T regulatory cells (FoxP3+), B cells (CD20+), and macrophages (CD68+) in a cohort of 257 CRC patients. RESULTS We found the expected association between higher immune-cell infiltration and microsatellite instability. Also, whereas BRAF-mutated tumours displayed increased immune-cell infiltration compared to BRAF wild-type tumours, the opposite was seen for KRAS-mutated tumours, differences that were most prominent for cytotoxic T cells and Th1 cells. The opposing relationships of BRAF and KRAS mutations with tumour infiltration of cytotoxic T cells was validated in an independent cohort of 608 CRC patients. A positive prognostic importance of cytotoxic T cells was found in wild-type as well as KRAS and BRAF-mutated CRCs in both cohorts. CONCLUSION A combined evaluation of MSI status, KRAS and BRAF mutational status, and immune infiltration (cytotoxic T cells) may provide important insights to prognosis and response to immunotherapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Edin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Björn Gylling
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Xingru Li
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Åsa Stenberg
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Carl Zingmark
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bethany van Guelpen
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ljuslinder
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes Ling
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Richard Palmqvist
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Li X, Liang S, Fei M, Ma K, Sun L, Liu Y, Liu L, Wang J. LncRNA CRNDE Drives the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by inducing the Immunosuppressive Niche. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:718-732. [PMID: 38169579 PMCID: PMC10758109 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As a crucial protumorigenic long noncoding RNA, colorectal tumor differential expression (CRNDE) has been confirmed to facilitate the progression of various cancers. However, its role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. Here we determined that CRNDE was upregulated in HCC samples and that CRNDE-positive cells were predominantly enriched in malignant tumor cells. In vivo functional assays revealed that CRNDE-induced tumor cells supported HCC progression, recruited abundant granulocyte myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) and restricted the infiltration of T cells. In terms of mechanisms, CRNDE bound with Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and activated NF-κB signaling to increase the secretion of c-x-c motif chemokine ligand 3 (CXCL3). CRNDE knockdown could significantly suppress the accumulation of G-MDSCs and enhance the infiltration of T cells in the TME of HCC in vivo. Taken together, our study reveals the CRNDE-NF-κB-CXCL3 axis plays a crucial role in driving the immunosuppressive niche to facilitate HCC progression by recruiting G-MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianying Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuhang Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingming Fei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Ma
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Linmao Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Zhang B, Song Y, Luo S, Yin X, Li E, Wang H, He Y, Liu Z, Fan Q, Liang X, Shu Y, Liu Y, Xu N, Zhang S, Zhuang Z, Zhang J, Kou X, Wang F, Zhu X, Zeng S, Wang K, Zhong H, Li S, Bai Y, Yu J, Dou Y, Ma T, Liu Q, Huang J. Pucotenlimab in patients with advanced mismatch repair-deficient or microsatellite instability-high solid tumors: A multicenter phase 2 study. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101301. [PMID: 38016482 PMCID: PMC10772321 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
We report a multicenter, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy of pucotenlimab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in patients with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors, and potential biomarkers for response. Overall, 100 patients with previously treated, advanced solid tumors centrally confirmed as dMMR or MSI-H received pucotenlimab at 200 mg every 3 weeks. The most common cancer type is colorectal cancer (n = 71). With a median follow-up of 22.5 months, the objective response rate is 49.0% (95% confidence interval 38.86%-59.20%) as assessed by the independent review committee, while the median progression-free survival and overall survival have not been reached. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 18 patients. For the biomarker analysis, responders are enriched in patients with mutations in the KMT2D gene. Pucotenlimab is an effective treatment option for previously treated advanced dMMR/MSI-H solid tumors, and the predictive value of KMT2D mutation warrants further research. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03704246.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Suxia Luo
- Department of Oncology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xianli Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Enxiao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin People's Hospital, Tianjin 300122, China
| | - Yifu He
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingxia Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450099, China
| | - Xinjun Liang
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Nong Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Jingdong Zhang
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110801, China
| | - Xiaoge Kou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 516473, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Haijun Zhong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Shengmian Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yuxian Bai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Junyan Yu
- Department of Oncology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Yiwei Dou
- Taizhou Hanzhong Biomedical Co., Ltd, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Taiyang Ma
- Taizhou Hanzhong Biomedical Co., Ltd, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Colorectal 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
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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Boumelha J, Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Facts and Hopes on RAS Inhibitors and Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:5012-5020. [PMID: 37581538 PMCID: PMC10722141 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Although the past decade has seen great strides in the development of immunotherapies that reactivate the immune system against tumors, there have also been major advances in the discovery of drugs blocking oncogenic drivers of cancer growth. However, there has been very little progress in combining immunotherapies with drugs that target oncogenic driver pathways. Some of the most important oncogenes in human cancer encode RAS family proteins, although these have proven challenging to target. Recently drugs have been approved that inhibit a specific mutant form of KRAS: G12C. These have improved the treatment of patients with lung cancer harboring this mutation, but development of acquired drug resistance after initial responses has limited the impact on overall survival. Because of the immunosuppressive nature of the signaling network controlled by oncogenic KRAS, targeted KRAS G12C inhibition can indirectly affect antitumor immunity, and does so without compromising the critical role of normal RAS proteins in immune cells. This serves as a rationale for combination with immune checkpoint blockade, which can provide additional combinatorial therapeutic benefit in some preclinical cancer models. However, in clinical trials, combination of KRAS G12C inhibitors with PD-(L)1 blockade has yet to show improved outcome, in part due to treatment toxicities. A greater understanding of how oncogenic KRAS drives immune evasion and how mutant-specific KRAS inhibition impacts the tumor microenvironment can lead to novel approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies.
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Hsu WH, LaBella KA, Lin Y, Xu P, Lee R, Hsieh CE, Yang L, Zhou A, Blecher JM, Wu CJ, Lin K, Shang X, Jiang S, Spring DJ, Xia Y, Chen P, Shen JP, Kopetz S, DePinho RA. Oncogenic KRAS Drives Lipofibrogenesis to Promote Angiogenesis and Colon Cancer Progression. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2652-2673. [PMID: 37768068 PMCID: PMC10807546 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS (KRAS*) contributes to many cancer hallmarks. In colorectal cancer, KRAS* suppresses antitumor immunity to promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we uncovered that KRAS* transforms the phenotype of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) into lipid-laden CAFs, promoting angiogenesis and tumor progression. Mechanistically, KRAS* activates the transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2) that upregulates the expression of the proadipogenic factors BMP4 and WNT5B, triggering the transformation of CAFs into lipid-rich CAFs. These lipid-rich CAFs, in turn, produce VEGFA to spur angiogenesis. In KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer mouse models, genetic or pharmacologic neutralization of TFCP2 reduced lipid-rich CAFs, lessened tumor angiogenesis, and improved overall survival. Correspondingly, in human colorectal cancer, lipid-rich CAF and TFCP2 signatures correlate with worse prognosis. This work unveils a new role for KRAS* in transforming CAFs, driving tumor angiogenesis and disease progression, providing an actionable therapeutic intervention for KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer. SIGNIFICANCE This study identified a molecular mechanism contributing to KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer progression via fibroblast transformation in the tumor microenvironment to produce VEGFA driving tumor angiogenesis. In preclinical models, targeting the KRAS*-TFCP2-VEGFA axis impaired tumor progression, revealing a potential novel therapeutic option for patients with KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Hsu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kyle A. LaBella
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yiyun Lin
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rumi Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cheng-En Hsieh
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ashley Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Blecher
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kangyu Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoying Shang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Denise J. Spring
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peiwen Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John Paul Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A. DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Zhu W, Wu C, Hu S, Liu S, Zhao S, Zhang D, Qiu G, Cheng X, Huang J. Chemokine- and chemokine receptor-based signature predicts immunotherapy response in female colorectal adenocarcinoma patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21358. [PMID: 38049474 PMCID: PMC10695967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48623-2] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical significance and comprehensive characteristics of chemokines and chemokine receptors in female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma have not ever been reported. Our study explored the expression profiles of chemokines and chemokine receptors and constructed a chemokine- and chemokine receptor-based signature in female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma. Four independent cohorts containing 1335 patients were enrolled in our study. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses were performed to construct the signature. CIBERSORT was used to evaluate the landscape of immune cell infiltration. Thirty-two pairs of tissue specimens of female advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and two CRC cell lines were used to validate the signature in vitro. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to validate the mRNA and protein expression levels of signature genes. EdU and colony formation assays were performed to examine proliferative ability. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to evaluate cell invasion and migration capacity. During the signature construction and validation process, we found that the signature was more applicable to female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma. Hence, the subsequent study mainly focused on the particular subgroup. Enrichment analyses revealed that the signature was closely related to immunity. The landscape of immune cell infiltration presented that the signature was significantly associated with T cells CD8 and neutrophils. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) confirmed that the high-risk group was chiefly enriched in the tumor-promoting related pathways and biological processes, whereas the low-risk group was mainly enriched in anti-tumor immune response pathways and biological processes. The signature was closely correlated with CTLA4, PDL1, PDL2, TMB, MSI, and TIDE, indicating that our signature could serve as a robust biomarker for immunotherapy and chemotherapy response. ROC curves verified that our signature had more robust prognostic power than all immune checkpoints and immunotherapy-related biomarkers. Finally, we used 32 pairs of tissue specimens and 2 CRC cell lines to validate our signature in vitro. We first provided a robust prognostic chemokine- and chemokine receptor-based signature, which could serve as a novel biomarker for immunotherapy and chemotherapy response to guide individualized treatment for female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Changlei Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Queen Mary College, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Sicheng Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shimin Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guisheng Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiufeng Cheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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45
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Cao J, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Luo M, Li L, Li B, Nice EC, He W, Zheng S, Huang C. Oncofetal reprogramming in tumor development and progression: novel insights into cancer therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e427. [PMID: 38045829 PMCID: PMC10693315 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that cancer cells can mimic characteristics of embryonic development, promoting their development and progression. Cancer cells share features with embryonic development, characterized by robust proliferation and differentiation regulated by signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, hedgehog, and Hippo signaling. In certain phase, these cells also mimic embryonic diapause and fertilized egg implantation to evade treatments or immune elimination and promote metastasis. Additionally, the upregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), and breast cancer-resistant protein (BCRP), in drug-resistant cancer cells, analogous to their role in placental development, may facilitate chemotherapy efflux, further resulting in treatment resistance. In this review, we concentrate on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to tumor development and progression from the perspective of embryonic development, encompassing the dysregulation of developmental signaling pathways, the emergence of dormant cancer cells, immune microenvironment remodeling, and the hyperactivation of ABC transporters. Furthermore, we synthesize and emphasize the connections between cancer hallmarks and embryonic development, offering novel insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangjun Cao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseasethe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Department of Infectious Diseasesthe Second Affiliated HospitalInstitute for Viral Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Maochao Luo
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lei Li
- Department of anorectal surgeryHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of TraumaBurn and Combined InjuryInstitute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Medical Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, the Hainan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major DiseasesHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of EducationHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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46
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Kwantwi LB. Genetic alterations shape innate immune cells to foster immunosuppression and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4289-4296. [PMID: 37910258 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01240-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has opened a new avenue for cancer treatment following the durable clinical benefits. Despite the clinical successes across several cancer types, primary or acquired resistance might eventually lead to cancer progression in patients with clinical responses. Hence, to broaden the clinical applicability of these treatments, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms limiting the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is needed. Evidence provided thus far has implicated immunosuppressive innate immune cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment as key players in immunotherapy resistance. According to the available data, genetic alterations can shape the innate immune response to promote immunotherapy resistance and tumor progression. Herein, this review has discussed the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms where genetic alterations modulate the innate immune milieu to drive immunosuppression and immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Boafo Kwantwi
- Department of Pathology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA.
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47
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Deng J, Pan T, Liu Z, McCarthy C, Vicencio JM, Cao L, Alfano G, Suwaidan AA, Yin M, Beatson R, Ng T. The role of TXNIP in cancer: a fine balance between redox, metabolic, and immunological tumor control. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1877-1892. [PMID: 37794178 PMCID: PMC10703902 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02442-4] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is commonly considered a master regulator of cellular oxidation, regulating the expression and function of Thioredoxin (Trx). Recent work has identified that TXNIP has a far wider range of additional roles: from regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, to cell cycle arrest and inflammation. Its expression is increased by stressors commonly found in neoplastic cells and the wider tumor microenvironment (TME), and, as such, TXNIP has been extensively studied in cancers. In this review, we evaluate the current literature regarding the regulation and the function of TXNIP, highlighting its emerging role in modulating signaling between different cell types within the TME. We then assess current and future translational opportunities and the associated challenges in this area. An improved understanding of the functions and mechanisms of TXNIP in cancers may enhance its suitability as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhai Deng
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Clinical Research Center (CRC), Clinical Pathology Center (CPC), Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Teng Pan
- Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Caitlin McCarthy
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jose M Vicencio
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lulu Cao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital and Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Giovanna Alfano
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ali Abdulnabi Suwaidan
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Clinical Research Center (CRC), Clinical Pathology Center (CPC), Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Richard Beatson
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London (UCL), Rayne 9 Building, London, WC1E 6JF, UK.
| | - Tony Ng
- Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
- Cancer Research UK City of London Centre, London, UK.
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48
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Johnson B. Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Trafficking as a Novel Immunotherapeutic Approach in Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5484. [PMID: 38001744 PMCID: PMC10670242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a unique subset of immune cells that promote an immunosuppressive phenotype due to their impacts on CD8 and regulatory T cell function. The inhibition of MDSC trafficking to the tumor microenvironment (TME) may represent a novel target in microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer with the potential to reprogram the immune system. Here, we review the rationale of inhibiting myeloid suppressor cell trafficking in treatment-refractory MSS colorectal cancer and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) positive settings to determine whether this approach can serve as a backbone for promoting immunotherapy response in this difficult-to-treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benny Johnson
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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49
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Kato H, Ellis H, Bardeesy N. KRAS Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer: Decoding Genomics, Unlocking Therapeutic Potential. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4527-4529. [PMID: 37695631 PMCID: PMC10872803 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
In a landscape dominated by pivotal KRAS mutations, there has been limited exploration of KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancer. A recent study highlights other mitogen-activated kinase pathway alterations as alternative drivers in these tumors, which holds the key to unlocking a realm of targeted therapies for patients with this understudied cancer subtype. See related article by Singh et al., p. 4627.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kato
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Haley Ellis
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
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50
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Liu Y, Wei D, Deguchi Y, Xu W, Tian R, Liu F, Xu M, Mao F, Li D, Chen W, Valentin LA, Deguchi E, Yao JC, Shureiqi I, Zuo X. PPARδ dysregulation of CCL20/CCR6 axis promotes gastric adenocarcinoma carcinogenesis by remodeling gastric tumor microenvironment. Gastric Cancer 2023; 26:904-917. [PMID: 37572185 PMCID: PMC10640489 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01418-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) promotes inflammation and carcinogenesis in many organs, but the underlying mechanisms remains elusive. In stomachs, PPARδ significantly increases chemokine Ccl20 expression in gastric epithelial cells while inducing gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). CCR6 is the sole receptor of CCL20. Here, we examine the role of PPARδ-mediated Ccl20/Ccr6 signaling in GAC carcinogenesis and investigate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The effects of PPARδ inhibition by its specific antagonist GSK3787 on GAC were examined in the mice with villin-promoter-driven PPARδ overexpression (PpardTG). RNAscope Duplex Assays were used to measure Ccl20 and Ccr6 levels in stomachs and spleens. Subsets of stomach-infiltrating immune cells were measured via flow cytometry or immunostaining in PpardTG mice fed GSK3787 or control diet. A panel of 13 optimized proinflammatory chemokines in mouse sera were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS GSK3787 significantly suppressed GAC carcinogenesis in PpardTG mice. PPARδ increased Ccl20 level to chemoattract Ccr6+ immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T regulatory cells, but decreased CD8+ T cells in gastric tissues. GSK3787 suppressed PPARδ-induced gastric immunosuppression by inhibiting Ccl20/Ccr6 axis. Furthermore, Ccl20 protein levels increased in sera of PpardTG mice starting at the age preceding gastric tumor development and further increased with GAC progression as the mice aged. GSK3787 decreased the PPARδ-upregulated Ccl20 levels in sera of the mice. CONCLUSIONS PPARδ dysregulation of Ccl20/Ccr6 axis promotes GAC carcinogenesis by remodeling gastric tumor microenvironment. CCL20 might be a potential biomarker for the early detection and progression of GAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daoyan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yasunori Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rui Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fuyao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Donghui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weidong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lovie Ann Valentin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Eriko Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - James C Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Imad Shureiqi
- Rogel Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xiangsheng Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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