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Li J, Tang Y, Long F, Tian L, Tang A, Ding L, Chen J, Liu M. Integrating bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq analyses revealed the function and clinical value of thrombospondins in colon cancer. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2251-2266. [PMID: 38827236 PMCID: PMC11140486 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Acting as mediators in cell-matrix and cell-cell communication, matricellular proteins play a crucial role in cancer progression. Thrombospondins (TSPs), a type of matricellular glycoproteins, are key regulators in cancer biology with multifaceted roles. Although TSPs have been implicated in anti-tumor immunity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in several malignancies, their specific roles to colon cancer remain elusive. Addressing this knowledge gap is essential, as understanding the function of TSPs in colon cancer could identify new therapeutic targets and prognostic markers. Methods Analyzing 1981 samples from 10 high-throughput datasets, including six bulk RNA-seq, three scRNA-seq, and one spatial transcriptome dataset, our study investigated the prognostic relevance, risk stratification value, immune heterogeneity, and cellular origin of TSPs, as well as their influence on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Utilizing survival analysis, unsupervised clustering, and functional enrichment, along with multiple correlation analyses of the tumor-microenvironment (TME) via Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), spatial localization, Monocle2, and CellPhoneDB, we provided insights into the clinical and cellular implications of TSPs. Results First, we observed significant upregulation of THBS2 and COMP in colon cancer, both of which displayed significant prognostic value. Additionally, we detected a significant positive correlation between TSPs and immune cells, as well as marker genes of EMT. Second, based on TSPs expression, patients were divided into two clusters with distinct prognoses: the high TSPs expression group (TSPs-H) was characterized by pronounced immune and stromal cell infiltration, and notably elevated T-cell exhaustion scores. Subsequently, we found that THBS2 and COMP may be associated with the differentiation of CAFs into pan-iCAFs and pan-dCAFs, which are known for their heightened matrix remodeling activities. Moreover, THBS2 enhanced CAFs communication with vascular endothelial cells and monocyte-macrophages. CAFs expressing THBS2 (THBS2+ CAFs) demonstrated higher scores across multiple signaling pathways, including angiogenic, EMT, Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt, and TGF-β, when compared to THBS2- CAFs. These observations suggest that THBS2 may be associated with stronger pro-carcinogenic activity in CAFs. Conclusions This study revealed the crucial role of TSPs and the significant correlation between THBS2 and CAFs interactions in colon cancer progression, providing valuable insights for targeting TSPs to mitigate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
- Medical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu 61300, China
| | - Fei Long
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Luyao Tian
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - Ao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - LiHui Ding
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
| | - Mingwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
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Zhu C, Chen Z, Wang S, Cao J, Cheng Y, Zheng M. Single-cell analyzing of tumor microenvironment and cell adhesion between early and late-stage lung cancer. Mol Immunol 2024; 171:1-11. [PMID: 38696904 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.04.013] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly heterogeneous disease that threaten human life with serious incidence and high mortality. High heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) was reported in multiple studies. However, the factor of controlling the tumor migration progression between eary and late-stage LUAD is still not fully understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of LUAD obtained from the GEO database. The identification of cell clusters revealed significant expansion of epithelial cells in late-stage patients. Interpretation of the cell-cell communication results between early-stage and late-stage patient samples indicated that early tumor cells may interact with epithelial cells through the TGF-β pathway to promote tumor progression. The cell cycle analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the number of cells in the G2 and M phases in late-stage lung cancer. Further analysis using Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) revealed early-stage cell-specific gene features involved in cell adhesion-related biological processes. Among these, the Tensin (TNS) gene family, particularly TNS1, showed high expression in epithelial cells and fibroblasts of early-stage samples, specifically associated with cell adhesion. Survival analysis using TCGA database for LUAD demonstrated that patients with high expression of TNS1 exhibited significantly higher overall survival rates compared to those with low expression. Immunofluorescence experiments have demonstrated co-expression of TNS1 with fibroblast and tumor cell markers (α-SMA and EPCAM). Immunohistochemistry experiments further validated the significantly higher expression levels of TNS1 in early-stage LUAD tissues compared to late-stage lung cancer tissues (P<0.05). Pathway experiments have shown that early-stage tumor patients with high expression of TNS1 exhibit stronger phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR, indicating a more potent activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that TNS1 is an adhesive molecule in the immune microenvironment of early-stage tumor cells, and it may serve as a novel prognostic marker for lug cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaonan Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China.
| | - Zhiquan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Junmei Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Maogen Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
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Xiao Y, Wang Z, Gu M, Wei P, Wang X, Li W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: heterogeneity and their role in the tumor immune response. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:126. [PMID: 38864912 PMCID: PMC11169017 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01375-3] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, many reports have been published on the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME), among which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have received much attention. CAFs have different degrees of heterogeneity in terms of their origin, phenotype, and function and can be divided into different subpopulations. These subgroups may play different roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, CAFs are closely associated with tumor immunity and have been found to regulate immune cell activity and to suppress the tumor immune response. In this review, we systematize the heterogeneity and characteristics of CAFs, discuss how specific CAF subgroups contribute to cancer progression by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and finally, we examine the future clinical applications of CAF subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiying Li
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China.
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Cheon I, Lee S, Oh S, Ahn YH. miR-200-mediated inactivation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via targeting of NRP2-VEGFR signaling attenuates lung cancer invasion and metastasis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102194. [PMID: 38766528 PMCID: PMC11101731 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in promoting cancer cell motility, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis; therefore, extensive research has been conducted to determine their mode of activation. We aimed to identify whether miRNA-200 (miR-200), a widely recognized suppressor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, prevents CAFs from promoting cancer progression. Overexpression of miR-200 prevented CAFs from promoting lung cancer cell migration, invasion, tumorigenicity, and metastasis. Additionally, miR-200 suppressed the ability of CAFs to recruit and polarize macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, as well as the migration and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells. NRP2, a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), was confirmed to be a target of miR-200, which mediates the functional activity of miR-200 in CAFs. NRP2-VEGFR signaling facilitates the secretion of VEGF-D and pleiotrophin from CAFs, leading to the activation of cancer cell migration and invasion. These findings suggest that miR-200 remodels CAFs to impede cancer progression and metastasis and that miR-200 and NRP2 are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Cheon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Sieun Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Seonyeong Oh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
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Stephan A, Suhrmann JH, Skowron MA, Che Y, Poschmann G, Petzsch P, Kresbach C, Wruck W, Pongratanakul P, Adjaye J, Stühler K, Köhrer K, Schüller U, Nettersheim D. Molecular and epigenetic ex vivo profiling of testis cancer-associated fibroblasts and their interaction with germ cell tumor cells and macrophages. Matrix Biol 2024:S0945-053X(24)00077-5. [PMID: 38851302 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.06.001] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCT) are the most common solid tumors in young men of age 15 - 40. In previous studies, we profiled the interaction of GCT cells with cells of the tumor microenvironment (TM). Earlier studies showed that especially the 3D interaction of fibroblasts (FB) or macrophages with GCT cells influenced the growth behavior and cisplatin response as well as the transcriptome and secretome of the tumor cells, suggesting that the crosstalk of these cells with GCT cells is crucial for tumor progression and therapy outcome. In this study, we shed light on the mechanisms of activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in the GCT setting and their effects on GCT cells lines and the monocyte cell line THP-1. Ex vivo cultures of GCT-derived CAF were established and characterized molecularly and epigenetically by performing DNA methylation arrays, RNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry-based secretome analysis. We demonstrated that the activation state of CAF is influenced by their former prevailing tumor environment in which they have resided. Hereby, we postulated that seminoma (SE) and embryonal carcinoma (EC) activate CAF, while teratoma (TER) play only a minor role in CAF formation. In turn, CAF influence proliferation and the expression of cisplatin sensitivity-related factors in GCT cells lines as well as polarization of in vitro-induced macrophages by the identified effector molecules IGFBP1, LGALS3BP, LYVE1, and PTX3. Our data suggests that the vital interaction of CAF with GCT cells and with macrophages has a huge influence for shaping the extracellular matrix as well as for recruitment of immune cells to the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, therapeutically interfering with CAF and / or macrophages in addition to the standard therapy might slow-down progression of GCT and re-shaping of the TM to a tumor-promoting environment. Significance: The interaction of CAF with GCT and macrophages considerably influences the microenvironment. Thus, therapeutically interfering with CAF might slow-down progression of GCT and re-shaping of the microenvironment to a tumor-promoting environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Stephan
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan-Henrik Suhrmann
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yue Che
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Catena Kresbach
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wasco Wruck
- Institute for Stem cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Pailin Pongratanakul
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - James Adjaye
- Institute for Stem cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Lighthouse Project Germ Cell Tumors.
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Enfield KS, Colliver E, Lee C, Magness A, Moore DA, Sivakumar M, Grigoriadis K, Pich O, Karasaki T, Hobson PS, Levi D, Veeriah S, Puttick C, Nye EL, Green M, Dijkstra KK, Shimato M, Akarca AU, Marafioti T, Salgado R, Hackshaw A, Jamal-Hanjani M, van Maldegem F, McGranahan N, Glass B, Pulaski H, Walk E, Reading JL, Quezada SA, Hiley CT, Downward J, Sahai E, Swanton C, Angelova M. Spatial Architecture of Myeloid and T Cells Orchestrates Immune Evasion and Clinical Outcome in Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1018-1047. [PMID: 38581685 PMCID: PMC11145179 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1380] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in lung cancer is critical to improving patient outcomes. We identified four histology-independent archetype TMEs in treatment-naïve early-stage lung cancer using imaging mass cytometry in the TRACERx study (n = 81 patients/198 samples/2.3 million cells). In immune-hot adenocarcinomas, spatial niches of T cells and macrophages increased with clonal neoantigen burden, whereas such an increase was observed for niches of plasma and B cells in immune-excluded squamous cell carcinomas (LUSC). Immune-low TMEs were associated with fibroblast barriers to immune infiltration. The fourth archetype, characterized by sparse lymphocytes and high tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) infiltration, had tumor cells spatially separated from vasculature and exhibited low spatial intratumor heterogeneity. TAN-high LUSC had frequent PIK3CA mutations. TAN-high tumors harbored recently expanded and metastasis-seeding subclones and had a shorter disease-free survival independent of stage. These findings delineate genomic, immune, and physical barriers to immune surveillance and implicate neutrophil-rich TMEs in metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides novel insights into the spatial organization of the lung cancer TME in the context of tumor immunogenicity, tumor heterogeneity, and cancer evolution. Pairing the tumor evolutionary history with the spatially resolved TME suggests mechanistic hypotheses for tumor progression and metastasis with implications for patient outcome and treatment. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 897.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey S.S. Enfield
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Colliver
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Lee
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Magness
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Moore
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Sivakumar
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristiana Grigoriadis
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oriol Pich
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Takahiro Karasaki
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philip S. Hobson
- Flow Cytometry, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dina Levi
- Flow Cytometry, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Selvaraju Veeriah
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Puttick
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L. Nye
- Experimental Histopathology, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Green
- Experimental Histopathology, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Krijn K. Dijkstra
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Masako Shimato
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayse U. Akarca
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Marafioti
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Salgado
- Department of Pathology, ZAS Hospitals, Antwerp, Belgium
- Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Allan Hackshaw
- Cancer Research UK and University College London Cancer Trials Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mariam Jamal-Hanjani
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Febe van Maldegem
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas McGranahan
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - James L. Reading
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Pre-cancer Immunology Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Group, Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio A. Quezada
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Group, Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Crispin T. Hiley
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Downward
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Sahai
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mihaela Angelova
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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Hou Y, Yang Z, Xiang B, Liu J, Geng L, Xu D, Zhan M, Xu Y, Zhang B. Metformin is a potential therapeutic for COVID-19/LUAD by regulating glucose metabolism. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12406. [PMID: 38811809 PMCID: PMC11137110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63081-0] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common and aggressive subtype of lung cancer, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health threat worldwide. Patients with LUAD and COVID-19 have a poor prognosis. Therefore, finding medications that can be used to treat COVID-19/LUAD patients is essential. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify 20 possible metformin target genes for the treatment of COVID-19/LUAD. PTEN and mTOR may serve as hub target genes of metformin. Metformin may be able to cure COVID-19/LUAD comorbidity through energy metabolism, oxidoreductase NADH activity, FoxO signalling pathway, AMPK signalling system, and mTOR signalling pathway, among other pathways, according to the results of bioinformatic research. Metformin has ability to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells, according to the results of colony formation and proliferation assays. In A549 cells, metformin increased glucose uptake and lactate generation, while decreasing ATP synthesis and the NAD+/NADH ratio. In summary, PTEN and mTOR may be potential targets of metformin for the treatment of COVID-19/LUAD. The mechanism by which metformin inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation may be related to glucose metabolism regulated by PI3K/AKT signalling and mTOR signalling pathways. Our study provides a new theoretical basis for the treatment of COVID-19/LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwang Hou
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China.
| | - Zhicong Yang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Baoli Xiang
- Respiratory Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Jiangmin Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Lina Geng
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Minghua Zhan
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Yuhuan Xu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China.
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Dhungel N, Dragoi AM. Exploring the multifaceted role of direct interaction between cancer cells and fibroblasts in cancer progression. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1379971. [PMID: 38863965 PMCID: PMC11165130 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1379971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells is a complex and mutually beneficial system that leads to rapid cancer cells proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. It is now recognized that cancer cells are not isolated, and tumor progression is governed among others, by many components of the TME. The reciprocal cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment can be indirect through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and paracrine signaling through exosomes, cytokines, and growth factors, or direct by cell-to-cell contact mediated by cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules. Among TME components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of unique interest. As one of the most abundant components of the TME, CAFs play key roles in the reorganization of the extracellular matrix, facilitating metastasis and chemotherapy evasion. Both direct and indirect roles have been described for CAFs in modulating tumor progression. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding the role of direct contact between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in driving tumor development and metastasis. We also summarize recent findings on the role of direct contact between cancer cells and CAFs in chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
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9
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Jiang Z, Zhang Z, You X, Ye L, Lin W, Liu L, Cao Y, Pan J. Crosstalk among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts identifies a prognostic signature in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1956-1969. [PMID: 37491735 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14688] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyze the crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to determine their prognostic values. MATERIALS AND METHODS Single-cell subpopulation identification and communication analysis identified crosstalk markers. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox analysis identified key prognostic features by integrating the bulk transcriptome and clinical parameters. Functional analysis and immune infiltration were explored to determine possible mechanisms. RESULTS Interactions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts primarily involve MIF, MK, PTN, IGF, EGF, and PERIOSTIN, whereas T cells interact with epithelial cells and fibroblasts through MIF, CXCL, PAR, IFN, and EGF signals. We constructed a novel prognostic feature comprising 13 crosstalk genes: HBEGF, FGF7, GRN, ITGB5, CXCR6, ERBB2, AREG, F2RL2, NAMPT, KLK12, HMGB2, TUBA1B, and KLRD1. Patients were stratified based on the RiskScore. Functional analysis revealed that the high-risk group was enriched in immunosuppressive pathways (p < 0.001). Immune checkpoints including PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4 were more highly expressed in the high-risk group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts is complex and may have implications for prognosis and clinical treatments of OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaotong You
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weimin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yubin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Mathieson L, Koppensteiner L, Dorward DA, O'Connor RA, Akram AR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing fibroblast activation protein and podoplanin in non-small cell lung cancer predict poor clinical outcome. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1758-1769. [PMID: 38582812 PMCID: PMC11130154 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02671-1] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a dominant cell type in the stroma of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fibroblast heterogeneity reflects subpopulations of CAFs, which can influence prognosis and treatment efficacy. We describe the subtypes of CAFs in NSCLC. METHODS Primary human NSCLC resections were assessed by flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence for markers of fibroblast activation which allowed identification of CAF subsets. Survival data were analysed for our NSCLC cohort consisting of 163 patients to understand prognostic significance of CAF subsets. RESULTS We identified five CAF populations, termed CAF S1-S5. CAF-S5 represents a previously undescribed population, and express FAP and PDPN but lack the myofibroblast marker αSMA, whereas CAF-S1 populations express all three. CAF-S5 are spatially further from tumour regions then CAF-S1 and scRNA data demonstrate an inflammatory phenotype. The presence of CAF-S1 or CAF-S5 is correlated to worse survival outcome in NSCLC, despite curative resection, highlighting the prognostic importance of CAF subtypes in NSCLC. TCGA data suggest the predominance of CAF-S5 has a poor prognosis across several cancer types. CONCLUSION This study describes the fibroblast heterogeneity in NSCLC and the prognostic importance of the novel CAF-S5 subset where its presence correlates to worse survival outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Lilian Koppensteiner
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - David A Dorward
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard A O'Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Ahsan R Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
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11
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Desai B, Miti T, Prabhakaran S, Miroshnychenko D, Henry M, Marusyk V, Gatenbee C, Bui M, Scott J, Altrock PM, Haura E, Anderson ARA, Basanta D, Marusyk A. Peristromal niches protect lung cancers from targeted therapies through a combined effect of multiple molecular mediators. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.24.590626. [PMID: 38712093 PMCID: PMC11071426 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.24.590626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Targeted therapies directed against oncogenic signaling addictions, such as inhibitors of ALK in ALK+ NSCLC often induce strong and durable clinical responses. However, they are not curative in metastatic cancers, as some tumor cells persist through therapy, eventually developing resistance. Therapy sensitivity can reflect not only cell-intrinsic mechanisms but also inputs from stromal microenvironment. Yet, the contribution of tumor stroma to therapeutic responses in vivo remains poorly defined. To address this gap of knowledge, we assessed the contribution of stroma-mediated resistance to therapeutic responses to the frontline ALK inhibitor alectinib in xenograft models of ALK+ NSCLC. We found that stroma-proximal tumor cells are partially protected against cytostatic effects of alectinib. This effect is observed not only in remission, but also during relapse, indicating the strong contribution of stroma-mediated resistance to both persistence and resistance. This therapy-protective effect of the stromal niche reflects a combined action of multiple mechanisms, including growth factors and extracellular matrix components. Consequently, despite improving alectinib responses, suppression of any individual resistance mechanism was insufficient to fully overcome the protective effect of stroma. Focusing on shared collateral sensitivity of persisters offered a superior therapeutic benefit, especially when using an antibody-drug conjugate with bystander effect to limit therapeutic escape. These findings indicate that stroma-mediated resistance might be the major contributor to both residual and progressing disease and highlight the limitation of focusing on suppressing a single resistance mechanism at a time.
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12
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Li X, Li W, Wang J, Wang Q, Liang M, Chen S, Ba W, Fang J. Establishment of a novel microfluidic co-culture system for simultaneous analysis of multiple indicators of gefitinib sensitivity in colorectal cancer cells. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:279. [PMID: 38647729 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06362-9] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The therapeutic effect of gefitinib on colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear, but it has been reported that stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment may have an impact on drug sensitivity. Herein, we established a microfluidic co-culture system and explored the sensitivity of CRC cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to gefitinib. The system consisted of a multichannel chip and a Petri dish. The chambers in the chip and dish were designed to continuously supply nutrients for long-term cell survival and create chemokine gradients for driving cell invasion without any external equipment. Using this system, the proliferation and invasiveness of cells were simultaneously evaluated by quantifying the area of cells and the migration distance of cells. In addition, the system combined with live cell workstation could evaluate the dynamic drug response of co-cultured cells and track individual cell trajectories in real-time. When CRC cells were co-cultured with CAFs, CAFs promoted CRC cell proliferation and invasion and reduced the sensitivity of cells to gefitinib through the exosomes secreted by CAFs. Furthermore, the cells that migrated out of the chip were collected, and EMT-related markers were determined by immunofluorescent and western blot assays. The results demonstrated that CAFs affected the response of CRC cells to gefitinib by inducing EMT, providing new ideas for further research on the resistance mechanism of gefitinib. This suggests that targeting CAFs or exosomes might be a new approach to enhance CRC sensitivity to gefitinib, and our system could be a novel platform for investigating the crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs and understanding multiple biological changes of the tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Wanming Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Menghu Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Wei Ba
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Jin Fang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China.
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13
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Liu R, Zhao Y, Su S, Kwabil A, Njoku PC, Yu H, Li X. Unveiling cancer dormancy: Intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic forces. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216899. [PMID: 38649107 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216899] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells disseminate in various distant organs at early stages of cancer progression. These disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can stay dormant/quiescent without causing patient symptoms for years or decades. These dormant tumor cells survive despite curative treatments by entering growth arrest, escaping immune surveillance, and/or developing drug resistance. However, these dormant cells can reactivate to proliferate, causing metastatic progression and/or relapse, posing a threat to patients' survival. It's unclear how cancer cells maintain dormancy and what triggers their reactivation. What are better approaches to prevent metastatic progression and relapse through harnessing cancer dormancy? To answer these remaining questions, we reviewed the studies of tumor dormancy and reactivation in various types of cancer using different model systems, including the brief history of dormancy studies, the intrinsic characteristics of dormant cells, and the external cues at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, we discussed future directions in the field and the strategies for manipulating dormancy to prevent metastatic progression and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010070, China; Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Yawei Zhao
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Shang Su
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Augustine Kwabil
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Prisca Chinonso Njoku
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Haiquan Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010070, China.
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
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14
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Zhang Y, Hu Q, Pei Y, Luo H, Wang Z, Xu X, Zhang Q, Dai J, Wang Q, Fan Z, Fang Y, Ye M, Li B, Chen M, Xue Q, Zheng Q, Zhang S, Huang M, Zhang T, Gu J, Xiong Z. A patient-specific lung cancer assembloid model with heterogeneous tumor microenvironments. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3382. [PMID: 38643164 PMCID: PMC11032376 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer models play critical roles in basic cancer research and precision medicine. However, current in vitro cancer models are limited by their inability to mimic the three-dimensional architecture and heterogeneous tumor microenvironments (TME) of in vivo tumors. Here, we develop an innovative patient-specific lung cancer assembloid (LCA) model by using droplet microfluidic technology based on a microinjection strategy. This method enables precise manipulation of clinical microsamples and rapid generation of LCAs with good intra-batch consistency in size and cell composition by evenly encapsulating patient tumor-derived TME cells and lung cancer organoids inside microgels. LCAs recapitulate the inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, TME cellular diversity, and genomic and transcriptomic landscape of their parental tumors. LCA model could reconstruct the functional heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and reflect the influence of TME on drug responses compared to cancer organoids. Notably, LCAs accurately replicate the clinical outcomes of patients, suggesting the potential of the LCA model to predict personalized treatments. Collectively, our studies provide a valuable method for precisely fabricating cancer assembloids and a promising LCA model for cancer research and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qifan Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuquan Pei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xinxin Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Jianli Dai
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Zilian Fan
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongcong Fang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Min Ye
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Binhan Li
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mailin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Qi Xue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Qingfeng Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shulin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jin Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Zhuo Xiong
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China.
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15
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Petroni G, Pillozzi S, Antonuzzo L. Exploiting Tertiary Lymphoid Structures to Stimulate Antitumor Immunity and Improve Immunotherapy Efficacy. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1199-1209. [PMID: 38381540 PMCID: PMC11016894 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-3325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) have been associated with favorable clinical outcomes and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in many cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer. Although the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these clinical associations have not been fully elucidated, growing preclinical and clinical studies are helping to elucidate the mechanisms at the basis of TLS formation, composition, and regulation of immune responses. However, a major challenge remains how to exploit TLS to enhance naïve and treatment-mediated antitumor immune responses. Here, we discuss the current understanding of tumor-associated TLS, preclinical models that can be used to study them, and potential therapeutic interventions to boost TLS formation, with a particular focus on lung cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Petroni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
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16
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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7. [PMID: 38602594 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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17
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Papavassiliou KA, Adamopoulos C, Papavassiliou AG. Many faces, many places: delving deeper into CAF heterogeneity in NSCLC. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:277-279. [PMID: 38395732 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.02.004] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In a recent study published in Cancer Cell, Cords et al. employed multiplexed imaging mass cytometry to analyze cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) heterogeneity in 1070 NSCLC patients. This work defined good and poor prognostic CAF phenotypes, the latter associated with metastasis and chemoresistance, as well as revealed that CAF spatial location correlates with immune cell infiltration and clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Christos Adamopoulos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
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18
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Croizer H, Mhaidly R, Kieffer Y, Gentric G, Djerroudi L, Leclere R, Pelon F, Robley C, Bohec M, Meng A, Meseure D, Romano E, Baulande S, Peltier A, Vincent-Salomon A, Mechta-Grigoriou F. Deciphering the spatial landscape and plasticity of immunosuppressive fibroblasts in breast cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2806. [PMID: 38561380 PMCID: PMC10984943 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47068-z] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Although heterogeneity of FAP+ Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF) has been described in breast cancer, their plasticity and spatial distribution remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze trajectory inference, deconvolute spatial transcriptomics at single-cell level and perform functional assays to generate a high-resolution integrated map of breast cancer (BC), with a focus on inflammatory and myofibroblastic (iCAF/myCAF) FAP+ CAF clusters. We identify 10 spatially-organized FAP+ CAF-related cellular niches, called EcoCellTypes, which are differentially localized within tumors. Consistent with their spatial organization, cancer cells drive the transition of detoxification-associated iCAF (Detox-iCAF) towards immunosuppressive extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myCAF (ECM-myCAF) via a DPP4- and YAP-dependent mechanism. In turn, ECM-myCAF polarize TREM2+ macrophages, regulatory NK and T cells to induce immunosuppressive EcoCellTypes, while Detox-iCAF are associated with FOLR2+ macrophages in an immuno-protective EcoCellType. FAP+ CAF subpopulations accumulate differently according to the invasive BC status and predict invasive recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which could help in identifying low-risk DCIS patients eligible for therapeutic de-escalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Croizer
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Rana Mhaidly
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Yann Kieffer
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Geraldine Gentric
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Lounes Djerroudi
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Renaud Leclere
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Floriane Pelon
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Robley
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Mylene Bohec
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, ICGex Next-Generation Sequencing Platform, 75005, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Single Cell Initiative, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Meng
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Didier Meseure
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Emanuela Romano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institut Curie, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baulande
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, ICGex Next-Generation Sequencing Platform, 75005, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Single Cell Initiative, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Agathe Peltier
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labélisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France.
- Inserm, U830, 26, Rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France.
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19
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Bello IO. From complexity to clarity: unravelling tumor heterogeneity through the lens of tumor microenvironment for innovative cancer therapy. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:299-323. [PMID: 38189822 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02258-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous clinical successes recorded in the landscape of cancer therapy, tumor heterogeneity remains a formidable challenge to successful cancer treatment. In recent years, the emergence of high-throughput technologies has advanced our understanding of the variables influencing tumor heterogeneity beyond intrinsic tumor characteristics. Emerging knowledge shows that drivers of tumor heterogeneity are not only intrinsic to cancer cells but can also emanate from their microenvironment, which significantly favors tumor progression and impairs therapeutic response. Although much has been explored to understand the fundamentals of the influence of innate tumor factors on cancer diversity, the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are often undervalued. It is therefore imperative that a clear understanding of the interactions between the TME and other tumor intrinsic factors underlying the plastic molecular behaviors of cancers be identified to develop patient-specific treatment strategies. This review highlights the roles of the TME as an emerging factor in tumor heterogeneity. More particularly, we discuss the role of the TME in the context of tumor heterogeneity and explore the cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that could be used to resolve this recurring clinical conundrum. We conclude by speculating on exciting research questions that can advance our understanding of tumor heterogeneity with the goal of developing customized therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Ibrahim O Bello
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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20
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Zhao R, Ding Y, Han R, Ding R, Liu J, Zhu C, Ding D, Bao M. Prognostic correlation between specialized capillary endothelial cells and lung adenocarcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28236. [PMID: 38533005 PMCID: PMC10963648 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28236] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In-depth analysis of the functional changes occurring in endothelial cells (ECs) involved in capillary formation can help to elucidate the mechanism of tumour vascular growth. Methods Appropriate datasets were retrieved from the GEO database to obtain single-cell data on LUAD samples and adjacent normal tissue samples. ECs were selected by an automatic annotation program in R and further subdivided based on reported EC marker genes. Functional changes in different types of capillary ECs were then visualized, and the concrete expression was classified by genetic data in the TCGA. Finally, a prognostic model was constructed to predict immunoinfiltration status, survival and drug therapy effects. Results The LUAD data contained in the GSE183219 dataset were suitable for our analysis. After dimensionality reduction analysis and cell annotation, EC general capillary and EC aerocyte subsets as capillary specialized phenotypes showed a series of functional changes in tumour samples, with a total of 108 genes found to undergo functional changes. Use of CellPhoneDB revealed a close interaction of activity between ECs. After integration of TCGA, GSE68465 and GSE11969 datasets, the genes obtained were analysed by cluster analysis and risk model construction, identifying 8 genes. Drug sensitivity, immune cell and molecular differences can be accurately predicted. Conclusions EC general capillary and EC aerocyte subsets are recognized capillary ECs in the tumour microenvironment, and the functional changes between them are relevant to the prognosis and treatment of LUAD patients and have the potential to be used in target therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongchang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Oncology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, China
| | - Rongbo Han
- Department of Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital Of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongjie Ding
- Department of Oncology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, China
| | - Chunrong Zhu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dan Ding
- Department of Oncology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, China
| | - Minhui Bao
- Department of Oncology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, China
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21
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Luan Q, Pulido I, Isagirre A, Carretero J, Zhou J, Shimamura T, Papautsky I. Deciphering fibroblast-induced drug resistance in non-small cell lung carcinoma through patient-derived organoids in agarose microwells. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2025-2038. [PMID: 38410967 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01044a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) serve as invaluable 3D tumor models, retaining the histological complexity and genetic heterogeneity found in primary tumors. However, the limitation of small sample volumes and the lack of tailored platforms have hindered the research using PDOs. Within the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts play a pivotal role in influencing drug sensitivity. In this study, we introduce an agarose microwell platform designed for PDO-based tumor and tumor microenvironment models, enabling rapid drug screening and resistance studies with small sample volumes. These microwells, constructed using 3D printing molds, feature a U-shaped bottom and 200 μm diameter. We successfully generated co-culture spheroids of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells, including NCI-H358 or A549, and NSCLC PDOs F231 or F671 with fibroblast cell line, WI-38. Our results demonstrate the production of uniformly-sized spheroids (coefficient of variation <30%), high viability (>80% after 1 week), and fibroblast-induced drug resistance. The PDOs maintained their viability (>81% after 2 weeks) and continued to proliferate. Notably, when exposed to adagrasib, a KRASG12C inhibitor, we observed reduced cytotoxicity in KRASG12C-mutant spheroids when co-cultured with fibroblasts or their supernatant. The fibroblast supernatant sustained proliferative signals in tumor models. Taking into account the physical features, viability, and drug resistance acquired through supernatants from the fibroblasts, our platform emerges as a suitable platform for in vitro tumor modeling and the evaluation of drug efficacy using patient-derived tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Luan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, 851 S. Morgan Street, 218 SEO, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
| | - Ines Pulido
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Angelique Isagirre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, 851 S. Morgan Street, 218 SEO, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
| | - Julian Carretero
- Departament de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Valencia, Burjassot, 46010, Spain
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, 851 S. Morgan Street, 218 SEO, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Takeshi Shimamura
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, 851 S. Morgan Street, 218 SEO, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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22
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Zhou D, Zheng L. Recent advances in cancer-associated fibroblast: Biomarkers, signaling pathways, and therapeutic opportunities. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:638-650. [PMID: 38420743 PMCID: PMC10950138 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003031] [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: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Anti-cancer therapies usually focus on tumor cells, but non-tumor stromal components in the tumor microenvironment also play vital roles in tumor initiation and progression, which may be the prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the essential component in the tumor environment, exhibiting high heterogeneity in their cell origin and phenotype with diverse functions that influence tumor angiogenesis, immune systems, and metabolism. Single-cell RNA sequencing and genetically engineered mouse models have increased our understanding of CAF diversity, and many subtypes have been defined. However, the precise functions of these subtypes need to be studied and validated. Studies of signaling pathways and epigenetic changes in CAFs facilitate understanding of the phenotypes of CAFs and the crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs to provide potential therapeutic targets. Some clinical trials, including phase III trials targeting CAFs, have been performed recently. However, few of these trials have generated promising results, which indicates that the complexity of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment remains largely unknown, and in-depth investigations of CAFs should be performed. This review summarizes the research on CAFs, focusing on the heterogeneity of their phenotypes and functions, specific signaling pathways, and the therapeutic strategies involving CAFs. Additionally, we briefly discuss the current technologies commonly used in CAF studies and describe the challenges and future perspectives of CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donger Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center for Clinical Research and Care, and The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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23
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王 蕊, 安 可, 谢 静, 邹 淑. [Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 7 in Craniomaxillofacial Development]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:469-474. [PMID: 38645865 PMCID: PMC11026893 DOI: 10.12182/20240360505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Craniomaxillofacial development involves a series of highly ordered temporal-spatial cellular differentiation processes in which a variety of cell signaling factors, such as fibroblast growth factors, play important regulatory roles. As a classic fibroblast growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) serves a wide range of regulatory functions. Previous studies have demonstrated that FGF7 regulates the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells, protects them, and promotes their repair. Furthermore, recent findings indicate that epithelial cells are not the only ones subjected to the broad and powerful regulatory capacity of FGF7. It has potential effects on skeletal system development as well. In addition, FGF7 plays an important role in the development of craniomaxillofacial organs, such as the palate, the eyes, and the teeth. Nonetheless, the role of FGF7 in oral craniomaxillofacial development needs to be further elucidated. In this paper, we summarized the published research on the role of FGF7 in oral craniomaxillofacial development to demonstrate the overall understanding of FGF7 and its potential functions in oral craniomaxillofacial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- 蕊欣 王
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 可 安
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 静 谢
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 淑娟 邹
- 口腔疾病研究国家重点实验室 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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24
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Kumar S, Ali I, Abbas F, Shafiq F, Yadav AK, Ghate MD, Kumar D. In-silico identification and exploration of small molecule coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as potential EGFR inhibitors for targeting lung cancer. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10817-9. [PMID: 38470555 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10817-9] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Globally, lung cancer is a significant public health concern due to its role as the leading cause of cancer-related mortalities. The promising target of EGFR for lung cancer treatment has been identified, providing a potential avenue for more effective therapies. The purpose of the study was to design a library of 1843 coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids and screen them based on a designed pharmacophore to identify potential inhibitors targeting EGFR in lung cancer with minimum or no side effects. Pharmacophore-based screening was carried out and 60 hits were obtained. To gain a better understanding of the binding interactions between the compounds and the targeted receptor, molecular docking was conducted on the 60 screened compounds. In-silico ADME and toxicity studies were also conducted to assess the drug-likeness and safety of the identified compounds. The results indicated that coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids COUM-0849, COUM-0935, COUM-0414, COUM-1335, COUM-0276, and COUM-0484 exhibit dock score of - 10.2, - 10.2, - 10.1, - 10.1, - 10, - 10 while reference molecule - 7.9 kcal/mol for EGFR (PDB ID: 4HJO) respectively. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the identified compounds formed stable interactions with the active site of EGFR, indicating their potential as inhibitors. The in-silico ADME and toxicity studies showed that the compounds had favorable drug-likeness properties and low toxicity, further supporting their potential as therapeutic agents. Finally, we performed DFT studies on the best-selected ligands to gain further insights into their electronic properties. The findings of this study provide important insights into the potential of coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as promising EGFR inhibitors for the management of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Iqra Ali
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Faheem Abbas
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Faiza Shafiq
- Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Ashok Kumar Yadav
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Manjunath D Ghate
- School of Pharmacy, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382007, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.
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25
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Cords L, Engler S, Haberecker M, Rüschoff JH, Moch H, de Souza N, Bodenmiller B. Cancer-associated fibroblast phenotypes are associated with patient outcome in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:396-412.e5. [PMID: 38242124 PMCID: PMC10929690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.12.021] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment, lung cancer survival rates remain low. A better understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and interplay of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment will support the development of personalized therapies. We report a spatially resolved single-cell imaging mass cytometry (IMC) analysis of CAFs in a non-small cell lung cancer cohort of 1,070 patients. We identify four prognostic patient groups based on 11 CAF phenotypes with distinct spatial distributions and show that CAFs are independent prognostic factors for patient survival. The presence of tumor-like CAFs is strongly correlated with poor prognosis. In contrast, inflammatory CAFs and interferon-response CAFs are associated with inflamed tumor microenvironments and higher patient survival. High density of matrix CAFs is correlated with low immune infiltration and is negatively correlated with patient survival. In summary, our data identify phenotypic and spatial features of CAFs that are associated with patient outcome in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Cords
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland; Life Science Zurich Graduate School, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Engler
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Haberecker
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hendrik Rüschoff
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie de Souza
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Bodenmiller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Hanrahan AJ, Chen Z, Rosen N, Solit DB. BRAF - a tumour-agnostic drug target with lineage-specific dependencies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:224-247. [PMID: 38278874 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In June 2022, the FDA granted Accelerated Approval to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients (≥6 years of age) with unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600E-mutant solid tumours, except for BRAFV600E-mutant colorectal cancers. The histology-agnostic approval of dabrafenib plus trametinib marks the culmination of two decades of research into the landscape of BRAF mutations in human cancers, the biochemical mechanisms underlying BRAF-mediated tumorigenesis, and the clinical development of selective RAF and MEK inhibitors. Although the majority of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant tumours derive clinical benefit from BRAF inhibitor-based combinations, resistance to treatment develops in most. In this Review, we describe the biochemical basis for oncogenic BRAF-induced activation of MAPK signalling and pan-cancer and lineage-specific mechanisms of intrinsic, adaptive and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. We also discuss novel RAF inhibitors and drug combinations designed to delay the emergence of treatment resistance and/or expand the population of patients with BRAF-mutant cancers who benefit from molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrothiti J Hanrahan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziyu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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27
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Natesh NR, Mogha P, Chen A, Antonia SJ, Varghese S. Differential roles of normal and lung cancer-associated fibroblasts in microvascular network formation. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016120. [PMID: 38524671 PMCID: PMC10959556 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Perfusable microvascular networks offer promising three-dimensional in vitro models to study normal and compromised vascular tissues as well as phenomena such as cancer cell metastasis. Engineering of these microvascular networks generally involves the use of endothelial cells stabilized by fibroblasts to generate robust and stable vasculature. However, fibroblasts are highly heterogenous and may contribute variably to the microvascular structure. Here, we study the effect of normal and cancer-associated lung fibroblasts on the formation and function of perfusable microvascular networks. We examine the influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts on microvascular networks when cultured in direct (juxtacrine) and indirect (paracrine) contacts with endothelial cells, discovering a generative inhibition of microvasculature in juxtacrine co-cultures and a functional inhibition in paracrine co-cultures. Furthermore, we probed the secreted factors differential between cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal human lung fibroblasts, identifying several cytokines putatively influencing the resulting microvasculature morphology and functionality. These findings suggest the potential contribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts in aberrant microvasculature associated with tumors and the plausible application of such in vitro platforms in identifying new therapeutic targets and/or agents that can prevent formation of aberrant vascular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen R. Natesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 203 Research Drive, MSRB1 Room No. 381, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Pankaj Mogha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Alan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Scott J. Antonia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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28
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Sosa J, Oyelakin A, Sinha S. The Reign of Follistatin in Tumors and Their Microenvironment: Implications for Drug Resistance. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:130. [PMID: 38392348 PMCID: PMC10887188 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) is a potent neutralizer of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is associated with normal cellular programs and various hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. The aberrant expression of FST by solid tumors is a well-documented observation, yet how FST influences tumor progression and therapy response remains unclear. The recent surge in omics data has revealed new insights into the molecular foundation underpinning tumor heterogeneity and its microenvironment, offering novel precision medicine-based opportunities to combat cancer. In this review, we discuss these recent FST-centric studies, thereby offering an updated perspective on the protean role of FST isoforms in shaping the complex cellular ecosystem of tumors and in mediating drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Sosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Akinsola Oyelakin
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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Deng H, Wen C, Jiang S, Yu Y, Zhao J, Zhang B. Single-cell analysis reveals one cancer-associated fibroblasts subtype linked to metastasis in breast cancer: MXRA5 as a potential novel marker for prognosis. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:526-544. [PMID: 38455411 PMCID: PMC10915337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are prevalent in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer, comprising a group of cell subpopulations with spatial, phenotypic, and functional heterogeneity. Due to the lack of specific markers for CAF subpopulations, their specific mechanisms in breast cancer remain unclear. We identified eight distinct CAF phenotypes in breast cancer using multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets and determined distinct transcription factors (TFs) of CAFs through SCENIC analysis. Our study highlights one CAF subtype in breast cancer, FN1+CAF2, associated with metastasis and macrophage polarization. We observed elevated FN1 expression in the stromal tissue of breast cancer patients. Furthermore, FN1 knockdown in CAFs reduced the migration ability of breast cancer cells. We identified a regulatory gene, MXRA5, in CAF2, which may play crucial roles in breast cancer. Our results indicated upregulated MXRA5 expression in breast cancer tissues and CAFs from patients with lymph node metastasis in the following experiment. Overall, our study reveals that the FN1+CAF2 subtype is associated with metastasis and suggests that MXRA5 may be a novel marker mediating the effects of CAF2 on breast cancer metastasis. This study enriches our understanding of CAF heterogeneity and offers new insights for treating breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Deng
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Chengxu Wen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Shangxuan Jiang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanhang Yu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Wuhan No. 1 HospitalWuhan 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430022, Hubei, China
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Park JG, Roh PR, Kang MW, Cho SW, Hwangbo S, Jung HD, Kim HU, Kim JH, Yoo JS, Han JW, Jang JW, Choi JY, Yoon SK, You YK, Choi HJ, Ryu JY, Sung PS. Intrahepatic IgA complex induces polarization of cancer-associated fibroblasts to matrix phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00746. [PMID: 38466639 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000772] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play key roles in the tumor microenvironment. IgA contributes to inflammation and dismantling antitumor immunity in the human liver. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of the IgA complex on CAFs in Pil Soo Sung the tumor microenvironment of HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS CAF dynamics in HCC tumor microenvironment were analyzed through single-cell RNA sequencing of HCC samples. CAFs isolated from 50 HCC samples were treated with mock or serum-derived IgA dimers in vitro. Progression-free survival of patients with advanced HCC treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab was significantly longer in those with low serum IgA levels ( p <0.05). Single-cell analysis showed that subcluster proportions in the CAF-fibroblast activation protein-α matrix were significantly increased in patients with high serum IgA levels. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in the mean fluorescence intensity of fibroblast activation protein in the CD68 + cells from patients with high serum IgA levels ( p <0.001). We confirmed CD71 (IgA receptor) expression in CAFs, and IgA-treated CAFs exhibited higher programmed death-ligand 1 expression levels than those in mock-treated CAFs ( p <0.05). Coculture with CAFs attenuated the cytotoxic function of activated CD8 + T cells. Interestingly, activated CD8 + T cells cocultured with IgA-treated CAFs exhibited increased programmed death-1 expression levels than those cocultured with mock-treated CAFs ( p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Intrahepatic IgA induced polarization of HCC-CAFs into more malignant matrix phenotypes and attenuates cytotoxic T-cell function. Our study highlighted their potential roles in tumor progression and immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pu Reun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Woo Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Cho
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Hwangbo
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Deok Jung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Uk Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Yoo
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyoung You
- Department of Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Joong Choi
- Department of Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Ryu
- Department of Biotechnology, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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31
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Wen J, Yu JZ, Liu C, Ould Ismail AAO, Ma W. Exploring the Molecular Tumor Microenvironment and Translational Biomarkers in Brain Metastases of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2044. [PMID: 38396722 PMCID: PMC10889194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042044] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases represent a significant clinical challenge in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), often leading to a severe decline in patient prognosis and survival. Recent advances in imaging and systemic treatments have increased the detection rates of brain metastases, yet clinical outcomes remain dismal due to the complexity of the metastatic tumor microenvironment (TME) and the lack of specific biomarkers for early detection and targeted therapy. The intricate interplay between NSCLC tumor cells and the surrounding TME in brain metastases is pivotal, influencing tumor progression, immune evasion, and response to therapy. This underscores the necessity for a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of brain metastases, tumor microenvironment, and the identification of actionable biomarkers that can inform multimodal treatment approaches. The goal of this review is to synthesize current insights into the TME and elucidate molecular mechanisms in NSCLC brain metastases. Furthermore, we will explore the promising horizon of emerging biomarkers, both tissue- and liquid-based, that hold the potential to radically transform the treatment strategies and the enhancement of patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexi Wen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Jie-Zeng Yu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Catherine Liu
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - A. Aziz O. Ould Ismail
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Weijie Ma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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Bigos KJA, Quiles CG, Lunj S, Smith DJ, Krause M, Troost EGC, West CM, Hoskin P, Choudhury A. Tumour response to hypoxia: understanding the hypoxic tumour microenvironment to improve treatment outcome in solid tumours. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331355. [PMID: 38352889 PMCID: PMC10861654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331355] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumours affecting their biology and response to therapy. One of the main transcription factors activated by hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which regulates the expression of genes involved in various aspects of tumourigenesis including proliferative capacity, angiogenesis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, and cell migration. This can negatively impact patient outcomes by inducing therapeutic resistance. The importance of hypoxia is clearly demonstrated by continued research into finding clinically relevant hypoxia biomarkers, and hypoxia-targeting therapies. One of the problems is the lack of clinically applicable methods of hypoxia detection, and lack of standardisation. Additionally, a lot of the methods of detecting hypoxia do not take into consideration the complexity of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME). Therefore, this needs further elucidation as approximately 50% of solid tumours are hypoxic. The ECM is important component of the hypoxic TME, and is developed by both cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour cells. However, it is important to distinguish the different roles to develop both biomarkers and novel compounds. Fibronectin (FN), collagen (COL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are important components of the ECM that create ECM fibres. These fibres are crosslinked by specific enzymes including lysyl oxidase (LOX) which regulates the stiffness of tumours and induces fibrosis. This is partially regulated by HIFs. The review highlights the importance of understanding the role of matrix stiffness in different solid tumours as current data shows contradictory results on the impact on therapeutic resistance. The review also indicates that further research is needed into identifying different CAF subtypes and their exact roles; with some showing pro-tumorigenic capacity and others having anti-tumorigenic roles. This has made it difficult to fully elucidate the role of CAFs within the TME. However, it is clear that this is an important area of research that requires unravelling as current strategies to target CAFs have resulted in worsened prognosis. The role of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment is also discussed as hypoxia has been associated with modulating immune cells to create an anti-tumorigenic environment. Which has led to the development of immunotherapies including PD-L1. These hypoxia-induced changes can confer resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of hypoxia on the TME and its implications for therapy resistance. It also discusses the potential of hypoxia biomarkers as prognostic and predictive indictors of treatment response, as well as the challenges and opportunities of targeting hypoxia in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla JA. Bigos
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Conrado G. Quiles
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sapna Lunj
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle J. Smith
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild Krause
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther GC. Troost
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Catharine M. West
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Germany
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Cohen C, Mhaidly R, Croizer H, Kieffer Y, Leclere R, Vincent-Salomon A, Robley C, Anglicheau D, Rabant M, Sannier A, Timsit MO, Eddy S, Kretzler M, Ju W, Mechta-Grigoriou F. WNT-dependent interaction between inflammatory fibroblasts and FOLR2+ macrophages promotes fibrosis in chronic kidney disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:743. [PMID: 38272907 PMCID: PMC10810789 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44886-z] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem driven by myofibroblast accumulation, leading to interstitial fibrosis. Heterogeneity is a recently recognized characteristic in kidney fibroblasts in CKD, but the role of different populations is still unclear. Here, we characterize a proinflammatory fibroblast population (named CXCL-iFibro), which corresponds to an early state of myofibroblast differentiation in CKD. We demonstrate that CXCL-iFibro co-localize with macrophages in the kidney and participate in their attraction, accumulation, and switch into FOLR2+ macrophages from early CKD stages on. In vitro, macrophages promote the switch of CXCL-iFibro into ECM-secreting myofibroblasts through a WNT/β-catenin-dependent pathway, thereby suggesting a reciprocal crosstalk between these populations of fibroblasts and macrophages. Finally, the detection of CXCL-iFibro at early stages of CKD is predictive of poor patient prognosis, which shows that the CXCL-iFibro population is an early player in CKD progression and demonstrates the clinical relevance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Cohen
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Rana Mhaidly
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Hugo Croizer
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Yann Kieffer
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Renaud Leclere
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Robley
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Dany Anglicheau
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Necker Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Inserm U1151, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Marion Rabant
- Department of Pathology, Necker Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Sannier
- Department of Pathology, AP-HP, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Paris Cité University, Inserm, U1148, 46, rue Henri Huchard, 75877, Paris, France
| | - Marc-Olivier Timsit
- Department of Urology, Européen George Pompidou Hospital, APHP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Sean Eddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Matthias Kretzler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Wenjun Ju
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France.
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France.
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Wang Z, Yan N, Sheng H, Xiao Y, Sun J, Cao C. Single-cell Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals an Immunosuppressive Network Between POSTN CAFs and ACKR1 ECs in TKI-resistant Lung Cancer. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:65-78. [PMID: 38151287 PMCID: PMC10756349 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20430] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, a principal treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), frequently encounters the development of drug resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in the progression of NSCLC, yet the relationship between endothelial cells (ECs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) subpopulations in TKI treatment resistance remains largely unexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS The BioProject database PRJNA591860 project was used to analyze scRNA-seq data including 49 advanced-stage NSCLC samples across three different time points: pre-targeted therapy (naïve), post-partial response (PR) to targeted therapy, and post-progressive disease (PD) stage. The data involved clustering stromal cells into multiple CAFs and ECs subpopulations. The abundance changes and functions of each cluster during TKI treatment were investigated by KEGG and GO analysis. Additionally, we identified specific transcription factors and metabolic pathways via DoRothEA and scMetabolism. Moreover, cell-cell communications between PD and PR stages were compared by CellChat. RESULTS ECs and CAFs were clustered and annotated using 49 scRNA-seq samples. We identified seven ECs subpopulations, with OIT3 ECs showing enrichment in the PR phase with a drug-resistance phenotype, and ACKR1 ECs being prevalent in the PD phase with enhanced cell adhesion. Similarly, CAFs were clustered into 7 subpopulations. PLA2G2A CAFs were predominant in PR, whereas POSTN CAFs were prevalent in PD, characterized by an immunomodulatory phenotype and increased collagen secretion. CellChat analysis showed that ACKR1 ECs strongly interacted with macrophage through the CD39 pathway and POSTN CAFs secreted Tenascin-C (TNC) to promote the progression of epithelial cells, primarily malignant ones, in PD. CONCLUSION This study reveals that POSTN CAFs and ACKR1 ECs are associated with resistance to TKI treatment, based on single-cell sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ning Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hailong Sheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yazhi Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jingyuan Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chuanhui Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Feng X, Liu X, Xiang J, Xu J, Yin N, Wang L, Liu C, Liu Y, Zhao T, Zhao Z, Gao Y. Exosomal ITGB6 from dormant lung adenocarcinoma cells activates cancer-associated fibroblasts by KLF10 positive feedback loop and the TGF-β pathway. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:2520-2537. [PMID: 38205211 PMCID: PMC10775012 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Dormant cancer cells are commonly known to play a pivotal role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. However, the mechanism of tumor dormancy and recurrence remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which exosomes derived from dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells activate cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to reconstruct the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a novel idea for decoding the mechanism of tumor dormancy. Methods In this study, high-dose cisplatin was used to induce the dormant LUAD cells. Exosomes were extracted from the culture supernatant of normal and dormant cancer cells. The effects of selected exosomal proteins on the fibroblasts were evaluated. RNA-seq for fibroblasts and exosomal proteomics for normal and dormant cancer cells were used to identify and verify the mechanism of activating fibroblasts. Results We demonstrated that exosomes derived from dormant A549 cells could be taken by fibroblasts. Exosomal ITGB6 transferred into fibroblasts induced the activation of CAFs by activating the KLF10 positive feedback loop and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway. High ITGB6 expression was associated with activation of the TGF-β pathway and ECM remodeling. Conclusions In all, we demonstrated that CAFs were activated by exosomes from dormant lung cancer cells and reconstruct ECM. ITGB6 may be a critical molecule for activating the TGF-β pathway and remodeling ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Feng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianling Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juanjuan Xiang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na Yin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lujuan Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaoyuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyao Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zengyi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yawen Gao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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Papadas A, Huang Y, Cicala A, Dou Y, Fields M, Gibbons A, Hong D, Lagal DJ, Quintana V, Rizo A, Zomalan B, Asimakopoulos F. Emerging roles for tumor stroma in antigen presentation and anti-cancer immunity. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:2017-2028. [PMID: 38031753 PMCID: PMC10754280 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221083] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Advances in immunotherapy in the last decade have revolutionized treatment paradigms across multiple cancer diagnoses. However, only a minority of patients derive durable benefit and progress with traditional approaches, such as cancer vaccines, remains unsatisfactory. A key to overcoming these barriers resides with a deeper understanding of tumor antigen presentation and the complex and dynamic heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Reminiscent of the 'second touch' hypothesis proposed by Klaus Ley for CD4+ T cell differentiation, the acquisition of full effector potential by lymph node- primed CD8+ T cells requires a second round of co-stimulation at the site where the antigen originated, i.e. the tumor bed. The tumor stroma holds a prime role in this process by hosting specialized APC niches, apparently distinct from tertiary lymphoid structures, that support second antigenic touch encounters and CD8+ T cell effector proliferation and differentiation. We propose that APC within second-touch niches become licensed for co-stimulation through stromal-derived instructive signals emulating embryonic or wound-healing provisional matrix remodeling. These immunostimulatory roles of stroma contrast with its widely accepted view as a physical and functional 'immune barrier'. Stromal control of antigen presentation makes evolutionary sense as the host stroma-tumor interface constitutes the prime line of homeostatic 'defense' against the emerging tumor. In this review, we outline how stroma-derived signals and cells regulate tumor antigen presentation and T-cell effector differentiation in the tumor bed. The re-definition of tumor stroma as immune rheostat rather than as inflexible immune barrier harbors significant untapped therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Papadas
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Yun Huang
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Alexander Cicala
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Yaling Dou
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Matteo Fields
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alicia Gibbons
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Duncan Hong
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Daniel J. Lagal
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Victoria Quintana
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Alejandro Rizo
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Brolyn Zomalan
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
| | - Fotis Asimakopoulos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, U.S.A
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Melchionna R, Trono P, Di Carlo A, Di Modugno F, Nisticò P. Transcription factors in fibroblast plasticity and CAF heterogeneity. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:347. [PMID: 38124183 PMCID: PMC10731891 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research focused on the multifaceted landscape and functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) aimed to reveal their heterogeneity and identify commonalities across diverse tumors for more effective therapeutic targeting of pro-tumoral stromal microenvironment. However, a unified functional categorization of CAF subsets remains elusive, posing challenges for the development of targeted CAF therapies in clinical settings.The CAF phenotype arises from a complex interplay of signals within the tumor microenvironment, where transcription factors serve as central mediators of various cellular pathways. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing technology have emphasized the role of transcription factors in the conversion of normal fibroblasts to distinct CAF subtypes across various cancer types.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the specific roles of transcription factor networks in shaping CAF heterogeneity, plasticity, and functionality. Beginning with their influence on fibroblast homeostasis and reprogramming during wound healing and fibrosis, it delves into the emerging insights into transcription factor regulatory networks. Understanding these mechanisms not only enables a more precise characterization of CAF subsets but also sheds light on the early regulatory processes governing CAF heterogeneity and functionality. Ultimately, this knowledge may unveil novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, addressing the existing challenges of stromal-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Melchionna
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Trono
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Di Carlo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Modugno
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Wang X, Eichhorn PJA, Thiery JP. TGF-β, EMT, and resistance to anti-cancer treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:1-11. [PMID: 37944215 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling regulates cell-specific programs involved in embryonic development, wound-healing, and immune homeostasis. Yet, during tumor progression, these TGF-β-mediated programs are altered, leading to epithelial cell plasticity and a reprogramming of epithelial cells into mesenchymal lineages through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical developmental program in morphogenesis and organogenesis. These changes, in turn, lead to enhanced carcinoma cell invasion, metastasis, immune cell differentiation, immune evasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Here, we discuss EMT as one of the critical programs associated with carcinoma cell plasticity and the influence exerted by TGF-β on carcinoma status and function. We further explore the composition of carcinoma and other cell populations within the tumor microenvironment, and consider the relevant outcomes related to the programs associated with cancer treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecong Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Pieter Johan Adam Eichhorn
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore, Singapore
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Chen B, Chan WN, Xie F, Mui CW, Liu X, Cheung AHK, Lung RWM, Chow C, Zhang Z, Fang C, Yu P, Shi S, Zhou S, Chen G, Wang Z, Wang S, Ding X, Huang B, Liang L, Dong Y, Wong CC, Wu WKK, Cheng ASL, Wong N, Yu J, Lo KW, Tse GMK, Kang W, To KF. The molecular classification of cancer-associated fibroblasts on a pan-cancer single-cell transcriptional atlas. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1516. [PMID: 38148640 PMCID: PMC10751516 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1516] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), integral to the tumour microenvironment, are pivotal in cancer progression, exhibiting either pro-tumourigenic or anti-tumourigenic functions. Their inherent phenotypic and functional diversity allows for the subdivision of CAFs into various subpopulations. While several classification systems have been suggested for different cancer types, a unified molecular classification of CAFs on a single-cell pan-cancer scale has yet to be established. METHODS We employed a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic atlas encompassing 12 solid tumour types. Our objective was to establish a novel molecular classification and to elucidate the evolutionary trajectories of CAFs. We investigated the functional profiles of each CAF subtype using Single-Cell Regulatory Network Inference and Clustering and single-cell gene set enrichment analysis. The clinical relevance of these subtypes was assessed through survival curve analysis. Concurrently, we employed multiplex immunofluorescence staining on tumour tissues to determine the dynamic changes of CAF subtypes across different tumour stages. Additionally, we identified the small molecule procyanidin C1 (PCC1) as a target for matrix-producing CAF (matCAF) using molecular docking techniques and further validated these findings through in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS In our investigation of solid tumours, we identified four molecular clusters of CAFs: progenitor CAF (proCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF), myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF) and matCAF, each characterised by distinct molecular traits. This classification was consistently applicable across all nine studied solid tumour types. These CAF subtypes displayed unique evolutionary pathways, functional roles and clinical relevance in various solid tumours. Notably, the matCAF subtype was associated with poorer prognoses in several cancer types. The targeting of matCAF using the identified small molecule, PCC1, demonstrated promising antitumour activity. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the various subtypes of CAFs, particularly matCAF, are crucial in the initiation and progression of cancer. Focusing therapeutic strategies on targeting matCAF in solid tumours holds significant potential for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wai Nok Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fuda Xie
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun Wai Mui
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alvin H K Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Raymond W M Lung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chit Chow
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canbin Fang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peiyao Yu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Shi
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shikun Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoming Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhangding Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujuan Dong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William K K Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfred S L Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary M K Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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Koeck S, Amann A, Kern J, Zwierzina M, Lorenz E, Sopper S, Zwierzina H, Mildner F, Sykora M, Sprung S, Hackl H, Augustin F, Maier HT, Pircher A, Pall G, Wolf D, Gamerith G. Whole stromal fibroblast signature is linked to specific chemokine and immune infiltration patterns and to improved survival in NSCLC. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2274130. [PMID: 38126028 PMCID: PMC10732611 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2274130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) are known to orchestrate multiple components of the tumor microenvironment, whereas the influence of the whole stromal-fibroblast compartment is less understood. Here, an extended stromal fibroblast signature was investigated to define its impact on immune cell infiltration. The lung cancer adenocarcinoma (LUAD) data set of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) was used to test whole stroma signatures and cancer-associated fibroblast signatures for their impact on prognosis. 3D cell cultures of the NSCLC cancer cell line A549 together with the fibroblast cell line SV80 were used in combination with infiltrating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for in-vitro investigations. Immune cell infiltration was assessed via flow cytometry, chemokines were analyzed by immunoassays and RNA microarrays. Results were confirmed in specimens from NSCLC patients by flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry as well as in the TCGA data set. The TCGA analyses correlated the whole stromal-fibroblast signature with an improved outcome, whereas no effect was found for the CAF signatures. In 3D microtumors, the presence of fibroblasts induced infiltration of B cells and CD69+CD4+ T cells, which was linked to an increased expression of CCL13 and CXCL16. The stroma/lymphocyte interaction was confirmed in NSCLC patients, as stroma-rich tumors displayed an elevated B cell count and survival in the local cohort and the TCGA data set. A whole stromal fibroblast signature was associated with an improved clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma and in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that this signature increases B and T cell recruitment via induction of chemokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Koeck
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Arno Amann
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johan Kern
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mannheim Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marit Zwierzina
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Edith Lorenz
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sieghart Sopper
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heinz Zwierzina
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Finn Mildner
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Martina Sykora
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne Sprung
- Department of Pathology, Neuropathology, and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Florian Augustin
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center of Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Hubert T. Maier
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center of Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Georg Pall
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Gabriele Gamerith
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
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Miroshnychenko D, Miti T, Kumar P, Miller A, Laurie M, Giraldo N, Bui MM, Altrock PM, Basanta D, Marusyk A. Stroma-Mediated Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation Indirectly Drives Chemoresistance by Accelerating Tumor Recovery between Chemotherapy Cycles. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3681-3692. [PMID: 37791818 PMCID: PMC10646478 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability of tumors to survive therapy reflects both cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental mechanisms. Across many cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a high stroma/tumor ratio correlates with poor survival. In many contexts, this correlation can be explained by the direct reduction of therapy sensitivity induced by stroma-produced paracrine factors. We sought to explore whether this direct effect contributes to the link between stroma and poor responses to chemotherapies. In vitro studies with panels of TNBC cell line models and stromal isolates failed to detect a direct modulation of chemoresistance. At the same time, consistent with prior studies, fibroblast-produced secreted factors stimulated treatment-independent enhancement of tumor cell proliferation. Spatial analyses indicated that proximity to stroma is often associated with enhanced tumor cell proliferation in vivo. These observations suggested an indirect link between stroma and chemoresistance, where stroma-augmented proliferation potentiates the recovery of residual tumors between chemotherapy cycles. To evaluate this hypothesis, a spatial agent-based model of stroma impact on proliferation/death dynamics was developed that was quantitatively parameterized using inferences from histologic analyses and experimental studies. The model demonstrated that the observed enhancement of tumor cell proliferation within stroma-proximal niches could enable tumors to avoid elimination over multiple chemotherapy cycles. Therefore, this study supports the existence of an indirect mechanism of environment-mediated chemoresistance that might contribute to the negative correlation between stromal content and poor therapy outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE Integration of experimental research with mathematical modeling reveals an indirect microenvironmental chemoresistance mechanism by which stromal cells stimulate breast cancer cell proliferation and highlights the importance of consideration of proliferation/death dynamics. See related commentary by Wall and Echeverria, p. 3667.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Miroshnychenko
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Tatiana Miti
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Pragya Kumar
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Anna Miller
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Mark Laurie
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nathalia Giraldo
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Marilyn M. Bui
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Philipp M. Altrock
- Department of Theoretical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Ploen, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - David Basanta
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Andriy Marusyk
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Zhang J, Liu S, Chen X, Xu X, Xu F. Non-immune cell components in tumor microenvironment influencing lung cancer Immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115336. [PMID: 37591126 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a significant morbidity and mortality rate, endangering human life and health. The introduction of immunotherapies has significantly altered existing cancer treatment strategies and is expected to improve immune responses, objective response rates, and survival rates. However, a better understanding of the complex immunological networks of LC is required to improve immunotherapy efficacy further. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) are significantly expressed by LC cells, which activate dendritic cells, initiate antigen presentation, and activate lymphocytes to exert antitumor activity. However, as tumor cells combat the immune system, an immunosuppressive microenvironment forms, enabling the enactment of a series of immunological escape mechanisms, including the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells and induction of T cell exhaustion to decrease the antitumor immune response. In addition to the direct effect of LC cells on immune cell function, the secreting various cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, changes in the intratumoral microbiome and the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells contribute to LC cell immune escape. Accordingly, combining various immunotherapies with other therapies can elicit synergistic effects based on the complex immune network, improving immunotherapy efficacy through multi-target action on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Hence, this review provides guidance for understanding the complex immune network in the TME and designing novel and effective immunotherapy strategies for LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiubao Chen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
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Bai X, Shao J, Duan T, Liu X, Wang M, Li X, You Q, Zhang Z, Pan J. Exo-miR-1290-induced by COX-2 overexpression promotes cancer-associated fibroblasts activation and tumor progression by CUL3-Nrf2 pathway in lung adenocarcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:242. [PMID: 37723559 PMCID: PMC10506250 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01268-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critically involved in tumor progression by maintaining extracellular mesenchyma (ECM) production and improving tumor development. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been proved to promote ECM formation and tumor progression. However, the mechanisms of COX-2 mediated CAFs activation have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we conducted this study to identify the effects and mechanisms of COX-2 underlying CAFs activation by tumor-derived exosomal miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. METHODS As measures of CAFs activation, the expressions of fibroblasts activated protein-1 (FAP-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the main CAFs markers, were detected by Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry. And the expression of Fibronectin (FN1) was used to analyze ECM production by CAFs. The exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation and exo-miRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR. Herein, we further elucidated the implicated mechanisms using online prediction software, luciferase reporter assays, co-immunoprecipitation, and experimental animal models. RESULTS In vivo, a positive correlation was observed between the COX-2 expression levels in parenchyma and α-SMA/FN1 expression levels in mesenchyma in LUAD. However, PGE2, one of major product of COX-2, did not affect CAFs activation directly. COX-2 overexpression increased exo-miR-1290 expression, which promoted CAFs activation. Furthermore, Cullin3 (CUL3), a potential target of miR-1290, was found to suppress COX-2/exo-miR-1290-mediated CAFs activation and ECM production, consequently impeding tumor progression. CUL3 is identified to induce the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NFE2L2, Nrf2) ubiquitination and degradation, while exo-miR-1290 can prevent Nrf2 ubiquitination and increase its protein stability by targeting CUL3. Additionally, we identified that Nrf2 is direcctly bound with promoters of FAP-1 and FN1, which enhanced CAFs activation by promoting FAP-1 and FN1 transcription. CONCLUSIONS Our data identify a new CAFs activation mechanism by exosomes derived from cancer cells that overexpress COX-2. Specifically, COX-2/exo-miR-1290/CUL3 is suggested as a novel signaling pathway for mediating CAFs activation and tumor progression in LUAD. Consequently, this finding suggests a novel strategy for cancer treatment that may tackle tumor progression in the future. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Bai
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, 101Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Jiaofang Shao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Tinghong Duan
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, 101Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, 101Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, 101Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Xuanya Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, 101Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Qiang You
- Department of Biotherapy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, 101Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China.
| | - Jinshun Pan
- Department of Biotherapy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, P.R. China.
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Zhang M, Fang Y, Fu X, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhu Z, Ni Y, Yao M, Pan Q, Cao W, Li Z, Dong C. Cancer-associated fibroblasts nurture LGR5 marked liver tumor-initiating cells and promote their tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18032-18049. [PMID: 37578396 PMCID: PMC10524013 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In liver cancer, leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) compartment represents an important tumor-initiating cell (TIC) population and served as a potential therapeutic target. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is a critical part of the tumor microenvironment, heavily influenced TIC function and fate. However, deeply investigations have been hindered by the lack of accurate preclinical models to investigate the interaction between CAFs and TIC. Organoids model have achieved major advancements as a precious research model for recapitulating the morphological aspects of organs, and thus also serving as a candidate model to investigate the mutual interaction between different cell types. Consequently, this study aimed to construct a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture organoid model of primary LGR5-expressing tumor stem cells from primary murine liver tumors with CAFs to investigate the impact of CAFs on LGR5 marked TICs in liver cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, both of the transgenic LGR5-diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR)-GFP knock-in mice and transgenic Rosa26-mT mice developed primary liver tumors by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) administration. Tumor organoids and CAFs were generated from those primary liver cancer separately. Second, LGR5-expressing TICs organoid with CAFs were established ex vivo based on cell-cell contact or trans-well co-culture system, and the mutual influence between those two types of cells was further investigated. Subsequently, immunodeficient mouse-based xenograft model was further adopted to evaluate the influence of CAFs to LGR5 tumor stem cell, tumor formation, and metastasis. RESULTS The co-culture organoid model composed of murine liver tumor LGR5+ tumor-initiating cells and CAFs in 3D co-culture was successfully established, with the intention to investigate their mutual interaction. The existence of CAFs upon engrafting tumor organoids resulted in dramatic higher number of LGR5+ cells in the neoplasia when compared with engrafting tumor organoids alone. Furthermore, ex vivo culture of isolated LGR5+ cells from tumors of co-engrafted mice formed significantly larger size of organoids than mono-engrafted. Our results also indicated significantly larger size and number of formed organoids, when LGR5+ cells co-cultured with CAF in both cell-cell contact and paracrine signaling in vitro, comparing to LGR5+ cells alone. Furthermore, we found that specific knockout of LGR5 expressing cells suppressed CAF-mediated promotion of tumor formation, growth, and metastasis in the experimental mice model. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, in a 3D co-culture type of murine liver LGR5+ cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, we have demonstrated robust effects of CAFs in the promotion of LGR5 marked liver TICs. We also further revealed the influence of tumor microenvironment on stem cell-related therapy, suggesting the possibility of combing CAF-targeted and tumor stem cell targeted therapy in treating liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingna Zhang
- Department of OncologyPostgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, Shanghai East HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Yiqiao Fang
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xia Fu
- Department of Outpatients, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jiaye Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhounan Zhu
- Department of OncologyShanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yinyun Ni
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinic al Research Center for Geriatrics, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Menglin Yao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinic al Research Center for Geriatrics, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Wanlu Cao
- Department of OncologyShanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Chunyan Dong
- Department of OncologyPostgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, Shanghai East HospitalShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and EngineeringEast Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
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Zhang X, Shi X, Xie F, Liu Y, Wei X, Cai Y, Chao J. Dissecting pulmonary fibroblasts heterogeneity in lung development, health and diseases. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19428. [PMID: 37674845 PMCID: PMC10477496 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19428] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung fibroblasts are the major components in the connective tissue of the pulmonary interstitium and play essential roles in the developing of postnatal lung, synthesizing the extracellular matrix and maintaining the integrity of the lung architecture. Fibroblasts are activated in various disease conditions and exhibit functional heterogeneities according to their origin, spatial location, activated state and microenvironment. In recent years, advances in technology have enabled researchers to identify fibroblast subpopulations in both mouse and human. Here, we discuss pulmonary fibroblast heterogeneity, focusing on the developing, healthy and pathological lung conditions. We firstly review the expression profiles of fibroblasts during lung development, and then consider fibroblast diversity according to different anatomical sites of lung architecture. Subsequently, we discuss fibroblast heterogeneity in genetic lineage. Finally, we focus on how fibroblast heterogeneity may shed light on different pathological lung conditions such as fibrotic diseases, infectious diseases including COVID-19, and lung cancers. We emphasize the importance of comparative studies to illuminate the overlapping characteristics, expression profiles and signaling pathways of the fibroblast subpopulations across disease conditions, a better characterization of the functional complexity rather than the expression of a particular gene may have important therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaoni Shi
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Feiyan Xie
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Xinyan Wei
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Chao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
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Zhang H, Huang H, Wu S, He X, Chen J, Zheng X, Chen L, Wang Z. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the effects of anti-PD-L1 therapy on 3LL lung cancer model and its tumor microenvironment. Med Oncol 2023; 40:285. [PMID: 37653265 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02156-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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
PD-L1 is expressed on antigen-presenting cells and tumor cells, thus allows tumor cells to escape immune surveillance. Moreover, targeting PD-L1 was also recommended and selected as important immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) strategy in the treatment of advanced cancers due to the safety and activity. However, the detailed alteration of tumor microenvironment (TME) upon anti-PD-L1 therapy in lung cancer tumor model still needs to be resolved. In our present study, first, we characterized PD-L1 expression in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues by using public data, then we established the subcutaneous tumor-bearing model by using murine lung cancer cell line 3LL to perform the anti-PD-L1 therapy and the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to reveal the remodeling of TME. We confirmed that PD-L1 blockade significantly inhibited tumor progression in 3LL mouse lung cancer model. The scRNA-seq depicted the detailed TME landscape of 3LL tumor model upon anti-PD-L1 treatment. Five major populations according to the marker genes were identified, including tumor cells, stromal cells, myeloid cells, T cells, and NK cells. In addition, we found that anti-PD-L1 treatment enhanced tumor immunogenicity and promoted inflammation in TME and promoted cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-mediated T-cell migration and infiltration. We also found that anti-PD-L1 treatment can increase dendritic cells (DCs) population and enhance the antigen-presenting ability to CD8+T cells and promote the transition of monocytes to macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages 2 (TAM2) to TAM1. We also revealed that Nfatc1 was up-regulated in the anti-PD-L1 treatment group, the frequencies of effector CD8+T cells, exhausted CD8+T cells, cycling T cells, and NKT were increased, and the frequencies of conventional CD4+T cells, Treg, IFN-induced T cells, and γδT cells were decreased. Therefore, our scRNA-seq data of the lung cancer tumor model upon anti-PD-L1 treatment made a comprehensive presentation and description about the remodeling of TME and will benefit us to understand the underlying mechanisms and to design combinational therapeutic strategies based on anti-PD-L1 therapy against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaoxian Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xian He
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, China.
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China.
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Bates ME, Libring S, Reinhart-King CA. Forces exerted and transduced by cancer-associated fibroblasts during cancer progression. Biol Cell 2023; 115:e2200104. [PMID: 37224184 PMCID: PMC10757454 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202200104] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Although it is well-known that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in regulating tumor progression, the effects of mechanical tissue changes on CAFs are understudied. Myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), in particular, are known to alter tumor matrix architecture and composition, heavily influencing the mechanical forces in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but much less is known about how these mechanical changes initiate and maintain the myCAF phenotype. Additionally, recent studies have pointed to the existence of CAFs in circulating tumor cell clusters, indicating that CAFs may be subject to mechanical forces beyond the primary TME. Due to their pivotal role in cancer progression, targeting CAF mechanical regulation may provide therapeutic benefit. Here, we will discuss current knowledge and summarize existing gaps in how CAFs regulate and are regulated by matrix mechanics, including through stiffness, solid and fluid stresses, and fluid shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison E Bates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah Libring
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Soós AÁ, Kelemen A, Orosz A, Szvicsek Z, Tölgyes T, Dede K, Bursics A, Wiener Z. High CD142 Level Marks Tumor-Promoting Fibroblasts with Targeting Potential in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11585. [PMID: 37511344 PMCID: PMC10381019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411585] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. The accumulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) induces an aggressive, stem-like phenotype in tumor cells, and it indicates a poor prognosis. However, cellular heterogeneity among CAFs and the targeting of both stromal and CRC cells are not yet well resolved. Here, we identified CD142high fibroblasts with a higher stimulating effect on CRC cell proliferation via secreting more hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) compared to CD142low CAFs. We also found that combinations of inhibitors that had either a promising effect in other cancer types or are more active in CRC compared to normal colonic epithelium acted synergistically in CRC cells. Importantly, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor selected against CD142high fibroblasts, and both CRC cells and CAFs were sensitive to a BCL-xL inhibitor. However, targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) was ineffective in fibroblasts, and an epigenetic inhibitor selected for a tumor cell population with markers of aggressive behavior. Thus, we suggest BCL-xL and HSP90 inhibitors to eliminate cancer cells and decrease the tumor-promoting CD142high CAF population. This may be the basis of a strategy to target both CRC cells and stromal fibroblasts, resulting in the inhibition of tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Áron Soós
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.Á.S.); (A.K.); (A.O.); (Z.S.)
| | - Andrea Kelemen
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.Á.S.); (A.K.); (A.O.); (Z.S.)
| | - Adrián Orosz
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.Á.S.); (A.K.); (A.O.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Szvicsek
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.Á.S.); (A.K.); (A.O.); (Z.S.)
| | - Tamás Tölgyes
- Uzsoki Teaching Hospital, H-1145 Budapest, Hungary; (T.T.); (K.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Kristóf Dede
- Uzsoki Teaching Hospital, H-1145 Budapest, Hungary; (T.T.); (K.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Attila Bursics
- Uzsoki Teaching Hospital, H-1145 Budapest, Hungary; (T.T.); (K.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Zoltán Wiener
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (A.Á.S.); (A.K.); (A.O.); (Z.S.)
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50
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O’Connor RA, Martinez BR, Koppensteiner L, Mathieson L, Akram AR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts drive CXCL13 production in activated T cells via TGF-beta. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1221532. [PMID: 37520560 PMCID: PMC10373066 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1221532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumour-reactive T cells producing the B-cell attractant chemokine CXCL13, in solid tumours, promote development of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) and are associated with improved prognosis and responsiveness to checkpoint immunotherapy. Cancer associated fibroblasts are the dominant stromal cell type in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where they co-localise with T cells and can influence T cell activation and exhaustion. We questioned whether CAF directly promote CXCL13-production during T cell activation. Methods We characterised surface markers, cytokine production and transcription factor expression in CXCL13-producing T cells in NSCLC tumours and paired non-cancerous lung samples using flow cytometry. We then assessed the influence of human NSCLC-derived primary CAF lines on T cells from healthy donors and NSCLC patients during activation in vitro measuring CXCL13 production and expression of cell-surface markers and transcription factors by flow cytometry. Results CAFs significantly increased the production of CXCL13 by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CAF-induced CXCL13-producing cells lacked expression of CXCR5 and BCL6 and displayed a T peripheral helper cell phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrate CXCL13 production by T cells is induced by TGF-β and limited by IL-2. CAF provide TGF-β during T cell activation and reduce availability of IL-2 both directly (by reducing the capacity for IL-2 production) and indirectly, by expanding a population of activated Treg. Inhibition of TGF-β signalling prevented both CAF-driven upregulation of CXCL13 and Treg expansion. Discussion Promoting CXCL13 production represents a newly described immune-regulatory function of CAF with the potential to shape the immune infiltrate of the tumour microenvironment both by altering the effector-function of tumour infiltrating T-cells and their capacity to attract B cells and promote TLS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. O’Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Begoña Roman Martinez
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lilian Koppensteiner
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ahsan R. Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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