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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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2
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Kulkarni T, Robinson OM, Dutta A, Mukhopadhyay D, Bhattacharya S. Machine learning-based approach for automated classification of cell and extracellular matrix using nanomechanical properties. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:100970. [PMID: 38312803 PMCID: PMC10835007 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.100970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis characterized by excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to complex cell-ECM interactions plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis. Herein, we employ the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) model to investigate dynamic alterations in nanomechanical attributes arising from the cell-ECM interactions to study the fibrosis paradigm. Several segregated studies performed on cellular and ECM components fail to recapitulate their complex collaboration. We utilized collagen and fibronectin, the two most abundant PDAC ECM components, and studied their nanomechanical attributes. We demonstrate alteration in morphology and nanomechanical attributes of collagen with varying thicknesses of collagen gel. Furthermore, by mixing collagen and fibronectin in various stoichiometry, their nanomechanical attributes were observed to vary. To demonstrate the dynamicity and complexity of cell-ECM, we utilized Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells with or without collagen. We observed that Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells interact differently with collagen and vice versa, evident from their alteration in nanomechanical properties. Further, using nanomechanics data, we demonstrate that ML-based techniques were able to classify between ECM as well as cell, and cell subtypes in the presence/absence of collagen with higher accuracy. This work demonstrates a promising avenue to explore other ECM components facilitating deeper insights into tumor microenvironment and fibrosis paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Olivia-Marie Robinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ayan Dutta
- School of Computing, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224 USA
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
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3
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Kim MJ, Eun NL, Ahn SG, Kim JH, Youk JH, Son EJ, Jeong J, Cha YJ, Bae SJ. Elasticity Values as a Predictive Modality for Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:377. [PMID: 38254866 PMCID: PMC10814692 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is an effective tool in discriminating malignant lesions of breast and axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer. However, the association between the baseline elasticity value of breast cancer and the treatment response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is yet to be elucidated. Baseline SWE measured mean stiffness (E-mean) and maximum stiffness (E-max) in 830 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery from January 2012 to December 2022. Association of elasticity values with breast pCR (defined as ypTis/T0), pCR (defined as ypTis/T0, N0), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was analyzed. Of 830 patients, 356 (42.9%) achieved breast pCR, and 324 (39.0%) achieved pCR. The patients with low elasticity values had higher breast pCR and pCR rates than those with high elasticity values. A low E-mean (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.620; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.437 to 0.878; p = 0.007) and low E-max (adjusted OR: 0.701; 95% CI: 0.494 to 0.996; p = 0.047) were independent predictive factors for breast pCR. Low elasticity values were significantly correlated with high TILs. Pretreatment elasticity values measured using SWE were significantly associated with treatment response and inversely correlated with TILs, particularly in HR+HER2- breast cancer and TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea; (M.J.K.); (S.G.A.); (J.J.)
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
| | - Na Lae Eun
- Department of Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea; (N.L.E.); (J.H.Y.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Sung Gwe Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea; (M.J.K.); (S.G.A.); (J.J.)
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jee Hung Kim
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Youk
- Department of Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea; (N.L.E.); (J.H.Y.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Eun Ju Son
- Department of Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea; (N.L.E.); (J.H.Y.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Joon Jeong
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea; (M.J.K.); (S.G.A.); (J.J.)
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yoon Jin Cha
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
| | - Soong June Bae
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea; (M.J.K.); (S.G.A.); (J.J.)
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
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4
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Li W, Xu T, Jin H, Li M, Jia Q. Emerging role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155002. [PMID: 38056131 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer death globally and the majority of global cases are esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Difficulty in diagnosis exists as more than 70% of ESCC patients are diagnosed at the intermediate or advanced stage. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been considered one of the crucial components in the process of tumor growth, promoting communications between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs grow alongside malignancies dynamically and interact with ESCC cells to promote their progression, proliferation, invasion, tumor escape, chemo- and radio-resistance, etc. It is believed that CAFs qualify as a promising direction for treatment. Analyzing CAFs' subtypes and functions will elucidate the involvement of CAFs in ESCC and aid in therapeutics. This review summarizes current information on CAFs in ESCC and focuses on the latest interaction between CAFs and ESCC cancer cell discoveries. The origin of CAFs and their communication with ESCC cells and TME are also demonstrated. On the foundation of a thorough analysis, we highlight the clinical prospects and CAFs-related therapies in ESCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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5
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McKee JA, Olsen EA, Wills Kpeli G, Brooks MR, Beitollahpoor M, Pesika NS, Burow ME, Mondrinos MJ. Engineering dense tumor constructs via cellular contraction of extracellular matrix hydrogels. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:380-394. [PMID: 37822194 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28561] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Physical characteristics of solid tumors such as dense internal microarchitectures and pathological stiffness influence cancer progression and treatment. While it is routine to engineer culture substrates and scaffolds with elastic moduli that approximate tumors, these models often fail to capture characteristic internal microarchitectures such as densely compacted concentric ECM fibers at the stromal interface. Contractile mesenchymal cells can solve this engineering challenge by deforming, contracting, and compacting extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels to decrease tissue volume and increase tissue density. Here we demonstrate that allowing human fibroblasts of varying origins to freely contract collagen type I-containing hydrogels co-seeded with carcinoma cell spheroids produces a tissue engineered construct with structural features that mimic dense solid tumors in vivo. Morphometry and mechanical testing were conducted in tandem with biochemical analysis of proliferation and viability to confirm that dense carcinoma constructs engineered using this approach capture relevant physical characteristics of solid carcinomas in a tractable format that preserves viability and is amenable to extended culture. The reported method is adaptable to the use of multiple mesenchymal cell types and the inclusion of fibrin in the ECM combined with seeding of endothelial cells to produce prevascularized constructs. The physical dense carcinoma constructs engineered using this approach may provide more clinically relevant venues for studying cancer pathophysiology and the challenges associated with the delivery of macromolecular drugs and cellular immunotherapies to solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae A McKee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Bioinnovation Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elisabet A Olsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Bioinnovation Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Gideon Wills Kpeli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Moriah R Brooks
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Noshir S Pesika
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Bioinnovation Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mark J Mondrinos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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6
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Neilson LJ, Cartwright D, Risteli M, Jokinen EM, McGarry L, Sandvik T, Nikolatou K, Hodge K, Atkinson S, Vias M, Kay EJ, Brenton JD, Carlin LM, Bryant DM, Salo T, Zanivan S. Omentum-derived matrix enables the study of metastatic ovarian cancer and stromal cell functions in a physiologically relevant environment. Matrix Biol Plus 2023; 19-20:100136. [PMID: 38223308 PMCID: PMC10784634 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2023.100136] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological disease in the world and metastases is a major cause. The omentum is the preferential metastatic site in HGS ovarian cancer patients and in vitro models that recapitulate the original environment of this organ at cellular and molecular level are being developed to study basic mechanisms that underpin this disease. The tumour extracellular matrix (ECM) plays active roles in HGS ovarian cancer pathology and response to therapy. However, most of the current in vitro models use matrices of animal origin and that do not recapitulate the complexity of the tumour ECM in patients. Here, we have developed omentum gel (OmGel), a matrix made from tumour-associated omental tissue of HGS ovarian cancer patients that has unprecedented similarity to the ECM of HGS omental tumours and is simple to prepare. When used in 2D and 3D in vitro assays to assess cancer cell functions relevant to metastatic ovarian cancer, OmGel performs as well as or better than the widely use Matrigel and does not induce additional phenotypic changes to ovarian cancer cells. Surprisingly, OmGel promotes pronounced morphological changes in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These changes were associated with the upregulation of proteins that define subsets of CAFs in tumour patient samples, highlighting the importance of using clinically and physiologically relevant matrices for in vitro studies. Hence, OmGel provides a step forward to study the biology of HGS omental metastasis. Metastasis in the omentum are also typical of other cancer types, particularly gastric cancer, implying the relevance of OmGel to study the biology of other highly lethal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas Cartwright
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maija Risteli
- Research Unit of Population Health, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Elina M. Jokinen
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lynn McGarry
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Toni Sandvik
- Research Unit of Population Health, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Konstantina Nikolatou
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kelly Hodge
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Maria Vias
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J. Kay
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - James D. Brenton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, UK
| | - Leo M. Carlin
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David M. Bryant
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tuula Salo
- Research Unit of Population Health, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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7
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Amiri A, Dietz C, Rapp A, Cardoso MC, Stark RW. The cyto-linker and scaffolding protein "plectin" mis-localization leads to softening of cancer cells. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:15008-15026. [PMID: 37668423 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02226a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Discovering tools to prevent cancer progression requires understanding the fundamental differences between normal and cancer cells. More than a decade ago, atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed cancer cells' softer body compared to their healthy counterparts. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the softening of cancerous cells in comparison with their healthy counterparts based on AFM high resolution stiffness tomography and 3D confocal microscopy. We showed microtubules (MTs) network in invasive ductal carcinoma cell cytoskeleton is basally located and segmented for around 400 nm from the cell periphery. Additionally, the cytoskeleton scaffolding protein plectin exhibits a mis-localization from the cytoplasm to the surface of cells in the carcinoma which justifies the dissociation of the MT network from the cell's cortex. Furthermore, the assessment of MTs' persistence length using a worm-like-chain (WLC) model in high resolution AFM images showed lower persistence length of the single MTs in ductal carcinoma compared to that in the normal state. Overall, these tuned mechanics support the invasive cells to ascertain more flexibility under compressive forces in small deformations. These data provide new insights into the structural origins of cancer aids in progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahid Amiri
- Physics of Surfaces, Institute of Materials Science, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Christian Dietz
- Physics of Surfaces, Institute of Materials Science, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Alexander Rapp
- Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - M Cristina Cardoso
- Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Robert W Stark
- Physics of Surfaces, Institute of Materials Science, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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8
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Li M, Wu B, Li L, Lv C, Tian Y. Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188945. [PMID: 37356739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188945] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are highly heterogeneous in phenotypes, functions, and origins. CAFs originated from varieties of cell types, including local resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or others. These cells participate in tumor angiogenesis, mechanics, drug access, and immune suppression, with the latter being particularly important. It was difficult to distinguish CAFs by subsets due to their complex origins until the use of scRNA-seq. Reprogramming CAFs with TGFβ-RI inhibitor, a CXCR4 blocker, or other methods increases T cells activation and infiltration, together with a decrease in CAFs recruitment, thus improving the prognosis. As depletion of CAFs can't bring clinical benefit, the combination of reprogramming CAFs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) come into consideration. It has shown better outcomes compared with monotherapy respectively in basic/preclinical researches, and needs more data on clinical trials. Combination therapy may be a promising and expecting method for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Mammary Gland, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center(Group), No. 1 Dunhuang Road, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China; Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lunxu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
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9
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Borchert S, Mathilakathu A, Nath A, Wessolly M, Mairinger E, Kreidt D, Steinborn J, Walter RFH, Christoph DC, Kollmeier J, Wohlschlaeger J, Mairinger T, Brcic L, Mairinger FD. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Influence Survival in Pleural Mesothelioma: Digital Gene Expression Analysis and Supervised Machine Learning Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12426. [PMID: 37569808 PMCID: PMC10419996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512426] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanism of desmoplastic stromal reaction (DSR) formation is still unclear. The interaction between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has an important role in tumor progression, while stromal changes are a poor prognostic factor in pleural mesothelioma (PM). We aimed to assess the impact of CAFs paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment and the DSR presence on survival, in a cohort of 77 PM patients. DSR formation was evaluated morphologically and by immunohistochemistry for Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP). Digital gene expression was analyzed using a custom-designed CodeSet (NanoString). Decision-tree-based analysis using the "conditional inference tree" (CIT) machine learning algorithm was performed on the obtained results. A significant association between FAP gene expression levels and the appearance of DSR was found (p = 0.025). DSR-high samples demonstrated a statistically significant prolonged median survival time. The elevated expression of MYT1, KDR, PIK3R1, PIK3R4, and SOS1 was associated with shortened OS, whereas the upregulation of VEGFC, FAP, and CDK4 was associated with prolonged OS. CIT revealed a three-tier system based on FAP, NF1, and RPTOR expressions. We could outline the prognostic value of CAFs-induced PI3K signaling pathway activation together with FAP-dependent CDK4 mediated cell cycle progression in PM, where prognostic and predictive biomarkers are urgently needed to introduce new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
| | - Alexander Mathilakathu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
| | - Alina Nath
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
| | - Daniel Kreidt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
| | | | - Robert F. H. Walter
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
| | - Daniel C. Christoph
- Department of Medical Oncology, Evangelische Kliniken Essen-Mitte, 45131 Essen, Germany;
| | - Jens Kollmeier
- Department of Pneumology, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany;
| | | | - Thomas Mairinger
- Department of Tissue Diagnostics, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Fabian D. Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (A.M.); (A.N.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (R.F.H.W.)
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10
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Nasiraee MR, Shahrivari S, Sayad S, Mahdavi H, Saraygord‐Afshari N, Bagheri Z. An agarose-alginate microfluidic device for the study of spheroid invasion, ATRA inhibits CAFs-mediated matrix remodeling. Cytotechnology 2023; 75:309-323. [PMID: 37389131 PMCID: PMC10299977 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-023-00578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are responsible for tumor genesis, growth, metastasis, and treatment response. Therefore, targeting these cells may contribute to tumor control. It has been proposed that targeting key molecules and pathways of proliferative functions can be more effective than killing CAFs. In this regard, multicellular aggregates, like spheroids, can be used as human tumor models. Spheroids closely resemble human tumors and mimic many of their features. Microfluidic systems are ideal for cultivation and study of spheroids. These systems can be designed with different biological and synthetic matrices in order to have a more realistic simulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigated the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on 3D spheroid invasion of MDA-MB cells exposed to hydrogel matrix derived from CAFs. The number of invasive cells significantly decreased in CAF-ECM hydrogel treated with ATRA (p < 0.05), which indicates that ATRA could be effective for CAFs normalization. This experiment was done using an agarose-alginate microfluidic chip. As compared with common methods, such hydrogel casting is an easier method for chip fabrication and can even reduce costs. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-023-00578-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Nasiraee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Shabnam Shahrivari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Soheila Sayad
- Department of Surgery, Firoozgar Clinical Research Development Center (FCRDC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Mahdavi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Saraygord‐Afshari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Zeinab Bagheri
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C, Tehran, 19839-69411 Iran
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Hu S, Xia C, Zou H, Ren W, Liu L, Wang L, Kang Q, He K, Wang T, Zhang X. HS6ST1 overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblast and inhibited cholangiocarcinoma progression. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:1114-1125. [PMID: 36586771 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD Fibroblasts turn into cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment, which play an important role in tumor progression. However, the mechanism is unclear. AIMS To investigate the role of CAFs with HS6ST1-overexpression in cell migration and invasion effects. METHODS Human primary CAFs were isolated and identified from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. mRNA profiles differences between CAFs and NFs were examined by using transcriptome sequencing. Using Transwell® migration assays, ICCA cells (RBE and HUCCT1) with NF-CM, CAF-CM, CAFsNC-CM, and CAFsHS6ST1-CM were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the expression of HS6ST1 in CAF in 152 patients with ICCA. Overall survival (OS) was compared based on CAF HS6ST1 expression were analysed. The relationship between clinicopathological parameters and survival was also examined. RESULTS Successfully isolated CAFs is positive staining with αSMA, FSP-1, FAP, and PDGFR-β. Transcriptome sequencing showed that differently expressed genes were enriched in the function of the extracellular matrix and chemokine signaling pathway. HS6ST1 is differentially expressed between CAFs and NFs, and associated with the migration and invasion of ICCA cells. Moreover, HS6ST1 positive expression of CAFs predicted unfavorable prognosis in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and showed correlation with the presence of lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION HS6ST1 is new possibilities for targeting the CAFs to reduce cholangiocarcinoma growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Chuqi Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hao Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Wenjun Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Lianmin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Qiang Kang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Kai He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China.
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 374# Dianmian Avenue, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China.
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12
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Urciuolo F, Imparato G, Netti PA. In vitro strategies for mimicking dynamic cell-ECM reciprocity in 3D culture models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1197075. [PMID: 37434756 PMCID: PMC10330728 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1197075] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular microenvironment regulates cell decisions through the accurate presentation at the cell surface of a complex array of biochemical and biophysical signals that are mediated by the structure and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). On the one hand, the cells actively remodel the ECM, which on the other hand affects cell functions. This cell-ECM dynamic reciprocity is central in regulating and controlling morphogenetic and histogenetic processes. Misregulation within the extracellular space can cause aberrant bidirectional interactions between cells and ECM, resulting in dysfunctional tissues and pathological states. Therefore, tissue engineering approaches, aiming at reproducing organs and tissues in vitro, should realistically recapitulate the native cell-microenvironment crosstalk that is central for the correct functionality of tissue-engineered constructs. In this review, we will describe the most updated bioengineering approaches to recapitulate the native cell microenvironment and reproduce functional tissues and organs in vitro. We have highlighted the limitations of the use of exogenous scaffolds in recapitulating the regulatory/instructive and signal repository role of the native cell microenvironment. By contrast, strategies to reproduce human tissues and organs by inducing cells to synthetize their own ECM acting as a provisional scaffold to control and guide further tissue development and maturation hold the potential to allow the engineering of fully functional histologically competent three-dimensional (3D) tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Urciuolo
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Production (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - G. Imparato
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - P. A. Netti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Production (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
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13
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COL12A1 Acts as a Novel Prognosis Biomarker and Activates Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer through Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051480. [PMID: 36900272 PMCID: PMC10000532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051480] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to date and is associated with poor survival. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that play a crucial role in tumor progression in pancreatic cancer. Thus, uncovering the key genes involved in CAF progression and determining their prognostic value is critically important. Herein, we report our discoveries in this research area. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and investigation of our clinical tissue samples indicated that COL12A1 expression was aberrantly highly expressed in pancreatic cancer. Survival and COX regression analyses revealed the significant clinical prognostic value of COL12A1 expression in pancreatic cancer. COL12A1 was mainly expressed in CAFs but not in tumor cells. This was verified with our PCR analysis in cancer cells and CAFs. The knocking down of COL12A1 decreased the proliferation and migration of CAFs and down-regulated the expression of CAF activation markers actin alpha 2 (ACTA2), fibroblast activation protein (FAP), and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1). Meanwhile, the interleukin 6 (IL6), CXC chemokine Ligand-5 (CXCL5), and CXC chemokine Ligand-10 (CXCL10) expressions were inhibited, and the cancer-promoting effect was reversed by COL12A1 knockdown. Therefore, we demonstrated the potential prognostic and target therapy value of COL12A1 expression in pancreatic cancer and elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying its role in CAFs. The findings of this study might provide new opportunities for TME-targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer.
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14
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Zhang D, He J, Zhou M. Radiation-assisted strategies provide new perspectives to improve the nanoparticle delivery to tumor. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 193:114642. [PMID: 36529190 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs), with advantages in tumor targeting, have been extensively developed for anticancer treatment. However, the delivery efficacy of NPs tends to be heterogeneous in clinical research. Surprisingly, a traditional cancer treatment, radiotherapy (radiation), has been observed with the potential to improve the delivery of NPs by influencing the features of the tumor microenvironment, which provides new perspectives to overcome the barriers in the NPs delivery. Since the effect of radiation can also be enhanced by versatile NPs, these findings of radiation-assisted NPs delivery suggest innovative strategies combining radiotherapy with nanotherapeutics. This review summarizes the research on the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of NPs that are improved by radiation, focusing on relative mechanisms and existing challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxiao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Jian He
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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15
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Mo Y, Leung LL, Mak CSL, Wang X, Chan WS, Hui LMN, Tang HWM, Siu MKY, Sharma R, Xu D, Tsui SKW, Ngan HYS, Yung MMH, Chan KKL, Chan DW. Tumor-secreted exosomal miR-141 activates tumor-stroma interactions and controls premetastatic niche formation in ovarian cancer metastasis. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:4. [PMID: 36624516 PMCID: PMC9827705 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01703-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic colonization is one of the critical steps in tumor metastasis. A pre-metastatic niche is required for metastatic colonization and is determined by tumor-stroma interactions, yet the mechanistic underpinnings remain incompletely understood. METHODS PCR-based miRNome profiling, qPCR, immunofluorescent analyses evaluated the expression of exosomal miR-141 and cell-to-cell communication. LC-MS/MS proteomic profiling and Dual-Luciferase analyses identified YAP1 as the direct target of miR-141. Human cytokine profiling, ChIP, luciferase reporter assays, and subcellular fractionation analyses confirmed YAP1 in modulating GROα production. A series of in vitro tumorigenic assays, an ex vivo model and Yap1 stromal conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model demonstrated the roles of miR-141/YAP1/GROα/CXCR1/2 signaling cascade. RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPRi systems were used for gene silencing. Blood sera, OvCa tumor tissue samples, and tissue array were included for clinical correlations. RESULTS Hsa-miR-141-3p (miR-141), an exosomal miRNA, is highly secreted by ovarian cancer cells and reprograms stromal fibroblasts into proinflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), facilitating metastatic colonization. A mechanistic study showed that miR-141 targeted YAP1, a critical effector of the Hippo pathway, reducing the nuclear YAP1/TAZ ratio and enhancing GROα production from stromal fibroblasts. Stromal-specific knockout (cKO) of Yap1 in murine models shaped the GROα-enriched microenvironment, facilitating in vivo tumor colonization, but this effect was reversed after Cxcr1/2 depletion in OvCa cells. The YAP1/GROα correlation was demonstrated in clinical samples, highlighting the clinical relevance of this research and providing a potential therapeutic intervention for impeding premetastatic niche formation and metastatic progression of ovarian cancers. CONCLUSIONS This study uncovers miR-141 as an OvCa-derived exosomal microRNA mediating the tumor-stroma interactions and the formation of tumor-promoting stromal niche through activating YAP1/GROα/CXCRs signaling cascade, providing new insight into therapy for OvCa patients with peritoneal metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Mo
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Leanne L. Leung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Celia S. L. Mak
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Xueyu Wang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Wai-Sun Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Lynn M. N. Hui
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Hermit W. M. Tang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Michelle K. Y. Siu
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Centre for PanorOmic Sciences Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Dakang Xu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Stephen K. W. Tsui
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR Hong Kong, China
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Mingo M. H. Yung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - David W. Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR Hong Kong, China ,grid.511521.3School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172 China
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16
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Martinelli S, Amore F, Canu L, Maggi M, Rapizzi E. Tumour microenvironment in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1137456. [PMID: 37033265 PMCID: PMC10073672 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1137456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (Pheo/PGL) are rare catecholamine-producing tumours derived from adrenal medulla or from the extra-adrenal paraganglia respectively. Around 10-15% of Pheo/PGL develop metastatic forms and have a poor prognosis with a 37% of mortality rate at 5 years. These tumours have a strong genetic determinism, and the presence of succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB) mutations are highly associated with metastatic forms. To date, no effective treatment is present for metastatic forms. In addition to cancer cells, the tumour microenvironment (TME) is also composed of non-neoplastic cells and non-cellular components, which are essential for tumour initiation and progression in multiple cancers, including Pheo/PGL. This review, for the first time, provides an overview of the roles of TME cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) on Pheo/PGL growth and progression. Moreover, the functions of the non-cellular components of the TME, among which the most representatives are growth factors, extracellular vesicles and extracellular matrix (ECM) are explored. The importance of succinate as an oncometabolite is emerging and since Pheo/PGL SDH mutated accumulate high levels of succinate, the role of succinate and of its receptor (SUCNR1) in the modulation of the carcinogenesis process is also analysed. Further understanding of the mechanism behind the complicated effects of TME on Pheo/PGL growth and spread could suggest novel therapeutic targets for further clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Careggi, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Amore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia Canu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Careggi, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Careggi, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Careggi, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Rapizzi,
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Owen JS, Clayton A, Pearson HB. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity, Activation and Function: Implications for Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 13:67. [PMID: 36671452 PMCID: PMC9856041 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) during prostate tumorigenesis is emerging as a critical event that facilitates cancer growth, progression and drug-resistance. Recent advances have identified extensive communication networks that enable tumor-stroma cross-talk, and emphasized the functional importance of diverse, heterogeneous stromal fibroblast populations during malignant growth. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a vital component of the TME, which mediate key oncogenic events including angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metastatic progression and therapeutic resistance, thus presenting an attractive therapeutic target. Nevertheless, how fibroblast heterogeneity, recruitment, cell-of-origin and differential functions contribute to prostate cancer remains to be fully delineated. Developing our molecular understanding of these processes is fundamental to developing new therapies and biomarkers that can ultimately improve clinical outcomes. In this review, we explore the current challenges surrounding fibroblast identification, discuss new mechanistic insights into fibroblast functions during normal prostate tissue homeostasis and tumorigenesis, and illustrate the diverse nature of fibroblast recruitment and CAF generation. We also highlight the promise of CAF-targeted therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine S. Owen
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Aled Clayton
- Tissue Microenvironment Group, Division of Cancer & Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
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18
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Zeltz C, Navab R, Heljasvaara R, Kusche-Gullberg M, Lu N, Tsao MS, Gullberg D. Integrin α11β1 in tumor fibrosis: more than just another cancer-associated fibroblast biomarker? J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:649-660. [PMID: 35378690 PMCID: PMC8978763 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00673-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently an increased interest in understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in tumor growth and progression. In this context the role of integrins in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) will need to be carefully re-evaluated. Fibroblast-derived cells are not only in the focus in tumors, but also in tissue fibrosis as well as in inflammatory conditions. The recent transcriptional profiling of what has been called "the pan-fibroblast cell lineage" in mouse and human tissues has identified novel transcriptional biomarker mRNAs encoding the secreted ECM proteins dermatopontin and collagen XV as well as the phosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein Pi16. Some of the genes identified in these fibroblasts scRNA-seq datasets will be useful for rigorous comparative characterizations of fibroblast-derived cell subpopulations. At the same time, it will be a challenge in the coming years to validate these transcriptional mRNA datasets at the protein-(expression) and at tissue-(distribution) levels and to find useful protein biomarker reagents that will facilitate fibroblast profiling at the cell level. In the current review we will focus on the role of the collagen-binding integrin α11β1 in CAFs, summarizing our own work as well as published datasets with information on α11 mRNA expression in selected tumors. Our experimental data suggest that α11β1 is more than just another biomarker and that it as a functional collagen receptor in the TME is playing a central role in regulating collagen assembly and matrix remodeling, which in turn impact tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Zeltz
- Department of Biomedicine, Matrix Biology Group, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009, Bergen, Norway
| | - Roya Navab
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ritva Heljasvaara
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marion Kusche-Gullberg
- Department of Biomedicine, Matrix Biology Group, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ning Lu
- Department of Biomedicine, Matrix Biology Group, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Donald Gullberg
- Department of Biomedicine, Matrix Biology Group, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009, Bergen, Norway.
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19
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Xu M, Zhang T, Xia R, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting the tumor stroma for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:208. [PMID: 36324128 PMCID: PMC9628074 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are comprised of both cancer cells and surrounding stromal components. As an essential part of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor stroma is highly dynamic, heterogeneous and commonly tumor-type specific, and it mainly includes noncellular compositions such as the extracellular matrix and the unique cancer-associated vascular system as well as a wide variety of cellular components including activated cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells, pericytes. All these elements operate with each other in a coordinated fashion and collectively promote cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to study the interaction and crosstalk between stromal components and neoplastic cells. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of tumor stroma in solid tumors. A series of clinical trials targeting the tumor stroma have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce and discuss current advances in the understanding of various stromal elements and their roles in cancers. We also elaborate on potential novel approaches for tumor-stroma-based therapeutic targeting, with the aim to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosen Xu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruolan Xia
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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20
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Exploitation and Verification of a Stroma- and Metastasis-Associated Risk Prognostic Signature in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15111336. [DOI: 10.3390/ph15111336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), one of the most malignant tumors, not only has abundant mesenchymal components, but is also characterized by an extremely high metastatic risk. The purpose of this study was to construct a model of stroma- and metastasis-associated prognostic signature, aiming to benefit the existing clinical staging system and predict the prognosis of patients. First, stroma-associated genes were screened from the TCGA database with the ESTIMATE algorithm. Subsequently, transcriptomic data from clinical tissues in the RenJi cohort were screened for metastasis-associated genes. Integrating the two sets of genes, we constructed a risk prognostic signature by Cox and LASSO regression analysis. We then obtained a risk score by a quantitative formula and divided all samples into high- and low-risk groups based on the scores. The results demonstrated that patients with high-risk scores have a worse prognosis than those with low-risk scores, both in the TCGA database and in the RenJi cohort. In addition, tumor mutation burden, chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and immune infiltration analysis also exhibited significant differences between the two groups. In exploring the potential mechanisms of how stromal components affect tumor metastasis, we simulated different matrix stiffness in vitro to explore its effect on EMT key genes in PAAD cells. We found that cancer cells stimulated by high matrix stiffness may trigger EMT and promote PAAD metastasis.
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21
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CD36 + Fibroblasts Secrete Protein Ligands That Growth-Suppress Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells While Elevating Adipogenic Markers for a Model of Cancer-Associated Fibroblast. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112744. [PMID: 36361532 PMCID: PMC9654220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor and stroma coevolve to facilitate tumor growth. Hence, effective tumor therapeutics would not only induce growth suppression of tumor cells but also revert pro-tumor stroma into anti-tumoral type. Previously, we showed that coculturing triple-negative or luminal A breast cancer cells with CD36+ fibroblasts (FBs) in a three-dimensional extracellular matrix induced their growth suppression or phenotypic reversion, respectively. Then, we identified SLIT3, FBLN-1, and PENK as active protein ligands secreted from CD36+ FBs that induced growth suppression of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and determined their minimum effective concentrations. Here, we have expanded our analyses to include additional triple-negative cancer cell lines, BT549 and Hs578T, as well as HCC1937 carrying a BRCA1 mutation. We show that the ectopic addition of each of the three ligands to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) elevates the expression of CD36, as well as the adipogenic marker FABP4. Lastly, we show that an agonist antibody for one of the PENK receptors induces growth suppression of all cancer cell lines tested but not for non-transformed MCF10A cells. These results clearly suggest that proteins secreted from CD36+ FBs induce not only growth suppression of tumor cells through binding the cognate receptors but also increasing adipogenic markers of CAFs to reprogram tumor stroma.
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22
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Lee Y, Bae SJ, Eun NL, Ahn SG, Jeong J, Cha YJ. Correlation of Yes-Associated Protein 1 with Stroma Type and Tumor Stiffness in Hormone-Receptor Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14204971. [PMID: 36291755 PMCID: PMC9599900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14204971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary YAP1 is an oncogene that can be activated by matrix stiffness, as it can act as a mechanotransducer. So far, only in vitro studies regarding YAP1 activation and matrix stiffness are present. We confirmed the activation of YAP1 in breast cancer using human breast cancer tissue and immunohistochemistry. Tumor stiffness was quantified by shear-wave elastography. Nuclear localization of YAP1 showed correlation with tumor stiffness in hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer. Also, tumors with non-collagen-type stroma showed an association between YAP1 expression and tumor stiffness. YAP1 expression, along with tumor stiffness, may serve as a prognostic candidate in HR+ breast cancer. Abstract (1) Background: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is an oncogene activated under the dysregulated Hippo pathway. YAP1 is also a mechanotransducer that is activated by matrix stiffness. So far, there are no in vivo studies on YAP1 expression related to stiffness. We aimed to investigate the association between YAP1 activation and tumor stiffness in human breast cancer samples, using immunohistochemistry and shear-wave elastography (SWE). (2) Methods: We included 488 patients with treatment-naïve breast cancer. Tumor stiffness was measured and the mean, maximal, and minimal elasticity values and elasticity ratios were recorded. Nuclear YAP1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs); tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) and stroma type of tumors were also evaluated. (3) Results: Tumor stiffness was higher in tumors with YAP1 positivity, low TILs, and high TSR and was correlated with nuclear YAP1 expression; this correlation was observed in hormone receptor positive (HR+) tumors, as well as in tumors with non-collagen-type stroma. (4) Conclusions: We confirmed the correlation between nuclear YAP1 expression and tumor stiffness, and nuclear YAP1 expression was deemed a prognostic candidate in HR+ tumors combined with SWE-measured tumor stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangkyu Lee
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
- Institute of Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Soong June Bae
- Institute of Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Na Lae Eun
- Department of Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Sung Gwe Ahn
- Institute of Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Joon Jeong
- Institute of Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Yoon Jin Cha
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
- Institute of Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2019-3540
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23
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Tamayo-Angorrilla M, López de Andrés J, Jiménez G, Marchal JA. The biomimetic extracellular matrix: a therapeutic tool for breast cancer research. Transl Res 2022; 247:117-136. [PMID: 34844003 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A deeper knowledge of the functional versatility and dynamic nature of the ECM has improved the understanding of cancer biology. Translational Significance: This work provides an in-depth view of the importance of the ECM to develop more mimetic breast cancer models, which aim to recreate the components and architecture of tumor microenvironment. Special focus is placed on decellularized matrices derived from tissue and cell culture, both in procurement and applications, as they have achieved great success in cancer research and pharmaceutical sector. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is increasingly recognized as a master regulator of cell behavior and response to breast cancer (BC) treatment. During BC progression, the mammary gland ECM is remodeled and altered in the composition and organization. Accumulated evidence suggests that changes in the composition and mechanics of ECM, orchestrated by tumor-stromal interactions along with ECM remodeling enzymes, are actively involved in BC progression and metastasis. Understanding how specific ECM components modulate the tumorigenic process has led to an increased interest in the development of biomaterial-based biomimetic ECM models to recapitulate key tumor characteristics. The decellularized ECMs (dECMs) have emerged as a promising in vitro 3D tumor model, whose recent advances in the processing and application could become the biomaterial by excellence for BC research and the pharmaceutical industry. This review offers a detailed view of the contribution of ECM in BC progression, and highlights the application of dECM-based biomaterials as promising personalized tumor models that more accurately mimic the tumorigenic mechanisms of BC and the response to treatment. This will allow the design of targeted therapeutic approaches adapted to the specific characteristics of each tumor that will have a great impact on the precision medicine applied to BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tamayo-Angorrilla
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Julia López de Andrés
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada- University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Spain
| | - Gema Jiménez
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada- University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada- University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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24
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Papanicolaou M, Parker AL, Yam M, Filipe EC, Wu SZ, Chitty JL, Wyllie K, Tran E, Mok E, Nadalini A, Skhinas JN, Lucas MC, Herrmann D, Nobis M, Pereira BA, Law AMK, Castillo L, Murphy KJ, Zaratzian A, Hastings JF, Croucher DR, Lim E, Oliver BG, Mora FV, Parker BL, Gallego-Ortega D, Swarbrick A, O'Toole S, Timpson P, Cox TR. Temporal profiling of the breast tumour microenvironment reveals collagen XII as a driver of metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4587. [PMID: 35933466 PMCID: PMC9357007 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour stroma, and in particular the extracellular matrix (ECM), is a salient feature of solid tumours that plays a crucial role in shaping their progression. Many desmoplastic tumours including breast cancer involve the significant accumulation of type I collagen. However, recently it has become clear that the precise distribution and organisation of matrix molecules such as collagen I is equally as important in the tumour as their abundance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) coexist within breast cancer tissues and play both pro- and anti-tumourigenic roles through remodelling the ECM. Here, using temporal proteomic profiling of decellularized tumours, we interrogate the evolving matrisome during breast cancer progression. We identify 4 key matrisomal clusters, and pinpoint collagen type XII as a critical component that regulates collagen type I organisation. Through combining our proteomics with single-cell transcriptomics, and genetic manipulation models, we show how CAF-secreted collagen XII alters collagen I organisation to create a pro-invasive microenvironment supporting metastatic dissemination. Finally, we show in patient cohorts that collagen XII may represent an indicator of breast cancer patients at high risk of metastatic relapse. The distribution and organisation of matrix molecules in the tumour stroma help shape solid tumour progression. Here they perform temporal proteomic profiling of the matrisome during breast cancer progression and show that collagen XII secreted from CAFs provides a pro-invasive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Papanicolaou
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Amelia L Parker
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Yam
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Elysse C Filipe
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sunny Z Wu
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica L Chitty
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kaitlin Wyllie
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Emmi Tran
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellie Mok
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Audrey Nadalini
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Joanna N Skhinas
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Morghan C Lucas
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Max Nobis
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brooke A Pereira
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew M K Law
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lesley Castillo
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kendelle J Murphy
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anaiis Zaratzian
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jordan F Hastings
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David R Croucher
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian G Oliver
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes Mora
- Cancer Epigenetic Biology and Therapeutics, Personalised Medicine, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin L Parker
- Metabolic Systems Biology Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Gallego-Ortega
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Swarbrick
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandra O'Toole
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia. .,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Thomas R Cox
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia. .,School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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25
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Qiu L, Yue J, Ding L, Yin Z, Zhang K, Zhang H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: An emerging target against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 546:215860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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26
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Lavie D, Ben-Shmuel A, Erez N, Scherz-Shouval R. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in the single-cell era. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:793-807. [PMID: 35883004 PMCID: PMC7613625 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00411-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are central players in the microenvironment of solid tumors, affecting cancer progression and metastasis. CAFs have diverse phenotypes, origins and functions and consist of distinct subpopulations. Recent progress in single-cell RNA-sequencing technologies has enabled detailed characterization of the complexity and heterogeneity of CAF subpopulations in multiple tumor types. In this Review, we discuss the current understanding of CAF subsets and functions as elucidated by single-cell technologies, their functional plasticity, and their emergent shared and organ-specific features that could potentially be harnessed to design better therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dor Lavie
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Neta Erez
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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27
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SCA ® Slows the Decline of Functional Parameters Associated with Senescence in Skin Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126538. [PMID: 35742982 PMCID: PMC9224471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126538] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of compounds and natural ingredients that can counteract tissue stress and dysfunction induced by aging in skin cells is warranted. Here, we investigated the activity of the secretion from the snail Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA®), an active compound with well-established beneficial effects on skin integrity and aging. To determinate its senescence-regulation mechanisms, we used a model where damage was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results showed that SCA® positively modulated factors involved in cell senescence such as β-galactosidase and cell morphology, secretory efficiency markers (SIRT1/6 and carboxymethyl-lysine), and metabolic and redox homeostasis (mTOR and ROS). This study demonstrated a novel compound that is activity-modulating, reduces cell senescence, and increases longevity to maintain skin homeostasis and functionality.
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28
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Kay EJ, Paterson K, Riera-Domingo C, Sumpton D, Däbritz JHM, Tardito S, Boldrini C, Hernandez-Fernaud JR, Athineos D, Dhayade S, Stepanova E, Gjerga E, Neilson LJ, Lilla S, Hedley A, Koulouras G, McGregor G, Jamieson C, Johnson RM, Park M, Kirschner K, Miller C, Kamphorst JJ, Loayza-Puch F, Saez-Rodriguez J, Mazzone M, Blyth K, Zagnoni M, Zanivan S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts require proline synthesis by PYCR1 for the deposition of pro-tumorigenic extracellular matrix. Nat Metab 2022; 4:693-710. [PMID: 35760868 PMCID: PMC9236907 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Elevated production of collagen-rich extracellular matrix is a hallmark of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and a central driver of cancer aggressiveness. Here we find that proline, a highly abundant amino acid in collagen proteins, is newly synthesized from glutamine in CAFs to make tumour collagen in breast cancer xenografts. PYCR1 is a key enzyme for proline synthesis and highly expressed in the stroma of breast cancer patients and in CAFs. Reducing PYCR1 levels in CAFs is sufficient to reduce tumour collagen production, tumour growth and metastatic spread in vivo and cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Both collagen and glutamine-derived proline synthesis in CAFs are epigenetically upregulated by increased pyruvate dehydrogenase-derived acetyl-CoA levels. PYCR1 is a cancer cell vulnerability and potential target for therapy; therefore, our work provides evidence that targeting PYCR1 may have the additional benefit of halting the production of a pro-tumorigenic extracellular matrix. Our work unveils new roles for CAF metabolism to support pro-tumorigenic collagen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Kay
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karla Paterson
- Centre for Microsystems and Photonics, EEE Department, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Carla Riera-Domingo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Saverio Tardito
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Ekaterina Stepanova
- Translational Control and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Enio Gjerga
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
- RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine, Joint Research Centre for Computational Biomedicine (JRC-COMBINE), Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Sergio Lilla
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ann Hedley
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Grace McGregor
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Thomas Graham Building, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Radia Marie Johnson
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kristina Kirschner
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Crispin Miller
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jurre J Kamphorst
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fabricio Loayza-Puch
- Translational Control and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julio Saez-Rodriguez
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
- RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine, Joint Research Centre for Computational Biomedicine (JRC-COMBINE), Aachen, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michele Zagnoni
- Centre for Microsystems and Photonics, EEE Department, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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Pernot S, Evrard S, Khatib AM. The Give-and-Take Interaction Between the Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Cells Regulating Tumor Progression and Repression. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850856. [PMID: 35493456 PMCID: PMC9043524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental concern of the majority of cancer scientists is related to the identification of mechanisms involved in the evolution of neoplastic cells at the cellular and molecular level and how these processes are able to control cancer cells appearance and death. In addition to the genome contribution, such mechanisms involve reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Indeed, tumor cells survival and growth rely on dynamic properties controlling pro and anti-tumorigenic processes. The anti-tumorigenic function of the TME is mainly regulated by immune cells such as dendritic cells, natural killer cells, cytotoxic T cells and macrophages and normal fibroblasts. The pro-tumorigenic function is also mediated by other immune cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, M2-tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, as well as carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), adipocytes (CAA) and endothelial cells. Several of these cells can show both, pro- and antitumorigenic activity. Here we highlight the importance of the reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells in the self-centered behavior of cancer cells and how these complex cellular interactions control tumor progression and repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pernot
- Reprograming Tumor Activity and Associated Microenvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1312 Inserm, Pessac, France
| | | | - Abdel-Majid Khatib
- Reprograming Tumor Activity and Associated Microenvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1312 Inserm, Pessac, France.,Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
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Gilchrist AE, Harley BA. Engineered Tissue Models to Replicate Dynamic Interactions within the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102130. [PMID: 34936239 PMCID: PMC8986554 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells are the progenitors of the blood and immune system and represent the most widely used regenerative therapy. However, their rarity and limited donor base necessitate the design of ex vivo systems that support HSC expansion without the loss of long-term stem cell activity. This review describes recent advances in biomaterials systems to replicate features of the hematopoietic niche. Inspired by the native bone marrow, these instructive biomaterials provide stimuli and cues from cocultured niche-associated cells to support HSC encapsulation and expansion. Engineered systems increasingly enable study of the dynamic nature of the matrix and biomolecular environment as well as the role of cell-cell signaling (e.g., autocrine feedback vs paracrine signaling between dissimilar cells). The inherent coupling of material properties, biotransport of cell-secreted factors, and cell-mediated remodeling motivate dynamic biomaterial systems as well as characterization and modeling tools capable of evaluating a temporally evolving tissue microenvironment. Recent advances in HSC identification and tracking, model-based experimental design, and single-cell culture platforms facilitate the study of the effect of constellations of matrix, cell, and soluble factor signals on HSC fate. While inspired by the HSC niche, these tools are amenable to the broader stem cell engineering community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan E. Gilchrist
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Brendan A.C. Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
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Mathilakathu A, Wessolly M, Mairinger E, Uebner H, Kreidt D, Brcic L, Steinborn J, Greimelmaier K, Wohlschlaeger J, Schmid KW, Mairinger FD, Borchert S. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Regulate Kinase Activity in Mesothelioma Cell Lines via Paracrine Signaling and Thereby Dictate Cell Faith and Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063278. [PMID: 35328699 PMCID: PMC8949651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has an infaust prognosis due to resistance to systemic treatment with platin-analoga. MPM cells modulate the immune response to their benefit. They release proinflammatory cytokines, such as TGF-ß, awakening resting fibrocytes that switch their phenotype into activated fibroblasts. Signaling interactions between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an integral part in tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the role CAFs play in MPM progression, analyzing the impact this complex, symbiotic interaction has on kinase-related cell signaling in vitro. METHODS We simulated paracrine signaling in vitro by treating MPM cell lines with conditioned medium (CM) from fibroblasts (FB) and vice versa. NCI-H2052, MSTO-211H, and NCI-H2452 cell lines representing the three mayor MPM subtypes, while embryonal myofibroblast cell lines, IMR-90 and MRC-5, provide a CAFs-like phenotype. Subsequently, differences in proliferation rates, migratory behavior, apoptosis, necrosis, and viability were used as covariates for data analysis. Kinase activity of treated samples and corresponding controls were then analyzed using the PamStation12 platform (PamGene); Results: Treatment with myofibroblast-derived CM revealed significant changes in phosphorylation patterns in MPM cell lines. The observed effect differs strongly between the analyzed MPM cell lines and depends on the origin of CM. Overall, a much stronger effect was observed using CM derived from IMR-90 than MRC-5. The phosphorylation changes mainly affected the MAPK signaling pathway.; Conclusions: The factors secreted by myofibroblasts in fibroblasts CM significantly influence the phosphorylation of kinases, mainly affecting the MAPK signaling cascade in tested MPM cell lines. Our in vitro results indicate promising therapeutic effects by the use of MEK or ERK inhibitors and might have synergistic effects in combination with cisplatin-based treatment, improving clinical outcomes for MPM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mathilakathu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Hendrik Uebner
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Essen—Ruhrlandklinik, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Daniel Kreidt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Julia Steinborn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Kristina Greimelmaier
- Department of Pathology, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg, 24939 Flensburg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Jeremias Wohlschlaeger
- Department of Pathology, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg, 24939 Flensburg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Kurt Werner Schmid
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Fabian D. Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.M.); (M.W.); (E.M.); (D.K.); (J.S.); (K.W.S.); (F.D.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Wessolly M, Mairinger E, Borchert S, Bankfalvi A, Mach P, Schmid KW, Kimmig R, Buderath P, Mairinger FD. CAF-Associated Paracrine Signaling Worsens Outcome and Potentially Contributes to Chemoresistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:798680. [PMID: 35311102 PMCID: PMC8927667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.798680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the predominant and deadliest form of ovarian cancer. Some of its histological subtypes can be distinguished by frequent occurrence of cancer-associated myofibroblasts (CAFs) and desmoplastic stroma reaction (DSR). In this study, we want to explore the relationship between therapy outcome and the activity of CAF-associated signaling pathways in a homogeneous HGSOC patient collective. Furthermore, we want to validate these findings in a general Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cohort. Methods The investigation cohort consists of 24 HGSOC patients. All of them were treated with platinum-based components and clinical follow-up was available. The validation cohort was comprised of 303 patients. Sequencing data (whole transcriptome) and clinical data were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). RNA of HGSOC patients was isolated using a Maxwell RSC instrument and the appropriate RNA isolation kit. For digital expression analysis a custom-designed gene panel was employed. All genes were linked to various DSR- and CAF- associated pathways. Expression analysis was performed on the NanoString nCounter platform. Finally, data were explored using the R programming environment (v. 4.0.3). Result In total, 15 CAF-associated genes were associated with patients’ survival. More specifically, 6 genes (MMP13, CGA, EPHA3, PSMD9, PITX2, PHLPP1) were linked to poor therapy outcome. Though a variety of different pathways appeared to be associated with therapy failure, many were related to CAF paracrine signaling, including MAPK, Ras and TGF-β pathways. Similar results were obtained from the validation cohort. Discussion In this study, we could successfully link CAF-associated pathways, as shown by increased Ras, MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling to therapy failure (chemotherapy) in HGSOC and EOCs in general. As platinum-based chemotherapy has been the state-of-the-art therapy to treat HGSOC for decades, it is necessary to unveil the reasons behind resistance developments and poor outcome. In this work, CAF-associated signaling is shown to compromise therapy response. In the validation cohort, CAF-associated signaling is also associated with therapy failure in general EOC, possibly hinting towards a conserved mechanism. Therefore, it may be helpful to stratify HGSOC patients for CAF activity and consider alternative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Wessolly,
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Agnes Bankfalvi
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Pawel Mach
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Paul Buderath
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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C/EBPβ isoform-specific regulation of migration and invasion in triple-negative breast cancer cells. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35042889 PMCID: PMC8766495 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00372-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor C/EBPβ is a master regulator of mammary gland development and tissue remodelling during lactation. The CEBPB-mRNA is translated into three distinct protein isoforms named C/EBPβ-LAP1, -LAP2 and -LIP that are functionally different. The smaller isoform LIP lacks the N-terminal transactivation domains and is considered to act as an inhibitor of the transactivating LAP1/2 isoforms by competitive binding for the same DNA recognition sequences. Aberrantly high expression of LIP is associated with mammary epithelial proliferation and is found in grade III, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor-negative human breast cancer. Here, we show that reverting the high LIP/LAP ratios in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines into low LIP/LAP ratios by overexpression of LAP reduces migration and matrix invasion of these TNBC cells. In addition, in untransformed MCF10A human mammary epithelial cells overexpression of LIP stimulates migration. Knockout of CEBPB in TNBC cells where LIP expression prevails, resulted in strongly reduced migration that was accompanied by a downregulation of genes involved in cell migration, extracellular matrix production and cytoskeletal remodelling, many of which are epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker genes. Together, this study suggests that the LIP/LAP ratio is involved in regulating breast cancer cell migration and invasion. This study together with studies from others shows that understanding the functions the C/EBPβ-isoforms in breast cancer development may reveal new avenues of treatment.
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Salah RA, Nasr MA, El-Derby AM, Abd Elkodous M, Mohamed RH, El-Ekiaby N, Osama A, Elshenawy SE, Hamad MHM, Magdeldin S, Gabr MM, Abdelaziz AI, El-Badri NS. Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line-microenvironment induced cancer-associated phenotype, genotype and functionality in mesenchymal stem cells. Life Sci 2022; 288:120168. [PMID: 34826437 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promise in liver cancer treatment. However, when MSCs are recruited to hepatic site of injury, they acquire cancerous promoting phenotype. AIMS To assess the influence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment on human adipose MSCs (hA-MSCs) and predict hA-MSCs intracellular miRNAs role. MATERIALS AND METHODS After indirect co-culturing with Huh-7 cells, hA-MSCs were characterized via cell cycle profile, proliferation and migration potentials by MTT and scratch assays respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of deregulated proteins and miRNA targets was also analyzed. KEY FINDINGS Co-cultured hA-MSCs could acquire a cancer-associated phenotype as shown by upregulation of CAF, cancer markers, and downregulation of differentiation markers. Migration of these cancer-associated cells was increased concomitantly with upregulation of adhesion molecules, but not epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers. Co-cultured cells showed increased proliferation confirmed by downregulation in cell percentage in G0/G1, G2/M and upregulation in S phases of cell cycle. Upregulation of miR-17-5p and 615-5p in co-cultured hA-MSCs was also observed. Functional enrichment analysis of dysregulated proteins in co-cultured hA-MSCs, including our selected miRNAs targets, showed their involvement in development of cancer-associated characteristics. SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests an interaction between tumor cells and surrounding stromal components to generate cancer associated phenotype of some CAF-like characteristics, known to favor cancer progression. This sheds the light on the use of hA-MSCs in HCC therapy. hA-MSCs modulation may be partially achieved via dysregulation of intracellular miR17-5P and 615-5p expression, suggesting an important role for miRNAs in HCC pathogenesis, and as a possible therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ayman Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Nasr
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Azza M El-Derby
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - M Abd Elkodous
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada El-Ekiaby
- School of Medicine NewGiza University (NGU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Osama
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa E Elshenawy
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | | | - Sameh Magdeldin
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Gabr
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Nagwa S El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt.
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Gardiner JC, Cukierman E. Meaningful connections: Interrogating the role of physical fibroblast cell-cell communication in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 154:141-168. [PMID: 35459467 PMCID: PMC9483832 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As part of the connective tissue, activated fibroblasts play an important role in development and disease pathogenesis, while quiescent resident fibroblasts are responsible for sustaining tissue homeostasis. Fibroblastic activation is particularly evident in the tumor microenvironment where fibroblasts transition into tumor-supporting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), with some CAFs maintaining tumor-suppressive functions. While the tumor-supporting features of CAFs and their fibroblast-like precursors predominantly function through paracrine chemical communication (e.g., secretion of cytokine, chemokine, and more), the direct cell-cell communication that occurs between fibroblasts and other cells, and the effect that the remodeled CAF-generated interstitial extracellular matrix has in these types of cellular communications, remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the reported roles fibroblastic cell-cell communication play within the cancer stroma context and highlight insights we can gain from other disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Adar RM, Joanny JF. Permeation Instabilities in Active Polar Gels. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:188001. [PMID: 34767387 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.188001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present a theory of active, permeating, polar gels, based on a two-fluid model. An active relative force between the gel components creates a steady-state current. We analyze its stability, while considering two polar coupling terms to the relative current: a permeation-deformation term, which describes network deformation by the solvent flow, and a permeation-alignment term, which describes the alignment of the polarization field by the network deformation and flow. Novel instability mechanisms emerge at finite wave vectors, suggesting the formation of periodic domains and mesophases. Our results can be used to determine the physical conditions required for various types of multicellular migration across tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram M Adar
- Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France
- Laboratoire Physico-Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 75005 Paris, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Joanny
- Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France
- Laboratoire Physico-Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 75005 Paris, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, 75248 Paris, France
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Protein Ligands in the Secretome of CD36 + Fibroblasts Induce Growth Suppression in a Subset of Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184521. [PMID: 34572749 PMCID: PMC8469330 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Human breast cancers are not fully autonomous. They are dependent on nutrients and growth-promoting signals provided by stromal cells. In order to instruct the surrounding cells to provide essential growth factors, cancer cells co-opt normal signaling molecules and mechanisms. To inhibit or potentially reverse tumor growth, our goal is to emulate this signaling and reprogram the microenvironment. For example, in a healthy mammary gland, fibroblasts (FBs) overexpress CD36; and the downregulation of CD36 is one of the hallmarks of cancer-associated FBs. Therefore, in this project, we hypothesized that signaling from CD36+ FBs could cause growth suppression in a subset of breast cancer cell lines. We then designed a series of experiments to validate this growth suppression and identified responsible secreted factors by the CD36+ FBs. These experiments suggested that three protein ligands are primarily responsible for growth suppression in a subset of breast cancer cell lines. Abstract Reprogramming the tumor stroma is an emerging approach to circumventing the challenges of conventional cancer therapies. This strategy, however, is hampered by the lack of a specific molecular target. We previously reported that stromal fibroblasts (FBs) with high expression of CD36 could be utilized for this purpose. These studies are now expanded to identify the secreted factors responsible for tumor suppression. Methodologies included 3D colonies, fluorescent microscopy coupled with quantitative techniques, proteomics profiling, and bioinformatics analysis. The results indicated that the conditioned medium (CM) of the CD36+ FBs caused growth suppression via apoptosis in the triple-negative cell lines of MDA-MB-231, BT549, and Hs578T, but not in the ERBB2+ SKBR3. Following the proteomics and bioinformatic analysis of the CM of CD36+ versus CD36− FBs, we determined KLF10 as one of the transcription factors responsible for growth suppression. We also identified FBLN1, SLIT3, and PENK as active ligands, where their minimum effective concentrations were determined. Finally, in MDA-MB-231, we showed that a mixture of FBLN1, SLIT3, and PENK could induce an amount of growth suppression similar to the CM of CD36+ FBs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that these ligands, secreted by CD36+ FBs, can be targeted for breast cancer treatment.
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Mathilakathu A, Borchert S, Wessolly M, Mairinger E, Beckert H, Steinborn J, Hager T, Christoph DC, Kollmeier J, Wohlschlaeger J, Mairinger T, Schmid KW, Walter RFH, Brcic L, Mairinger FD. Mitogen signal-associated pathways, energy metabolism regulation, and mediation of tumor immunogenicity play essential roles in the cellular response of malignant pleural mesotheliomas to platinum-based treatment: a retrospective study. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:3030-3042. [PMID: 34430345 PMCID: PMC8350085 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-21-201] [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: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant tumor associated with asbestos exposure, with infaust prognosis and overall survival below 20 months in treated patients. Platinum is still the backbone of the chemotherapy protocols, and the reasons for the rather poor efficacy of platinum compounds in MPM remain largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to analyze differences in key signaling pathways and biological mechanisms in therapy-naïve samples and samples after chemotherapy in order to evaluate the effect of platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods The study cohort comprised 24 MPM tumor specimens, 12 from therapy-naïve and 12 from patients after platinum-based therapy. Tumor samples were screened using the NanoString nCounter platform for digital gene expression analysis with an appurtenant custom-designed panel comprising a total of 366 mRNAs covering the most important tumor signaling pathways. Significant pathway associations were identified by gene set enrichment analysis using the WEB-based GEne SeT AnaLysis Toolkit (WebGestalt) Results We have found reduced activity of TNF (normalized enrichment score: 2.03), IL-17 (normalized enrichment score: 1.93), MAPK (normalized enrichment score: 1.51), and relaxin signaling pathways (normalized enrichment score: 1.42) in the samples obtained after platinum-based therapy. In contrast, AMPK (normalized enrichment score: –1.58), mTOR (normalized enrichment score: –1.50), Wnt (normalized enrichment score: –1.38), and longevity regulating pathway (normalized enrichment score: –1.31) showed significantly elevated expression in the same samples. Conclusions We could identify deregulated signaling pathways due to a directed cellular response to platinum-induced cell stress. Our results are paving the ground for a better understanding of cellular responses and escape mechanisms, carrying a high potential for improved clinical management of patients with MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mathilakathu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Beckert
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Essen-Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Steinborn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Hager
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel C Christoph
- Department of Medical Oncology, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany
| | - Jens Kollmeier
- Department of Pneumology, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeremias Wohlschlaeger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Mairinger
- Department of Tissue Diagnostics, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kurt Werner Schmid
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Robert F H Walter
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Fabian D Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
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Havnar C, Lau S, Hung J, Eastham-Anderson J, Espiritu C, Rangell L, Koeppen H, Ziai J, Foreman O. Characterization of Tumor-immune Microenvironment by High-throughput Image Analysis of CD8 Immunohistochemistry Combined With Modified Masson's Trichrome. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:611-615. [PMID: 34353148 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211034935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of checkpoint inhibitors, there is increasing need to study the dynamics of CD8+ T-cells in the tumor microenviroment. In this article, we describe a semi-automated method to quantify and interrogate spatial relationships between T-cells and collagenous stroma in human and mouse tissue samples. The assay combines CD8 immunohistochemistry with modified Masson's trichrome. Slides are scanned and digital images are analyzed using an adjustable MATLAB algorithm, allowing for high-throughput quantification of cytotoxic T-cells and collagen. This method provides a flexible tool for unbiased quantification of T-cells and their interactions with tumor cells and tumor microenvironment in tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Havnar
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Shari Lau
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Jeffrey Hung
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Carmina Espiritu
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Linda Rangell
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Hartmut Koeppen
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - James Ziai
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Oded Foreman
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
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40
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Berzaghi R, Islam A, Hellevik T, Martinez-Zubiaurre I. Secretion rates and protein composition of extracellular vesicles released by cancer-associated fibroblasts after radiation. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2021; 62:401-413. [PMID: 33899109 PMCID: PMC8127688 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Reciprocal communication between the malignant and non-malignant cellular elements in tumors is essential for cancer sustainability and plays an important role in the response of cancers to treatments. Some of this cellular crosstalk takes place via secretion of vesicles that are actively released into the extracellular space by most cell types in tumors. Recent studies have demonstrated radiation-induced changes in the secretion rate and composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs), with impact on radiation-related cellular communication. However, little is known about the effects of different radiation regimens on the release of EVs by cells of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we provide a comprehensive molecular characterization of EVs released by cultured primary lung tumor fibroblasts. We explore the quantitative and morphological changes triggered by ionizing radiation (IR), delivered as a single dose of 18 Gy or three consecutive daily medium-doses of 6 Gy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secrete EVs with sizes ranging from 80 to 200 nm, expressing some of the classical exosome markers. Exposing CAFs to a single-high radiation dose (1 × 18 Gy) or fractionated medium-dose did not alter the release of CAF-EVs. The protein composition of CAF-EVs was analyzed by LC-MS/MS proteomics and revealed that CAF-EVs are enriched with heat shock proteins, integrins, tetraspanins, proteinases, collagens, growth factors and an array of molecules involved in the regulation of cell migration and the immune system. Quantitative proteomic analyses revealed minor changes in the protein composition of CAF-EVs after radiation exposure. Taken together, this study presents original data on lung tumor CAF-EV composition and reveals that release and protein cargo of CAF-EVs are largely unaltered after exposing CAFs to IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Corresponding author. Rodrigo Berzaghi, PhD, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. E-mail:
| | - Ashraful Islam
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inigo Martinez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
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41
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Yunna C, Mengru H, Fengling W, Lei W, Weidong C. Emerging strategies against tumor-associated fibroblast for improved the penetration of nanoparticle into desmoplastic tumor. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 165:75-83. [PMID: 33991610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic effect of nanoparticles is limited in solid tumors, especially desmoplastic tumors, because the tumor matrix hinders the delivery of nanoparticles. As the most abundant cells in the tumor stroma, tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) produce a dense extracellular matrix, which leads to higher tissue fluid pressure, thereby creating a physical barrier for nanoparticle delivery. Therefore, researchers focused on eliminating TAFs to combat desmoplastic tumors. In recent years, a series of methods for TAFs have been developed. In this paper, we first introduced the biological mechanism of TAFs hindering the penetration of nanoparticles. Then, the different methods of eliminating TAFs were summarized, and the mechanism of nanomedicine in eliminating TAFs was highlighted. Finally, the problems and future development directions for TAFs treatment were discussed from the perspective of the treatment of desmoplastic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yunna
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Hu Mengru
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Wang Fengling
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Wang Lei
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China.
| | - Chen Weidong
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China.
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42
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Baker AT, Abuwarwar MH, Poly L, Wilkins S, Fletcher AL. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and T Cells: From Mechanisms to Outcomes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:310-320. [PMID: 33397745 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, T cell immunotherapy has changed the face of cancer treatment, providing robust treatment options for several previously intractable cancers. Unfortunately, many epithelial tumors with high mortality rates respond poorly to immunotherapy, and an understanding of the key impediments is urgently required. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise the most frequent nonneoplastic cellular component in most solid tumors. Far from an inert scaffold, CAFs significantly influence tumor neogenesis, persistence, and metastasis and are emerging as a key player in immunotherapy resistance. In this review, we discuss the physical and chemical barriers that CAFs place between effector T cells and their tumor cell targets, and the therapies poised to target them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfie T Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammed H Abuwarwar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lylarath Poly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Wilkins
- Cabrini Monash University Department of Surgery, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern 3144, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Anne L Fletcher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia; .,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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43
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Albacete-Albacete L, Sánchez-Álvarez M, Del Pozo MA. Extracellular Vesicles: An Emerging Mechanism Governing the Secretion and Biological Roles of Tenascin-C. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671485. [PMID: 33981316 PMCID: PMC8107694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ECM composition and architecture are tightly regulated for tissue homeostasis. Different disorders have been associated to alterations in the levels of proteins such as collagens, fibronectin (FN) or tenascin-C (TnC). TnC emerges as a key regulator of multiple inflammatory processes, both during physiological tissue repair as well as pathological conditions ranging from tumor progression to cardiovascular disease. Importantly, our current understanding as to how TnC and other non-collagen ECM components are secreted has remained elusive. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound particles released to the extracellular space by most cell types, playing a key role in cell-cell communication. A broad range of cellular components can be transported by EVs (e.g. nucleic acids, lipids, signalling molecules and proteins). These cargoes can be transferred to target cells, potentially modulating their function. Recently, several extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been characterized as bona fide EV cargoes, exosomal secretion being particularly critical for TnC. EV-dependent ECM secretion might underpin diseases where ECM integrity is altered, establishing novel concepts in the field such as ECM nucleation over long distances, and highlighting novel opportunities for diagnostics and therapeutic intervention. Here, we review recent findings and standing questions on the molecular mechanisms governing EV–dependent ECM secretion and its potential relevance for disease, with a focus on TnC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Albacete-Albacete
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Sánchez-Álvarez
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Del Pozo
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
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44
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Hu C, Zhao Y, Wang X, Zhu T. Intratumoral Fibrosis in Facilitating Renal Cancer Aggressiveness: Underlying Mechanisms and Promising Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:651620. [PMID: 33777960 PMCID: PMC7991742 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.651620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral fibrosis is a histologic manifestation of fibrotic tumor stroma. The interaction between cancer cells and fibrotic stroma is intricate and reciprocal, involving dysregulations from multiple biological processes. Different components of tumor stroma are implicated via distinct manners. In the kidney, intratumoral fibrosis is frequently observed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this review, we recapitulate evidence demonstrating how fibrotic stroma interacts with cancer cells and mechanisms shared between RCC tumorigenesis and renal fibrogenesis, providing promising targets for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Hu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Zhao
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanchuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongyu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China
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45
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Aronovich A, Moyal L, Gorovitz B, Amitay-Laish I, Naveh HP, Forer Y, Maron L, Knaneh J, Ad-El D, Yaacobi D, Barel E, Erez N, Hodak E. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Mycosis Fungoides Promote Tumor Cell Migration and Drug Resistance through CXCL12/CXCR4. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:619-627.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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46
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Ham J, Wang B, Po JW, Singh A, Niles N, Lee CS. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in thyroid papillary carcinoma: molecular networks and interactions. J Clin Pathol 2021; 74:759-765. [PMID: 33619218 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-207357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In 1989, Stephen Paget proposed the 'seed and soil' theory of cancer metastasis. This theory has led to previous researchers focusing on the role of a tumour as a cancer seed and antiangiogenesis agents as cancer soil fumigant; for the latter to be effective, it is important for them to be able to distinguish cancer cells from stromal cells. However, antiangiogenesis agents have not produced dramatic survival benefits in vivo. This may be related to their inability to destroy the supporting stroma that promote cancer cell growth. Therefore, in order to effectively arrest cancer cell growth for therapeutic purposes, a paradigm shift is required in our fundamental approach to decipher the molecular events and networks in the stromal environment that cancer cells can thrive and proliferate. The pathogenesis of cancer is a multidimensional process of pathological molecular and cellular pathways, influencing different stromal properties and achieving a mutually negotiated crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal cells. This review summarises the clinical presentation of current knowledge of classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), emerging molecular diagnostics and future directions of classical PTC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeehoon Ham
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pathology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,CONCERT Biobank, Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bin Wang
- Discipline of Pathology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph William Po
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,CONCERT Biobank, Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Surgical Innovation Unit, Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amandeep Singh
- Discipline of Pathology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Thyroid Cancer Group, Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Navin Niles
- CONCERT Biobank, Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Thyroid Cancer Group, Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheok Soon Lee
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia .,Discipline of Pathology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,CONCERT Biobank, Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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47
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Alexander JI, Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Luong T, Franco-Barraza J, Shah N, Gardiner JC, Nicolas E, Raghavan KS, Cukierman E. Palladin isoforms 3 and 4 regulate cancer-associated fibroblast pro-tumor functions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3802. [PMID: 33589694 PMCID: PMC7884442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82937-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a five-year survival under 10%. Treatment is compromised due to a fibrotic-like stromal remodeling process, known as desmoplasia, which limits therapeutic perfusion, supports tumor progression, and establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment. These processes are driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), functionally activated through transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1). CAFs produce a topographically aligned extracellular matrix (ECM) that correlates with reduced overall survival. Paradoxically, ablation of CAF populations results in a more aggressive disease, suggesting CAFs can also restrain PDAC progression. Thus, unraveling the mechanism(s) underlying CAF functions could lead to therapies that reinstate the tumor-suppressive features of the pancreatic stroma. CAF activation involves the f-actin organizing protein palladin. CAFs express two palladin isoforms (iso3 and iso4) which are up-regulated in response to TGFβ1. However, the roles of iso3 and iso4 in CAF functions remain elusive. Using a CAF-derived ECM model, we uncovered that iso3/iso4 are required to sustain TGFβ1-dependent CAF activation, secrete immunosuppressive cytokines, and produce a pro-tumoral ECM. Findings demonstrate a novel role for CAF palladin and suggest that iso3/iso4 regulate both redundant and specific tumor-supportive desmoplastic functions. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting CAFs to restore fibroblastic anti-tumor activity in the pancreatic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Alexander
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Molecular, Cellular Biology and Genetics Program, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D B Vendramini-Costa
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Francescone
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - T Luong
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Franco-Barraza
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N Shah
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J C Gardiner
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Nicolas
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K S Raghavan
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Molecular, Cellular Biology and Genetics Program, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Cukierman
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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48
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In Vitro Suppression of T Cell Proliferation Is a Conserved Function of Primary and Immortalized Human Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041827. [PMID: 33673197 PMCID: PMC7918788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell immunotherapy is now a mainstay therapy for several blood-borne cancers as well as metastatic melanoma. Unfortunately, many epithelial tumors respond poorly to immunotherapy, and the reasons for this are not well understood. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most frequent non-neoplastic cell type in most solid tumors, and they are emerging as a key player in immunotherapy resistance. A range of immortalized CAF lines will be essential tools that will allow us to understand immune responses against cancer and develop novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy. To study the effect of CAFs on T cell proliferation, we created and characterized a number of novel immortalized human CAFs lines (Im-CAFs) from human breast, colon, and pancreatic carcinomas. Im-CAFs shared similar phenotypes, matrix remodeling and contraction capabilities, and growth and migration rates compared to the primary CAFs. Using primary isolates from breast carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we report that CAFs across major tumor types are able to potently suppress T cell proliferation in vitro. Im-CAFs retained this property. Im-CAFs are a key tool that will provide important insights into the mechanisms of CAF-mediated T cell suppression through techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 modification, molecular screens, and pipeline drug testing.
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49
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Szeto J, Chow A, McCrea L, Mozzer A, Nguyen TD, Quigley HA, Pitha I. Regional Differences and Physiologic Behaviors in Peripapillary Scleral Fibroblasts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:27. [PMID: 33502460 PMCID: PMC7846956 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.1.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the cellular architecture of normal human peripapillary sclera (PPS) and evaluate surface topography's role in fibroblast behavior. Methods PPS cryosections from nonglaucomatous eyes were labelled for nuclei, fibrillar actin (FA), and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and imaged. Collagen fibrils were imaged using second harmonic generation. Nuclear density and aspect ratio of the internal PPS (iPPS), outer PPS (oPPS), and peripheral sclera were determined. FA and αSMA fibril alignment with collagen extracellular matrix (ECM) was determined. PPS fibroblasts were cultured on smooth or patterned membranes under mechanical strain and in the presence of TGFβ1 and 2. Results The iPPS (7.1 ± 2.0 × 10−4, P < 0.0001) and oPPS (5.3 ± 1.4 × 10−4, P = 0.0013) had greater nuclei density (nuclei/µm2) than peripheral sclera (2.5 ± 0.8 × 10−4). The iPPS (2.0 ± 0.3, P = 0.002) but not oPPS (2.4 ± 0.4, P = 0.45) nuclei had smaller aspect ratios than peripheral (2.7 ± 0.5) nuclei. FA was present throughout the scleral stroma and was more aligned with oPPS collagen (9.6 ± 1.9 degrees) than in the peripheral sclera (15.9 ± 3.9 degrees, P =0.002). The αSMA fibers in the peripheral sclera were less aligned with collagen fibrils (26.4 ± 4.8 degrees) than were FA (15.9 ± 3.9 degrees, P = 0.0002). PPS fibroblasts cultured on smooth membranes shifted to an orientation perpendicular to the direction of cyclic uniaxial strain (1 Hz, 5% strain, 42.2 ± 7.1 degrees versus 62.0 ± 8.5 degrees, P < 0.0001), whereas aligned fibroblasts on patterned membranes were resistant to strain-induced reorientation (5.9 ± 1.4 degrees versus 10 ± 3.3 degrees, P = 0.21). Resistance to re-orientation was reduced by TGFβ treatment (10 ± 3.3 degrees without TGFβ1 compared to 23.1 ± 4.5 degrees with TGFβ1, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Regions of the posterior sclera differ in cellular density and nuclear morphology. Topography alters the cellular response to mechanical strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Szeto
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Amanda Chow
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Liam McCrea
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Ann Mozzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Thao D Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Harry A Quigley
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,Glaucoma Center of Excellence, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Ian Pitha
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,Center for Nanomedicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,Glaucoma Center of Excellence, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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50
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Jelinek D, Zhang ER, Ambrus A, Haley E, Guinn E, Vo A, Le P, Kesaf AE, Nguyen J, Guo L, Frederick D, Sun Z, Guo N, Sevier P, Bilotta E, Atai K, Voisin L, Coller HA. A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 33427239 PMCID: PMC8238354 DOI: 10.3791/61883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can play an important role in tumor growth by creating a tumor-promoting microenvironment. Models to study the role of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment can be helpful for understanding the functional importance of fibroblasts, fibroblasts from different tissues, and specific genetic factors in fibroblasts. Mouse models are essential for understanding the contributors to tumor growth and progression in an in vivo context. Here, a protocol in which cancer cells are mixed with fibroblasts and introduced into mice to develop tumors is provided. Tumor sizes over time and final tumor weights are determined and compared among groups. The protocol described can provide more insight into the functional role of CAFs in tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Jelinek
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ellen Ran Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University
| | - Aaron Ambrus
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Erin Haley
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University
| | - Emily Guinn
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Austin Vo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Peter Le
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ayse Elif Kesaf
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jennifer Nguyen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Lily Guo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Destiny Frederick
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Zhengyang Sun
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Natalie Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University
| | - Parker Sevier
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Eric Bilotta
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Kaiser Atai
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Laurent Voisin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Hilary A Coller
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles;
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