1
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Mandula JK, Sierra-Mondragon RA, Jimenez RV, Chang D, Mohamed E, Chang S, Vazquez-Martinez JA, Cao Y, Anadon CM, Lee SB, Das S, Rocha-Munguba L, Pham VM, Li R, Tarhini AA, Furqan M, Dalton W, Churchman M, Moran-Segura CM, Nguyen J, Perez B, Kojetin DJ, Obermayer A, Yu X, Chen A, Shaw TI, Conejo-Garcia JR, Rodriguez PC. Jagged2 targeting in lung cancer activates anti-tumor immunity via Notch-induced functional reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages. Immunity 2024; 57:1124-1140.e9. [PMID: 38636522 PMCID: PMC11096038 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.020] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Signaling through Notch receptors intrinsically regulates tumor cell development and growth. Here, we studied the role of the Notch ligand Jagged2 on immune evasion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Higher expression of JAG2 in NSCLC negatively correlated with survival. In NSCLC pre-clinical models, deletion of Jag2, but not Jag1, in cancer cells attenuated tumor growth and activated protective anti-tumor T cell responses. Jag2-/- lung tumors exhibited higher frequencies of macrophages that expressed immunostimulatory mediators and triggered T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity. Mechanistically, Jag2 ablation promoted Nr4a-mediated induction of Notch ligands DLL1/4 on cancer cells. DLL1/4-initiated Notch1/2 signaling in macrophages induced the expression of transcription factor IRF4 and macrophage immunostimulatory functionality. IRF4 expression was required for the anti-tumor effects of Jag2 deletion in lung tumors. Antibody targeting of Jagged2 inhibited tumor growth and activated IRF4-driven macrophage-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Thus, Jagged2 orchestrates immunosuppressive systems in NSCLC that can be overcome to incite macrophage-mediated anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay K Mandula
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Rachel V Jimenez
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Darwin Chang
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Eslam Mohamed
- California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Shiun Chang
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Yu Cao
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Carmen M Anadon
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sae Bom Lee
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Satyajit Das
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Léo Rocha-Munguba
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Vincent M Pham
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Roger Li
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Ahmad A Tarhini
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Muhammad Furqan
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | | | - Carlos M Moran-Segura
- Advanced Analytical and Digital Laboratory, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jonathan Nguyen
- Advanced Analytical and Digital Laboratory, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Bradford Perez
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Douglas J Kojetin
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Alyssa Obermayer
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Ann Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Timothy I Shaw
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jose R Conejo-Garcia
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Paulo C Rodriguez
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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2
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Zhang Q, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang Y, Liu F. Cancer-associated fibroblasts-induced remodeling of tumor immune microenvironment via Jagged1 in glioma. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111016. [PMID: 38128708 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immunosuppression are prominent characteristics of brain glioma. Current standard modality including surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy do not significantly improve clinical outcomes. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that regard as important stromal cells in tumor microenvironment have been confirmed to play crucial roles in tumor development. However, the effects of CAFs on tumor immunosuppression in glioma are not well expounded. In this study, we report that CAFs contributes to the formation of glioma immunosuppressive microenvironment. Specifically, we found that glioma-derived Jagged1 enhanced the proliferation and PD-L1 expression of CAFs in vitro. Importantly, we discovered that Notch1, c-Myc and PD-L1 expression were significantly increased in high Jagged1-expressing gliomas, moreover, we further confirmed that Notch1 and PD-L1 expression located on the CAFs in glioma tissues. We also found that glioma-derived Jagged1 promotes the increase of tumor-infiltrating macrophages, M2 macrophages and Foxp3 Treg cells, as well as no significance of M1 macrophages and CD8+ T cells, indicating potential immunosuppression. This study opens up novel therapeutic strategies reversing CAF immunosuppression for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China; Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Junwen Zhang
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Youwen Wang
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
| | - Fusheng Liu
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100070, China.
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3
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Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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4
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Wang M, Yu F, Zhang Y, Li P. Novel insights into Notch signaling in tumor immunity: potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352484. [PMID: 38444855 PMCID: PMC10912471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved system of cell-to-cell communication that participates in various biological processes, such as stem cell maintenance, cell fate decision, cell proliferation and death during homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of Notch signaling has been associated with many aspects of cancer biology, such as maintenance of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), cancer cell metabolism, angiogenesis and tumor immunity. Particularly, Notch signaling can regulate antitumor or pro-tumor immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, Notch signaling has drawn significant attention in the therapeutic development of cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the role of Notch signaling pathway in remodeling tumor immune microenvironment. We describe the impact of Notch signaling on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, we summarize the results of relevant preclinical and clinical trials of Notch-targeted therapeutics and discuss the challenges in their clinical application in cancer therapy. An improved understanding of the involvement of Notch signaling in tumor immunity will open the door to new options in cancer immunotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | | | | | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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5
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Han S, Xu Y, Chen D, Yang F, Wang M, Zhou Q, Wang G, Li L, Xu C, Wang W, Cai S, Xing N. Notch activation defines immune-suppressive subsets of ccRCCs with unfavorable benefits from immunotherapy over VEGFR/mTOR inhibitors. iScience 2024; 27:108290. [PMID: 38179060 PMCID: PMC10765066 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108290] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Notch pathway, involved in cancer stem cell capacity and cancer immunity, may predict the benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In the TCGA dataset, mRNA expression of Notch pathway genes identified three clusters with different prognoses and molecular characteristics. Based on the differentially expressed Notch pathway genes between clusters, we constructed the Notch-score, correlated with Notch activation, angiogenesis, PI3K-AKT-mTOR activity, and sensitivities to VEGFR/mTOR inhibitors. A high Notch-score was linked with more "resting"/"anti-inflammatory" rather than "activated"/"pro-inflammatory" tumor-infiltrating immune cells, inactivated immune pathways, and scarce any benefits from ICI-based therapies over VEGFR/mTOR inhibitors in the JAVELIN Renal 101 (avelumab plus axitinib vs. sunitinib) and the CheckMate-009/010/025 trials (nivolumab vs. everolimus). For the Notch-activated ccRCCs, ICIs provide limited advantages and might not be strongly recommended, by which the cost-effectiveness of treatments in ccRCCs may be potentially improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujun Han
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feiya Yang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mingshuai Wang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoxia Zhou
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Leo Li
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunwei Xu
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenxian Wang
- Department of Clinical Trial, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangli Cai
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nianzeng Xing
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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6
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Yan W, Menjivar RE, Bonilla ME, Steele NG, Kemp SB, Du W, Donahue KL, Brown K, Carpenter ES, Avritt FR, Irizarry-Negron VM, Yang S, Burns WR, Zhang Y, di Magliano MP, Bednar F. Notch Signaling Regulates Immunosuppressive Tumor-Associated Macrophage Function in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:91-106. [PMID: 37931247 PMCID: PMC10842043 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0037] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) continues to have a dismal prognosis. The poor survival of patients with PDA has been attributed to a high rate of early metastasis and low efficacy of current therapies, which partly result from its complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Previous studies from our group and others have shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are instrumental in maintaining immunosuppression in PDA. Here, we explored the role of Notch signaling, a key regulator of immune response, within the PDA microenvironment. We identified Notch pathway components in multiple immune cell types within human and mouse pancreatic cancer. TAMs, the most abundant immune cell population in the tumor microenvironment, expressed high levels of Notch receptors, with cognate ligands such as JAG1 expressed on tumor epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. TAMs with activated Notch signaling expressed higher levels of immunosuppressive mediators, suggesting that Notch signaling plays a role in macrophage polarization within the PDA microenvironment. Genetic inhibition of Notch in myeloid cells led to reduced tumor size and decreased macrophage infiltration in an orthotopic PDA model. Combination of pharmacologic Notch inhibition with PD-1 blockade resulted in increased cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, tumor cell apoptosis, and smaller tumor size. Our work implicates macrophage Notch signaling in the establishment of immunosuppression and indicates that targeting the Notch pathway may improve the efficacy of immune-based therapies in patients with PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rosa E. Menjivar
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Monica E. Bonilla
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nina G. Steele
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samantha B. Kemp
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Katelyn L. Donahue
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kristee Brown
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eileen S. Carpenter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Faith R. Avritt
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Sion Yang
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - William R. Burns
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Filip Bednar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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7
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Karpenko DV. Immune Privileges as a Result of Mutual Regulation of Immune and Stem Systems. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1818-1831. [PMID: 38105201 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Immune privileges of cancer stem cells is a well-known and widely studied problem, as presence of such cells in tumors is associated with refractoriness, recurrence, and metastasis. Accumulating evidence also suggests presence of immune privileges in non-pathological stem cells in addition to their other defense mechanisms against damaging factors. This similarity between pathological and normal stem cells raises the question of why stem cells have such a potentially dangerous property. Regulation of vital processes of autoimmunity control and regeneration realized through interactions between immune cells, stem cells, and their microenvironment are reviewed in this work as causes of formation of the stem cell immune privilege. Deep mutual integration between regulations of stem and immune cells is noted. Considering diversity and complexity of mutual regulation of stem cells, their microenvironment, and immune system, I suggest the term "stem system".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy V Karpenko
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation of Hematopoiesis, National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, 125167, Russia.
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8
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Li X, Yan X, Wang Y, Kaur B, Han H, Yu J. The Notch signaling pathway: a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:45. [PMID: 37131214 PMCID: PMC10155406 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01439-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Notch signaling pathway, which is highly conserved across species, can drive aberrant epigenetic modification, transcription, and translation. Defective gene regulation caused by dysregulated Notch signaling often affects networks controlling oncogenesis and tumor progression. Meanwhile, Notch signaling can modulate immune cells involved in anti- or pro-tumor responses and tumor immunogenicity. A comprehensive understanding of these processes can help with designing new drugs that target Notch signaling, thereby enhancing the effects of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of how Notch signaling intrinsically regulates immune cells and how alterations in Notch signaling in tumor cells or stromal cells extrinsically regulate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We also discuss the potential role of Notch signaling in tumor immunity mediated by gut microbiota. Finally, we propose strategies for targeting Notch signaling in cancer immunotherapy. These include oncolytic virotherapy combined with inhibition of Notch signaling, nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with Notch signaling regulators to specifically target tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to repolarize their functions and remodel the TME, combining specific and efficient inhibitors or activators of Notch signaling with immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) for synergistic anti-tumor therapy, and implementing a customized and effective synNotch circuit system to enhance safety of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immune cells. Collectively, this review aims to summarize how Notch signaling intrinsically and extrinsically shapes immune responses to improve immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianchun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Balveen Kaur
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77225, USA
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
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9
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Huang Y, Wang H, Yue X, Li X. Bone serves as a transfer station for secondary dissemination of breast cancer. Bone Res 2023; 11:21. [PMID: 37085486 PMCID: PMC10121690 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00260-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is responsible for the majority of deaths among breast cancer patients. Although parallel polyclonal seeding has been shown to contribute to organ-specific metastasis, in the past decade, horizontal cross-metastatic seeding (metastasis-to-metastasis spreading) has also been demonstrated as a pattern of distant metastasis to multiple sites. Bone, as the most frequent first destination of breast cancer metastasis, has been demonstrated to facilitate the secondary dissemination of breast cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the clinical and experimental evidence that bone is a transfer station for the secondary dissemination of breast cancer. We also discuss the regulatory mechanisms of the bone microenvironment in secondary seeding of breast cancer, focusing on stemness regulation, quiescence-proliferation equilibrium regulation, epigenetic reprogramming and immune escape of cancer cells. Furthermore, we highlight future research perspectives and strategies for preventing secondary dissemination from bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Hongli Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiaomin Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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10
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Yan W, Steele NG, Kemp SB, Menjivar RE, Du W, Carpenter ES, Donahue KL, Brown KL, Irizarry-Negron V, Yang S, Burns WR, Zhang Y, di Magliano MP, Bednar F. Notch signaling regulates immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophage function in pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523584. [PMID: 36711890 PMCID: PMC9882066 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) continues to have a dismal prognosis. The poor survival of patients with PDA has been attributed to a high rate of early metastasis and low efficacy of current therapies, which partly result from its complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Previous studies from our group and others have shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are instrumental in maintaining immunosuppression in PDA. Here, we explored the role of Notch signaling, a key regulator of immune response, within the PDA microenvironment. We identified Notch pathway components in multiple immune cell types within human and mouse pancreatic cancer. TAMs, the most abundant immune cell population in the tumor microenvironment, express high levels of Notch receptors with cognate ligands such as JAG1 expressed on tumor epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. TAMs with activated Notch signaling expressed higher levels of immunosuppressive mediators including arginase 1 (Arg1) suggesting that Notch signaling plays a role in macrophage polarization within the PDA microenvironment. Combination of Notch inhibition with PD-1 blockade resulted in increased cytotoxic T cell infiltration, tumor cell apoptosis, and smaller tumor size. Our work implicates macrophage Notch signaling in the establishment of immunosuppression and indicates that targeting the Notch pathway may improve the efficacy of immune-based therapies in PDA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nina G. Steele
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samantha B. Kemp
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rosa E. Menjivar
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eileen S. Carpenter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Ml 48109, USA
| | - Katelyn L. Donahue
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kristee L. Brown
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Sion Yang
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - William R. Burns
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Filip Bednar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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11
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Hargadon KM. Genetic dysregulation of immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways associated with tumor-intrinsic immune resistance: a molecular basis for combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy for cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:40. [PMID: 36629955 PMCID: PMC11072992 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the century, advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Although these approaches have far outperformed traditional therapies in various clinical settings, both remain plagued by mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance that limit therapeutic efficacy in many patients. With a focus on tumor-intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy, this review highlights our current understanding of the immunologic and oncogenic pathways whose genetic dysregulation in cancer cells enables immune escape. Emphasis is placed on genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic aberrations that influence the activity of these pathways in the context of immune resistance. Specifically, the role of pathways that govern interferon signaling, antigen processing and presentation, and immunologic cell death as determinants of tumor immune susceptibility are discussed. Likewise, mechanisms of tumor immune resistance mediated by dysregulated RAS-MAPK, WNT, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, and cell cycle pathways are described. Finally, this review highlights the ways in which recent insight into genetic dysregulation of these immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways is informing the design of combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy regimens that aim to restore immune susceptibility of cancer cells by overcoming resistance mechanisms that often limit the success of monotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
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12
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Shen M, Kang Y. Cancer fitness genes: emerging therapeutic targets for metastasis. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:69-82. [PMID: 36184492 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.08.007] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Development of cancer therapeutics has traditionally focused on targeting driver oncogenes. Such an approach is limited by toxicity to normal tissues and treatment resistance. A class of 'cancer fitness genes' with crucial roles in metastasis have been identified. Elevated or altered activities of these genes do not directly cause cancer; instead, they relieve the stresses that tumor cells encounter and help them adapt to a changing microenvironment, thus facilitating tumor progression and metastasis. Importantly, as normal cells do not experience high levels of stress under physiological conditions, targeting cancer fitness genes is less likely to cause toxicity to noncancerous tissues. Here, we summarize the key features and function of cancer fitness genes and discuss their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhong Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Michigan, MI, USA; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology and Microenvironment Research Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Michigan, MI, USA.
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton Branch, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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13
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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14
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Salcher S, Sturm G, Horvath L, Untergasser G, Kuempers C, Fotakis G, Panizzolo E, Martowicz A, Trebo M, Pall G, Gamerith G, Sykora M, Augustin F, Schmitz K, Finotello F, Rieder D, Perner S, Sopper S, Wolf D, Pircher A, Trajanoski Z. High-resolution single-cell atlas reveals diversity and plasticity of tissue-resident neutrophils in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1503-1520.e8. [PMID: 36368318 PMCID: PMC9767679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by molecular heterogeneity with diverse immune cell infiltration patterns, which has been linked to therapy sensitivity and resistance. However, full understanding of how immune cell phenotypes vary across different patient subgroups is lacking. Here, we dissect the NSCLC tumor microenvironment at high resolution by integrating 1,283,972 single cells from 556 samples and 318 patients across 29 datasets, including our dataset capturing cells with low mRNA content. We stratify patients into immune-deserted, B cell, T cell, and myeloid cell subtypes. Using bulk samples with genomic and clinical information, we identify cellular components associated with tumor histology and genotypes. We then focus on the analysis of tissue-resident neutrophils (TRNs) and uncover distinct subpopulations that acquire new functional properties in the tissue microenvironment, providing evidence for the plasticity of TRNs. Finally, we show that a TRN-derived gene signature is associated with anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Salcher
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor Sturm
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lena Horvath
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerold Untergasser
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christiane Kuempers
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Georgios Fotakis
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisa Panizzolo
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Martowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, Zams, Austria
| | - Manuel Trebo
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Pall
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gabriele Gamerith
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Sykora
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Augustin
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katja Schmitz
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, Zams, Austria; INNPATH GmbH, Institute of Pathology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francesca Finotello
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Digital Science Center, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dietmar Rieder
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Luebeck and Borstel, Germany
| | - Sieghart Sopper
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Haematology & Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI) and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Zlatko Trajanoski
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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15
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Jiang N, Hu Y, Wang M, Zhao Z, Li M. The Notch Signaling Pathway Contributes to Angiogenesis and Tumor Immunity in Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER: TARGETS AND THERAPY 2022; 14:291-309. [PMID: 36193236 PMCID: PMC9526507 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s376873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer in women is the first leading tumor in terms of incidence worldwide. Some subtypes of BC lack distinct molecular targets and exhibit therapeutic resistance; these patients have a poor prognosis. Thus, the search for new molecular targets is an ongoing challenge for BC therapy. The Notch signaling pathway is found in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and it is a highly conserved in the evolution of the species, controlling cellular fates such as death, proliferation, and differentiation. Numerous studies have shown that improper activation of Notch signaling may lead to excessive cell proliferation and cancer, with tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive effects in various carcinomas. Thus, inhibitors of Notch signaling are actively being investigated for the treatment of various tumors. The role of Notch signaling in BC has been widely studied in recent years. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that Notch signaling has a pro-oncogenic role in BC, and the tumor-promoting effect is largely a result of the diverse nature of tumor immunity. Immunological abnormality is also a factor involved in the pathogenesis of BC, suggesting that Notch signaling could be a target for BC immunotherapies. Furthermore, angiogenesis is essential for BC growth and metastasis, and the Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in angiogenesis, so studying the role of Notch signaling in BC angiogenesis will provide new prospects for the treatment of BC. We summarize the potential roles of the current Notch signaling pathway and its inhibitors in BC angiogenesis and the immune response in this review and describe the pharmacological targets of Notch signaling in BC, which may serve as a theoretical foundation for future research into exploring this pathway for novel BC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Jiang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Hu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiling Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuowei Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zuowei Zhao, Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0411-84671291, Fax +86-0411-84671230, Email
| | - Man Li
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
- Man Li, Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0411-84671291, Fax +86-0411-84671230, Email
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16
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Roles of Notch Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116241. [PMID: 35682918 PMCID: PMC9181414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is an architecturally simple signaling mechanism, well known for its role in cell fate regulation during organ development and in tissue homeostasis. In keeping with its importance for normal development, dysregulation of Notch signaling is increasingly associated with different types of tumors, and proteins in the Notch signaling pathway can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, depending on the cellular context and tumor type. In addition to a role as a driver of tumor initiation and progression in the tumor cells carrying oncogenic mutations, it is an emerging realization that Notch signaling also plays a role in non-mutated cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss how aberrant Notch signaling can affect three types of cells in the tumor stroma-cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells-and how this influences their interactions with the tumor cells. Insights into the roles of Notch in cells of the tumor environment and the impact on tumor-stroma interactions will lead to a deeper understanding of Notch signaling in cancer and inspire new strategies for Notch-based tumor therapy.
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