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Swierczynski M, Kasprzak Z, Makaro A, Salaga M. Regulators of G-Protein Signaling (RGS) in Sporadic and Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:577. [PMID: 38203748 PMCID: PMC10778579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common neoplasms worldwide. Among the risk factors of CRC, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the most important ones leading to the development of colitis-associated CRC (CAC). G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) are transmembrane receptors that orchestrate a multitude of signaling cascades in response to external stimuli. Because of their functionality, they are promising targets in research on new strategies for CRC diagnostics and treatment. Recently, regulators of G-proteins (RGS) have been attracting attention in the field of oncology. Typically, they serve as negative regulators of GPCR responses to both physiological stimuli and medications. RGS activity can lead to both beneficial and harmful effects depending on the nature of the stimulus. However, the atypical RGS-AXIN uses its RGS domain to antagonize key signaling pathways in CRC development through the stabilization of the β-catenin destruction complex. Since AXIN does not limit the efficiency of medications, it seems to be an even more promising pharmacological target in CRC treatment. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge on RGS significance in sporadic CRC and CAC with particular emphasis on the regulation of GPCR involved in IBD-related inflammation comprising opioid, cannabinoid and serotonin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maciej Salaga
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (M.S.); (Z.K.); (A.M.)
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Nasir I, McGuinness C, Poh AR, Ernst M, Darcy PK, Britt KL. Tumor macrophage functional heterogeneity can inform the development of novel cancer therapies. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:971-985. [PMID: 37995659 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages represent a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are largely associated with poor prognosis. Therapeutic targeting of macrophages has historically focused on inhibiting their recruitment or reprogramming their phenotype from a protumor (M2-like) to an antitumor (M1-like) one. Unfortunately, this approach has not provided clinical breakthroughs that have changed practice. Emerging studies utilizing single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics have improved our understanding of the ontogeny, phenotype, and functional plasticity of macrophages. Overlaying the wealth of current information regarding macrophage molecular subtypes and functions has also identified novel therapeutic vulnerabilities that might drive better control of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Here, we discuss the functional profiling of macrophages and provide an update of novel macrophage-targeted therapies in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibraheem Nasir
- Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Conor McGuinness
- Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Ashleigh R Poh
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Cancer Immunology Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kara L Britt
- Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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