Fibronectin 1 derived from tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts promotes metastasis through the JUN pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Peritoneal resident macrophages constitute an immunosuppressive environment in peritoneal metastasized colorectal cancer

Patients with peritoneal metastasized colorectal cancer (PM-CRC) have a dismal prognosis. We hypothesized that an immunosuppressive environment in the peritoneal cavity underlies poor prognosis. We define the composition of the human peritoneal immune system (PerIS) using single-cell technologies in 18 patients with- and without PM-CRC, as well as in matched peritoneal metastases (n = 8). Here we show that the PerIS contains abundant immunosuppressive C1Q+VSIG4+ and SPP1+VSIG4+ peritoneal-resident macrophages (PRMs), as well as monocyte-like cavity macrophages (mono-CMs), which share features with tumor-associated macrophages, even in homeostasis. In PM-CRC, expression of immunosuppressive cytokines IL10 and VEGF increases, while simultaneously expression of antigen-presenting molecules decreases in PRMs. These intratumoral suppressive PRMs originate from the PerIS, and intraperitoneal depletion of PRMs in vivo using anti-CSF1R combined with anti-PD1 significantly reduces tumor burden and improves survival. Thus, PRMs define a metastatic site-specific immunosuppressive niche, and targeting PRMs is a promising treatment strategy for PM-CRC.

Schisandrin B downregulates exosomal fibronectin 1 expression to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth

Introduction

In recent years, natural compounds have attracted wide attention for the treatment of liver cancer due to their therapeutic potential and reduced toxicity. Among these, Schisandrin B (Sch B), a primary bioactive component derived from Schisandra chinensis, has shown notable antitumor activity; however, its specific mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

The effect of Sch B on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells were assessed using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and EdU assay, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The co-culture system of macrophages and HCC cells was established to detect the effect of Sch B on the cell viability and cell cycle changes of HCC cells in the co-culture system. Then, the migration of HCC cells in the co-culture system was studied using a subtoxic concentration of Sch B. Exosomes of the co-culture system with or without Sch B effect were collected for identification and protein spectrum analysis. The differential protein was analyzed by KEGG enrichment analysis and protein interaction network, which was verified by western blotting. Meanwhile, the expression changes of macrophage polarization markers were detected. Finally, the inhibitory effect of Sch B on HCC and the changes of FN1 were verified by in vivo experiments.

Results

Sch B inhibited HCC cell growth; moreover, it significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation in the co-culture system and induced S-phase cell cycle arrest by downregulating CDK4, CDK2, and cyclin A2 while upregulating p27 Kip1. Additionally, Sch B inhibited the migration of HCC cells in the co-culture system.The differentially expressed protein fibronectin 1(FN1) in liver cancer patients was higher than that in healthy people. Moreover, after SchB treatment, the expression of FN1 protein in exosomes decreased and the macrophages exhibited M1 polarization. In vivo experiments also verified that Sch B inhibited HCC growth and downregulated the expression of FN1 protein in tumor tissues.

Conclusion

Sch B may inhibit the development of HCC by inhibiting the expression of exosomal FN1during interactions between macrophages and HCC cells.

Tissue macrophages: origin, heterogenity, biological functions, diseases and therapeutic targets

Macrophages are immune cells belonging to the mononuclear phagocyte system. They play crucial roles in immune defense, surveillance, and homeostasis. This review systematically discusses the types of hematopoietic progenitors that give rise to macrophages, including primitive hematopoietic progenitors, erythro-myeloid progenitors, and hematopoietic stem cells. These progenitors have distinct genetic backgrounds and developmental processes. Accordingly, macrophages exhibit complex and diverse functions in the body, including phagocytosis and clearance of cellular debris, antigen presentation, and immune response, regulation of inflammation and cytokine production, tissue remodeling and repair, and multi-level regulatory signaling pathways/crosstalk involved in homeostasis and physiology. Besides, tumor-associated macrophages are a key component of the TME, exhibiting both anti-tumor and pro-tumor properties. Furthermore, the functional status of macrophages is closely linked to the development of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic conditions, and trauma. Targeting macrophages has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in these contexts. Clinical trials of macrophage-based targeted drugs, macrophage-based immunotherapies, and nanoparticle-based therapy were comprehensively summarized. Potential challenges and future directions in targeting macrophages have also been discussed. Overall, our review highlights the significance of this versatile immune cell in human health and disease, which is expected to inform future research and clinical practice.

Spatial transcriptomics reveals prognostically LYZ+ fibroblasts and colocalization with FN1+ macrophages in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a clinically heterogeneous malignancy with diverse patient outcomes, largely influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the roles of fibroblasts and macrophages within the TME is essential for developing personalized therapeutic strategies in DLBCL.

METHODS

This study is a multi-omics approach, integrating spatial transcriptomics (n = 11), bulk transcriptomics (n = 2,499), immunohistochemistry (IHC, n = 37), multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF, n = 56), and plasma samples (n = 240) to identify and characterize fibroblast and tumor-associated macrophage subtypes in the TME. Hub genes for LYZ+ fibroblasts and FN1+ macrophages were selected through univariate Cox regression and random forest analyses. Their prognostic significance was validated using IHC, mIF, and autoantibody assays in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP and in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

RESULTS

Fibroblasts and macrophages were classified into two distinct subtypes. Patients with higher LYZ+ fibroblasts infiltration demonstrated superior prognosis, which was associated with increased infiltration of FN1+ macrophages. Key hub genes identified for LYZ+ fibroblasts included LYZ, ANPEP, CSF3R, C15orf48, LILRB4, CLEC7A, and COL7A1, while hub FN1+ macrophages genes included COL1A1, FN1, APOE, DCN, MMP2, SPP1, COL3A1, and COL1A2. Independent prognostic markers in DLBCL treated with R-CHOP and NSCLC treated with ICIs were identified, including LYZ and LILRB4 at both protein and mRNA levels, and COL1A2 autoantibodies (p < 0.05). In DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP, FN1 mRNA and autoantibody levels were also prognostic markers (p < 0.05). In NSCLC treated with ICIs, COL3A1 autoantibody was prognostic marker (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a prognostically relevant LYZ+ fibroblasts and FN1+ macrophages in DLBCL. The hub genes associated with these subtypes represent potential biomarkers, providing insights into improving patient outcomes in DLBCL.

Small Fish, Big Answers: Zebrafish and the Molecular Drivers of Metastasis

Cancer metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths and represents one of the most challenging processes to study due to its complexity and dynamic nature. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become an invaluable model in metastasis research, offering unique advantages such as optical transparency, rapid development, and the ability to visualize tumor interactions with the microenvironment in real time. This review explores how zebrafish models have elucidated the critical steps of metastasis, including tumor invasion, vascular remodeling, and immune evasion, while also serving as platforms for drug testing and personalized medicine. Advances such as patient-derived xenografts and innovative genetic tools have further established zebrafish as a cornerstone in cancer research, particularly in understanding the molecular drivers of metastasis and identifying therapeutic targets. By bridging the experimental findings with clinical relevance, zebrafish continue transforming our understanding of cancer biology and therapy.

The Single-Cell Landscape of Peripheral and Tumor-infiltrating Immune Cells in HPV- HNSCC

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. HPV-negative HNSCC, which arises in the upper airway mucosa, is particularly aggressive, with nearly half of patients succumbing to the disease within five years and limited response to immune checkpoint inhibitors compared to other cancers. There is a need to further explore the complex immune landscape in HPV-negative HNSCC to identify potential therapeutic targets. Here, we integrated two single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from 29 samples and nearly 300,000 immune cells to investigate immune cell dynamics across tumor progression and lymph node metastasis. Notable shifts toward adaptative immune cell populations were observed in the 14 distinct HNSCC-associated peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMCs) and 21 tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) considering disease stages. All PBMCs and TICs revealed unique molecular signatures correlating with lymph node involvement; however, broadly, TICs increased ligand expression among effector cytokines, growth factors, and interferon-related genes. Pathway analysis comparing PBMCs and TICs further confirmed active cell signaling among Monocyte-Macrophage, Dendritic cell, Natural Killer (NK), and T cell populations. Receptor-ligand analysis revealed significant communication patterns shifts among TICs, between CD8+ T cells and NK cells, showing heightened immunosuppressive signaling that correlated with disease progression. In locally invasive HPV-negative HNSCC samples, highly multiplexed immunofluorescence assays highlighted peri-tumoral clustering of exhausted CD8+ T and NK cells, alongside their exclusion from intra-tumoral niches. These findings emphasize cytotoxic immune cells as valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets, shedding light on the mechanisms by which the HNSCC sustainably evades immune responses.

Jun, an Oncological Foe or Friend?

Jun/JUN is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein and a prototypic member of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors that can act as homo- or heterodimers, interact with DNA elements and co-factors, and regulate gene transcription. Jun is expressed by both immune and inflammatory cells. Jun is traditionally seen as an oncoprotein that regulates processes involved in transformation and oncogenesis in human tumours. This article examines the traditional view that Jun plays a permissive role in cancer development and progression, whilst exploring emerging evidence supporting Jun's potential to prevent immune cell exhaustion and promote anti-tumour efficacy.

Pan-cancer and multiomics: advanced strategies for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy in the complex genetic and molecular universe of cancer

The pan-cancer and multi-omics approach is motivated by the genetic and molecular complexity inherent in the varied types of cancer. This method presents itself as a crucial resource for advancing early diagnosis, defining prognoses and identifying treatments that share common bases between different forms of tumors. The aim of this article is to explore pan-cancer analysis in conjunction with multi-omics strategies, evaluating laboratory, computational, clinical procedures and their consequences, as well as examining the tumor microenvironment, epigenetics and future directions of these technologies in patient management. To this end, a literature review was conducted using PUBMED, resulting in the selection of 260 articles, of which 81 were carefully chosen to support this analysis. The pan-cancer methodology is applied to the study of this microenvironment with the aim of investigating its common characteristics through multiomics data. The development of new therapies depends on understanding the oncogenic pathways associated with different cancers. Thus, the integration of multi-omics and pan-cancer analyzes offers an innovative perspective in the search for new control points, metabolic pathways and markers, in addition to facilitating the identification of patterns common to multiple cancer types, allowing the development of targeted treatments. In this way, the convergence of multiomics and clinical approaches promotes a broad view of cancer biology, leading to more effective and personalized therapies.

Current status of research on the mechanisms of tumor-associated macrophages in esophageal cancer progression

Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common tumors in China and seriously affects patient survival and quality of life. In recent years, increasing studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment is crucial in promoting tumor progression and metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are key components of the tumor immune microenvironment and promote both tumor growth and antitumor immunity. Much evidence suggests that TAMs are closely associated with esophageal tumors. However, understanding of the clinical value and mechanism of action of TAM in esophageal cancer remains limited. Therefore, we reviewed the status of research on the role and mechanism of action of TAM in EC progression and summarized its potential clinical application value to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of EC.

Enhanced purification of uterine smooth muscle cells from adenomyosis using a novel dual-enzyme digestion method

Uterine adenomyosis causing attention to the abnormal smooth muscle layer has recently received increasing attention, which has created the need for a method that can efficiently collect high purity uterine smooth muscle cells (USMC) in a laboratory setting. In this study, we explored the composition ratios of the digestion solution to obtain the optimal digestion solution (DM4). Furthermore, we tested the superiority of the two methods of obtaining adenomyotic uterine smooth muscle by comparing DM4 with the conventional tissue adhesion method by growth rate, single-cell RNA sequencing, and purity of fluorescence identification. The results demonstrated that USMCs produced by the DM4 digestion method exhibited significantly higher rates of proliferation and were more effective in generating mature smooth muscle cells of high purity compared to those obtained using tissue adherence methods, which is more inclined to isolate the progenitor cell population. This study presents a reliable method for isolating USMCs and provides a solid foundation for future studies on the etiology and mechanism of adenomyosis.

Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies a subtype of FN1 + tumor-associated macrophages associated with glioma recurrence and as a biomarker for immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the brain, and even with standard treatments including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the long-term survival rate of patients remains unsatisfactory. Recurrence is one of the leading causes of death in glioma patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying glioma recurrence remain unclear.

METHODS

Our study utilized single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and RNA-seq data to identify a subtype of FN1 + tumor-associated macrophages (FN1 + TAMs) associated with glioma recurrence.

RESULTS

This study revealed an increased abundance of FN1 + TAMs in recurrent gliomas, indicating their potential involvement as a critical factor in glioma recurrence. A negative correlation was observed between the abundance of FN1 + TAMs in primary gliomas and the interval time to recurrence, suggesting poor prognosis for glioma patients with high levels of FN1 + TAMs. Further investigation showed that FN1 + TAMs were enriched in hypoxic tumor regions, implying that metabolic changes in tumors drive the production and recruitment of FN1 + TAMs. Additionally, FN1 + TAMs were found to contribute to the regulation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in gliomas, and their abundance might serve as an indicator of patients' sensitivity to immunotherapy. Finally, we developed a user-friendly website, PRIMEG ( http://www.szflab.site/PRIMEG/ ), for exploring the immune microenvironment of primary and recurrent gliomas.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight a subtype of FN1 + TAMs associated with glioma recurrence, providing new insights into potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, the abundance of FN1 + TAMs hold promise for predicting immune therapy response and aiding in more precise risk stratification of recurrent glioma patients.

Distinct tumor-TAM interactions in IDH-stratified glioma microenvironments unveiled by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) residing in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are characterized by their pivotal roles in tumor progression, antitumor immunity, and TME remodeling. However, a thorough comparative characterization of tumor-TAM crosstalk across IDH-defined categories of glioma remains elusive, likely contributing to mixed outcomes in clinical trials. We delineated the phenotypic heterogeneity of TAMs across IDH-stratified gliomas. Notably, two TAM subsets with a mesenchymal phenotype were enriched in IDH-WT glioblastoma (GBM) and correlated with poorer patient survival and reduced response to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). We proposed SLAMF9 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. Inference of gene regulatory networks identified PPARG, ELK1, and MXI1 as master transcription factors of mesenchymal BMD-TAMs. Our analyses of reciprocal tumor-TAM interactions revealed distinct crosstalk in IDH-WT tumors, including ANXA1-FPR1/3, FN1-ITGAVB1, VEGFA-NRP1, and TNFSF12-TNFRSF12A with known contribution to immunosuppression, tumor proliferation, invasion and TAM recruitment. Spatially resolved transcriptomics further elucidated the architectural organization of highlighted communications. Furthermore, we demonstrated significant upregulation of ANXA1, FN1, NRP1, and TNFRSF12A genes in IDH-WT tumors using bulk RNA-seq and RT-qPCR. Longitudinal expression analysis of candidate genes revealed no difference between primary and recurrent tumors indicating that the interactive network of malignant states with TAMs does not drastically change upon recurrence. Collectively, our study offers insights into the unique cellular composition and communication of TAMs in glioma TME, revealing novel vulnerabilities for therapeutic interventions in IDH-WT GBM.

Mechanism insights and therapeutic intervention of tumor metastasis: latest developments and perspectives

Metastasis remains a pivotal characteristic of cancer and is the primary contributor to cancer-associated mortality. Despite its significance, the mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully elucidated. Contemporary findings in the domain of cancer biology have shed light on the molecular aspects of this intricate process. Tumor cells undergoing invasion engage with other cellular entities and proteins en route to their destination. Insights into these engagements have enhanced our comprehension of the principles directing the movement and adaptability of metastatic cells. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in facilitating the invasion and proliferation of cancer cells by enabling tumor cells to navigate through stromal barriers. Such attributes are influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes occurring in the tumor cells and their surrounding milieu. A profound understanding of the metastatic process's biological mechanisms is indispensable for devising efficacious therapeutic strategies. This review delves into recent developments concerning metastasis-associated genes, important signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, metabolic processes, peripheral immunity, and mechanical forces and cancer metastasis. In addition, we combine recent advances with a particular emphasis on the prospect of developing effective interventions including the most popular cancer immunotherapies and nanotechnology to combat metastasis. We have also identified the limitations of current research on tumor metastasis, encompassing drug resistance, restricted animal models, inadequate biomarkers and early detection methods, as well as heterogeneity among others. It is anticipated that this comprehensive review will significantly contribute to the advancement of cancer metastasis research.

Single-cell and bulk RNA-sequence identified fibroblasts signature and CD8 + T-cell - fibroblast subtype predicting prognosis and immune therapeutic response of bladder cancer, based on machine learning: bioinformatics multi-omics study

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are found in primary and advanced tumours. They are primarily involved in tumour progression through complex mechanisms with other types of cells in the tumour microenvironment. However, essential fibroblasts-related genes (FRG) in bladder cancer still need to be explored, and there is a shortage of an ideal predictive model or molecular subtype for the progression and immune therapeutic assessment for bladder cancer, especially muscular-invasive bladder cancer based on the FRG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CAF-related genes of bladder cancer were identified by analysing single-cell RNA sequence datasets, and bulk transcriptome datasets and gene signatures were used to characterize them. Then, 10 types of machine learning algorithms were utilised to determine the hallmark FRG and construct the FRG index (FRGI) and subtypes. Further molecular subtypes combined with CD8+ T-cells were established to predict the prognosis and immune therapy response.

RESULTS

Fifty-four BLCA-related FRG were screened by large-scale scRNA-sequence datasets. The machine learning algorithm established a 3-genes FRGI. High FRGI represented a worse outcome. Then, FRGI combined clinical variables to construct a nomogram, which shows high predictive performance for the prognosis of bladder cancer. Furthermore, the BLCA datasets were separated into two subtypes - fibroblast hot and cold types. In five independent BLCA cohorts, the fibroblast hot type showed worse outcomes than the cold type. Multiple cancer-related hallmark pathways are distinctively enriched in these two types. In addition, high FRGI or fibroblast hot type shows a worse immune therapeutic response. Then, four subtypes called CD8-FRG subtypes were established under the combination of FRG signature and activity of CD8+ T-cells, which turned out to be effective in predicting the prognosis and immune therapeutic response of bladder cancer in multiple independent datasets. Pathway enrichment analysis, multiple gene signatures, and epigenetic alteration characterize the CD8-FRG subtypes and provide a potential combination strategy method against bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the authors established a novel FRGI and CD8-FRG subtype by large-scale datasets and organised analyses, which could accurately predict clinical outcomes and immune therapeutic response of BLCA after surgery.

Biological impact and therapeutic implication of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma

The tumor microenvironment is a complex space comprised of normal, cancer and immune cells. The macrophages are considered as the most abundant immune cells in tumor microenvironment and their function in tumorigenesis is interesting. Macrophages can be present as M1 and M2 polarization that show anti-cancer and oncogenic activities, respectively. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) mainly have M2 polarization and they increase tumorigenesis due to secretion of factors, cytokines and affecting molecular pathways. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among predominant tumors of liver that in spite of understanding its pathogenesis, the role of tumor microenvironment in its progression still requires more attention. The presence of TAMs in HCC causes an increase in growth and invasion of HCC cells and one of the reasons is induction of glycolysis that such metabolic reprogramming makes HCC distinct from normal cells and promotes its malignancy. Since M2 polarization of TAMs stimulates tumorigenesis in HCC, molecular networks regulating M2 to M1 conversion have been highlighted and moreover, drugs and compounds with the ability of targeting TAMs and suppressing their M2 phenotypes or at least their tumorigenesis activity have been utilized. TAMs increase aggressive behavior and biological functions of HCC cells that can result in development of therapy resistance. Macrophages can provide cell-cell communication in HCC by secreting exosomes having various types of biomolecules that transfer among cells and change their activity. Finally, non-coding RNA transcripts can mainly affect polarization of TAMs in HCC.

Investigating the molecular mechanism of Qizhu anticancer prescription in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma based on high-resolution mass spectrometry and network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Of all primary liver cancer cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for about 90%. Most patients with HCC receive a diagnosis in the medium-to-late stages or with chronic liver disease, have lost the opportunity for radical treatment, such as surgical resection, and their 5-year survival rate is low. Qizhu Anticancer Prescription (QZACP) is an empirical formula composed of traditional Chinese herbs that can clinically relieve HCC symptoms, inhibit the progression of HCC, reduce recurrence rate, and prolong survival; however, its exact mode of action remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study's purpose was to investigate the mode of action of QZACP in the prevention and treatment of HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, drug components in the QZACP decoction were analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. A subcutaneous tumor xenograft model in nude mice was constructed to further analyze the active components of QZACP that had entered tumor tissues through oral administration. Potential targets of QZACP in the prevention and treatment of HCC were identified and then confirmed in vivo via network pharmacology and molecular docking. In addition, regulatory effects of QZACP on HCC cell proliferation and the cell cycle were detected using a CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

High-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that the QZACP decoction contained deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester (DAAME), paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-glucoside, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, astragaloside IV, saikosaponin A, curdione, and atractylenolide II. In nude mice, QZACP could effectively inhibit the growth of subcutaneous tumors, where DAAME, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid could enter liver cancer tissues after oral administration. Among these, DAAME was the most highly expressed in HCC tissues and may be an important active component of QZACP for inhibiting HCC. Utilizing network pharmacology, the targets of action of these four drug components were identified. After verification using western blotting, STAT3, VEGFA, JUN, FGF2, BCL2L1, AR, TERT, MMP7, MMP1, ABCB1, CA9, and ESR2 were identified as targets of QZACP inhibition in HCC. In vitro experiments revealed that QZACP inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells while inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. In vivo experiments demonstrated that DAAME significantly inhibited HCC growth. After intersection of the 24 DAAME targets predicted using network pharmacology with the 435 HCC disease targets, only CA9 was identified as a DAAME-HCC crossover target. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding site of DAAME and CA9 had good stereo-complementarity with a docking score of -8.1 kcal/mol. Western blotting and immunohistochemical results also confirmed that DAAME significantly decreased CA9 protein expression in HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

QZACP inhibits HCC by reducing the expression of STAT3, VEGFA, JUN, FGF2, BCL2L1, AR, TERT, MMP7, MMP1, ABCB1, CA9, and ESR2. DAAME may be an important active component of QZACP for the prevention and treatment of HCC, inhibiting it by targeting the expression of CA9.

Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Decipher the Mechanism of Action of Astragalus-Atractylodes Herb Pair in Treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy is an important means to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Astragalus (Latin name: Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim; Chinese name: Huangqi, HQ) and Atractylodes (Latin name: Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz; Chinese name: Baizhu, BZ) (HQBZ), a classic herb pair, is often used in combination to HCC. However, the main components and potential mechanisms of HQBZ therapy in HCC remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the potential active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of action of HQBZ in HCC treatment.

Methods

The HQBZ-Compound-Target-HCC network and HQBZ-HCC transcriptional regulatory network were constructed to screen the core active compound components and targets of HQBZ therapy for HCC. Molecular docking techniques are used to verify the stability of binding core active compound components to targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to explore the signaling pathway of HQBZ in HCC treatment, the mechanism of HQBZ treatment of HCC was verified based on in vivo H22 tumor bearing mice and in vitro cell experiments.

Results

Network pharmacology and molecular docking studies showed that HQBZ treatment of HCC was related to the targeted regulation of IL-6 and STAT3 by the active compound biatractylolide, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggest that HQBZ may play a role in the treatment of HCC through IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. In vitro experiment results proved that HQBZ could regulate IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway transduction on CD8+T cells, inhibit CD8+T cell exhaustion and restore the function of exhausted CD8+T cells. In vivo experiment results proved that HQBZ can regulate IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway transduction in H22 liver cancer model mouse tumor tissue, increased the proportion of tumor infiltrating CD8+T cells.

Conclusion

This study found that HQBZ may play a therapeutic role in HCC by targeting IL-6 and STAT3 through biatractylolide, its mechanism of action is related to regulating IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, reversing T cell failure and increasing tumor infiltration CD8+T cells.

Multi-omics cluster defines the subtypes of CRC with distinct prognosis and tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex malignancy characterized by diverse molecular profiles, clinical outcomes, and limited precision in prognostic markers. Addressing these challenges, this study utilized multi-omics data to define consensus molecular subtypes in CRC and elucidate their association with clinical outcomes and underlying biological processes.

METHODS

Consensus molecular subtypes were obtained by applying ten integrated multi-omics clustering algorithms to analyze TCGA-CRC multi-omics data, including mRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, DNA methylation CpG sites, and somatic mutation data. The association of subtypes with prognoses, enrichment functions, immune status, and genomic alterations were further analyzed. Next, we conducted univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses to investigate the potential prognostic application of biomarkers associated with multi-omics subtypes derived from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The function of one of the biomarkers MID2 was validated in CRC cell lines.

RESULTS

Two CRC subtypes linked to distinct clinical outcomes were identified in TCGA-CRC cohort and validated with three external datasets. The CS1 subtype exhibited a poor prognosis and was characterized by higher tumor-related Hallmark pathway activity and lower metabolism pathway activity. In addition, the CS1 was predicted to have less immunotherapy responder and exhibited more genomic alteration compared to CS2. Then a prognostic model comprising five genes was established, with patients in the high-risk group showing substantial concordance with the CS1 subtype, and those in the low-risk group with the CS2 subtype. The gene MID2, included in the prognostic model, was found to be correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway and distinct DNA methylation patterns. Knockdown of MID2 in CRC cells resulted in reduced colony formation, migration, and invasion capacities.

CONCLUSION

The integrative multi-omics subtypes proposed potential biomarkers for CRC and provided valuable knowledge for precision oncology.

Targeting RORγ inhibits the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Approximately 80%-90% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) occur in a premalignant environment of fibrosis and abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM), highlighting an essential role of ECM in the tumorigenesis and progress of HCC. However, the determinants of ECM in HCC are poorly defined. Here, we show that nuclear receptor RORγ is highly expressed and amplified in HCC tumors. RORγ functions as an essential activator of the matrisome program via directly driving the expression of major ECM genes in HCC cells. Elevated RORγ increases fibronectin-1 deposition, cell-matrix adhesion, and collagen production, creating a favorable microenvironment to boost liver cancer metastasis. Moreover, RORγ antagonists effectively inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in multiple HCC xenografts and immune-intact models, and they effectively sensitize HCC tumors to sorafenib therapy in mice. Notably, elevated RORγ expression is associated with ECM remodeling and metastasis in patients with HCC. Taken together, we identify RORγ as a key player of ECM remodeling in HCC and as an attractive therapeutic target for advanced HCC.

An atlas of cell-type-specific interactome networks across 44 human tumor types

BACKGROUND

Biological processes are controlled by groups of genes acting in concert. Investigating gene-gene interactions within different cell types can help researchers understand the regulatory mechanisms behind human complex diseases, such as tumors.

METHODS

We collected extensive single-cell RNA-seq data from tumors, involving 563 patients with 44 different tumor types. Through our analysis, we identified various cell types in tumors and created an atlas of different immune cell subsets across different tumor types. Using the SCINET method, we reconstructed interactome networks specific to different cell types. Diverse functional data was then integrated to gain biological insights into the networks, including somatic mutation patterns and gene functional annotation. Additionally, genes with prognostic relevance within the networks were also identified. We also examined cell-cell communications to investigate how gene interactions modulate cell-cell interactions.

RESULTS

We developed a data portal called CellNetdb for researchers to study cell-type-specific interactome networks. Our findings indicate that these networks can be used to identify genes with topological specificity in different cell types. We also found that prognostic genes can deconvolved into cell types through analyzing network connectivity. Additionally, we identified commonalities and differences in cell-type-specific networks across different tumor types. Our results suggest that these networks can be used to prioritize risk genes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presented CellNetdb, a comprehensive repository featuring an atlas of cell-type-specific interactome networks across 44 human tumor types. The findings underscore the utility of these networks in delineating the intricacies of tumor microenvironments and advancing the understanding of molecular mechanisms underpinning human tumors.

Pathological manifestations of granulomatous lobular mastitis

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a rare inflammatory breast disease with unknown etiology, characterized by non-caseous granulomatous inflammation of the lobules, which infiltrate lymphocytes, neutrophils, plasma cells, monocytes, and eosinophils may accompany. GLM is often misdiagnosed as breast cancer due to the lack of specificity in clinical and imaging examinations, and therefore histopathology is the main basis for confirming the diagnosis. This review provides an overview of the pathological features of granulomatous lobular mastitis and cystic neutrophil granulomatous mastitis (CNGM, a pathologic subtype of GLM). As well as pathologic manifestations of other breast diseases that need to be differentiated from granulomatous lobular mastitis such as breast tuberculosis, lymphocytic mastopathy/diabetic mastopathy, IgG4-related sclerosing mastitis (IgG4-RSM), nodular disease, Wegener's granulomatosis, and plasma cell mastitis. Besides, discusses GLM and CNGM, GLM and breast cancer, emphasizing that their relationship deserves further in-depth exploration. The pathogenesis of GLM has not yet been clearly articulated and needs to be further explored, pathology enables direct observation of the microscopic manifestations of the disease and contributes to further investigation of the pathogenesis.

Tumor-Associated Macrophage Subsets: Shaping Polarization and Targeting

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical regulator of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Among the innate immune cells recruited to the tumor site, macrophages are the most abundant cell population and are present at all stages of tumor progression. They undergo M1/M2 polarization in response to signals derived from TME. M1 macrophages suppress tumor growth, while their M2 counterparts exert pro-tumoral effects by promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to current therapies. Several subsets of the M2 phenotype have been observed, often denoted as M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d. These are induced by different stimuli and differ in phenotypes as well as functions. In this review, we discuss the key features of each M2 subset, their implications in cancers, and highlight the strategies that are being developed to harness TAMs for cancer treatment.