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Zens B, Fäßler F, Hansen JM, Hauschild R, Datler J, Hodirnau VV, Zheden V, Alanko J, Sixt M, Schur FK. Lift-out cryo-FIBSEM and cryo-ET reveal the ultrastructural landscape of extracellular matrix. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202309125. [PMID: 38506714 PMCID: PMC10955043 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as a scaffold for cells and plays an essential role in regulating numerous cellular processes, including cell migration and proliferation. Due to limitations in specimen preparation for conventional room-temperature electron microscopy, we lack structural knowledge on how ECM components are secreted, remodeled, and interact with surrounding cells. We have developed a 3D-ECM platform compatible with sample thinning by cryo-focused ion beam milling, the lift-out extraction procedure, and cryo-electron tomography. Our workflow implements cell-derived matrices (CDMs) grown on EM grids, resulting in a versatile tool closely mimicking ECM environments. This allows us to visualize ECM for the first time in its hydrated, native context. Our data reveal an intricate network of extracellular fibers, their positioning relative to matrix-secreting cells, and previously unresolved structural entities. Our workflow and results add to the structural atlas of the ECM, providing novel insights into its secretion and assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Zens
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Florian Fäßler
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Jesse M. Hansen
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Robert Hauschild
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Julia Datler
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Vanessa Zheden
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Jonna Alanko
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Michael Sixt
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Florian K.M. Schur
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
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2
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Wu D, Gong T, Sun Z, Yao X, Wang D, Chen Q, Guo Q, Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y. Dual-crosslinking gelatin-hyaluronic acid methacrylate based biomimetic PDAC desmoplastic niche enhances tumor-associated macrophages recruitment and M2-like polarization. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131826. [PMID: 38679256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by deposition of desmoplastic matrix (including collagen and hyaluronic acid). And the interactions between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor cells play a crucial role in progression of PDAC. Hence, the appropriate model of tumor cell-macrophage interaction within the unique PDAC TME is of significantly important. To this end, a 3D tumor niche based on dual-crosslinking gelatin methacrylate and hyaluronic acid methacrylate hydrogels was constructed to simulate the desmoplastic tumor matrix with matching compressive modulus and composition. The bionic 3D tumor niche creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by the downregulation of M1 markers and upregulation of M2 markers in TAMs. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might modulate the phenotypic balance and recruitment of macrophages through regulating SELE and VCAM-1. Furthermore, GO and GSEA revealed the biological process of leukocyte migration and the activation of cytokine-associated signaling were involved. Finally, the 3D tumor-macrophage niches with three different ratios were fabricated which displayed increased M2-like polarization and stemness. The utilization of the 3D tumor niche has the potential to provide a more accurate investigation of the interplay between PDAC tumor cells and macrophages within an in vivo setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Tiancheng Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Xihao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Dongzhi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Qiyang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Qingsong Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Yibing Guo
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China.
| | - Yuhua Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China.
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3
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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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4
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Richbourg NR, Irakoze N, Kim H, Peyton SR. Outlook and opportunities for engineered environments of breast cancer dormancy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0165. [PMID: 38457510 PMCID: PMC10923521 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Dormant, disseminated breast cancer cells resist treatment and may relapse into malignant metastases after decades of quiescence. Identifying how and why these dormant breast cancer cells are triggered into outgrowth is a key unsolved step in treating latent, metastatic breast cancer. However, our understanding of breast cancer dormancy in vivo is limited by technical challenges and ethical concerns with triggering the activation of dormant breast cancer. In vitro models avoid many of these challenges by simulating breast cancer dormancy and activation in well-controlled, bench-top conditions, creating opportunities for fundamental insights into breast cancer biology that complement what can be achieved through animal and clinical studies. In this review, we address clinical and preclinical approaches to treating breast cancer dormancy, how precisely controlled artificial environments reveal key interactions that regulate breast cancer dormancy, and how future generations of biomaterials could answer further questions about breast cancer dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Richbourg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ninette Irakoze
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Hyuna Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Shelly R. Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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5
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Kenny FN, Marcotti S, De Freitas DB, Drudi EM, Leech V, Bell RE, Easton J, Díaz-de-la-Loza MDC, Fleck R, Allison L, Philippeos C, Manhart A, Shaw TJ, Stramer BM. Autocrine IL-6 drives cell and extracellular matrix anisotropy in scar fibroblasts. Matrix Biol 2023; 123:1-16. [PMID: 37660739 PMCID: PMC10878985 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is associated with dramatic changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture of unknown etiology. Here we exploit keloid scars as a paradigm to understand fibrotic ECM organization. We reveal that keloid patient fibroblasts uniquely produce a globally aligned ECM network in 2-D culture as observed in scar tissue. ECM anisotropy develops after rapid initiation of a fibroblast supracellular actin network, suggesting that cell alignment initiates ECM patterning. Keloid fibroblasts produce elevated levels of IL-6, and autocrine IL-6 production is both necessary and sufficient to induce cell and ECM alignment, as evidenced by ligand stimulation of normal dermal fibroblasts and treatment of keloid fibroblasts with the function blocking IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, tocilizumab. Downstream of IL-6, supracellular organization of keloid fibroblasts is controlled by activation of cell-cell adhesion. Adhesion formation inhibits contact-induced cellular overlap leading to nematic organization of cells and an alignment of focal adhesions. Keloid fibroblasts placed on isotropic ECM align the pre-existing matrix, suggesting that focal adhesion alignment leads to active anisotropic remodeling. These results show that IL-6-induced fibroblast cooperativity can control the development of a nematic ECM, highlighting both IL-6 signaling and cell-cell adhesions as potential therapeutic targets to inhibit this common feature of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona N Kenny
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stefania Marcotti
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Elena M Drudi
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vivienne Leech
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, UK
| | - Rachel E Bell
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Easton
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Roland Fleck
- Centre for Ultrastructure Imaging, King's College London, UK
| | - Leanne Allison
- Centre for Ultrastructure Imaging, King's College London, UK
| | - Christina Philippeos
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angelika Manhart
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, UK; Faculty of Mathematics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanya J Shaw
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Brian M Stramer
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK.
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6
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Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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7
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Brisson BK, Dekky B, Berger AC, Mauldin EA, Loebel C, Yen W, Stewart DC, Gillette D, Assenmacher CA, Cukierman E, Burdick JA, Borges VF, Volk SW. Tumor-restrictive type III collagen in the breast cancer microenvironment: prognostic and therapeutic implications. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2631314. [PMID: 37090621 PMCID: PMC10120781 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2631314/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Collagen plays a critical role in regulating breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. An improved understanding of both the features and drivers of tumor-permissive and -restrictive collagen matrices are critical to improve prognostication and develop more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, using a combination of in vitro, in vivo and in silico experiments, we show that type III collagen (Col3) plays a tumor-restrictive role in human breast cancer. We demonstrate that Col3-deficient, human fibroblasts produce tumor-permissive collagen matrices that drive cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis in noninvasive and invasive breast cancer cell lines. In human TNBC biopsy samples, we demonstrate elevated deposition of Col3 relative to type I collagen (Col1) in noninvasive compared to invasive regions. Similarly, in silico analyses of over 1000 breast cancer patient biopsies from The Cancer Genome Atlas BRCA cohort revealed that patients with higher Col3:Col1 bulk tumor expression had improved overall, disease-free and progression-free survival relative to those with higher Col1:Col3 expression. Using an established 3D culture model, we show that Col3 increases spheroid formation and induces formation of lumen-like structures that resemble non-neoplastic mammary acini. Finally, our in vivo study shows co-injection of murine breast cancer cells (4T1) with rhCol3-supplemented hydrogels limits tumor growth and decreases pulmonary metastatic burden compared to controls. Taken together, these data collectively support a tumor-suppressive role for Col3 in human breast cancer and suggest that strategies that increase Col3 may provide a safe and effective modality to limit recurrence in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky K. Brisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bassil Dekky
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ashton C. Berger
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Mauldin
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - William Yen
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel C. Stewart
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Deborah Gillette
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles-Antoine Assenmacher
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, The Martin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Virginia F. Borges
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Young Women’s Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Susan W. Volk
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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8
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Yuan Z, Li Y, Zhang S, Wang X, Dou H, Yu X, Zhang Z, Yang S, Xiao M. Extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression and immune escape: from mechanisms to treatments. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:48. [PMID: 36906534 PMCID: PMC10007858 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01744-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The malignant tumor is a multi-etiological, systemic and complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and distant metastasis. Anticancer treatments including adjuvant therapies and targeted therapies are effective in eliminating cancer cells but in a limited number of patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in tumor development through changes in macromolecule components, degradation enzymes and stiffness. These variations are under the control of cellular components in tumor tissue via the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, the interaction of the ECM components to multiple surface receptors, and mechanical impact. Additionally, the ECM shaped by cancer regulates immune cells which results in an immune suppressive microenvironment and hinders the efficacy of immunotherapies. Thus, the ECM acts as a barrier to protect cancer from treatments and supports tumor progression. Nevertheless, the profound regulatory network of the ECM remodeling hampers the design of individualized antitumor treatment. Here, we elaborate on the composition of the malignant ECM, and discuss the specific mechanisms of the ECM remodeling. Precisely, we highlight the impact of the ECM remodeling on tumor development, including proliferation, anoikis, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune escape. Finally, we emphasize ECM "normalization" as a potential strategy for anti-malignant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yingpu Li
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Sifan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - He Dou
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.,Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Metabolic Disorder and Cancer Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
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9
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Peyton SR, Platt MO, Cukierman E. Challenges and Opportunities Modeling the Dynamic Tumor Matrisome. BME FRONTIERS 2023; 4:0006. [PMID: 37849664 PMCID: PMC10521682 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We need novel strategies to target the complexity of cancer and, particularly, of metastatic disease. As an example of this complexity, certain tissues are particularly hospitable environments for metastases, whereas others do not contain fertile microenvironments to support cancer cell growth. Continuing evidence that the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues is one of a host of factors necessary to support cancer cell growth at both primary and secondary tissue sites is emerging. Research on cancer metastasis has largely been focused on the molecular adaptations of tumor cells in various cytokine and growth factor environments on 2-dimensional tissue culture polystyrene plates. Intravital imaging, conversely, has transformed our ability to watch, in real time, tumor cell invasion, intravasation, extravasation, and growth. Because the interstitial ECM that supports all cells in the tumor microenvironment changes over time scales outside the possible window of typical intravital imaging, bioengineers are continuously developing both simple and sophisticated in vitro controlled environments to study tumor (and other) cell interactions with this matrix. In this perspective, we focus on the cellular unit responsible for upholding the pathologic homeostasis of tumor-bearing organs, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and their self-generated ECM. The latter, together with tumoral and other cell secreted factors, constitute the "tumor matrisome". We share the challenges and opportunities for modeling this dynamic CAF/ECM unit, the tools and techniques available, and how the tumor matrisome is remodeled (e.g., via ECM proteases). We posit that increasing information on tumor matrisome dynamics may lead the field to alternative strategies for personalized medicine outside genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly R. Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Manu O. Platt
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling & Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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10
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Diversity Shapes Tumor Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010061. [PMID: 36612058 PMCID: PMC9817728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, the 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) patients remains at only 9%. Patients often show poor treatment response, due partly to a highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) heterogeneity is characteristic of the pancreatic TME, where several CAF subpopulations have been identified, such as myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), and antigen presenting CAFs (apCAFs). In PDAC, cancer cells continuously adapt their metabolism (metabolic switch) to environmental changes in pH, oxygenation, and nutrient availability. Recent advances show that these environmental alterations are all heavily driven by stromal CAFs. CAFs and cancer cells exchange cytokines and metabolites, engaging in a tight bidirectional crosstalk, which promotes tumor aggressiveness and allows constant adaptation to external stress, such as chemotherapy. In this review, we summarize CAF diversity and CAF-mediated metabolic rewiring, in a PDAC-specific context. First, we recapitulate the most recently identified CAF subtypes, focusing on the cell of origin, activation mechanism, species-dependent markers, and functions. Next, we describe in detail the metabolic crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. Additionally, we elucidate how CAF-driven paracrine signaling, desmoplasia, and acidosis orchestrate cancer cell metabolism. Finally, we highlight how the CAF/cancer cell crosstalk could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
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11
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Luong T, Cukierman E. Eribulin normalizes pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts by simulating selected features of TGFβ inhibition. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1255. [PMID: 36461015 PMCID: PMC9719234 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10330-y] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Less than 11% of pancreatic cancer patients survive 5-years post-diagnosis. The unique biology of pancreatic cancer includes a significant expansion of its desmoplastic tumor microenvironment, wherein cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their self-produced extracellular matrix are key components. CAF functions are both tumor-supportive and tumor-suppressive, while normal fibroblastic cells are solely tumor-suppressive. Knowing that CAF-eliminating drugs are ineffective and can accelerate cancer progression, therapies that "normalize" CAF function are highly pursued. Eribulin is a well-tolerated anti-microtubule drug used to treat a plethora of neoplasias, including advanced/metastatic cancers. Importantly, eribulin can inhibit epithelial to mesenchymal transition via a mechanism akin to blocking pathways induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ). Notably, canonical TGFβ signaling also plays a pivotal role in CAF activation, which is necessary for the development and maintenance of desmoplasia. Hence, we hypothesized that eribulin could modulate, and perhaps "normalize" CAF function. METHODS To test this premise, we used a well-established in vivo-mimetic fibroblastic cell-derived extracellular matrix (CDM) system and gauged the effects of eribulin on human pancreatic CAFs and cancer cells. This pathophysiologic fibroblast/matrix functional unit was also used to query eribulin effects on CDM-regulated pancreatic cancer cell survival and invasive spread. RESULTS Demonstrated that intact CAF CDMs modestly restricted eribulin from obstructing pancreatic cancer cell growth. Nonetheless, eribulin-treated CAFs generated CDMs that limited nutrient-deprived pancreatic cancer cell survival, similar to reported tumor-suppressive CDMs generated by TGFβ-deficient CAFs. CONCLUSIONS Data from this study support the central proposed premise suggesting that eribulin could be used as a CAF/matrix-normalizing drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Luong
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
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12
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YAP Activation in Promoting Negative Durotaxis and Acral Melanoma Progression. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223543. [PMID: 36428972 PMCID: PMC9688430 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed cell migration towards a softer environment is called negative durotaxis. The mechanism and pathological relevance of negative durotaxis in tumor progression still requires in-depth investigation. Here, we report that YAP promotes the negative durotaxis of melanoma. We uncovered that the RhoA-myosin II pathway may underlie the YAP enhanced negative durotaxis of melanoma cells. Acral melanoma is the most common subtype of melanoma in non-Caucasians and tends to develop in a stress-bearing area. We report that acral melanoma patients exhibit YAP amplification and increased YAP activity. We detected a decreasing stiffness gradient from the tumor to the surrounding area in the acral melanoma microenvironment. We further identified that this stiffness gradient could facilitate the negative durotaxis of melanoma cells. Our study advanced the understanding of mechanical force and YAP in acral melanoma and we proposed negative durotaxis as a new mechanism for melanoma dissemination.
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13
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Bryce AS, Dreyer SB, Froeling FEM, Chang DK. Exploring the Biology of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5302. [PMID: 36358721 PMCID: PMC9659154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy characterised by a stubbornly low 5-year survival which is essentially unchanged in the past 5 decades. Despite recent advances in chemotherapy and surgical outcomes, progress continues to lag behind that of other cancers. The PDAC microenvironment is characterised by a dense, fibrotic stroma of which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players. CAFs and fibrosis were initially thought to be uniformly tumour-promoting, however this doctrine is now being challenged by a wealth of evidence demonstrating CAF phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. Recent technological advances have allowed for the molecular profiling of the PDAC tumour microenvironment at exceptional detail, and these technologies are being leveraged at pace to improve our understanding of this previously elusive cell population. In this review we discuss CAF heterogeneity and recent developments in CAF biology. We explore the complex relationship between CAFs and other cell types within the PDAC microenvironment. We discuss the potential for therapeutic targeting of CAFs, and we finally provide an overview of future directions for the field and the possibility of improving outcomes for patients with this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Bryce
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Bearsden G61 1BD, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
| | - Stephan B. Dreyer
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Bearsden G61 1BD, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
| | - Fieke E. M. Froeling
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Bearsden G61 1BD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
| | - David K. Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Bearsden G61 1BD, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
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14
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Pan Z, Xu T, Bao L, Hu X, Jin T, Chen J, Chen J, Qian Y, Lu X, Li L, Zheng G, Zhang Y, Zou X, Song F, Zheng C, Jiang L, Wang J, Tan Z, Huang P, Ge M. CREB3L1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:190. [PMID: 36192735 PMCID: PMC9531463 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01658-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an extremely malignant type of endocrine cancer frequently accompanied by extrathyroidal extension or metastasis through mechanisms that remain elusive. We screened for the CREB3 transcription-factor family in a large cohort, consisting of four microarray datasets. This revealed that CREB3L1 was specifically up regulated in ATC tissues and negatively associated with overall survival of patients with thyroid cancer. Consistently, high expression of CREB3L1 was negatively correlated with progression-free survival in an independent cohort. CREB3L1 knockdown dramatically attenuated invasion of ATC cells, whereas overexpression of CREB3L1 facilitated the invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells. Loss of CREB3L1 inhibited metastasis and tumor growth of ATC xenografts in zebrafish and nude mouse model. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that CREB3L1 expression gradually increased during the neoplastic progression of a thyroid follicular epithelial cell to an ATC cell, accompanied by the activation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling. CREB3L1 knockdown significantly decreased the expression of collagen subtypes in ATC cells and the fibrillar collagen in xenografts. Due to the loss of CREB3L1, ATC cells were unable to activate alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). After CREB3L1 knockdown, the presence of CAFs inhibited the growth of ATC spheroids and the metastasis of ATC cells. Further cytokine array screening showed that ATC cells activated α-SMA-positive CAFs through CREB3L1-mediated IL-1α production. Moreover, KPNA2 mediated the nuclear translocation of CREB3L1, thus allowing it to activate downstream ECM signaling. These results demonstrate that CREB3L1 maintains the CAF-like property of ATC cells by activating the ECM signaling, which remodels the tumor stromal microenvironment and drives the malignancy of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongfu Pan
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Lisha Bao
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Tiefeng Jin
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinming Chen
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiang Chen
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Qian
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xixuan Lu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guowan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zou
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feifeng Song
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuanming Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Liehao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Tan
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China. .,Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Minghua Ge
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China. .,Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.
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15
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Jurj A, Ionescu C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:276. [PMID: 36114508 PMCID: PMC9479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.
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16
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Masugi Y. The Desmoplastic Stroma of Pancreatic Cancer: Multilayered Levels of Heterogeneity, Clinical Significance, and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133293. [PMID: 35805064 PMCID: PMC9265767 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant disease with treatment resistance to standardized chemotherapies. In addition, only a small fraction of patients with pancreatic cancer has, to date, actionable genetic aberrations, leading to a narrow therapeutic window for molecularly targeted therapies or immunotherapies. A lot of preclinical and translational studies are ongoing to discover potential vulnerabilities to treat pancreatic cancer. Histologically, human pancreatic cancer is characterized by abundant cancer-associated fibrotic stroma, called “desmoplastic stroma”. Recent technological advances have revealed that desmoplastic stroma in pancreatic cancer is much more complicated than previously thought, playing pleiotropic roles in manipulating tumor cell fate and anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, real-world specimen-based analyses of pancreatic cancer stroma have also uncovered spatial heterogeneity and an intertumoral variety associated with molecular alterations, clinicopathological factors, and patient outcomes. This review describes an overview of the current efforts in the field of pancreatic cancer stromal biology and discusses treatment opportunities of stroma-modifying therapies against this hard-to-treat cancer. Abstract Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies and is becoming a dramatically increasing cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Abundant desmoplastic stroma is a histological hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Emerging evidence suggests a promising therapeutic effect of several stroma-modifying therapies that target desmoplastic stromal elements in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. The evidence also unveils multifaceted roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in manipulating pancreatic cancer progression, immunity, and chemotherapeutic response. Current state-of-the-art technologies, including single-cell transcriptomics and multiplexed tissue imaging techniques, have provided a more profound knowledge of CAF heterogeneity in real-world specimens from pancreatic cancer patients, as well as in genetically engineered mouse models. In this review, we describe recent advances in the understanding of the molecular pathology bases of pancreatic cancer desmoplastic stroma at multilayered levels of heterogeneity, namely, (1) variations in cellular and non-cellular members, including CAF subtypes and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins; (2) geographical heterogeneity in relation to cell–cell interactions and signaling pathways at niche levels and spatial heterogeneity at locoregional levels or organ levels; and (3) intertumoral stromal heterogeneity at individual levels. This review further discusses the clinicopathological significance of desmoplastic stroma and the potential opportunities for stroma-targeted therapies against this lethal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Masugi
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 1608582, Japan; ; Tel.: +81-3-5363-3764; Fax: +81-3-3353-3290
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
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17
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Tian H, Shi H, Yu J, Ge S, Ruan J. Biophysics Role and Biomimetic Culture Systems of ECM Stiffness in Cancer EMT. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2022; 6:2100094. [PMID: 35712024 PMCID: PMC9189138 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oncological diseases have become the second leading cause of death from noncommunicable diseases worldwide and a major threat to human health. With the continuous progress in cancer research, the mechanical cues from the tumor microenvironment environment (TME) have been found to play an irreplaceable role in the progression of many cancers. As the main extracellular mechanical signal carrier, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness may influence cancer progression through biomechanical transduction to modify downstream gene expression, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and regulate the stemness of cancer cells. EMT is an important mechanism that induces cancer cell metastasis and is closely influenced by ECM stiffness, either independently or in conjunction with other molecules. In this review, the unique role of ECM stiffness in EMT in different kinds of cancers is first summarized. By continually examining the significance of ECM stiffness in cancer progression, a biomimetic culture system based on 3D manufacturing and novel material technologies is developed to mimic ECM stiffness. The authors then look back on the novel development of the ECM stiffness biomimetic culture systems and finally provide new insights into ECM stiffness in cancer progression which can broaden the fields' horizons with a view toward developing new cancer diagnosis methods and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
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18
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Luo Z, Yao X, Li M, Fang D, Fei Y, Cheng Z, Xu Y, Zhu B. Modulating tumor physical microenvironment for fueling CAR-T cell therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114301. [PMID: 35439570 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved unprecedented clinical success against hematologic malignancies. However, the transition of CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors is limited by heterogenous antigen expression, immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME), immune adaptation of tumor cells and impeded CAR-T-cell infiltration/transportation. Recent studies increasingly reveal that tumor physical microenvironment could affect various aspects of tumor biology and impose profound impacts on the antitumor efficacy of CAR-T therapy. In this review, we discuss the critical roles of four physical cues in solid tumors for regulating the immune responses of CAR-T cells, which include solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, stiffness and microarchitecture. We highlight new strategies exploiting these features to enhance the therapeutic potency of CAR-T cells in solid tumors by correlating with the state-of-the-art technologies in this field. A perspective on the future directions for developing new CAR-T therapies for solid tumor treatment is also provided.
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19
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Fatherree JP, Guarin JR, McGinn RA, Naber SP, Oudin MJ. Chemotherapy-Induced Collagen IV Drives Cancer Cell Motility through Activation of Src and Focal Adhesion Kinase. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2031-2044. [PMID: 35260882 PMCID: PMC9381104 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and deadly subtype of breast cancer, accounting for 30,000 cases annually in the United States. While there are several clinical trials ongoing to identify new agents to treat TNBC, the majority of patients with TNBC are treated with anthracycline- or taxane-based chemotherapies in the neoadjuvant setting, followed by surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. While many patients respond well to this approach, as many as 25% will suffer local or metastatic recurrence within 5 years. Understanding the mechanisms that drive recurrence after chemotherapy treatment is critical to improving survival for patients with TNBC. It is well established that the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides structure and support to tissues, is a major driver of tumor growth, local invasion, and dissemination of cancer cells to distant metastatic sites. In the present study, we show that decellularized ECM (dECM) obtained from chemotherapy-treated mice increases motility of treatment-naïve breast cancer cells compared with vehicle-treated dECM. Tandem-mass-tag proteomics revealed that anthracycline- and taxane-based chemotherapies induce drug-specific changes in tumor ECM composition. The basement membrane protein collagen IV was significantly upregulated in the ECM of chemotherapy-treated mice and patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Collagen IV drove invasion via activation of Src and focal adhesion kinase signaling downstream of integrin α1 and α2, and inhibition of collagen IV-driven signaling decreased motility in chemotherapy-treated dECM. These studies provide a novel mechanism by which chemotherapy may induce metastasis via its effects on ECM composition. SIGNIFICANCE Cytotoxic chemotherapy induces significant changes in the composition of tumor ECM, inducing a more invasive and aggressive phenotype in residual tumor cells following chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson P. Fatherree
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Justinne R. Guarin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel A. McGinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen P. Naber
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madeleine J. Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Author: Madeleine J. Oudin, Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155. Phone: 617-627-2580; E-mail:
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20
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Gardiner JC, Cukierman E. Meaningful connections: Interrogating the role of physical fibroblast cell-cell communication in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 154:141-168. [PMID: 35459467 PMCID: PMC9483832 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As part of the connective tissue, activated fibroblasts play an important role in development and disease pathogenesis, while quiescent resident fibroblasts are responsible for sustaining tissue homeostasis. Fibroblastic activation is particularly evident in the tumor microenvironment where fibroblasts transition into tumor-supporting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), with some CAFs maintaining tumor-suppressive functions. While the tumor-supporting features of CAFs and their fibroblast-like precursors predominantly function through paracrine chemical communication (e.g., secretion of cytokine, chemokine, and more), the direct cell-cell communication that occurs between fibroblasts and other cells, and the effect that the remodeled CAF-generated interstitial extracellular matrix has in these types of cellular communications, remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the reported roles fibroblastic cell-cell communication play within the cancer stroma context and highlight insights we can gain from other disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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21
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Cortesi M, Zanoni M, Pirini F, Tumedei MM, Ravaioli S, Rapposelli IG, Frassineti GL, Bravaccini S. Pancreatic Cancer and Cellular Senescence: Tumor Microenvironment under the Spotlight. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010254. [PMID: 35008679 PMCID: PMC8745092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the most dismal prognoses of all cancers due to its late manifestation and resistance to current therapies. Accumulating evidence has suggested that the malignant behavior of this cancer is mainly influenced by the associated strongly immunosuppressive, desmoplastic microenvironment and by the relatively low mutational burden. PDAC develops and progresses through a multi-step process. Early in tumorigenesis, cancer cells must evade the effects of cellular senescence, which slows proliferation and promotes the immune-mediated elimination of pre-malignant cells. The role of senescence as a tumor suppressor has been well-established; however, recent evidence has revealed novel pro-tumorigenic paracrine functions of senescent cells towards their microenvironment. Understanding the interactions between tumors and their microenvironment is a growing research field, with evidence having been provided that non-tumoral cells composing the tumor microenvironment (TME) influence tumor proliferation, metabolism, cell death, and therapeutic resistance. Simultaneously, cancer cells shape a tumor-supportive and immunosuppressive environment, influencing both non-tumoral neighboring and distant cells. The overall intention of this review is to provide an overview of the interplay that occurs between senescent and non-senescent cell types and to describe how such interplay may have an impact on PDAC progression. Specifically, the effects and the molecular changes occurring in non-cancerous cells during senescence, and how these may contribute to a tumor-permissive microenvironment, will be discussed. Finally, senescence targeting strategies will be briefly introduced, highlighting their potential in the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Cortesi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (M.Z.); (F.P.); (M.M.T.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Michele Zanoni
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (M.Z.); (F.P.); (M.M.T.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Francesca Pirini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (M.Z.); (F.P.); (M.M.T.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Tumedei
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (M.Z.); (F.P.); (M.M.T.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Sara Ravaioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (M.Z.); (F.P.); (M.M.T.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Ilario Giovanni Rapposelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (I.G.R.); (G.L.F.)
| | - Giovanni Luca Frassineti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (I.G.R.); (G.L.F.)
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (M.Z.); (F.P.); (M.M.T.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
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22
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Maneshi P, Mason J, Dongre M, Öhlund D. Targeting Tumor-Stromal Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer: Impact of Collagens and Mechanical Traits. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:787485. [PMID: 34901028 PMCID: PMC8656238 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.787485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the worst outcomes among cancers with a 5-years survival rate of below 10%. This is a result of late diagnosis and the lack of effective treatments. The tumor is characterized by a highly fibrotic stroma containing distinct cellular components, embedded within an extracellular matrix (ECM). This ECM-abundant tumor microenvironment (TME) in PDAC plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and resistance to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), being a dominant cell type of the stroma, are in fact functionally heterogeneous populations of cells within the TME. Certain subtypes of CAFs are the main producer of the ECM components of the stroma, with the most abundant one being the collagen family of proteins. Collagens are large macromolecules that upon deposition into the ECM form supramolecular fibrillar structures which provide a mechanical framework to the TME. They not only bring structure to the tissue by being the main structural proteins but also contain binding domains that interact with surface receptors on the cancer cells. These interactions can induce various responses in the cancer cells and activate signaling pathways leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ultimately metastasis. In addition, collagens are one of the main contributors to building up mechanical forces in the tumor. These forces influence the signaling pathways that are involved in cell motility and tumor progression and affect tumor microstructure and tissue stiffness by exerting solid stress and interstitial fluid pressure on the cells. Taken together, the TME is subjected to various types of mechanical forces and interactions that affect tumor progression, metastasis, and drug response. In this review article, we aim to summarize and contextualize the recent knowledge of components of the PDAC stroma, especially the role of different collagens and mechanical traits on tumor progression. We furthermore discuss different experimental models available for studying tumor-stromal interactions and finally discuss potential therapeutic targets within the stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parniyan Maneshi
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - James Mason
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mitesh Dongre
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Daniel Öhlund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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23
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Mao X, Xu J, Wang W, Liang C, Hua J, Liu J, Zhang B, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment: new findings and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:131. [PMID: 34635121 PMCID: PMC8504100 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 697] [Impact Index Per Article: 232.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a stromal cell population with cell-of-origin, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through multiple pathways, activated CAFs can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and even chemoresistance. Numerous previous studies have confirmed the critical role of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells in tumorigenesis and development. However, recently, the mutual effects of CAFs and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have been identified as another key factor in promoting tumor progression. The TIME mainly consists of distinct immune cell populations in tumor islets and is highly associated with the antitumor immunological state in the TME. CAFs interact with tumor-infiltrating immune cells as well as other immune components within the TIME via the secretion of various cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, exosomes and other effector molecules, consequently shaping an immunosuppressive TME that enables cancer cells to evade surveillance of the immune system. In-depth studies of CAFs and immune microenvironment interactions, particularly the complicated mechanisms connecting CAFs with immune cells, might provide novel strategies for subsequent targeted immunotherapies. Herein, we shed light on recent advances regarding the direct and indirect crosstalk between CAFs and infiltrating immune cells and further summarize the possible immunoinhibitory mechanisms induced by CAFs in the TME. In addition, we present current related CAF-targeting immunotherapies and briefly describe some future perspectives on CAF research in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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24
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Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Relating Biomechanics and Prognosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122711. [PMID: 34205335 PMCID: PMC8234178 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer and carries a dismal prognosis. Resectable patients are treated predominantly with surgery while borderline resectable patients may receive neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) to downstage their disease prior to possible resection. PDAC tissue is stiffer than healthy pancreas, and tissue stiffness is associated with cancer progression. Another feature of PDAC is increased tissue heterogeneity. We postulate that tumour stiffness and heterogeneity may be used alongside currently employed diagnostics to better predict prognosis and response to treatment. In this review we summarise the biomechanical changes observed in PDAC, explore the factors behind these changes and describe the clinical consequences. We identify methods available for assessing PDAC biomechanics ex vivo and in vivo, outlining the relative merits of each. Finally, we discuss the potential use of radiological imaging for prognostic use.
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25
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Zhang W, Zhang S, Zhang W, Yue Y, Qian W, Wang Z. Matrix stiffness and its influence on pancreatic diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188583. [PMID: 34139274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The matrix stiffness of the extracellular matrix(ECM), which is the slow elastic force on cells, has gradually become investigated. And a higher stiffness could induce changes in cell biological behaviors and activation of internal signaling pathways. Imbalanced stiffness of ECM is associated with a number of diseases, including pancreatic disease. In this review, we discuss the components of the ECM and the increased stiffness caused by unbalanced ECM changes. Next, we describe how matrix stiffness transmits mechanical signals and what signaling pathways are altered within the cell in detail. Finally, we discuss the effect of ECM on the behavior of pancreatic diseases from the perspective of matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Simei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wunai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yangyang Yue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
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26
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Niland S, Eble JA. Hold on or Cut? Integrin- and MMP-Mediated Cell-Matrix Interactions in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010238. [PMID: 33379400 PMCID: PMC7794804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has become the focus of interest in cancer research and treatment. It includes the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM-modifying enzymes that are secreted by cancer and neighboring cells. The ECM serves both to anchor the tumor cells embedded in it and as a means of communication between the various cellular and non-cellular components of the TME. The cells of the TME modify their surrounding cancer-characteristic ECM. This in turn provides feedback to them via cellular receptors, thereby regulating, together with cytokines and exosomes, differentiation processes as well as tumor progression and spread. Matrix remodeling is accomplished by altering the repertoire of ECM components and by biophysical changes in stiffness and tension caused by ECM-crosslinking and ECM-degrading enzymes, in particular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These can degrade ECM barriers or, by partial proteolysis, release soluble ECM fragments called matrikines, which influence cells inside and outside the TME. This review examines the changes in the ECM of the TME and the interaction between cells and the ECM, with a particular focus on MMPs.
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27
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Yang X, Wang G, Huang X, Cheng M, Han Y. RNA-seq reveals the diverse effects of substrate stiffness on epidermal ovarian cancer cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:20493-20511. [PMID: 33091877 PMCID: PMC7655203 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence has confirmed that ovarian cancer is a mechanically responsive tumor both in vivo and in vitro. However, an understanding of the complete molecular mechanism involved in the response to substrate stiffness is lacking, as the associated transcriptome-wide effects have not been mapped. This limited understanding has restricted the identification of potential mechanically responsive targets in ovarian cancer. Results: To address these limitations, we used a polyacrylamide hydrogel system with a tunable Young’s modulus that broadly ranged from soft (1 kPa) to normal (6 kPa) and stiff (60 kPa) and investigated the effect of substrate rigidity on the morphology, spreading area, and cytoskeleton of SKOV-3 epidermal ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. RNA-seq analysis of these cells was then performed at appropriate timepoints to map the transcriptome-wide changes associated with stiffness sensing. We identified a large number of stiffness-sensing genes as well as many genes that were enriched in cancer-related pathways. Informed by these diverse expression results and based on bioinformatics analysis, we evaluated the hypothesis that PLEC and TNS2, which are located in focal adhesions and regulated by lnc-ZNF136, may play key roles in the EOC response to substrate stiffness. Conclusion: Overall, the results of the present study reveal previously unknown features of the EOC stiffness response and provide new insights into EOC metastasis in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Guohui Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolei Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Min Cheng
- Department of Physiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yangyang Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, P.R. China
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28
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Liebman C, McColloch A, Rabiei M, Bowling A, Cho M. Mechanics of the cell: Interaction mechanisms and mechanobiological models. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2020; 86:143-184. [PMID: 33837692 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The importance of cell mechanics has long been recognized for the cell development and function. Biomechanics plays an important role in cell metabolism, regulation of mechanotransduction pathways and also modulation of nuclear response. The mechanical properties of the cell are likely determined by, among many others, the cytoskeleton elasticity, membrane tension and cell-substrate adhesion. This coordinated but complex mechanical interplay is required however, for the cell to respond to and influence in a reciprocal manner the chemical and mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In an effort to better and more fully understand the cell mechanics, the role of nuclear mechanics has emerged as an important contributor to the overall cellular mechanics. It is not too difficult to appreciate the physical connection between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton network that may be connected to the ECM through the cell membrane. Transmission of forces from ECM through this connection is essential for a wide range of cellular behaviors and functions such as cytoskeletal reorganization, nuclear movement, cell migration and differentiation. Unlike the cellular mechanics that can be measured using a number of biophysical techniques that were developed in the past few decades, it still remains a daunting challenge to probe the nuclear mechanics directly. In this paper, we therefore aim to provide informative description of the cell membrane and cytoskeleton mechanics, followed by unique computational modeling efforts to elucidate the nucleus-cytoskeleton coupling. Advances in our knowledge of complete cellular biomechanics and mechanotransduction may lead to clinical relevance and applications in mechano-diseases such as atherosclerosis, stem cell-based therapies, and the development of tissue engineered products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Liebman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Andrew McColloch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Manoochehr Rabiei
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Alan Bowling
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States.
| | - Michael Cho
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States.
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29
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DeLeon-Pennell KY, Barker TH, Lindsey ML. Fibroblasts: The arbiters of extracellular matrix remodeling. Matrix Biol 2020; 91-92:1-7. [PMID: 32504772 PMCID: PMC7434687 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is the foundation on which all cells and organs converge to orchestrate normal physiological functions. In the setting of pathology, the ECM is modified to incorporate additional roles, with modifications including turnover of existing ECM and deposition of new ECM. The fibroblast is center stage in coordinating both normal tissue homeostasis and response to disease. Understanding how fibroblasts work under normal conditions and are activated in response to injury or stress will provide mechanistic insight that triggers discovery of new therapeutic treatments for a wide range of disease. We highlight here fibroblast roles in the cancer, lung, and heart as example systems where fibroblasts are major contributors to homeostasis and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Y DeLeon-Pennell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, and Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Merry L Lindsey
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Heart and Vascular Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985850 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5850, USA; and Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105; Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105.
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30
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Sustained hedgehog signaling in medulloblastoma tumoroids is attributed to stromal astrocytes and astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix. J Transl Med 2020; 100:1208-1222. [PMID: 32457352 PMCID: PMC7442735 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is associated with the formation of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. However, tumor cells from human and mouse MB can not be passaged or preserved after being adherently cultured. Moreover, Hh signaling in MB cells is inactivated in such culture. Here we demonstrate that MB cells are capable of forming tumoroids (tumor spheroids) in vitro under optimized conditions, which can be further passaged and cryopreserved. More importantly, MB cells maintain Hh pathway activation and cell proliferation in tumoroids. Our studies further reveal that tumoroids-forming capacity of MB cells relies on astrocytes, a major component of the MB microenvironment. Astrocytes facilitate the formation of MB tumoroids by secreting sonic hedgehog (Shh) and generating astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix. These findings demonstrate the critical role of stromal astrocytes in supporting the survival and proliferation of MB cells in vitro. This study establishes a valid model for long-term culture of primary MB cells, which could be greatly beneficial for future investigation of MB tumorigenicity and the development of improved approaches to treat MB.
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31
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Xiong X, Rao G, Roy RV, Zhang Y, Means N, Dey A, Tsaliki M, Saha S, Bhattacharyya S, Dwivedi SKD, Rao CV, McCormick DJ, Dhanasekaran D, Ding K, Gillies E, Zhang M, Yang D, Bhattacharya R, Mukherjee P. Ubiquitin-binding associated protein 2 regulates KRAS activation and macropinocytosis in pancreatic cancer. FASEB J 2020; 34:12024-12039. [PMID: 32692445 PMCID: PMC7808438 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902826rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Macropinocytosis supports the metabolic requirement of RAS-transformed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDACs). However, regulators of RAS-transformation (activation) that lead to macropinocytosis have not been identified. Herein, we report that UBAP2 (ubiquitin-binding associated protein 2), regulates the activation of KRAS and macropinocytosis in pancreatic cancer. We demonstrate that UBAP2 is highly expressed in both pancreatic cancer cell lines and tumor tissues of PDAC patients. The expression of UBAP2 is associated with poor overall survival in several cancers, including PDAC. Silencing UBAP2 decreases the levels of activated KRAS, and inhibits macropinocytosis, and tumor growth in vivo. Using a UBAP2-deletion construct, we demonstrate that the UBA-domain of UBAP2 is critical for the regulation of macropinocytosis and maintaining the levels of activated KRAS. In addition, UBAP2 regulates RAS downstream signaling and helps maintain RAS in the GTP-bound form. However, the exact mechanism by which UBAP2 regulates KRAS activation is unknown and needs further investigation. Thus, UBAP2 may be exploited as a potential therapeutic target to inhibit macropinocytosis and tumor growth in activated KRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunhao Xiong
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Geeta Rao
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ram Vinod Roy
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yushan Zhang
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Nicolas Means
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Anindya Dey
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Martha Tsaliki
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Sounik Saha
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Sanjib Bhattacharyya
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shailendra kumar Dhar Dwivedi
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Chinthalapally V. Rao
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Daniel J. McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Danny Dhanasekaran
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gillies
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Da Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Resham Bhattacharya
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Priyabrata Mukherjee
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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32
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Padhi A, Singh K, Franco-Barraza J, Marston DJ, Cukierman E, Hahn KM, Kapania RK, Nain AS. Force-exerting perpendicular lateral protrusions in fibroblastic cell contraction. Commun Biol 2020; 3:390. [PMID: 32694539 PMCID: PMC7374753 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01117-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aligned extracellular matrix fibers enable fibroblasts to undergo myofibroblastic activation and achieve elongated shapes. Activated fibroblasts are able to contract, perpetuating the alignment of these fibers. This poorly understood feedback process is critical in chronic fibrosis conditions, including cancer. Here, using fiber networks that serve as force sensors, we identify "3D perpendicular lateral protrusions" (3D-PLPs) that evolve from lateral cell extensions named twines. Twines originate from stratification of cyclic-actin waves traversing the cell and swing freely in 3D to engage neighboring fibers. Once engaged, a lamellum forms and extends multiple secondary twines, which fill in to form a sheet-like PLP, in a force-entailing process that transitions focal adhesions to activated (i.e., pathological) 3D-adhesions. The specific morphology of PLPs enables cells to increase contractility and force on parallel fibers. Controlling geometry of extracellular networks confirms that anisotropic fibrous environments support 3D-PLP formation and function, suggesting an explanation for cancer-associated desmoplastic expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abinash Padhi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Karanpreet Singh
- Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Janusz Franco-Barraza
- Cancer Biology Program, Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Marston
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Biology Program, Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Klaus M Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Rakesh K Kapania
- Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Amrinder S Nain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Cancer associated fibroblast: Mediators of tumorigenesis. Matrix Biol 2020; 91-92:19-34. [PMID: 32450219 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is well accepted that the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer onset, development, and progression. The majority of clinical interventions are designed to target either cancer or stroma cells. These emphases have been directed by one of two prevailing theories in the field, the Somatic Mutation Theory and the Tissue Organization Field Theory, which represent two seemingly opposing concepts. This review proposes that the two theories are mutually inclusive and should be concurrently considered for cancer treatments. Specifically, this review discusses the dynamic and reciprocal processes between stromal cells and extracellular matrices, using pancreatic cancer as an example, to demonstrate the inclusivity of the theories. Furthermore, this review highlights the functions of cancer associated fibroblasts, which represent the major stromal cell type, as important mediators of the known cancer hallmarks that the two theories attempt to explain.
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Yamauchi M, Gibbons DL, Zong C, Fradette JJ, Bota-Rabassedas N, Kurie JM. Fibroblast heterogeneity and its impact on extracellular matrix and immune landscape remodeling in cancer. Matrix Biol 2020; 91-92:8-18. [PMID: 32442601 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor progression is marked by dense collagenous matrix accumulations that dynamically reorganize to accommodate a growing and invasive tumor mass. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an essential role in matrix remodeling and influence other processes in the tumor microenvironment, including angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and invasion. These findings have spawned efforts to elucidate CAF functionality at the single-cell level. Here, we will discuss how those efforts have impacted our understanding of the ways in which CAFs govern matrix remodeling and the influence of matrix remodeling on the development of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Yamauchi
- Division of Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences, Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NS, United States
| | - Don L Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chenghang Zong
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jared J Fradette
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Neus Bota-Rabassedas
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan M Kurie
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
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Sahai E, Astsaturov I, Cukierman E, DeNardo DG, Egeblad M, Evans RM, Fearon D, Greten FR, Hingorani SR, Hunter T, Hynes RO, Jain RK, Janowitz T, Jorgensen C, Kimmelman AC, Kolonin MG, Maki RG, Powers RS, Puré E, Ramirez DC, Scherz-Shouval R, Sherman MH, Stewart S, Tlsty TD, Tuveson DA, Watt FM, Weaver V, Weeraratna AT, Werb Z. A framework for advancing our understanding of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Nat Rev Cancer 2020; 20:174-186. [PMID: 31980749 PMCID: PMC7046529 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1788] [Impact Index Per Article: 447.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the tumour microenvironment with diverse functions, including matrix deposition and remodelling, extensive reciprocal signalling interactions with cancer cells and crosstalk with infiltrating leukocytes. As such, they are a potential target for optimizing therapeutic strategies against cancer. However, many challenges are present in ongoing attempts to modulate CAFs for therapeutic benefit. These include limitations in our understanding of the origin of CAFs and heterogeneity in CAF function, with it being desirable to retain some antitumorigenic functions. On the basis of a meeting of experts in the field of CAF biology, we summarize in this Consensus Statement our current knowledge and present a framework for advancing our understanding of this critical cell type within the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Sahai
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Igor Astsaturov
- Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Biology Program, Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David G DeNardo
- Division of Oncology, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mikala Egeblad
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ronald M Evans
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Fearon
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Florian R Greten
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Tony Hunter
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard O Hynes
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tobias Janowitz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Northwell Health Cancer Institute, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Claus Jorgensen
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Nether Alderley, UK
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mikhail G Kolonin
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert G Maki
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Northwell Health Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Scott Powers
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel C Ramirez
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health System, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sheila Stewart
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Medicine, ICCE Institute, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thea D Tlsty
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Fiona M Watt
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Valerie Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zena Werb
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Franco-Barraza J, Raghavan KS, Luong T, Cukierman E. Engineering clinically-relevant human fibroblastic cell-derived extracellular matrices. Methods Cell Biol 2020; 156:109-160. [PMID: 32222216 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culturing models, replicating in vivo tissue microenvironments that incorporate native extracellular matrix (ECM), have revolutionized the cell biology field. Fibroblastic cells generate lattices of interstitial ECM proteins. Cell interactions with ECMs and with molecules sequestered/stored within these are crucial for tissue development and homeostasis maintenance. Hence, ECMs provide cells with biochemical and biomechanical cues to support and locally control cell function. Further, dynamic changes in ECMs, and in cell-ECM interactions, partake in growth, development, and temporary occurrences such as acute wound healing. Notably, dysregulation in ECMs and fibroblasts could be important triggers and modulators of pathological events such as developmental defects, and diseases associated with fibrosis and chronic inflammation such as cancer. Studying the type of fibroblastic cells producing these matrices and how alterations to these cells enable changes in ECMs are of paramount importance. This chapter provides a step-by-step method for producing multilayered (e.g., 3D) fibroblastic cell-derived matrices (fCDM). Methods also include means to assess ECM topography and other cellular traits, indicative of fibroblastic functional statuses, like naïve/normal vs. inflammatory and/or myofibroblastic. For these, protocols include indications for isolating normal and diseased fibroblasts (i.e., cancer-associated fibroblasts known as CAFs). Protocols also include means for conducting microscopy assessments, querying whether fibroblasts present with fCDM-dependent normal or CAF phenotypes. These are supported by discrete semi-quantitative digital imaging analyses, providing some imaging processing advice. Additionally, protocols include descriptions for effective fCDM decellularization, which renders cellular debris-free patho/physiological in vivo-like scaffolds, suitable as 3D substrates for subsequent cell culturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Franco-Barraza
- Cancer Biology, The Martin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kristopher S Raghavan
- Cancer Biology, The Martin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States; College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tiffany Luong
- Cancer Biology, The Martin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Biology, The Martin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Eble JA, Niland S. The extracellular matrix in tumor progression and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2019; 36:171-198. [PMID: 30972526 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-019-09966-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes the scaffold of tissues and organs. It is a complex network of extracellular proteins, proteoglycans and glycoproteins, which form supramolecular aggregates, such as fibrils and sheet-like networks. In addition to its biochemical composition, including the covalent intermolecular cross-linkages, the ECM is also characterized by its biophysical parameters, such as topography, molecular density, stiffness/rigidity and tension. Taking these biochemical and biophysical parameters into consideration, the ECM is very versatile and undergoes constant remodeling. This review focusses on this remodeling of the ECM under the influence of a primary solid tumor mass. Within this tumor stroma, not only the cancer cells but also the resident fibroblasts, which differentiate into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), modify the ECM. Growth factors and chemokines, which are tethered to and released from the ECM, as well as metabolic changes of the cells within the tumor bulk, add to the tumor-supporting tumor microenvironment. Metastasizing cancer cells from a primary tumor mass infiltrate into the ECM, which variably may facilitate cancer cell migration or act as barrier, which has to be proteolytically breached by the infiltrating tumor cell. The biochemical and biophysical properties therefore determine the rates and routes of metastatic dissemination. Moreover, primed by soluble factors of the primary tumor, the ECM of distant organs may be remodeled in a way to facilitate the engraftment of metastasizing cancer cells. Such premetastatic niches are responsible for the organotropic preference of certain cancer entities to colonize at certain sites in distant organs and to establish a metastasis. Translational application of our knowledge about the cancer-primed ECM is sparse with respect to therapeutic approaches, whereas tumor-induced ECM alterations such as increased tissue stiffness and desmoplasia, as well as breaching the basement membrane are hallmark of malignancy and diagnostically and histologically harnessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes A Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Stephan Niland
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
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Beadnell T, Borriello L, Christenson J, Fornetti J, Guldner I, Hanna A, Kyjacova L, Marinak-Whately K, de Melo Martins PC, Rotinen M, Te Boekhorst V, Cox TR. Meeting report: Metastasis Research Society (MRS) 17th Biennial conference and associated Young Investigator Satellite Meeting (YISM) on cancer metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2019; 36:119-137. [PMID: 30673912 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-018-09953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Metastasis Research Society (MRS) 17th Biennial conference on metastasis was held on the 1st to the 5th of August 2018 at Princeton University, NJ, USA. The meeting was held around themes addressing notable aspects of the understanding and treatment of metastasis and metastatic disease covering basic, translational, and clinical research. Importantly, the meeting was largely supported by our patient advocate partners including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Theresa's Research Foundation and METAvivor. There were a total of 85 presentations from invited and selected speakers spread across the main congress and presentations from the preceding Young Investigator Satellite Meeting. Presentations are summarized in this report by session topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Beadnell
- Department of Cancer Biology, The Kansas University Medical Center, and The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Lucia Borriello
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Christenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jaime Fornetti
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Ian Guldner
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Ann Hanna
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lenka Kyjacova
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 681 67, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Marinak-Whately
- WVU Cancer Institute, Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Mirja Rotinen
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Departments of Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Veronika Te Boekhorst
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 77030, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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