Extracellular matrix-based cancer targeting

The fibroinflammatory response in cancer

Fibroinflammation refers to the highly integrated fibrogenic and inflammatory responses mediated by the concerted function of fibroblasts and innate immune cells in response to tissue perturbation. This process underlies the desmoplastic remodelling of the tumour microenvironment and thus plays an important role in tumour initiation, growth and metastasis. More specifically, fibroinflammation alters the biochemical and biomechanical signalling in malignant cells to promote their proliferation and survival and further supports an immunosuppressive microenvironment by polarizing the immune status of tumours. Additionally, the presence of fibroinflammation is often associated with therapeutic resistance. As such, there is increasing interest in targeting this process to normalize the tumour microenvironment and thus enhance the treatment of solid tumours. Herein, we review advances made in unravelling the complexity of cancer-associated fibroinflammation that can inform the rational design of therapies targeting this.

Extracellular matrix matters: matrix-based bioscaffolds in advancing translational cancer research and targeted therapy

The onset, development, and progression of cancer are greatly influenced by the microenvironmental cues originating from diverse elements within the tumor niche. Extracellular matrix (ECM), the complex and dynamic macromolecular three-dimensional network (3-D), governs cell functionality and plays key roles in tumor growth and spreading. This article highlights the significance of ECM-based bioscaffolds in providing a relevant microenvironment not only for studying tumor behavior and drug efficacy but also for narrowing the gap between translational cancer research and targeted cancer treatment. The development of novel and user-friendly platforms that resemble the human tumor microenvironment in early and advanced cancer stages, may help to predict treatment response, thus facilitating the development and testing of new drugs, bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, we present innovative strategies leveraging ECM bioscaffolds for personalized cancer treatment, including drug delivery systems and tissue engineering approaches. Specific case studies as well as ethical concerns related to the use of ECM bioscaffolds in research and therapy are also presented and critically discussed. By elucidating the intricate interplay between ECM and cancer biology, this article underscores the potential of ECM bioscaffolds as novel platforms for shaping future therapeutic interventions and advancing precision oncology.

Transcriptome-wide analysis reveals potential roles of CFD and ANGPTL4 in fibroblasts regulating B cell lineage for extracellular matrix-driven clustering and novel avenues for immunotherapy in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and drug resistance. However, the compositional patterns of ECM in breast cancer and their underlying biological functions remain elusive.

METHODS

Transcriptome and genome data of breast cancer patients from TCGA database was downloaded. Patients were classified into different clusters by using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) based on signatures of ECM components and regulators. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify core genes related to ECM clusters. Additional 10 independent public cohorts including Metabric, SCAN_B, GSE12276, GSE16446, GSE19615, GSE20685, GSE21653, GSE58644, GSE58812, and GSE88770 were collected to construct Training or Testing cohort, following machine learning calculating ECM correlated index (ECI) for survival analysis. Pathway enrichment and correlation analysis were used to explore the relationship among ECM clusters, ECI and TME. Single-cell transcriptome data from GSE161529 was processed for uncovering the differences among ECM clusters.

RESULTS

Using NMF, we identified three ECM clusters in the TCGA database: C1 (Neuron), C2 (ECM), and C3 (Immune). Subsequently, WGCNA was employed to pinpoint cluster-specific genes and develop a prognostic model. This model demonstrated robust predictive power for breast cancer patient survival in both the Training cohort (n = 5,392, AUC = 0.861) and the Testing cohort (n = 1,344, AUC = 0.711). Upon analyzing the tumor microenvironment (TME), we discovered that fibroblasts and B cell lineage were the core cell types associated with the ECM cluster phenotypes. Single-cell RNA sequencing data further revealed that angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4)+ fibroblasts were specifically linked to the C2 phenotype, while complement factor D (CFD)+ fibroblasts characterized the other ECM clusters. CellChat analysis indicated that ANGPTL4+ and CFD+ fibroblasts regulate B cell lineage via distinct signaling pathways. Additionally, analysis using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter website showed that CFD was favorable for immunotherapy response, whereas ANGPTL4 negatively impacted the outcomes of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

We identified distinct ECM clusters in breast cancer patients, irrespective of molecular subtypes. Additionally, we constructed an effective prognostic model based on these ECM clusters and recognized ANGPTL4+ and CFD+ fibroblasts as potential biomarkers for immunotherapy in breast cancer.

Estrogen receptors and extracellular matrix: the critical interplay in cancer development and progression

Cancer remains a significant global health concern. Breast cancer is a multifaceted and prevalent disease influenced by several factors, among which estrogen receptors (ERs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) play pivotal roles. ERs, encompassing ERα and ERβ, exert significant diversity on tumor behavior, cell signaling, invasion, and metastatic potential, thus guiding breast cancer prognosis. Understanding the multifunctional connections between ERs and ECM that mediate the dynamics of tumor microenvironment is vital for unraveling the complexity of breast cancer pathobiology and identifying novel therapeutic targets. This critical review delves into the intricate nature of ERs, emphasizing their structural isoforms and the consequential impact on breast cancer outcomes. A detailed examination of ER-mediated cell signaling pathways reveals how differential expression of ERα and ERβ isoforms influence breast cancer cell behavior. The functional ERs-matrix interactions emerge as a pivotal factor in modulating epigenetic mechanisms of breast cancer cells, orchestrating changes in cellular phenotype and expression patterns of matrix modulators. Specifically, ERα isoforms are shown to regulate ECM signaling cascades, while the effects of ECM components on ERα activity highlight a bidirectional regulatory axis. The diversity of ERβ isoforms is also highlighted, illustrating their distinct contribution to ECM-mediated cellular responses. This review underscores the complex interplay between ERα/β isoforms and the ECM, shedding light onto the potential therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions to improve breast cancer management.

Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in glioblastoma multiforme: network and single-cell analyses

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor associated with poor survival outcomes and is driven by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that promotes tumor progression and treatment resistance. To explore the role of the TME in GBM, we analyzed glioma-related microarray and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Functional enrichment and weighted gene coexpression network analyses revealed distinct immune profiles, metabolic alterations, and differences in chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity between the high-risk and low-risk patient groups. scRNA-seq data processed with the 'Seurat' package were used to identify differentially expressed genes in pericytes, endothelial cells, and glioma cells, particularly those involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. A 17-gene prognostic signature developed through Cox regression and LASSO analyses revealed that key genes (COL1A1, COL4A1, and VIM) were significantly associated with survival outcomes in GBM patients. Drug sensitivity analyses using data from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) identified potential targeted therapies for GBM, including SB-505,124, staurosporine, and AZD8186. This integrative study underscores the critical roles of the ECM and synaptic remodeling in GBM and suggests novel therapeutic targets to improve personalized treatment strategies for GBM patients.

Modulating Collagen I Expression in Fibroblasts by CRISPR-Cas9 Base Editing of the Collagen 1A1 Promoter

Fibrotic diseases, contributing to a significant portion of global mortality, highlight the need for innovative therapies. This study explores a novel approach to disrupt the expression of collagen by using adenine base editing to target Col1a1, a key gene driving both fibrosis and cancer metastasis. Editing Col1a1 in fibroblasts demonstrated 18% editing efficiency. An analysis of a specific clone harboring a CCAAT-to-CCGGA mutation in the Col1a1 promoter revealed reduced collagen production. Notably, when wild-type fibroblasts were cultured on the Col1a1-edited matrix, no compensatory collagen upregulation was detected, suggesting a lack of feedback mechanism in fibroblasts. Furthermore, the matrix derived from edited fibroblasts did not support the growth of MCF-7 cancer cells. These findings suggest that Col1a1 gene editing holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for fibrotic diseases. Further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the implications of these findings for fibrosis and cancer.

Establishment of an alternative splicing prognostic risk model and identification of FN1 as a potential biomarker in glioblastoma multiforme

Aberrant alternative splicing and abnormal alternative splicing events (ASEs) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remain largely elusive. The prognostic-associated ASEs in GBM were identified and summarized into 123 genes using GBM and LGG datasets from ASCancer Atlas and TCGA. The eleven genes (C2, COL3A1, CTSL, EIF3L, FKBP9, FN1, HPCAL1, HSPB1, IGFBP4, MANBA, PRKAR1B) were screened to develop an alternative splicing prognostic risk score (ASRS) model through machine learning algorithms. The model was trained on the TCGA-GBM cohort and validated with four external datasets from CGGA and GEO, achieving AUC values of 0.808, 0.814, 0.763, 0.859, and 0.836 for 3-year survival rates, respectively. ASRS could be an independent prognostic factor for GBM patients (HR > 1.8 across three datasets) through multivariate Cox regression analysis. The high-risk group demonstrated poorer prognosis, elevated immune scores, increased levels of immune cell infiltration, and greater differences in drug sensitivity. We found that FN1, used for model construction, contained 4 abnormal ASEs resulting in high expression of non-canonical transcripts and the presence of premature termination codon. These abnormal ASEs may be regulated by tumour-related splicing factors according to the PPI network. Furthermore, both mRNA and protein levels of FN1 were highly expressed in GBM compared to LGG, correlating with poor prognosis in GBM. In conclusion, our findings highlight the role of ASEs in affecting the progression of GBM, and the model showed a potential application for prognostic risk of patients. FN1 may serve as a promising splicing biomarker for GBM, and mechanisms of processes of aberrant splicing need to be revealed in the future.

Targeting the tumor microenvironment with mesenchymal stem cells based delivery approach for efficient delivery of anticancer agents: An updated review

Drug delivery to cancer cells continues to present a major therapeutic challenge. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess an intrinsic ability to migrate specifically to tumor tissues, making them promising candidates for targeted drug delivery. Evidence from preclinical studies indicates that MSCs loaded with therapeutic anti-cancer agents exhibit considerable anti-tumor activity. Moreover, several clinical trials are currently evaluating their effectiveness in cancer patients. The integration of MSCs with synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) enhances their therapeutic potential, particularly through the use of cell membrane-coated NPs, which represent a significant advancement in the field. This review systematically investigates the tumor microenvironment, the sources of MSCs, the tumor homing mechanisms, and the methods of loading and releasing anticancer drugs from MSCs. Furthermore, cutting-edge strategies to improve the efficacy of MSCs based drug delivery systems (DDS) including the innovative use of MSC membrane coated nanoparticles have been discussed. The study concludes with an overview of the therapeutic use of MSCs as drug carriers, including a detailed analysis of the mechanisms by which MSCs deliver therapeutics to cancer cells, enabling targeted drug delivery. It aims to elucidate the current state of this approach, identify key areas for development, and outline potential future directions for advancing MSCs based cancer therapies.

Impacts of Hyaluronan on Extracellular Vesicle Production and Signaling

Hyaluronan (HA) is a critical component of cell and tissue matrices and an important signaling molecule. The enzymes that synthesize and process HA, as well as the HA receptors through which the signaling properties of HA are transmitted, have been identified in extracellular vesicles and implicated in context-specific processes associated with health and disease. The goal of this review is to present a comprehensive summary of the research on HA and its related receptors and enzymes in extracellular vesicle biogenesis and the cellular responses to vesicles bearing these extracellular matrix modulators. When present in extracellular vesicles, HA is assumed to be on the outside of the vesicle and is sometimes found associated with CD44 or the HAS enzyme itself. Hyaluronidases may be inside the vesicles or present on the vesicle surface via a transmembrane domain or GPI linkage. The implication of presenting these signals in extracellular vesicles is that there is a greater range of systemic distribution and more complex delivery media than previously thought for secreted HA or hyaluronidase alone. Understanding the context for these HA signals offers new diagnostic and therapeutic insight.

The Dynamic Changes of COL11A1 Expression During the Carcinogenesis and Development of Breast Cancer and as a Candidate Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker

Purpose: Collagen type XI alpha 1 (COL11A1), a critical member of the collagen superfamily, is essential for tissue structure and integrity. This study aimed to validate previously identified variations in COL11A1 expression during breast cancer carcinogenesis and progression, as well as elucidate their clinical implications. Methods: COL11A1 mRNA expression levels were assessed using real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) in 30 pairs of normal breast tissue and primary breast cancer, 30 pairs of primary breast cancer and lymph node metastases, 30 benign tumors, and 107 primary breast cancers. COL11A1 protein expression was evaluated by Western blot in six matched trios of normal tissue, primary cancer, and lymph node metastasis. Results: COL11A1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in primary breast cancer tissues (n = 30) than in adjacent normal breast tissues (p < 0.001). Conversely, lymph node metastases (n = 30) showed significantly lower COL11A1 mRNA levels compared to their primary breast cancer counterparts (p=0.005). In a larger cohort, primary breast cancers (n = 107) had significantly elevated COL11A1 mRNA levels relative to adjacent normal tissues (n = 30) and benign tumors (n = 30) (p < 0.001). Benign tumors also demonstrated higher levels compared to normal tissues (p=0.012). The protein expression patterns were consistent with the mRNA findings. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the diagnostic relevance of COL11A1 expression levels. Significant associations were found between COL11A1 mRNA levels and clinical parameters including lymph node involvement (p=0.046), clinical stage (p=0.004), and progesterone receptor status (p=0.048). Overexpression of COL11A1 was correlated with poor prognosis. Conclusions: COL11A1 expression varies during breast tumor initiation and progression, with elevated levels linked to worse prognoses. These findings underscore COL11A1's potential as a biomarker in breast cancer, suggesting its assessment could enhance diagnostic and prognostic strategies for more personalized patient management.

Basement membranes are crucial for proper olfactory placode shape, position and boundary with the brain, and for olfactory axon development

Despite recent progress, the complex roles played by the extracellular matrix in development and disease are still far from being fully understood. Here, we took advantage of the zebrafish sly mutation which affects Laminin γ1, a major component of basement membranes, to explore its role in the development of the olfactory system. Following a detailed characterisation of Laminin distribution in the developing olfactory circuit, we analysed basement membrane integrity, olfactory placode and brain morphogenesis, and olfactory axon development in sly mutants, using a combination of immunochemistry, electron microscopy and quantitative live imaging of cell movements and axon behaviours. Our results point to an original and dual contribution of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in organising the border between the olfactory placode and the adjacent brain: they maintain placode shape and position in the face of major brain morphogenetic movements, they establish a robust physical barrier between the two tissues while at the same time allowing the local entry of the sensory axons into the brain and their navigation towards the olfactory bulb. This work thus identifies key roles of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in neuronal tissue morphogenesis and axon development in vivo.

Targeting breast tumor extracellular matrix and stroma utilizing nanoparticles

Breast cancer is a complicated malignancy and is known as the most common cancer in women. Considerable experiments have been devoted to explore the basic impacts of the tumor stroma, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal components, on tumor growth and resistance to treatment. ECM is made up of an intricate system of proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans, and maintains structural support and controls key signaling pathways involved in breast tumors. ECM can block different drugs such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs from entering the tumor stroma. Furthermore, the stromal elements, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, and blood vessels, have crucial impacts on tumor development and therapeutic resistance. Recently, promising outcomes have been achieved in using nanotechnology for delivering drugs to tumor stroma and crossing ECM in breast malignancies. Nanoparticles have various benefits for targeting the breast tumor stroma, such as improved permeability and retention, extended circulation time, and the ability to actively target the area. This review covers the latest developments in nanoparticle therapies that focus on breast tumor ECM and stroma. We will explore different approaches using nanoparticles to target the delivery of anticancer drugs like chemotherapy, small molecule drugs, various antitumor products, and other specific synthetic therapeutic agents to the breast tumor stroma. Furthermore, we will investigate the utilization of nanoparticles in altering the stromal elements, such as reprogramming CAFs and immune cells, and also remodeling ECM.

Biomaterials to regulate tumor extracellular matrix in immunotherapy

The tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and influences tumor development, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment, creating barriers to immune drug delivery and cell infiltration. Therefore, modulating or degrading the ECM is of significant importance to enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. This manuscript initially summarizes the main strategies and mechanisms of biomaterials in modulating various components of the ECM, including collagen, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and in remodeling the ECM. Subsequently, it discusses the benefits of biomaterials for immunotherapy following ECM modulation, such as promoting the infiltration of drugs and immune cells, regulating immune cell function, and alleviating the immunosuppressive microenvironment. The manuscript also briefly introduces the application of biomaterials that utilize and mimic the ECM for tumor immunotherapy. Finally, it addresses the current challenges and future directions in this field, providing a comprehensive overview of the potential and innovation in leveraging biomaterials to enhance cancer treatment outcomes. Our work will offer a comprehensive overview of ECM modulation strategies and their application in biomaterials to enhance tumor immunotherapy.

The role of cuproptosis in gastric cancer

As a biologically essential transition metal, copper is widely involved in various enzymatic reactions and crucial biological processes in the body. It plays an increasingly important role in maintaining normal cellular metabolism and supporting the growth and development of the human body. As a trace element, copper maintains the dynamic balance of its concentration in body fluids through active homeostatic mechanisms. Both excess and deficiency of copper ions can impair cell function, ultimately leading to cell damage and death. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death where copper ions cause cell death by directly binding to the lipoylated components of the citric acid cycle (CAC) in mitochondrial respiration and interfering with the levels of iron-sulfur cluster (Fe-S cluster) proteins, ultimately causing protein toxic stress. Its primary characteristics are Cu2+ concentration dependence and high expression in mitochondrial respiratory cells. Recent research has revealed that, compared to other forms of programmed cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, cuproptosis has unique morphological and biochemical features. Cuproptosis is associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. This article focuses on a review of the relevance of cuproptosis in gastric cancer (GC).

Advances in tumor stroma-based targeted delivery

The tumor stroma plays a crucial role in tumor progression, and the interactions between the extracellular matrix, tumor cells, and stromal cells collectively influence tumor progression and the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Currently, utilizing components of the tumor stroma for drug delivery is a noteworthy strategy. A number of targeted drug delivery systems designed based on tumor stromal components are entering clinical trials. Therefore, this paper provides a thorough examination of the function of tumor stroma in the advancement of targeted drug delivery systems. One approach is to use tumor stromal components for targeted drug delivery, which includes certain stromal components possessing inherent targeting capabilities like HA, laminin, along with targeting stromal cells homologously. Another method entails directly focusing on tumor stromal components to reshape the tumor stroma and facilitate drug delivery. These drug delivery systems exhibit great potential in more effective cancer therapy strategies, such as precise targeting, enhanced penetration, improved safety profile, and biocompatibility. Ultimately, the deployment of these drug delivery systems can deepen our comprehension of tumor stroma and the advanced development of corresponding drug delivery systems.

Beyond Cancer Cells: How the Tumor Microenvironment Drives Cancer Progression

Liver cancer represents a substantial global health challenge, contributing significantly to worldwide morbidity and mortality. It has long been understood that tumors are not composed solely of cancerous cells, but also include a variety of normal cells within their structure. These tumor-associated normal cells encompass vascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and various inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, mast cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes. Additionally, tumor cells engage in complex interactions with stromal cells and elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Initially, the components of what is now known as the tumor microenvironment (TME) were thought to be passive bystanders in the processes of tumor proliferation and local invasion. However, recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of the TME's active role in tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor progression is now known to be driven by an intricate imbalance of positive and negative regulatory signals, primarily influenced by specific growth factors produced by both inflammatory and neoplastic cells. This review article explores the latest developments and future directions in understanding how the TME modulates liver cancer, with the aim of informing the design of novel therapies that target critical components of the TME.

Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes are instrumental to ensure proper olfactory placode shape, position and boundary with the brain, as well as olfactory axon development

Despite recent progress, the complex roles played by the extracellular matrix in development and disease are still far from being fully understood. Here, we took advantage of the zebrafish sly mutation which affects Laminin γ1, a major component of basement membranes, to explore its role in the development of the olfactory system. Following a detailed characterisation of Laminin distribution in the developing olfactory circuit, we analysed basement membrane integrity, olfactory placode and brain morphogenesis, and olfactory axon development in sly mutants, using a combination of immunochemistry, electron microscopy and quantitative live imaging of cell movements and axon behaviours. Our results point to an original and dual contribution of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in organising the border between the olfactory placode and the adjacent brain: they maintain placode shape and position in the face of major brain morphogenetic movements, they establish a robust physical barrier between the two tissues while at the same time allowing the local entry of the sensory axons into the brain and their navigation towards the olfactory bulb. This work thus identifies key roles of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in neuronal tissue morphogenesis and axon development in vivo .

A biological guide to glycosaminoglycans: current perspectives and pending questions

Mammalian glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), except hyaluronan (HA), are sulfated polysaccharides that are covalently attached to core proteins to form proteoglycans (PGs). This article summarizes key biological findings for the most widespread GAGs, namely HA, chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS), keratan sulfate (KS), and heparan sulfate (HS). It focuses on the major processes that remain to be deciphered to get a comprehensive view of the mechanisms mediating GAG biological functions. They include the regulation of GAG biosynthesis and postsynthetic modifications in heparin (HP) and HS, the composition, heterogeneity, and function of the tetrasaccharide linkage region and its role in disease, the functional characterization of the new PGs recently identified by glycoproteomics, the selectivity of interactions mediated by GAG chains, the display of GAG chains and PGs at the cell surface and their impact on the availability and activity of soluble ligands, and on their move through the glycocalyx layer to reach their receptors, the human GAG profile in health and disease, the roles of GAGs and particular PGs (syndecans, decorin, and biglycan) involved in cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis, the possible use of GAGs and PGs as disease biomarkers, and the design of inhibitors targeting GAG biosynthetic enzymes and GAG-protein interactions to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Challenges of enzyme therapy: Why two players are better than one

Enzyme-based therapy has garnered significant attention for its current applications in various diseases. Despite the notable advantages associated with the use of enzymes as therapeutic agents, that could have high selectivity, affinity, and specificity for the target, their application faces challenges linked to physico-chemical and pharmacological properties. These limitations can be addressed through the encapsulation of enzymes in nanoplatforms as a comprehensive solution to mitigate their degradation, loss of activity, off-target accumulation, and immunogenicity, thus enhancing bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and circulation time, thereby reducing the number of administrations, and ameliorating patient compliance. The exploration of novel nanomedicine-based enzyme therapeutics for the treatment of challenging diseases stands as a paramount goal in the contemporary scientific landscape, but even then it is often not enough. Combining an enzyme with another therapeutic (e.g., a small molecule, another enzyme or protein, a monoclonal antibody, or a nucleic acid) within a single nanocarrier provides innovative multidrug-integrated therapy and ensures that both the actives arrive at the target site and exert their therapeutic effect, leading to synergistic action and superior therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, this strategic approach could be extended to gene therapy, a field that nowadays has gained increasing attention, as enzymes acting at genomic level and nucleic acids may be combined for synergistic therapy. This multicomponent therapeutic approach opens opportunities for promising future developments. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.

Decellularized tissues as platforms for digestive system cancer models

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multifunctional network of macromolecules that regulate various cellular functions and physically support the tissues. Besides physiological conditions, the ECM also changes during pathological conditions such as cancer. As tumor cells proliferate, notable changes occur in the quantity and makeup of the surrounding ECM. Therefore, the role of this noncellular component of tissues in studies of tumor microenvironments should be considered. So far, many attempts have been made to create 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) models that can replicate the intricate connections within the tumor microenvironment. Decellularized tissues are proper scaffolds that imitate the complex nature of native ECM. This review aims to summarize 3D models of digestive system cancers based on decellularized ECMs. These ECM-based scaffolds will enable us to study the interactive communication between cells and their surrounding environment which brings new potential for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer.

Unraveling the tumor microenvironment: Insights into cancer metastasis and therapeutic strategies

This comprehensive review delves into the pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer metastasis and therapeutic response, offering fresh insights into the intricate interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding milieu. The TME, a dynamic ecosystem comprising diverse cellular and acellular elements, not only fosters tumor progression but also profoundly affects the efficacy of conventional and emerging cancer therapies. Through nuanced exploration, this review illuminates the multifaceted nature of the TME, elucidating its capacity to engender drug resistance via mechanisms such as hypoxia, immune evasion, and the establishment of physical barriers to drug delivery. Moreover, it investigates innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at targeting the TME, including stromal reprogramming, immune microenvironment modulation, extracellular matrix (ECM)-targeting agents, and personalized medicine strategies, highlighting their potential to augment treatment outcomes. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates the challenges posed by the complexity and heterogeneity of the TME, which contribute to variable therapeutic responses and potentially unintended consequences. This underscores the need to identify robust biomarkers and advance predictive models to anticipate treatment outcomes, as well as advocate for combination therapies that address multiple facets of the TME. Finally, the review emphasizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to unravel the intricacies of the TME, thereby facilitating the development of more effective, adaptable, and personalized cancer treatments. By providing critical insights into the current state of TME research and its implications for the future of oncology, this review highlights the dynamic and evolving landscape of this field.

High expression of SRSF1 facilitates osteosarcoma progression and unveils its potential mechanisms

BACKGROUND

SRSF1, a member of Serine/Arginine-Rich Splicing Factors (SRSFs), has been observed to significantly influence cancer progression. However, the precise role of SRSF1 in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions of SRSF1 and its underlying mechanism in OS.

METHODS

SRSF1 expression level in OS was evaluated on the TCGA dataset, TAGET-OS database. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to assess SRSF1 expression in human OS cell lines as well as the interfered ectopic expression states. The effect of SRSF1 on cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis of OS cells were measured by transwell assay and flow cytometry. RNA sequence and bioinformatic analyses were conducted to elucidate the targeted genes, relevant biological pathways, and alternative splicing (AS) events regulated by SRSF1.

RESULTS

SRSF1 expression was consistently upregulated in both OS samples and OS cell lines. Diminishing SRSF1 resulted in reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis in OS cells while overexpressing SRSF1 led to enhanced growth, migration, invasion, and decreased apoptosis. Mechanistically, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that the biological functions of SRSF1 were closely associated with the dysregulation of the protein targeting processes, location of the cytosolic ribosome, extracellular matrix (ECM), and proteinaceous extracellular matrix, along with the PI3K-AKT pathway, Wnt pathway, and HIPPO pathway. Transcriptome analysis identified AS events modulated by SRSF1, especially (Skipped Exon) SE events and (Mutually exclusive Exons) MXE events, revealing potential roles of targeted molecules in mRNA surveillance, RNA degradation, and RNA transport during OS development. qRT-PCR confirmed that SRSF1 knockdown resulted in the occurrence of alternative splicing of SRRM2, DMKN, and SCAT1 in OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the oncogenic role of high SRSF1 expression in promoting OS progression, and further explore the potential mechanisms of action. The significant involvement of SRSF1 in OS development suggests its potential utility as a therapeutic target in OS.

Tumor-initiating cells establish a niche to overcome isolation stress

While the tumor microenvironment is a critical contributor to cancer progression, early steps of tumor initiation and metastasis also rely on the ability of individual tumor cells to survive and thrive at locations where tumor stroma or immune infiltration has yet to be established. In this opinion article, we use the term 'isolation stress' to broadly describe the challenges that individual tumor cells must overcome during the initiation and expansion of the primary tumor beyond permissive boundaries and metastatic spread into distant sites, including a lack of cell-cell contact, adhesion to protumor extracellular matrix proteins, and access to nutrients, oxygen, and soluble factors that support growth. In particular, we highlight the ability of solitary tumor cells to autonomously generate a specialized fibronectin-enriched extracellular matrix to create their own pericellular niche that supports tumor initiation. Cancer cells that can creatively evade the effects of isolation stress not only become more broadly stress tolerant, they also tend to show enhanced stemness, drug resistance, tumor initiation, and metastasis.

The Expression of Serglycin Is Required for Active Transforming Growth Factor β Receptor I Tumorigenic Signaling in Glioblastoma Cells and Paracrine Activation of Stromal Fibroblasts via CXCR-2

Serglycin (SRGN) is a pro-tumorigenic proteoglycan expressed and secreted by various aggressive tumors including glioblastoma (GBM). In our study, we investigated the interplay and biological outcomes of SRGN with TGFβRI, CXCR-2 and inflammatory mediators in GBM cells and fibroblasts. SRGN overexpression is associated with poor survival in GBM patients. High SRGN levels also exhibit a positive correlation with increased levels of various inflammatory mediators including members of TGFβ signaling pathway, cytokines and receptors including CXCR-2 and proteolytic enzymes in GBM patients. SRGN-suppressed GBM cells show decreased expressions of TGFβRI associated with lower responsiveness to the manipulation of TGFβ/TGFβRI pathway and the regulation of pro-tumorigenic properties. Active TGFβRI signaling in control GBM cells promotes their proliferation, invasion, proteolytic and inflammatory potential. Fibroblasts cultured with culture media derived by control SRGN-expressing GBM cells exhibit increased proliferation, migration and overexpression of cytokines and proteolytic enzymes including CXCL-1, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL-20, CCL-2, and MMP-9. Culture media derived by SRGN-suppressed GBM cells fail to induce the above properties to fibroblasts. Importantly, the activation of fibroblasts by GBM cells not only relies on the expression of SRGN in GBM cells but also on active CXCR-2 signaling both in GBM cells and fibroblasts.

PDGFRα+ITGA11+ fibroblasts foster early-stage cancer lymphovascular invasion and lymphatic metastasis via ITGA11-SELE interplay

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibit considerable heterogeneity in advanced cancers; however, the functional annotation and mechanism of CAFs in early-stage cancers remain elusive. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic, we identify a previously unknown PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAF subset in early-stage bladder cancer (BCa). Multicenter clinical analysis of a 910-case cohort confirms that PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs are associated with lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and poor prognosis in early-stage BCa. These CAFs facilitate LVI and lymph node (LN) metastasis in early-stage BCa, as evidenced in a PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs-specific deficient mouse model. Mechanistically, PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs promote lymphangiogenesis via recognizing ITGA11 surface receptor SELE on lymphatic endothelial cells to activate SRC-p-VEGFR3-MAPK pathway. Further, CHI3L1 from PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs aligns the surrounding matrix to assist cancer cell intravasation, fostering early-stage BCa LVI and LN metastasis. Collectively, our study reveals the crucial role of PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs in shaping metastatic landscape, informing the treatment of early-stage BCa LVI.

Plumbagin as a preferential lead molecule to combat EGFR-driven matrix abundance and migration of cervical carcinoma cells

The handshake between the complex networks of matrix components in the tumor micro-environment (TME) is considered as a crucial event in the progression of several cancers including cervical carcinoma (CC). A number of studies report a connection between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and matrix component production. Studies demonstrate that the mechano-transduction trigger by collagen, influences the tumor cells to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and block the entry of drugs. We hypothesize that the intervention to prevent EGF triggered deposition of matrix components could sensitize several therapies for CC cells. We utilized morphological assessment, MTT assay, mitored tracking, acridine orange (AO)/ ethidium bromide (EtBr) staining and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay to measure the cell viability, mitochondrial activity, cellular apoptosis, and DNA synthesis. Clonogenic assay and scratch healing assay were executed to address the stemness and migratory potential. Detection of glycosaminoglycan's (GAGs), collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 secretion and calcium (Ca2+) ions were performed to assess the production of matrix components. Finally, the interaction between EGFR and plumbagin was evaluated by employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Pre-treating the cells with plumbagin inhibited the EGF-induced EMT along with reduction in cell proliferation, migration, clonogenesis and depletion of matrix components. The actions of EGF and plumbagin were more pronounced in HPV-positive CC cells than HPV-negative CC cells. This study identified that increased matrix production triggered by EGF-rich milieu is inhibited by plumbagin in human papilloma viral (HPV) 68 positive ME180, HPV 16 positive SiHa and HPV-negative C33A cell lines. Delivery of plumbagin directly to TME would effectively accelerate the clearance of CC cells, reduce metastasis and matrix abundance by employing targeted delivery to minimize the undesired effects of plumbagin.

Construction of a Cuproptosis-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Prognosis in Gastric Cancer

This study aimed to develop and validate a cuproptosis-related gene signature for the prognosis of gastric cancer. The data in TCGA GC TPM format from UCSC were extracted for analysis, and GC samples were randomly divided into training and validation groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to obtain cuproptosis-related genes co-expressed with 19 Cuproptosis genes. Univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses were used to obtain cuproptosis-related prognostic genes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to construct the final prognostic risk model. The risk score curve, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and ROC curve were used to evaluate the predictive ability of Cox risk model. Finally, the functional annotation of the risk model was obtained through enrichment analysis. Then, a six-gene signature was identified in the training cohort and verified among all cohorts using Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier plots, demonstrating its independent prognostic significance for gastric cancer. In addition, ROC analysis confirmed the significant predictive potential of this signature for the prognosis of gastric cancer. Functional enrichment analysis was mainly related to cell-matrix function. Therefore, a new cuproptosis-related six-gene signature (ACLY, FGD6, SERPINE1, SPATA13, RANGAP1, and ADGRE5) was constructed for the prognosis of gastric cancer, allowing for tailored prediction of outcome and the formulation of novel therapeutics for gastric cancer patients.

Extracellular matrix biomechanical roles and adaptation in health and disease

Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are dynamic 3D macromolecular networks that exhibit structural characteristics and composition specific to different tissues, serving various biomechanical and regulatory functions. The interactions between ECM macromolecules such as collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans (PGs), fibronectin, and laminin, along with matrix effectors and water, contribute to the unique cellular and tissue functional properties during organ development, tissue homoeostasis, remodeling, disease development, and progression. Cells adapt to environmental changes by adjusting the composition and array of ECM components. ECMs, forming the 3D bioscaffolds of our body, provide mechanical support for tissues and organs and respond to the environmental variables influencing growth and final adult body shape in mammals. Different cell types display distinct adaptations to the respective ECM environments. ECMs regulate biological processes by controlling the diffusion of infections and inflammations, sensing and adapting to external stimuli and gravity from the surrounding habitat, and, in the context of cancer, interplaying with and regulating cancer cell invasion and drug resistance. Alterations in the ECM composition in pathological conditions drive adaptive responses of cells and could therefore result in abnormal cell behavior and tissue dysfunction. Understanding the biomechanical functionality, adaptation, and roles of distinct ECMs is essential for research on various pathologies, including cancer progression and multidrug resistance, which is of crucial importance for developing targeted therapies. In this Viewpoint article, we critically present and discuss specific biomechanical functions of ECMs and regulatory adaptation mechanisms in both health and disease, with a particular focus on cancer progression.

Collagen I-induced VCAN/ERK signaling and PARP1/ZEB1-mediated metastasis facilitate OSBPL2 defect to promote colorectal cancer progression

The global burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) has rapidly increased in recent years. Dysregulated cholesterol homeostasis facilitated by extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling transforms the tumor microenvironment. Collagen I, a major with ECM component is highly expressed in colorectal tumors with infiltrative growth. Although oxysterol binding protein (OSBP)-related proteins accommodate tumorigenesis, OSBPL2, which is usually involved in deafness, is not associated with CRC progression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the pathological function of OSBPL2 and identify the molecular link between ECM-Collagen I and OSBPL2 in CRC to facilitate the development of new treatments for CRC. OSBPL2 predicted a favorable prognosis in stage IV CRC and substantially repressed Collagen I-induced focal adhesion, migration, and invasion. The reduction of OSBPL2 activated ERK signaling through the VCAN/AREG/EREG axis during CRC growth, while relying on PARP1 via ZEB1 in CRC metastasis. OSBPL2 defect supported colorectal tumor growth and metastasis, which were suppressed by the ERK and PARP1 inhibitors SCH772984 and AG14361, respectively. Overall, our findings revealed that the Collagen I-induced loss of OSBPL2 aggravates CRC progression through VCAN-mediated ERK signaling and the PARP1/ZEB1 axis. This demonstrates that SCH772984 and AG14361 are reciprocally connective therapies for OSBPL2Low CRC, which could contribute to further development of targeted CRC treatment.

Matrix stiffness affects tumor-associated macrophage functional polarization and its potential in tumor therapy

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in cytoskeletal support, biomechanical transduction and biochemical signal transformation. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) function is regulated by matrix stiffness in solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. ECM stiffness-induced mechanical cues can activate cell membrane mechanoreceptors and corresponding mechanotransducers in the cytoplasm, modulating the phenotype of TAMs. Currently, tuning TAM polarization through matrix stiffness-induced mechanical stimulation has received increasing attention, whereas its effect on TAM fate has rarely been summarized. A better understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and macrophage function will contribute to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we first introduced the overall relationship between macrophage polarization and matrix stiffness, analyzed the changes in mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers mediated by matrix stiffness on macrophage function and tumor progression, and finally summarized the effects of targeting ECM stiffness on tumor prognosis to provide insight into this new field.

FIGNL1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Formation via Remodeling ECM-receptor Interaction Pathway Mediated by HMMR

BACKGROUND

The development of novel biomarkers is crucial for the treatment of HCC. In this study, we investigated a new molecular therapeutic target for HCC. Fidgetin-like 1 (FIGNL1) has been reported to play a vital role in lung adenocarcinoma. However, the potential function of FIGNL1 in HCC is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the key regulatory mechanisms of FIGNL1 in the formation of HCC.

METHODS

The regulatory effect of FIGNL1 on HCC was studied by lentivirus infection. In vitro, the effects of FIGNL1 on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of cells were investigated by CCK8, colony formation assay, transwell and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the regulation of FIGNL1 on HCC formation in vivo was studied by subcutaneous transplanted tumors. In addition, using transcriptome sequencing technology, we further explored the specific molecular mechanism of FIGNL1 regulating the formation of HCC.

RESULTS

Functionally, we demonstrated that FIGNL1 knockdown significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Similarly, the knockdown of FIGNL1 meaningfully weakened hepatocarcinogenesis in nude mice. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that FIGNL1 affected the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix-receptor (ECM-receptor) interaction pathway, such as hyaluronan mediated motility receptor (HMMR). Further validation found that overexpression of HMMR based on knockdown FIGNL1 can rescue the expression abundance of related genes involved in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that FIGNL1 could modulate the ECM-receptor interaction pathway through the regulation of HMMR, thus regulating the formation of HCC.

3D Bioprinting: An Important Tool for Tumor Microenvironment Research

The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer development and treatment. Traditional 2D cell cultures fail to fully replicate the complete tumor microenvironment, while mouse tumor models suffer from time-consuming procedures and complex operations. However, in recent years, 3D bioprinting technology has emerged as a vital tool in studying the tumor microenvironment. 3D bioprinting is a revolutionary biomanufacturing technique that involves layer-by-layer stacking of biological materials, such as cells and biomaterial scaffolds, to create highly precise 3D biostructures. This technology enables the construction of intricate tissue and organ models in the laboratory, which are utilized for biomedical research, drug development, and personalized medicine. The application of 3D bioprinting has brought unprecedented opportunities to fields such as cancer research, tissue engineering, and organ transplantation. It has opened new possibilities for addressing real-world biological challenges and improving medical treatment outcomes. This review summarizes the applications of 3D bioprinting technology in the context of the tumor microenvironment, aiming to explore its potential impact on cancer research and treatment. The use of this cutting-edge technology promises significant advancements in understanding cancer biology and enhancing medical interventions.

Recreating the extracellular matrix: novel 3D cell culture platforms in cancer research

Cancer initiation and progression heavily rely on microenvironmental cues derived from various components of the niche including the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is a complex macromolecular network that governs cell functionality. Although the two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems provide useful information at the molecular level and preclinical testing, they could not accurately represent the in vivo matrix microenvironmental architecture. Hence, it is no surprise that researchers in the last decade have focussed their efforts on establishing novel advanced in vitro culture models that mimic tumour and tissue-specific niches and interactions. These numerous three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that are now widely available, as well as those still under development, grant researchers with new, improved tools to study cancer progression and to explore innovative therapeutic options. Herein, we report on the emerging methods and cutting-edge technologies in 3D cell culture platforms and discuss their potential use in unveiling tumour microenvironmental cues, drug screening and personalized treatment.

3D-printed fish gelatin scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic disease caused by the deterioration of the knee joint due to various factors such as aging, trauma, and obesity, and the nonrenewable nature of the injured cartilage makes the treatment of osteoarthritis challenging. Here, we present a three-dimensional (3D) printed porous multilayer scaffold based on cold-water fish skin gelatin for osteoarticular cartilage regeneration. To make the scaffold, cold-water fish skin gelatin was combined with sodium alginate to increase viscosity, printability, and mechanical strength, and the hybrid hydrogel was printed according to a pre-designed specific structure using 3D printing technology. Then, the printed scaffolds underwent a double-crosslinking process to enhance their mechanical strength even further. These scaffolds mimic the structure of the original cartilage network in a way that allows chondrocytes to adhere, proliferate, and communicate with each other, transport nutrients, and prevent further damage to the joint. More importantly, we found that cold-water fish gelatin scaffolds were nonimmunogenic, nontoxic, and biodegradable. We also implanted the scaffold into defective rat cartilage for 12 weeks and achieved satisfactory repair results in this animal model. Thus, cold-water fish skin gelatin scaffolds may have broad application potential in regenerative medicine.

Proteome Landscapes of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Liver cancer is among the top leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Particularly, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have been extensively investigated from the aspect of tumor biology. However, a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the molecular characteristics of HCC and CCA remains absent. Here, we characterized the proteome landscapes of HCC and CCA using the data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry (MS) method. By comparing the quantitative proteomes of HCC and CCA, we found several differences between the two cancer types. In particular, we found an abnormal lipid metabolism in HCC and activated extracellular matrix-related pathways in CCA. We next developed a three-protein classifier to distinguish CCA from HCC, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92, and an accuracy of 90% in an independent validation cohort of 51 patients. The distinct molecular characteristics of HCC and CCA presented in this study provide new insights into the tumor biology of these two major important primary liver cancers. Our findings may help develop more efficient diagnostic approaches and new targeted drug treatments.

Targeting extracellular matrix through phytochemicals: a promising approach of multi-step actions on the treatment and prevention of cancer

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal and dynamic role in the construction of tumor microenvironment (TME), becoming the focus in cancer research and treatment. Multiple cell signaling in ECM remodeling contribute to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance of cancer. Targeting trilogy of ECM remodeling could be a new strategy during the early-, middle-, advanced-stages of cancer and overcoming drug resistance. Currently nearly 60% of the alternative anticancer drugs are derived from natural products or active ingredients or structural analogs isolated from plants. According to the characteristics of ECM, this manuscript proposes three phases of whole-process management of cancer, including prevention of cancer development in the early stage of cancer (Phase I); prevent the metastasis of tumor in the middle stage of cancer (Phase II); provide a novel method in the use of immunotherapy for advanced cancer (Phase III), and present novel insights on the contribution of natural products use as innovative strategies to exert anticancer effects by targeting components in ECM. Herein, we focus on trilogy of ECM remodeling and the interaction among ECM, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and sort out the intervention effects of natural products on the ECM and related targets in the tumor progression, provide a reference for the development of new drugs against tumor metastasis and recurrence.

Heparanase-A single protein with multiple enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions

Heparanase (Hpa1) is expressed by tumor cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment and functions extracellularly to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulate the bioavailability of ECM-bound factors, augmenting, among other effects, gene transcription, autophagy, exosome formation, and heparan sulfate (HS) turnover. Much of the impact of heparanase on tumor progression is related to its function in mediating tumor-host crosstalk, priming the tumor microenvironment to better support tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. The enzyme appears to fulfill some normal functions associated, for example, with vesicular traffic, lysosomal-based secretion, autophagy, HS turnover, and gene transcription. It activates cells of the innate immune system, promotes the formation of exosomes and autophagosomes, and stimulates signal transduction pathways via enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities. These effects dynamically impact multiple regulatory pathways that together drive tumor growth, dissemination, and drug resistance as well as inflammatory responses. The emerging premise is that heparanase expressed by tumor cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, and other cells of the tumor microenvironment is a key regulator of the aggressive phenotype of cancer, an important contributor to the poor outcome of cancer patients and a valid target for therapy. So far, however, antiheparanase-based therapy has not been implemented in the clinic. Unlike heparanase, heparanase-2 (Hpa2), a close homolog of heparanase (Hpa1), does not undergo proteolytic processing and hence lacks intrinsic HS-degrading activity, the hallmark of heparanase. Hpa2 retains the capacity to bind heparin/HS and exhibits an even higher affinity towards HS than heparanase, thus competing for HS binding and inhibiting heparanase enzymatic activity. It appears that Hpa2 functions as a natural inhibitor of Hpa1 regulates the expression of selected genes that maintain tissue hemostasis and normal function, and plays a protective role against cancer and inflammation, together emphasizing the significance of maintaining a proper balance between Hpa1 and Hpa2.

Extracellular matrix in synovium development, homeostasis and arthritis disease

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network entity composed of extracellular macromolecules. ECM in synovium not only supports the structural integrity of synovium, but also plays a crucial role in regulating homeostasis and damage repair response in synovium. Obvious disorders in the composition, behavior and function of synovial ECM will lead to the occurrence and development of arthritis diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Based on the importance of synovial ECM, targeted regulation of the composition and structure of ECM is considered to be an effective measure for the treatment of arthritis disease. This paper reviews the current research status of synovial ECM biology, discusses the role and mechanism of synovial ECM in physiological status and arthritis disease, and summarizes the current strategies for targeting synovial ECM to provide information for the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of arthritis disease.

Role of Syndecans in Ovarian Cancer: New Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the eighth cancer both in prevalence and mortality in women and represents the deadliest female reproductive cancer. Due to generally vague symptoms, OC is frequently diagnosed only at a late and advanced stage, resulting in high mortality. The tumor extracellular matrix and cellular matrix receptors play a key role in the pathogenesis of tumor progression. Syndecans are a family of four transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans (PG), including syndecan-1, -2, -3, and -4, which are dysregulated in a myriad of cancers, including OC. Many clinicopathological studies suggest that these proteins are promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for OC. Furthermore, functions of the syndecan family in the regulation of cellular processes make it an interesting pharmacological target for anticancer therapies.

Enhancement of mesenchymal stem cells' chondrogenic potential by type II collagen-based bioscaffolds

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative chronic disease accounting for physical pain, tissue stiffness and mobility restriction. Current therapeutic approaches fail to prevent the progression of the disease considering the limited knowledge on OA pathobiology. During OA progression, the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the cartilage is aberrantly remodeled by chondrocytes. Chondrocytes, being the main cell population of the cartilage, participate in cartilage regeneration process. To this end, modern tissue engineering strategies involve the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their regenerative capacity as to promote chondrocyte self-regeneration.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the present study, we evaluated the role of type II collagen, as the main matrix macromolecule in the cartilage matrix, to promote chondrogenic differentiation in two MSC in vitro culture systems. The chondrogenic differentiation of human Wharton's jelly- and dental pulp-derived MSCs was investigated over a 24-day culture period on type II collagen coating to improve the binding affinity of MSCs. Functional assays, demonstrated that type II collagen promoted chondrogenic differentiation in both MSCs tested, which was confirmed through gene and protein analysis of major chondrogenic markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support that type II collagen contributes as a natural bioscaffold enhancing chondrogenesis in both MSC models, thus enhancing the commitment of MSC-based therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine to target OA and bring therapy closer to the clinical use.

Effect of HPSE and HPSE2 SNPs on the Risk of Developing Primary Paraskeletal Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that is accompanied by hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and lytic bone lesions. Heparanase (HPSE) plays an important role in supporting and promoting myeloma progression, maintenance of plasma cell stemness, and resistance to therapy. Previous studies identified functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the HPSE gene. In the present study, 5 functional HPSE SNPs and 11 novel HPSE2 SNPs were examined. A very significant association between two enhancer (rs4693608 and rs4693084), and two insulator (rs4364254 and rs4426765) HPSE SNPs and primary paraskeletal disease (PS) was observed. SNP rs657442, located in intron 9 of the HPSE2 gene, revealed a significant protective association with primary paraskeletal disease and lytic bone lesions. The present study demonstrates a promoting (HPSE gene) and protective (HPSE2 gene) role of gene regulatory elements in the development of paraskeletal disease and bone morbidity. The effect of signal discrepancy between myeloma cells and normal cells of the tumor microenvironment is proposed as a mechanism for the involvement of heparanase in primary PS. We suggest that an increase in heparanase-2 expression can lead to effective suppression of heparanase activity in multiple myeloma accompanied by extramedullary and osteolytic bone disease.

Heparanase Modulates Chromatin Accessibility

Heparanase is the sole endoglucuronidase that degrades heparan sulfate in the cell surface and extracellular matrix (ECM). Several studies have reported the localization of heparanase in the cell nucleus, but the functional role of the nuclear enzyme is still obscure. Subjecting mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from heparanase knockout (Hpse-KO) mice and applying transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq), we revealed that heparanase is involved in the regulation of chromatin accessibility. Integrating with genome-wide analysis of chromatin states revealed an overall low activity in the enhancer and promoter regions of Hpse-KO MEFs compared with wild-type (WT) MEFs. Western blot analysis of MEFs and tissues derived from Hpse-KO vs. WT mice confirmed reduced expression of H3K27ac (acetylated lysine at N-terminal position 27 of the histone H3 protein). Our results offer a mechanistic explanation for the well-documented attenuation of inflammatory responses and tumor growth in Hpse-KO mice.

10 years of extracellular matrix proteomics: Accomplishments, challenges, and future perspectives

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of hundreds of proteins forming the architectural scaffold of multicellular organisms. In addition to its structural role, the ECM conveys signals orchestrating cellular phenotypes. Alterations of ECM composition, abundance, structure, or mechanics, have been linked to diseases and disorders affecting all physiological systems, including fibrosis and cancer. Deciphering the protein composition of the ECM and how it changes in pathophysiological contexts is thus the first step toward understanding the roles of the ECM in health and disease and toward the development of therapeutic strategies to correct disease-causing ECM alterations. Potentially, the ECM also represents a vast, yet untapped reservoir of disease biomarkers. ECM proteins are characterized by unique biochemical properties that have hindered their study: they are large, heavily and uniquely post-translationally modified, and highly insoluble. Overcoming these challenges, we and others have devised mass-spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to define the ECM composition, or "matrisome", of tissues. This review provides a historical overview of ECM proteomics research and presents the latest advances that now allow the profiling of the ECM of healthy and diseased tissues. The second part highlights recent examples illustrating how ECM proteomics has emerged as a powerful discovery pipeline to identify prognostic cancer biomarkers. The third part discusses remaining challenges limiting our ability to translate findings to clinical application and proposes approaches to overcome them. Last, the review introduces readers to resources available to facilitate the interpretation of ECM proteomics datasets. The ECM was once thought to be impenetrable. MS-based proteomics has proven to be a powerful tool to decode the ECM. In light of the progress made over the past decade, there are reasons to believe that the in-depth exploration of the matrisome is within reach and that we may soon witness the first translational application of ECM proteomics.

Extracellular Matrix in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Advances in Understanding of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Biology

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is notoriously known as the "silent killer" of post-menopausal women as it has an insidious progression and is the deadliest gynaecological cancer. Although a dual origin of HGSOC is now widely accepted, there is growing evidence that most cases of HGSOC originate from the fallopian tube epithelium. In this review, we will address the fallopian tube origin and involvement of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in HGSOC development. There is limited research on the role of ECM at the earliest stages of HGSOC carcinogenesis. Here we aim to synthesise current understanding on the contribution of ECM to each stage of HGSOC development and progression, beginning at serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) precursor lesions and proceeding across key events including dissemination of tumourigenic fallopian tube epithelial cells to the ovary, survival of these cells in peritoneal fluid as multicellular aggregates, and colonisation of the ovary. Likewise, as part of the metastatic series of events, serous ovarian cancer cells survive travel in peritoneal fluid, attach to, migrate across the mesothelium and invade into the sub-mesothelial matrix of secondary sites in the peritoneal cavity. Halting cancer at the pre-metastatic stage and finding ways to stop the dissemination of ovarian cancer cells from the primary site is critical for improving patient survival. The development of drug resistance also contributes to poor survival statistics in HGSOC. In this review, we provide an update on the involvement of the ECM in metastasis and drug resistance in HGSOC. Interplay between different cell-types, growth factor gradients as well as evolving ECM composition and organisation, creates microenvironment conditions that promote metastatic progression and drug resistance of ovarian cancer cells. By understanding ECM involvement in the carcinogenesis and chemoresistance of HGSOC, this may prompt ideas for further research for developing new early diagnostic tests and therapeutic strategies for HGSOC with the end goal of improving patient health outcomes.

Polysaccharides for Medical Technology: Properties and Applications

Over the past decade, the use of polysaccharides has gained tremendous attention in the field of medical technology. They have been applied in various sectors such as tissue engineering, drug delivery system, face mask, and bio-sensing. This review article provides an overview and background of polysaccharides for biomedical uses. Different types of polysaccharides, for example, cellulose and its derivatives, chitin and chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, and pectin are presented. They are fabricated in various forms such as hydrogels, nanoparticles, membranes, and as porous mediums. Successful development and improvement of polysaccharide-based materials will effectively help users to enhance their quality of personal health, decrease cost, and eventually increase the quality of life with respect to sustainability.

Molecular and pathobiological insights of bikunin/UTI in cancer

Bikunin is a small chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (PG) with Ser-protease inhibitory activity that plays pleiotropic roles in health and disease. It is involved in several physiological processes including stabilization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues and key reproductive events. Bikunin is also implicated in both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions and represents a non-invasive circulating and/or urinary (as Urinary Trypsin Inhibitor or UTI) biomarker. It exerts inhibitory effects on urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) mediating tumor invasiveness by a down-regulation of uPA mRNA expression, thus representing an anti-metastatic agent. However, only limited data on its potential as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker of cancer have been reported so far. Recent technological advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics have provided researchers with a huge amount of information allowing for large-scale surveys of the cancer proteome. To address such issues, we analyzed bikunin expression data across several types of tumors, by using UALCAN proteogenomic analysis portal. In this article we critically review the roles of bikunin in human pathobiology, with a special focus on its inhibitory effects and mechanisms in cancer aggressiveness as well as its significance as cancer circulating biomarker.

Extracellular Vesicles: New Classification and Tumor Immunosuppression

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles carrying various types of molecules. These EV cargoes are often used as pathophysiological biomarkers and delivered to recipient cells whose fates are often altered in local and distant tissues. Classical EVs are exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, while recent studies discovered autophagic EVs, stressed EVs, and matrix vesicles. Here, we classify classical and new EVs and non-EV nanoparticles. We also review EVs-mediated intercellular communication between cancer cells and various types of tumor-associated cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and immune cells. Of note, cancer EVs play crucial roles in immunosuppression, immune evasion, and immunotherapy resistance. Thus, cancer EVs change hot tumors into cold ones. Moreover, cancer EVs affect nonimmune cells to promote cellular transformation, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), chemoresistance, tumor matrix production, destruction of biological barriers, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and metastatic niche formation.

The involvement of collagen family genes in tumor enlargement of gastric cancer

Extracellular matrix (ECM) not only serves as a support for tumor cell but also regulates cell-cell or cell-matrix cross-talks. Collagens are the most abundant proteins in ECM. Several studies have found that certain collagen genes were overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and might serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GC patients. However, the expression patterns of all collagen family genes in GC tissue and their functions are still not clear. With RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data, microarray data, and corresponding clinical data obtained from TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases, bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between the expression patterns of collagen family genes and GC progression. We found that quite many of the collagen family genes were overexpressed in GC tissues. The increase in mRNA expression of most of these overexpressed collagen genes happened between T1 and T2 stage, which indicates the significance of collagens in tumor enlargement of GC. Notably, the mRNA expressions of these differentially expressed collagens genes were highly positively correlated. The elevated expression of a large number of collagen genes in early T stage might greatly change the composition and structure organization of ECM, contributing to ECM remodeling in GC progression.

Proteoglycan Expression Studied by MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Proteoglycans are glycoproteins characterized by covalent attachment of a glycosaminoglycan chain, which have been identified as regulatory targets of microRNAs in a physiological and pathophysiological context. We present a strategy and detailed methods for the functional analysis of microRNA regulation of proteoglycans using human cancer cells as an application example. The experimental setup includes in silico microRNA target prediction, transfection of cancer cells with microRNA precursors, validation of target regulation by qPCR, flow cytometry and luciferase reporter assays, and an example for functional analysis and phenotype confirmation by complementation analysis.

Trends in extracellular matrix biology

Extracellular matrixes (ECMs) are intricate 3-dimensional macromolecular networks of unique architectures with regulatory roles in cell morphology and functionality. As a dynamic native biomaterial, ECM undergoes constant but tightly controlled remodeling that is crucial for the maintenance of normal cellular behavior. Under pathological conditions like cancer, ECM remodeling ceases to be subjected to control resulting in disease initiation and progression. ECM is comprised of a staggering number of molecules that interact not only with one another, but also with neighboring cells via cell surface receptors. Such interactions, too many to tally, are of paramount importance for the identification of novel disease biomarkers and more personalized therapeutic intervention. Recent advances in big data analytics have allowed the development of online databases where researchers can take advantage of a stochastic evaluation of all the possible interactions and narrow them down to only those of interest for their study, respectively. This novel approach addresses the limitations that currently exist in studies, expands our understanding on ECM interactions, and has the potential to advance the development of targeted therapies. In this article we present the current trends in ECM biology research and highlight its importance in tissue integrity, the main interaction networks, ECM-mediated cell functional properties and issues related to pharmacological targeting.