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Hu Q, Zheng Q, Du X, Yang Z, Tian Q, Liang L, Zhao X, Bai H, Liu Y, Zhao M, Fu X. Intestinal metabolite xylulose inhibits colorectal cancer by inducing apoptosis through the MAPK signalling pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 487:116960. [PMID: 38735592 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116960] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal metabolites are involved in the initiation, progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). They are a potential source of agents for cancer therapy. Our previous study identified altered faecal metabolites between CRC patients and healthy volunteers. However, no specific metabolite was clearly illustrated for CRC therapy. RESULTS We found that the level of xylulose was lower in the stools of CRC patients than in those of healthy volunteers. Xylulose inhibited cell growth without affecting the cell cycle by inducing apoptosis in CRC cells, which was evidenced by increased expression of the proapoptotic proteins C-PARP and C-Caspase3 and decreased expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 in CRC cells. Mechanistically, xylulose reduced the activity of the MAPK signalling pathway, represented by reduced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and P38. Furthermore, an ALI model was used to show the tumour killing ability of xylulose on human CRC spheres, as well as human colorectal adenoma (AD) spheres. CONCLUSION Xylulose inhibits CRC growth by inducing apoptosis through attenuation of the MAPK signalling pathway. These results suggest that xylulose may serve as an effective agent for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Clinical medical college, North sichuan medical college, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, PR China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Clinical medical college, North sichuan medical college, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, PR China
| | - Xinhao Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Qian Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Lanfan Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Hang Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Yanqin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China.
| | - Xiangsheng Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China.
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2
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Zepeda-Rivera M, Minot SS, Bouzek H, Wu H, Blanco-Míguez A, Manghi P, Jones DS, LaCourse KD, Wu Y, McMahon EF, Park SN, Lim YK, Kempchinsky AG, Willis AD, Cotton SL, Yost SC, Sicinska E, Kook JK, Dewhirst FE, Segata N, Bullman S, Johnston CD. A distinct Fusobacterium nucleatum clade dominates the colorectal cancer niche. Nature 2024; 628:424-432. [PMID: 38509359 PMCID: PMC11006615 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07182-w] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), a bacterium present in the human oral cavity and rarely found in the lower gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals1, is enriched in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tumours2-5. High intratumoural Fn loads are associated with recurrence, metastases and poorer patient prognosis5-8. Here, to delineate Fn genetic factors facilitating tumour colonization, we generated closed genomes for 135 Fn strains; 80 oral strains from individuals without cancer and 55 unique cancer strains cultured from tumours from 51 patients with CRC. Pangenomic analyses identified 483 CRC-enriched genetic factors. Tumour-isolated strains predominantly belong to Fn subspecies animalis (Fna). However, genomic analyses reveal that Fna, considered a single subspecies, is instead composed of two distinct clades (Fna C1 and Fna C2). Of these, only Fna C2 dominates the CRC tumour niche. Inter-Fna analyses identified 195 Fna C2-associated genetic factors consistent with increased metabolic potential and colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. In support of this, Fna C2-treated mice had an increased number of intestinal adenomas and altered metabolites. Microbiome analysis of human tumour tissue from 116 patients with CRC demonstrated Fna C2 enrichment. Comparison of 62 paired specimens showed that only Fna C2 is tumour enriched compared to normal adjacent tissue. This was further supported by metagenomic analysis of stool samples from 627 patients with CRC and 619 healthy individuals. Collectively, our results identify the Fna clade bifurcation, show that specifically Fna C2 drives the reported Fn enrichment in human CRC and reveal the genetic underpinnings of pathoadaptation of Fna C2 to the CRC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Zepeda-Rivera
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel S Minot
- Data Core, Shared Resources, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather Bouzek
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hanrui Wu
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aitor Blanco-Míguez
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Paolo Manghi
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Dakota S Jones
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ying Wu
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elsa F McMahon
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Soon-Nang Park
- Korean Collection for Oral Microbiology and Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun K Lim
- Korean Collection for Oral Microbiology and Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Amy D Willis
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Ewa Sicinska
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joong-Ki Kook
- Korean Collection for Oral Microbiology and Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Floyd E Dewhirst
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicola Segata
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Susan Bullman
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Christopher D Johnston
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Montecchi T, Nannini G, De Tommaso D, Cassioli C, Coppola F, Ringressi MN, Carraro F, Naldini A, Taddei A, Marotta G, Amedei A, Baldari CT, Ulivieri C. Human colorectal cancer: upregulation of the adaptor protein Rai in TILs leads to cell dysfunction by sustaining GSK-3 activation and PD-1 expression. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:2. [PMID: 38175205 PMCID: PMC10766791 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03614-0] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major hurdle for immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapies. Hence characterization of the signaling pathways driving T cell exhaustion within TME is a critical need for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and the development of effective therapies. We previously showed that (i) the adaptor protein Rai is a negative regulator of T cell receptor signaling and T helper 1 (Th1)/Th17 cell differentiation; and (ii) Rai deficiency is implicated in the hyperactive phenotype of T cells in autoimmune diseases. METHODS The expression level of Rai was measured by qRT-PCR in paired peripheral blood T cells and T cells infiltrating tumor tissue and the normal adjacent tissue in CRC patients. The impact of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α on Rai expression was evaluated in T cells exposed to hypoxia and by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and RNA interference assays. The mechanism by which upregulation of Rai in T cells promotes T cell exhaustion were evaluated by flow cytometric, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. RESULTS We show that Rai is a novel HIF-1α-responsive gene that is upregulated in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes of CRC patients compared to patient-matched circulating T cells. Rai upregulation in T cells promoted Programmed cell Death protein (PD)-1 expression and impaired antigen-dependent degranulation of CD8+ T cells by inhibiting phospho-inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3, a central regulator of PD-1 expression and T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS Our data identify Rai as a hitherto unknown regulator of the TME-induced exhausted phenotype of human T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Montecchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Cassioli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Federica Coppola
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Ringressi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Fabio Carraro
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Antonella Naldini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Antonio Taddei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | | | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy.
| | - Cosima T Baldari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy.
| | - Cristina Ulivieri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy.
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4
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Zaher K, Basingab F. Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Dendritic Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3196. [PMID: 38137417 PMCID: PMC10741039 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123196] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that manifests in serial stages and has been observed to have an escalating incidence in modern societies, causing a significant global health problem. The development of CRC is influenced by various exogenous factors, including lifestyle, diet, nutrition, environment, and microbiota, that can affect host cells, including immune cells. Various immune dysfunctions have been recognized in patients with CRC at different stages of this disease. The signature of microbiota in the development of CRC-inflammation related to obesity, diet, and reactive host cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs)-has been highlighted by many studies. This study focuses on DCs, the primary cellular mediators linking innate and adaptive immune responses against cancer. In addition, this review focuses on the role of microbiota in dysbiosis and how it affects DCs and, in turn, the immune response and progression of CRC by stimulating different sets of T cells. Additionally, DCs' role in protecting this delicate balance is examined. This is to determine how gene yields of commensal microbiota may be critical in restoring this balance when disrupted. The stages of the disease and major checkpoints are discussed, as well as the role of the C-type lectin receptor of immature DCs pattern recognition receptor in CRC. Finally, based on a thorough examination of worldwide clinical studies and recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy, it is recommended that innovative approaches that integrate DC vaccination strategies with checkpoint inhibitors be considered. This approach holds great promise for improving CRC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawther Zaher
- Immunology Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatemah Basingab
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21585, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Martinelli S, Lamminpää I, Dübüş EN, Sarıkaya D, Niccolai E. Synergistic Strategies for Gastrointestinal Cancer Care: Unveiling the Benefits of Immunonutrition and Microbiota Modulation. Nutrients 2023; 15:4408. [PMID: 37892482 PMCID: PMC10610426 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204408] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of highly prevalent malignant tumors affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Globally, one in four cancer cases and one in three cancer deaths are estimated to be GI cancers. They can alter digestive and absorption functions, leading to severe malnutrition which may worsen the prognosis of the patients. Therefore, nutritional intervention and monitoring play a fundamental role in managing metabolic alterations and cancer symptoms, as well as minimizing side effects and increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. In this scenario, the use of immunonutrients that are able to modulate the immune system and the modification/regulation of the gut microbiota composition have gained attention as a possible strategy to improve the conditions of these patients. The complex interaction between nutrients and microbiota might contribute to maintaining the homeostasis of each individual's immune system; therefore, concurrent use of specific nutrients in combination with traditional cancer treatments may synergistically improve the overall care of GI cancer patients. This work aims to review and discuss the role of immunonutrition and microbiota modulation in improving nutritional status, postoperative recovery, and response to therapies in patients with GI cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.M.); (I.L.)
| | - Ingrid Lamminpää
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.M.); (I.L.)
| | - Eda Nur Dübüş
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gazi University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey; (E.N.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Dilara Sarıkaya
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gazi University, 06560 Ankara, Turkey; (E.N.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.M.); (I.L.)
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