Prostate tumor progression is mediated by a paracrine TGF-beta/Wnt3a signaling axis

Wnt Signaling Pathway in Tumor Biology

Relapse and metastasis are the major challenges that stand in the way of cancer healing and survival, mainly attributed to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Their capabilities of self-renewal and tumorigenic potential leads to treatment resistance development. CSCs function through signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin cascade. While commonly involved in embryogenesis and adult tissues homeostasis, the dysregulation of the Wnt pathway has direct correlations with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. The development of therapies that target CSCs and bulk tumors is both crucial and urgent. However, the extensive crosstalk present between Wnt and other signaling networks (Hedgehog and Notch) complicates the development of efficient long-term therapies with minimal side-effects on normal tissues. Despite the obstacles, the emergence of Wnt inhibitors and subsequent modulation of the signaling pathways would provide dynamic therapeutic approaches to impairing CSCs and reversing resistance mechanisms.

Highlighting function of Wnt signalling in urological cancers: Molecular interactions, therapeutic strategies, and (nano)strategies

Cancer is a complex, multistep process characterized by abnormal cell growth and metastasis as well as the capacity of the tumor cells in therapy resistance development. The urological system is particularly susceptible to a group of malignancies known as urological cancers, where an accumulation of genetic alterations drives carcinogenesis. In various human cancers, Wnt singalling is dysregulated; following nuclear transfer of β-catenin, it promotes tumor progression and affects genes expression. Elevated levels of Wnt have been documented in urological cancers, where its overexpression enhances growth and metastasis. Additionally, increased Wnt singalling contributes to chemoresistance in urological cancers, leading to reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy agents like cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel. Wnt upregulation can change radiotherapy response of urological cancers. The regulation of Wnt involves various molecular pathways, including Akt, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, all of which play roles in carcinogenesis. Targeting and silencing Wnt or its associated pathways can mitigate tumorigenesis in urological cancers. Anti-cancer compounds such as curcumin and thymoquinone have shown efficacy in suppressing tumorigenesis through the downregulation of Wnt singalling. Notably, nanoparticles have proven effective in treating urological cancers, with several studies in prostate cancer (PCa) using nanoparticles to downregulate Wnt and suppress tumor growth. Future research should focus on developing small molecules that inhibit Wnt singalling to further suppress tumorigenesis and advance the treatment of urological cancers. Moreover, Wnt can be used as reliable biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of urological cancers.

Evidence of the Link between Stroma Remodeling and Prostate Cancer Prognosis

Prostate cancer (PCa), the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, is particularly challenging for oncologists when a precise prognosis needs to be established. Indeed, the entire clinical management in PCa has important drawbacks, generating an intense debate concerning the possibility to individuate molecular biomarkers able to avoid overtreatment in patients with pathological indolent cancers. To date, the paradigmatic change in the view of cancer pathogenesis prompts to look for prognostic biomarkers not only in cancer epithelial cells but also in the tumor microenvironment. PCa ecology has been defined with increasing details in the last few years, and a number of promising key markers associated with the reactive stroma are now available. Here, we provide an updated description of the most biologically significant and cited prognosis-oriented microenvironment biomarkers derived from the main reactive processes during PCa pathogenesis: tissue adaptations, inflammatory response and metabolic reprogramming. Proposed biomarkers include factors involved in stromal cell differentiation, cancer-normal cell crosstalk, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling and energy metabolism.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, encompassing development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation. Under normal physiological conditions, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is meticulously regulated. However, aberrant activation of this pathway and downstream target genes can occur due to mutations in key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, epigenetic modifications, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Consequently, these dysregulations contribute significantly to tumor initiation and progression. Therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling transduction have exhibited promising prospects and potential for tumor treatment. An increasing number of medications targeting this pathway are continuously being developed and validated. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the role played by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and targeted therapy, providing valuable insights into acknowledging current opportunities and challenges associated with targeting this signaling pathway in cancer research and treatment.

Cancer cell plasticity: from cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance

Cancer is a complex disease displaying a variety of cell states and phenotypes. This diversity, known as cancer cell plasticity, confers cancer cells the ability to change in response to their environment, leading to increased tumor diversity and drug resistance. This review explores the intricate landscape of cancer cell plasticity, offering a deep dive into the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. Cancer cell plasticity is intertwined with processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. These processes are pivotal in the development and progression of tumors, contributing to the multifaceted nature of cancer and the challenges associated with its treatment. Despite significant advancements in targeted therapies, cancer cell adaptability and subsequent therapy-induced resistance remain persistent obstacles in achieving consistent, successful cancer treatment outcomes. Our review delves into the array of mechanisms cancer cells exploit to maintain plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, alterations in signaling pathways, and environmental interactions. We discuss strategies to counteract cancer cell plasticity, such as targeting specific cellular pathways and employing combination therapies. These strategies promise to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments and mitigate therapy resistance. In conclusion, this review offers a holistic, detailed exploration of cancer cell plasticity, aiming to bolster the understanding and approach toward tackling the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. As articulated in this review, the delineation of cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance seeks to contribute substantially to the progress in cancer therapeutics and the advancement of precision medicine, ultimately enhancing the prospects for effective cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

Dysregulation of the circ_0087502/miR-1179/TGFBR2 pathway supports gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a cohort of non-coding RNAs generated by back-splicing events. Accumulating evidence supports the crucial role of circRNAs in human tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance. However, the role and mechanism of circRNA circ_0087502 in pancreatic cancer are yet unknown.

METHODS

The expression and function of circ_0087502 in pancreatic cancer were investigated using qRT-PCR and cell experiments. The predicted binding between circ_0087502 and microRNA-1179 (miR-1179), and between miR-1179 and TGFBR2, were examined using reporter assays.

RESULTS

Pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines were discovered to express circ_0087502 at higher levels. Patients with pancreatic cancer who express circ_0087502 at high levels have a worse prognosis. In addition, circ_0087502 knockdown reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells and made them more sensitive to gemcitabine treatment. We found that circ_0087502 worked as a sponge for miR-1179, allowing miR-1179 to bind to the critical oncogene TGFBR2 in its 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). Pancreatic cancer cells were highly resistant to gemcitabine and had increased proliferation, migration, and invasion when miR-1179 was inhibited or overexpressed.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm that circ_0087502 activates the miR-1179/TGFBR2 axis to promote gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Thus, our data might lay the groundwork for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting circ_0087502 in pancreatic cancer patients.

Emerging role of transforming growth factor-β-regulated long non-coding RNAs in prostate cancer pathogenesis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men. Despite aggressive therapy involving surgery and hormonal treatments, the recurrence and emergence of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPCa) remain a major challenge. Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is crucial to PCa development and progression. This also contributes to androgen receptor activation and the emergence of CRPC. In addition, TGF-β signaling regulates long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in multiple cancers, including PCa. Here, we discuss the complex regulatory network of lncRNAs and TGF-β signaling in PCa and their potential applications in diagnosing, prognosis, and treating PCa. Further investigations on the role of lncRNAs in the TGF-β pathway will help to better understand PCa pathogenesis.

Extracellular vesicles from biological fluids as potential markers in castration resistant prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted from cancer cells are present in various biological fluids, carrying distinctly different cellular components compared to normal cells, and have great potential to be used as markers for disease initiation, progression, and response to treatment. This under-utilised tool provides insights into a better understanding of prostate cancer.

METHODS

EV from serum and urine of healthy men and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients were isolated and characterised by transmission electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and western blot. Proteomic and cholesterol liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

There was a successful enrichment of small EV/exosomes isolated from serum and urine. EV derived from biological fluids of CRPC patients had significant differences in composition when compared with those from healthy controls. Analysis of matched serum and urine samples from six prostate cancer patients revealed specific EV proteins common in both types of biological fluid for each patient.

CONCLUSION

Some of the EV proteins identified from our analyses have potential to be used as CRPC markers. These markers may depict a pattern in cancer progression through non-invasive sample collection.

Antagonizing CD105 and androgen receptor to target stromal-epithelial interactions for clinical benefit

Androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) are standard of care for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Eventual resistance to ARSIs can include the expression of androgen receptor (AR) splice variant, AR-V7, expression as a recognized means of ligand-independent androgen signaling. We demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-6-mediated AR-V7 expression requires bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and CD105 receptor activity in both PCa and associated fibroblasts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation supported CD105-dependent ID1- and E2F-mediated expression of RBM38. Further, RNA immune precipitation demonstrated RBM38 binds the AR-cryptic exon 3 to enable AR-V7 generation. The forced expression of AR-V7 by primary prostatic fibroblasts diminished PCa sensitivity to ARSI. Conversely, downregulation of AR-V7 expression in cancer epithelia and associated fibroblasts was achieved by a CD105-neutralizing antibody, carotuximab. These compelling pre-clinical findings initiated an interventional study in PCa patients developing ARSI resistance. The combination of carotuximab and ARSI (i.e., enzalutamide or abiraterone) provided disease stabilization in four of nine assessable ARSI-refractory patients. Circulating tumor cell evaluation showed AR-V7 downregulation in the responsive subjects on combination treatment and revealed a three-gene panel that was predictive of response. The systemic antagonism of BMP/CD105 signaling can support ARSI re-sensitization in pre-clinical models and subjects that have otherwise developed resistance due to AR-V7 expression.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity, Activation and Function: Implications for Prostate Cancer

The continuous remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) during prostate tumorigenesis is emerging as a critical event that facilitates cancer growth, progression and drug-resistance. Recent advances have identified extensive communication networks that enable tumor-stroma cross-talk, and emphasized the functional importance of diverse, heterogeneous stromal fibroblast populations during malignant growth. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a vital component of the TME, which mediate key oncogenic events including angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metastatic progression and therapeutic resistance, thus presenting an attractive therapeutic target. Nevertheless, how fibroblast heterogeneity, recruitment, cell-of-origin and differential functions contribute to prostate cancer remains to be fully delineated. Developing our molecular understanding of these processes is fundamental to developing new therapies and biomarkers that can ultimately improve clinical outcomes. In this review, we explore the current challenges surrounding fibroblast identification, discuss new mechanistic insights into fibroblast functions during normal prostate tissue homeostasis and tumorigenesis, and illustrate the diverse nature of fibroblast recruitment and CAF generation. We also highlight the promise of CAF-targeted therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer.

CORRELATION OF EXPRESSION OF TGF- β AND MMP2 BETWEEN PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA AND ADJACENT UNAFFECTED PARENCHYMA

In prostate adenocarcinoma, both tumorous stroma and epithelium have important role in tumor progression. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF- β) is a promotor in advanced stages of prostate cancer. Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), the endopeptidase that degrades extracellular matrix is considered to be overexpressed in prostatic carcinoma related to its growth and aggressiveness. Therefore, the aim was to analyze the expression of proteins TGF- β and MMP2 between both epithelium and stroma of prostatic adenocarcinoma and adjacent unaffected parenchyma. The intensity of TGF- β and MMP2 expression in epithelium, tumorous stroma and adjacent unaffected parenchyma was analyzed in 62 specimens of prostatic adenocarcinoma by microarray-based immunohistochemistry. TGF- β was more expressed in tumorous than in prostate stroma (p =0.000), while no statistical significance in case of MMP2 (p = 0.097) was found. MMP2 was more expressed in tumorous than in prostate epithelium (p =0.000), while no statistical significance in case of TGF- β (p = 0.096) was observed. The study results indicate that both tumorous stroma and epithelium have a role in tumor progression and support potential role of TGF- β and MMP2 in prostatic adenocarcinoma progression.

Fatty Acid Signaling Impacts Prostate Cancer Lineage Plasticity in an Autocrine and Paracrine Manner

Prostate cancer (PCa) affects an estimated 250,000 men every year and causes 34,000 deaths annually. A high-fat diet and obesity are associated with PCa progression and mortality. This study's premise was the novel observation of crosstalk between PCa epithelia and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in response to palmitate-mediated lineage plasticity. We found that cholesterol activated canonical Hedgehog (Hh) signaling by increasing cilium Gli activity in PCa cells, while palmitate activated Hh independent of Gli. Exogenous palmitate activated SOX2, a known mediator of lineage plasticity, in PCa cells cocultured with CAF. Stroma-derived Wnt5a was upregulated in CAF while cocultured with PCa cells and treated with palmitate. Wnt5a knockdown in CAF inhibited Hh and SOX2 expression in PCa cells from cocultures. These findings supported our proposed mechanism of a high-fat diet promoting Hh signaling-mediated transformation within the tumor microenvironment. SOX2 and Wnt5a expression were limited by the CD36 neutralizing antibody. Mice xenografted with PCa epithelia and CAF tumors were fed a high-fat diet, leading to elevated SOX2 expression and lineage plasticity reprogramming compared to mice fed an isocaloric rodent diet. CD36 inhibition with enzalutamide elevated apoptosis by TUNEL, but limited proliferation and SOX2 expression compared to enzalutamide alone. This study revealed a mechanism for a high-fat diet to affect prostate cancer progression. We found that saturated fat induced lineage plasticity reprogramming of PCa by interaction with CAF through Wnt5a and Hh signaling.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in prostate cancer: A dual function mediator?

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a member of a family of secreted cytokines with vital biological functions in cells. The abnormal expression of TGF-β signaling is a common finding in pathological conditions, particularly cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of death among men. Several genetic and epigenetic alterations can result in PCa development, and govern its progression. The present review attempts to shed some light on the role of TGF-β signaling in PCa. TGF-β signaling can either stimulate or inhibit proliferation and viability of PCa cells, depending on the context. The metastasis of PCa cells is increased by TGF-β signaling via induction of EMT and MMPs. Furthermore, TGF-β signaling can induce drug resistance of PCa cells, and can lead to immune evasion via reducing the anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic T cells and stimulating regulatory T cells. Upstream mediators such as microRNAs and lncRNAs, can regulate TGF-β signaling in PCa. Furthermore, some pharmacological compounds such as thymoquinone and valproic acid can suppress TGF-β signaling for PCa therapy. TGF-β over-expression is associated with poor prognosis in PCa patients. Furthermore, TGF-β up-regulation before prostatectomy is associated with recurrence of PCa. Overall, current review discusses role of TGF-β signaling in proliferation, metastasis and therapy response of PCa cells and in order to improve knowledge towards its regulation, upstream mediators of TGF-β such as non-coding RNAs are described. Finally, TGF-β regulation and its clinical application are discussed.

Enzalutamide-induced and PTH1R-mediated TGFBR2 degradation in osteoblasts confers resistance in prostate cancer bone metastases

Enzalutamide resistance has been observed in approximately 50% of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastases. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate the mechanisms and develop strategies to overcome resistance. We observed enzalutamide resistance in bone lesion development induced by PCa cells in mouse models. We found that the bone microenvironment was indispensable for enzalutamide resistance because enzalutamide significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous C4-2B tumors and the proliferation of C4-2B cells isolated from the bone lesions, and the resistance was recapitulated only when C4-2B cells were co-cultured with osteoblasts. In revealing how osteoblasts contribute to enzalutamide resistance, we found that enzalutamide decreased TGFBR2 protein expression in osteoblasts, which was supported by clinical data. This decrease was possibly through PTH1R-mediated endocytosis. We showed that PTH1R blockade rescued enzalutamide-mediated decrease in TGFBR2 levels and enzalutamide responses in C4-2B cells that were co-cultured with osteoblasts. This is the first study to reveal the contribution of the bone microenvironment to enzalutamide resistance and identify PTH1R as a feasible target to overcome the resistance in PCa bone metastases.

Fibroblast heterogeneity in prostate carcinogenesis

Our understanding of stromal components, specifically cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), in prostate cancer (PCa), has evolved from considering these cells as inert bystanders to acknowledging their significance as players in prostate tumorigenesis. CAF are multifaceted-they promote cancer cell growth, migration and remodel the tumor microenvironment. Although targeting CAF could be a promising strategy for PCa treatment, they incorporate a high but undefined degree of intrinsic cellular heterogeneity. The interaction between CAF subpopulations, with the normal and tumor epithelium and with other cell types is not yet characterized. Defining these interactions and the critical signaling nodes that support tumorigenesis will enable the development of novel strategies to control prostate cancer progression. Here we will discuss the origins, molecular and functional heterogeneity of CAF in PCa. We highlight the challenges associated with delineating CAF heterogeneity and discuss potential areas of research that would assist in expanding our knowledge of CAF and their role in PCa tumorigenesis.

Runt related transcription factor-1 plays a central role in vessel co-option of colorectal cancer liver metastases

Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) has two major histopathological growth patterns: angiogenic desmoplastic and non-angiogenic replacement. The replacement lesions obtain their blood supply through vessel co-option, wherein the cancer cells hijack pre-existing blood vessels of the surrounding liver tissue. Consequentially, anti-angiogenic therapies are less efficacious in CRCLM patients with replacement lesions. However, the mechanisms which drive vessel co-option in the replacement lesions are unknown. Here, we show that Runt Related Transcription Factor-1 (RUNX1) overexpression in the cancer cells of the replacement lesions drives cancer cell motility via ARP2/3 to achieve vessel co-option. Furthermore, overexpression of RUNX1 in the cancer cells is mediated by Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGFβ1) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP1). Importantly, RUNX1 knockdown impaired the metastatic capability of colorectal cancer cells in vivo and induced the development of angiogenic lesions in liver. Our results confirm that RUNX1 may be a potential target to overcome vessel co-option in CRCLM.

Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy-Finally in From the Cold?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite significant progress, patients with metastatic prostate cancer continue to have poor prognosis. Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer care for many tumor types but has a limited role in the treatment of prostate cancer. This review discusses the promise of immunotherapy in prostate cancer treatment with an emphasis on emerging therapeutic targets.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most prostate tumors have low tumor mutational burden and lack immunogenicity, representing significant hurdles to induction of anti-tumor immunity. However, recent research centered on deciphering key mechanisms of immune resistance in the prostate tumor microenvironment has led to the discovery of a range of new treatment targets. These discoveries are currently being translated into innovative immunotherapy clinical trials for patients with prostate cancer. Recent progress includes early evidence of activity for these novel approaches and the identification of potential predictive biomarkers of response. Novel treatment strategies using new antigen-directed therapies, drugs targeting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and combination immunotherapy therapies show great potential and are currently in clinical development. In addition, a deeper understanding of predictors of response and resistance to immunotherapy in prostate cancer is allowing for a more personalized approach to therapy.

A cytokine in turmoil: Transforming growth factor beta in cancer

Cancer remains one of the debilitating health threats to mankind in view of its incurable nature. Many factors are complicit in the initiation, progression and establishment of cancers. Early detection of cancer is the only window of hope that allows for appreciable management and possible limited survival. However, understanding of cancer biology and knowledge of the key factors that interplay at multi-level in the initiation and progression of cancer may hold possible avenues for cancer treatment and management. In particular, dysregulation of growth factor signaling such as that of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and its downstream mediators play key roles in various cancer subtypes. Expanded understanding of the context/cell type-dependent roles of TGF-β and its downstream signaling mediators in cancer may provide leads for cancer pharmacotherapy. Reliable information contained in original articles, reviews, mini-reviews and expert opinions on TGF-β, cancer and the specific roles of TGF-β signaling in various cancer subtypes were retrieved from major scientific data bases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science core collections just to mention but a sample by using the following search terms: TGF-β in cancer, TGF-β and colorectal cancer, TGF-β and brain cancer, TGF-β in cancer initiation, TGF-β and cell proliferation, TGF-β and cell invasion, and TGF-β-based cancer therapy. Retrieved information and reports were carefully examined, contextualized and synchronized into a coherent scientific content to highlight the multiple roles of TGF-β signaling in normal and cancerous cells. From a conceptual standpoint, development of pharmacologically active agents that exert non-specific inhibitory effects on TGF-β signaling on various cell types will undoubtedly lead to a plethora of serious side effects in view of the multi-functionality and pleiotropic nature of TGF-β. Such non-specific targeting of TGF-β could derail any beneficial therapeutic intention associated with TGF-β-based therapy. However, development of pharmacologically active agents designed specifically to target TGF-β signaling in cancer cells may improve cancer pharmacotherapy. Similarly, specific targeting of downstream mediators of TGF-β such as TGF-β type 1 and II receptors (TβRI and TβRII), receptor-mediated Smads, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and importing proteins in cancer cells may be crucial for cancer pharmacotherapy.

Prostate Cancer Peripheral Blood NK Cells Show Enhanced CD9, CD49a, CXCR4, CXCL8, MMP-9 Production and Secrete Monocyte-Recruiting and Polarizing Factors

Natural killer (NK) cells, effector lymphocytes of the innate immunity, have been shown to be altered in several cancers, both at tissue and peripheral levels. We have shown that in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and colon cancer, tumour associated circulating NK (TA-NK) and tumour infiltrating NK (TI-NK) exhibit pro-angiogenic phenotype/functions. However, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the phenotype of peripheral blood (PB) NK (pNK) cells in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we phenotypically and functionally characterized pNK from PCa patients (PCa TA-NKs) and investigated their interactions with endothelial cells and monocytes/macrophages. NK cell subset distribution in PB of PCa patients was investigated, by multicolor flow cytometry, for surface antigens expression. Protein arrays were performed to characterize the secretome on FACS-sorted pNK cells. Conditioned media (CM) from FACS-sorted PCa pTA-NKs were used to determine their ability to induce pro-inflammatory/pro-angiogenic phenotype/functions in endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages. CM from three different PCa (PC-3, DU-145, LNCaP) cell lines, were used to assess their effects on human NK cell polarization in vitro, by multicolor flow cytometry. We found that PCa pTA-NKs acquire the CD56brightCD9+CD49a+CXCR4+ phenotype, increased the expression of markers of exhaustion (PD-1, TIM-3) and are impaired in their degranulation capabilities. Similar effects were observed on healthy donor-derived pNK cells, exposed to conditioned media of three different PCa cell lines, together with increased production of pro-inflammatory chemokines/chemokine receptors CXCR4, CXCL8, CXCL12, reduced production of TNFα, IFNγ and Granzyme-B. PCa TA-NKs released factors able to support inflammatory angiogenesis in an in vitro model and increased the expression of CXCL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA in endothelial cells. Secretome analysis revealed the ability of PCa TA-NKs to release pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines involved in monocyte recruitment and M2-like polarization. Finally, CMs from PCa pTA-NKs recruit THP-1 and peripheral blood CD14+ monocyte and polarize THP-1 and peripheral blood CD14+ monocyte-derived macrophage towards M2-like/TAM macrophages. Our results show that PCa pTA-NKs acquire properties related to the pro-inflammatory angiogenesis in endothelial cells, recruit monocytes and polarize macrophage to an M2-like type phenotype. Our data provides a rationale for a potential use of pNK profiling in PCa patients.

Pharmacologically Targeting the WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Cascade: Avoiding the Sword of Damocles

WNT/β-catenin signaling plays fundamental roles in numerous developmental processes and in adult tissue homeostasis and repair after injury, by controlling cellular self-renewal, activation, division, differentiation, movement, genetic stability, and apoptosis. As such, it comes as no surprise that dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, neurodegeneration, etc. Although multiple agents that specifically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway have been studied preclinically and a number have entered clinical trials, none has been approved by the FDA to date. In this chapter, we provide our insights as to the reason(s) it has been so difficult to safely pharmacologically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and discuss the significant efforts undertaken towards this goal.

Dualism of FGF and TGF-β Signaling in Heterogeneous Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Activation with ETV1 as a Critical Determinant

Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can result from activation of distinct signaling pathways. We show that in primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling oppositely modulate multiple CAF effector genes. Genetic abrogation or pharmacological inhibition of either pathway results in induction of genes responsive to the other, with the ETV1 transcription factor mediating the FGF effects. Duality of FGF/TGF-β signaling and differential ETV1 expression occur in multiple CAF strains and fibroblasts of desmoplastic versus non-desmoplastic skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Functionally, HDFs with opposite TGF-β versus FGF modulation converge on promoting cancer cell proliferation. However, HDFs with increased TGF-β signaling enhance invasive properties and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SCC cells, whereas HDFs with increased FGF signaling promote macrophage infiltration. The findings point to a duality of FGF versus TGF-β signaling in distinct CAF populations that promote cancer development through modulation of different processes.

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FGF and TGF-β signaling exert opposite control over multiple CAF effector genes

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ETV1 transcription factor mediates FGF effects and suppresses those of TGF-β

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Modulation of either pathway leads to different tumor-promoting CAF populations

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TGF-β-activated CAFs promote EMT, but FGF-activated CAFs increase inflammation

SULF1 suppresses Wnt3A-driven growth of bone metastatic prostate cancer in perlecan-modified 3D cancer-stroma-macrophage triculture models

Bone marrow stroma influences metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) progression, latency, and recurrence. At sites of PCa bone metastasis, cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-associated macrophages interact to establish a perlecan-rich desmoplastic stroma. As a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan (HSPG2) stores and stabilizes growth factors, including heparin-binding Wnt3A, a positive regulator of PCa cell growth. Because PCa cells alone do not induce CAF production of perlecan in the desmoplastic stroma, we sought to discover the sources of perlecan and its growth factor-releasing modifiers SULF1, SULF2, and heparanase in PCa cells and xenografts, bone marrow fibroblasts, and macrophages. SULF1, produced primarily by bone marrow fibroblasts, was the main glycosaminoglycanase present, a finding validated with primary tissue specimens of PCa metastases with desmoplastic bone stroma. Expression of both HSPG2 and SULF1 was concentrated in αSMA-rich stroma near PCa tumor nests, where infiltrating pro-tumor TAMs also were present. To decipher SULF1's role in the reactive bone stroma, we created a bone marrow biomimetic hydrogel incorporating perlecan, PCa cells, macrophages, and fibroblastic bone marrow stromal cells. Finding that M2-like macrophages increased levels of SULF1 and HSPG2 produced by fibroblasts, we examined SULF1 function in Wnt3A-mediated PCa tumoroid growth in tricultures. Comparing control or SULF1 knockout fibroblastic cells, we showed that SULF1 reduces Wnt3A-driven growth, cellularity, and cluster number of PCa cells in our 3D model. We conclude that SULF1 can suppress Wnt3A-driven growth signals in the desmoplastic stroma of PCa bone metastases, and SULF1 loss favors PCa progression, even in the presence of pro-tumorigenic TAMs.

Comprehensive Analysis Identifying Wnt Ligands Gene Family for Biochemical Recurrence in Prostate Adenocarcinoma and Construction of a Nomogram

There is little research to explore the relationship between Wnt ligands gene family and biochemical recurrence of prostate adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the role of Wnt ligands gene family in biochemical recurrence in prostate adenocarcinoma. RNA-seq transcriptome data and clinicopathological data of 489 prostate adenocarcinoma tissues and 51 nontumor tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We developed a risk score model with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression algorithm. We used the X-tile program to derive the best threshold for risk scores, dividing patients into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed. Nomogram was constructed based on the risk score and clinical features. The risk score = (0.192 × expression level of Wnt9A) + (0.732 × expression level of Wnt8B) + (0.051 × expression level of Wnt7B) + (-0.320 × expression level of Wnt3A). The risk score was an independent prognostic factor, with a hazard ratio of 1.298 (95% confidence interval: 1.046-1.612; p = 0.018). GSEA revealed that the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway of the four selected genes was closely related to malignancy-related biological processes. Nomogram was constructed based on the risk score and clinical features. The C index was 0.719, and the calibration curve showed that the nomogram performed well. In general, we comprehensively evaluated the association between Wnt ligands gene family and biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. We developed a risk score model based on messenger RNA expression levels of several selected Wnt ligand family genes (Wnt3A, Wnt7B, Wnt8B, and Wnt9A), which was significantly associated with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. Our results might be helpful for future molecular studies focusing on the biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

Wnt Signaling Cascade in Dendritic Cells and Regulation of Anti-tumor Immunity

Dendritic cells (DCs) control the strength and quality of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses. This is critical for launching a robust immunity against invading pathogens while maintaining a state of tolerance to self-antigens. However, this also represents a fundamental barrier to anti-tumor immune responses and cancer immunotherapy. DCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a key role in this process. The factors in the TME and signaling networks that program DCs to a regulatory state are not fully understood. Recent advances point to novel mechanisms by which the canonical Wnt signaling cascade in DCs regulates immune suppression, and the same pathway in tumors is associated with the evasion of anti-tumor immunity. Here, we review these recent advances in the context of the pleiotropic effects of the Wnts in shaping anti-tumor immune responses by modulating DC functions. In addition, we will discuss how Wnt/β-catenin pathway in DCs can be targeted for successful cancer immunotherapy.

Heterogeneity of human prostate carcinoma-associated fibroblasts implicates a role for subpopulations in myeloid cell recruitment

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a heterogeneous group of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can promote tumorigenesis in the prostate. By understanding the mechanism(s) by which CAF contributes to tumor growth, new therapeutic targets for the management of this disease may be identified. These studies determined whether unique sub-populations of human prostate CAF can be identified and functionally characterized.

METHODS

Single-cell RNA-seq of primary human prostate CAF followed by unsupervised clustering was utilized to generate cell clusters based on differentially expressed (DE) gene profiles. Potential communication between CAF and immune cells was analyzed using in vivo tissue recombination by combining CAF or normal prostate fibroblasts (NPF) with non-tumorigenic, initiated prostate epithelial BPH-1 cells. Resultant grafts were assessed for inflammatory cell recruitment.

RESULTS

Clustering of 3321 CAF allows for visualization of six subpopulations, demonstrating heterogeneity within CAF. Sub-renal capsule recombination assays show that the presence of CAF significantly increases myeloid cell recruitment to resultant tumors. This is supported by significantly increased expression of chemotactic chemokines CCL2 and CXCL12 in large clusters compared to other subpopulations. Bayesian analysis topologies also support differential communication signals between chemokine-related genes of individual clusters. Migration of THP-1 monocyte cells in vitro is stimulated in the presence of CAF conditioned medium (CM) compared with NPF CM. Further in vitro analyses suggest that CAF-derived chemokine CCL2 may be responsible for CAF-stimulated migration of THP-1 cells, since neutralization of this chemokine abrogates migration capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

CAF clustering based on DE gene expression supports the concept that clusters have unique functions within the TME, including a role in immune/inflammatory cell recruitment. These data suggest that CCL2 produced by CAF may be involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, but may also directly regulate the growth of the tumor. Further studies aimed at characterizing the subpopulation(s) of CAF which promote immune cell recruitment to the TME and/or stimulate prostate cancer growth and progression will be pursued.

The great escape: tumour cell plasticity in resistance to targeted therapy

The success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment has been impeded by various mechanisms of resistance. Besides the acquisition of resistance-conferring genetic mutations, reversible mechanisms that lead to drug tolerance have emerged. Plasticity in tumour cells drives their transformation towards a phenotypic state that no longer depends on the drug-targeted pathway. These drug-refractory cells constitute a pool of slow-cycling cells that can either regain drug sensitivity upon treatment discontinuation or acquire permanent resistance to therapy and drive relapse. In the past few years, cell plasticity has emerged as a mode of targeted therapy evasion in various cancers, ranging from prostate and lung adenocarcinoma to melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Our understanding of the mechanisms that control this phenotypic switch has also expanded, revealing the crucial role of reprogramming factors and chromatin remodelling. Further deciphering the molecular basis of tumour cell plasticity has the potential to contribute to new therapeutic strategies which, combined with existing anticancer treatments, could lead to deeper and longer-lasting clinical responses.

From genomics to functions: preclinical mouse models for understanding oncogenic pathways in prostate cancer

Next-generation sequencing has revealed numerous genomic alterations that induce aberrant signaling activities in prostate cancer (PCa). Among them are pathways affecting multiple cancer types, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, p53, Rb, Ras/Raf/MAPK, Myc, FGF, and Wnt signaling pathways, as well as ones that are prominent in PCa, including alterations in genes of AR signaling, the ETS family, NKX3.1, and SPOP. Cross talk among the oncogenic pathways can confer PCa resistance to therapy, particularly in advanced tumors, which are castration-resistant or show neuroendocrine features. Various experimental models, such as cancer cell lines, animal models, and patient-derived xenografts and organoids have been utilized to dissect PCa progression mechanisms. Here, we review the current preclinical mouse models for studying the most commonly altered pathways in PCa, with an emphasis on their interplays. We highlight the power of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) in translating genomic discoveries into understanding of the functions of these oncogenic events in vivo. Developing and analyzing PCa mouse models will undoubtedly continue to offer new insights into tumor biology and guide novel rationalized therapy.

DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Drives Prostate Cancer Progression through Transcriptional Regulation of the Wnt Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE

Protein kinases are known to play a prominent role in oncogenic progression across multiple cancer subtypes, yet their role in prostate cancer progression remains underexplored. The purpose of this study was to identify kinases that drive prostate cancer progression.Experimental Design: To discover kinases that drive prostate cancer progression, we investigated the association between gene expression of all known kinases and long-term clinical outcomes in tumor samples from 545 patients with high-risk disease. We evaluated the impact of genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of the most significant kinase associated with metastatic progression in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNAPK) was identified as the most significant kinase associated with metastatic progression in high-risk prostate cancer. Inhibition of DNAPK suppressed the growth of both AR-dependent and AR-independent prostate cancer cells. Gene set enrichment analysis nominated Wnt as the top pathway associated with DNAPK. We found that DNAPK interacts with the Wnt transcription factor LEF1 and is critical for LEF1-mediated transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that DNAPK drives prostate cancer progression through transcriptional regulation of Wnt signaling and is an attractive therapeutic target in aggressive prostate cancer.

SILAC-Based Quantification of TGFBR2-Regulated Protein Expression in Extracellular Vesicles of Microsatellite Unstable Colorectal Cancers

Microsatellite unstable (MSI) colorectal cancers (CRCs) are characterized by mutational inactivation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor Type 2 (TGFBR2). TGFBR2-deficient CRCs present altered target gene and protein expression. Such cellular alterations modulate the content of CRC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs function as couriers of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids in intercellular communication. At a qualitative level, we have previously shown that TGFBR2 deficiency causes overall alterations in the EV protein content. To deepen the basic understanding of altered protein dynamics, this work aimed to determine TGFBR2-dependent EV protein signatures in a quantitative manner. Using a stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) approach for mass spectrometry-based quantification, 48 TGFBR2-regulated proteins were identified in MSI CRC-derived EVs. Overall, TGFBR2 deficiency caused upregulation of several EV proteins related to the extracellular matrix and nucleosome as well as downregulation of proteasome-associated proteins. The present study emphasizes the general overlap of proteins between EVs and their parental CRC cells but also highlights the impact of TGFBR2 deficiency on EV protein composition. From a clinical perspective, TGFBR2-regulated quantitative differences of protein expression in EVs might nominate novel biomarkers for liquid biopsy-based MSI typing in the future.

Wnt3a protein overexpression predicts worse overall survival in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

As a classical ligand in the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the role of Wnt3a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains unclear. Therefore, the expression pattern of the Wnt3a protein in 222 primary LSCC, and 19 corresponding adjacent non-carcinoma specimens, was detected by immunohistochemistry and further correlated with clinicopathological parameters. The results showed that LSCC tissue expressed higher levels of the Wnt3a protein when compared to the corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues. High expression of Wnt3a was closely related to histological grade (P = 0.031), clinical stage (I+II / III+IV; P = 0.004), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.03). Kaplan-Meier analysis evidenced that a worse overall survival (OS) was correlated to the group with high Wnt3a expression (P = 0.003). When stratified survival analyses were performed, patients with lymph node metastasis/advanced clinical stages and high Wnt3a expression had worse OS rates than patients with other features (P < 0.001). Finally, multivariate analysis showed that Wnt3a expression was an independent prognosis factor for LSCC patients. The current findings suggest that Wnt3a is tightly related to the LSCC progression and could serve as a valuable clinic biomarker for LSCC patients.

Effects of metformin and phenformin on apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chemoresistant rectal cancer

Recurrence and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer remain important issues for patients treated with conventional therapeutics. Metformin and phenformin, previously used in the treatment of diabetes, have been shown to have anticancer effects in various cancers, including breast, lung and prostate cancers. However, their molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of these drugs in chemoresistant rectal cancer cell lines. We found that SW837 and SW1463 rectal cancer cells were more resistant to ionizing radiation and 5‐fluorouracil than HCT116 and LS513 colon cancer cells. In addition, metformin and phenformin increased the sensitivity of these cell lines by inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing clonogenic ability and increasing apoptotic cell death in rectal cancer cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and transforming growth factor‐β/Smad signaling pathways were more activated in rectal cancer cells, and inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression using an inhibitor or siRNA sensitized rectal cancer cells to chemoresistant by inhibition of the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, such as X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis, survivin and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1. Moreover, metformin and phenformin inhibited cell migration and invasion by suppression of transforming growth factor β receptor 2‐mediated Snail and Twist expression in rectal cancer cells. Therefore, metformin and phenformin may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of chemoresistant rectal cancer by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and transforming growth factor‐β/Smad signaling.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of WNT family gene expression in hepatitis B virus‑related hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of Wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) gene family expression in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical data of the patients and gene expression levels were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to investigate the diagnostic value of WNT genes. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to evaluate the association of WNT gene expression level with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A nomogram was constructed for the prediction of prognosis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Diagnostic receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that WNT2 had a high diagnostic value, with an area under the curve (AUC) of >0.800 (P<0.0001, AUC=0.810, 95% CI: 0.767–0.852). Survival analysis indicated that the expression level of WNT1 was significantly associated with OS and RFS (adjusted P=0.033, adjusted HR=0.607, 95% CI: 0.384–0.960; and adjusted P=0.007, adjusted HR=0.592, 95% CI: 0.404–0.868, respectively). In the TCGA validation cohort, we also observed that WNT2 was significantly differentially expressed between HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues, and WNT1 was associated with both the OS and RFS of HCC. Therefore, through the GSE14520 HBV-related HCC cohort we concluded that WNT2 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and WNT1 may serve as a prognostic biomarker. These results may also be extended to TCGA HCC verification cohort.

Role of Wnt3a in the pathogenesis of cancer, current status and prospective

The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in initiation, progression, invasion and metastasis of cancer. Wnt3a as a canonical Wnt ligand is strongly implicated in the etiology and pathology of a number of diseases including cancer. Depending on cancer type, Wnt3a enhances or suppresses metastasis, cell proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells. This review summarizes the role of Wnt3a in the pathogenesis of different cancers including colorectal, prostate, hepatocellular, lung and leukemia, for promoting greater understanding and clinical management of these diseases.

Dihydrotestosterone inhibits arylsulfatase B and Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor (DKK)-3 leading to enhanced Wnt signaling in prostate epithelium in response to stromal Wnt3A

BACKGROUND

In tissue microarrays, immunostaining of the enzyme arylsulfatase B (ARSB; N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase) was less in recurrent prostate cancers and in cancers with higher Gleason scores. In cultured prostate stem cells, decline in ARSB increased Wnt signaling through effects on Dickkopf Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitor (DKK)3. The effects of androgen exposure on ARSB and the impact of decline in ARSB on Wnt signaling in prostate tissue were unknown.

METHODS

Epithelial and stromal tissues from malignant and normal human prostate were obtained by laser capture microdissection. mRNA expression of ARSB, galactose-6-sulfate-sulfatase (GALNS) and Wnt-signaling targets was determined by QPCR. Non-malignant human epithelial and stromal prostate cells were grown in tissue culture, including two-cell layer cultures. ARSB was silenced by specific siRNA, and epithelial cells were treated with stromal spent media following treatment with IWP-2, an inhibitor of Wnt secretion, and by exogenous recombinant human Wnt3A. Promoter methylation was detected using specific DKK3 and ARSB promoter primers. The effects of DHT and of ARSB overexpression on DKK expression were determined. Cell proliferation was assessed by BrdU incorporation.

RESULTS

Normal stroma showed higher expression of vimentin, ARSB, and Wnt3A than epithelium. Normal epithelium had higher expression of E-cadherin, galactose 6-sulfate-sulfatase (GALNS), and DKK3 than stroma. In malignant epithelium, expression of ARSB and DKK3 declined, and expression of GALNS and Wnt signaling targets increased. In cultured prostate epithelial cells, Wnt-mediated signaling was greatest when ARSB was silenced and cells were exposed to exogenous Wnt3A. Exposure to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased ARSB and DKK3 promoter rmethylation, and effects of DHT on DKK3 expression were reversed when ARSB was overexpressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Androgen-induced declines in ARSB and DKK3 may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis by sustained activation of Wnt signaling in prostate epithelium in response to stromal Wnt3A.

Enabling precision medicine by unravelling disease pathophysiology: quantifying signal transduction pathway activity across cell and tissue types

Signal transduction pathways are important in physiology and pathophysiology. Targeted drugs aim at modifying pathogenic pathway activity, e.g., in cancer. Optimal treatment choice requires assays to measure pathway activity in individual patient tissue or cell samples. We developed a method enabling quantitative measurement of functional pathway activity based on Bayesian computational model inference of pathway activity from measurements of mRNA levels of target genes of the pathway-associated transcription factor. Oestrogen receptor, Wnt, and PI3K-FOXO pathway assays have been described previously. Here, we report model development for androgen receptor, Hedgehog, TGFβ, and NFκB pathway assays, biological validation on multiple cell types, and analysis of data from published clinical studies (multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, contact dermatitis, Ewing sarcoma, lymphoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, skin and prostate cancer). Multiple pathway analysis of clinical prostate cancer (PCa) studies showed increased AR activity in hyperplasia and primary PCa but variable AR activity in castrate resistant (CR) PCa, loss of TGFβ activity in PCa, increased Wnt activity in TMPRSS2:ERG fusion protein-positive PCa, active PI3K pathway in advanced PCa, and active PI3K and NFκB as potential hormonal resistance pathways. Potential value for future clinical practice includes disease subtyping and prediction and targeted therapy response prediction and monitoring.

Upregulation of transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor by interferon consensus sequence-binding protein in osteosarcoma cells

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a known tumor suppressor, which also exerts a tumor promoting activity at an advanced stage of cancer. Previously, we reported that expression of interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP), also known as interferon regulatory factor-8, is positively correlated with TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-β RI) expression in osteosarcoma patient tissues. In this study, we demonstrated that ICSBP upregulated TGF-β RI and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like phenomena in human osteosarcoma cell lines. As determined by soft agar growth of osteosarcoma cells and xenografted mouse models, ICSBP increased tumorigenicity, which was reversed by ICSBP knock-down or a TGF-β RI inhibitor. To test whether ICSBP directly regulates the promoter activity of TGF-β RI, we performed a TGF-β RI promoter assay, an electro mobility shift assay, and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We observed that TGF-β RI promoter was activated in ICSBP-overexpressing osteosarcoma cells. Exploiting serial deletions and mutations of the TGF-β RI promoter, we found a putative ICSBP-binding site at nucleotides -216/-211 (GGXXTC) in the TGF-β RI promoter. Our data suggest that ICSBP upregulates TGF-β RI expression by binding to this site, causing ICSBP-mediated tumor progression in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, we found a positive correlation between ICSBP and TGF-β RI expression in several types of tumors using the cBioportal database. SUMMARY: We demonstrated that interferon consensus sequence-binding protein upregulates transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor (TGF-β RI) expression by binding to nucleotides -216/-211 (GGXXTC) in the TGF-β RI promoter, which resulted in increased tumorigenicity and tumor progression in human osteosarcoma cells.

Loss of Myeloid-Specific TGF-β Signaling Decreases CTHRC1 to Downregulate bFGF and the Development of H1993-Induced Osteolytic Bone Lesions

The role of myeloid cell-specific TGF-β signaling in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-induced osteolytic bone lesion development is unknown. We used a genetically engineered mouse model, Tgfbr2^LysMCre knockout (KO), which has a loss of TGF-β signaling specifically in myeloid lineage cells, and we found that the area of H1993 cell-induced osteolytic bone lesions was decreased in Tgfbr2^LysMCre KO mice, relative to the area in control littermates. The bone lesion areas were correlated with tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis in the microenvironment. The smaller bone lesion area was partially rescued by bFGF, which was expressed by osteoblasts. Interestingly, bFGF was able to rescue the osteoclastogenesis, but not the tumor cell proliferation or angiogenesis. We then focused on identifying osteoclast factors that regulate bFGF expression in osteoblasts. We found that the expression and secretion of CTHRC1 was downregulated in osteoclasts from Tgfbr2^LysMCre KO mice; CTHRC1 was able to promote bFGF expression in osteoblasts, possibly through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Functionally, bFGF stimulated osteoclastogenesis and inhibited osteoblastogenesis, but had no effect on H1993 cell proliferation. On the other hand, CTHRC1 promoted osteoblastogenesis and H1993 cell proliferation. Together, our data show that myeloid-specific TGF-β signaling promoted osteolytic bone lesion development and bFGF expression in osteoblasts; that osteoclast-secreted CTHRC1 stimulated bFGF expression in osteoblasts in a paracrine manner; and that CTHRC1 and bFGF had different cell-specific functions that contributed to bone lesion development.

Heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblast population potentiates neuroendocrine differentiation and castrate resistance in a CD105-dependent manner

Heterogeneous prostatic carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAF) contribute to tumor progression and resistance to androgen signaling deprivation therapy (ADT). CAF subjected to extended passaging, compared to low passage CAF, were found to lose tumor expansion potential and heterogeneity. Cell surface endoglin (CD105), known to be expressed on proliferative endothelia and mesenchymal stem cells, was diminished in high passage CAF. RNA-sequencing revealed SFRP1 to be distinctly expressed by tumor-inductive CAF, which was further demonstrated to occur in a CD105-dependent manner. Moreover, ADT resulted in further expansion of the CD105⁺ fibroblastic population and downstream SFRP1 in 3-dimensional cultures and patient derived xenograft tissues. In patients, CD105⁺ fibroblasts were found to circumscribe epithelia with neuroendocrine differentiation. CAF-derived SFRP1, driven by CD105 signaling, was necessary and sufficient to induce prostate cancer neuroendocrine differentiation in a paracrine manner. A partially humanized CD105 neutralizing antibody, TRC105, inhibited fibroblastic SFRP1 expression and epithelial neuroendocrine differentiation. In a novel synthetic lethality paradigm, we found that simultaneously targeting the epithelia and its microenvironment with ADT and TRC105, respectively, reduced castrate resistant tumor progression, in a model where either ADT or TRC105 alone had little effect.

Mechanisms and Approaches for Overcoming Enzalutamide Resistance in Prostate Cancer

Enzalutamide, a second-generation small-molecule inhibitor of the androgen receptor (AR), has been approved for patients who failed with androgen deprivation therapy and have developed castration-resistant prostate cancer. More than 80% of these patients develop bone metastases. The binding of enzalutamide to the AR prevents the nuclear translocation of the receptor, thus inactivating androgen signaling. However, prostate cancer cells eventually develop resistance to enzalutamide treatment. Studies have found resistance both in patients and in laboratory models. The mechanisms of and approaches to overcoming such resistance are significant issues that need to be addressed. In this review, we focus on the major mechanisms of acquired enzalutamide resistance, including genetic mutations and splice variants of the AR, signaling pathways that bypass androgen signaling, intratumoral androgen biosynthesis by prostate tumor cells, lineage plasticity, and contributions from the tumor microenvironment. Approaches for overcoming these mechanisms to enzalutamide resistance along with the associated problems and solutions are discussed. Emerging questions, concerns, and new opportunities in studying enzalutamide resistance will be addressed as well.

Overexpression of Glypican 5 (GPC5) Inhibits Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion via Suppressing Sp1-Mediated EMT and Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Glypican 5 (GPC5) belongs to the family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). It was initially known as a regulator of growth factors and morphogens. Recently, there have been reports on its correlation with the tumorigenic process in the development of some cancers. However, little is known about its precise role in prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, we explored the expression pattern and biological functions of GPC5 in PCa cells. Our results showed that GPC5 was lowly expressed in PCa cell lines. Upregulation of GPC5 significantly inhibited PCa cell proliferation and invasion in vitro as well as attenuated tumor growth in vivo. We also found that overexpression of GPC5 inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation, which was mediated by Sp1. Taken together, we suggest GPC5 as a tumor suppressor in PCa and provide promising therapeutic strategies for PCa.

Attenuation of TGFBR2 expression and tumour progression in prostate cancer involve diverse hypoxia-regulated pathways

Background

Dysregulation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling and hypoxic microenvironment have respectively been reported to be involved in disease progression in malignancies of prostate. Emerging evidence indicates that downregulation of TGFBR2, a pivotal regulator of TGF-β signaling, may contribute to carcinogenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the biological function and regulatory mechanism of TGFBR2 in PCa remain poorly understood. In this study, we propose to investigate the crosstalk of hypoxia and TGF-β signaling and provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the regulatory pathways in PCa.

Methods

Prostate cancer cell lines were cultured in hypoxia or normoxia to evaluate the effect of hypoxia on TGFBR2 expression. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and demethylation agents was used to evaluate the methylation regulation of TGFBR2 promoter. Besides, silencing of EZH2 via specific siRNAs or chemical inhibitor was used to validate the regulatory effect of EZH2 on TGFBR2. Moreover, we conducted PCR, western blot, and luciferase assays which studied the relationship of miR-93 and TGFBR2 in PCa cell lines and specimens. We also detected the impacts of hypoxia on EZH2 and miR-93, and further examined the tumorigenic functions of miR-93 on proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via a series of experiments.

Results

TGFBR2 expression was attenuated under hypoxia. Hypoxia-induced EZH2 promoted H3K27me3 which caused TGFBR2 promoter hypermethylation and contributed to its epigenetic silencing in PCa. Besides, miR-93 was significantly upregulated in PCa tissues and cell lines, and negatively correlated with the expression of TGFBR2. Ectopic expression of miR-93 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion in PCa, and its expression could also be induced by hypoxia. In addition, TGFBR2 was identified as a bona fide target of miR-93.

Conclusions

Our findings elucidate diverse hypoxia-regulated pathways including EZH2-mediated hypermethylation and miR-93-induced silencing contribute to attenuation of TGFBR2 expression and promote cancer progression in prostate cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0764-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) in Drug Resistance and their Therapeutic Implications in Cancer Treatment

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are suggested to be responsible for drug resistance and cancer relapse due in part to their ability to self-renew themselves and differentiate into heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells. Thus, it is important to understand the characteristics and mechanisms by which CSCs display resistance to therapeutic agents. In this review, we highlight the key features and mechanisms that regulate CSC function in drug resistance as well as recent breakthroughs of therapeutic approaches for targeting CSCs. This promises new insights of CSCs in drug resistance and provides better therapeutic rationales to accompany novel anticancer therapeutics.

A novel highly potent trivalent TGF-β receptor trap inhibits early-stage tumorigenesis and tumor cell invasion in murine Pten-deficient prostate glands

The effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling on prostate tumorigenesis has been shown to be strongly dependent on the stage of development, with TGF-β functioning as a tumor suppressor in early stages of disease and as a promoter in later stages. To study in further detail the paradoxical tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting roles of the TGF-β pathway, we investigated the effect of systemic treatment with a TGF-β inhibitor on early stages of prostate tumorigenesis. To ensure effective inhibition, we developed and employed a novel trivalent TGF-β receptor trap, RER, comprised of domains derived from the TGF-β type II and type III receptors. This trap was shown to completely block TβRII binding, to antagonize TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 signaling in cultured epithelial cells at low picomolar concentrations, and it showed equal or better anti-TGF-β activities than a pan TGF-β neutralizing antibody and a TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor in various prostate cancer cell lines. Systemic administration of RER inhibited prostate tumor cell proliferation as indicated by reduced Ki67 positive cells and invasion potential of tumor cells in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions in the prostate glands of Pten conditional null mice. These results provide evidence that TGF-β acts as a promoter rather than a suppressor in the relatively early stages of this spontaneous prostate tumorigenesis model. Thus, inhibition of TGF-β signaling in early stages of prostate cancer may be a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit the progression as well as the metastatic potential in patients with prostate cancer.

Cellular plasticity and the neuroendocrine phenotype in prostate cancer

The success of next-generation androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors, such as abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide, in treating prostate cancer has been hampered by the emergence of drug resistance. This acquired drug resistance is driven, in part, by the ability of prostate cancer cells to change their phenotype to adopt AR-independent pathways for growth and survival. Around one-quarter of resistant prostate tumours comprise cells that have undergone cellular reprogramming to become AR-independent and to acquire a continuum of neuroendocrine characteristics. These highly aggressive and lethal tumours, termed neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), exhibit reactivation of developmental programmes that are associated with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and acquisition of stem-like cell properties. In the past few years, our understanding of the link between lineage plasticity and an emergent NEPC phenotype has considerably increased. This new knowledge can contribute to novel therapeutic modalities that are likely to improve the treatment and clinical management of aggressive prostate cancer.

Loss of TGF-β signaling in osteoblasts increases basic-FGF and promotes prostate cancer bone metastasis

TGF-β plays a central role in prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastasis, and it is crucial to understand the bone cell-specific role of TGF-β signaling in this process. Thus, we used knockout (KO) mouse models having deletion of the Tgfbr2 gene specifically in osteoblasts (Tgfbr2^Col1CreERT KO) or in osteoclasts (Tgfbr2^LysMCre KO). We found that PCa-induced bone lesion development was promoted in the Tgfbr2^Col1CreERT KO mice, but was inhibited in the Tgfbr2^LysMCre KO mice, relative to their respective control Tgfbr2^FloxE2 littermates. Since metastatic PCa cells attach to osteoblasts when colonized in the bone microenvironment, we focused on the mechanistic studies using the Tgfbr2^Col1CreERT KO mouse model. We found that bFGF was upregulated in osteoblasts from PC3-injected tibiae of Tgfbr2^Col1CreERT KO mice and correlated with increased tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, amounts of cancer-associated fibroblasts and osteoclasts. In vitro studies showed that osteoblastogenesis was inhibited, osteoclastogenesis was stimulated, but PC3 viability was not affected, by bFGF treatments. Lastly, the increased PC3-induced bone lesions in Tgfbr2^Col1CreERT KO mice were significantly attenuated by blocking bFGF using neutralizing antibody, suggesting bFGF is a promising target inhibiting bone metastasis.

Scar management in burn injuries using drug delivery and molecular signaling: Current treatments and future directions

In recent decades, there have been tremendous improvements in burn care that have allowed patients to survive severe burn injuries that were once fatal. However, a major limitation of burn care currently is the development of hypertrophic scars in approximately 70% of patients. This significantly decreases the quality of life for patients due to the physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with scarring. Current approaches to manage scarring include surgical techniques and non-surgical methods such as laser therapy, steroid injections, and compression therapy. These treatments are limited in their effectiveness and regularly fail to manage symptoms. As a result, the development of novel treatments that aim to improve outcomes and quality of life is imperative. Drug delivery that targets the molecular cascades of wound healing to attenuate or prevent hypertrophic scarring is a promising approach that has therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss current treatments for scar management after burn injury, and how drug delivery targeting molecular signaling can lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Receptor for advanced glycation end product blockade enhances the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by reducing autophagy and modulating the Wnt pathway

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most severe types of cancer with poor outcomes. Cisplatin is used widely to treat cancer cells, but many patients develop acquired drug resistance. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is expressed widely in TSCC and associated with drug-induced chemotherapy resistance. However, the effect of RAGE and cisplatin on Tca-8113 cells remains unknown. We assayed the combined use of RAGE blockade and cisplatin effect on Tca-8113 cells' viability by MTT and apoptosis rate of Tca-8113 cells on RAGE blockade+cisplatin treatment; cisplatin alone; or RAGE blockade alone by flow cytometry. We observed the expressions of autophagy-related proteins beclin1, LC3II, p62; Wnt signaling-related proteins β-catenin, GSK3β, WNT5A, ROR-2; and apoptosis-related protein cleaved caspase-3, bcl-2-associated X proteins using western blot. We determined WNT5A and beclin1 expression on Tca-8113 cells by immunofluorescence. We further observed autophagy vacuoles by monodansylcadaverine staining. We found that RAGE blockade and cisplatin significantly decreased cell viability and increased the cell apoptosis rate compared with cisplatin alone. Furthermore, RAGE blockade suppressed the canonical Wnt pathway proteins β-catenin and GSK-3β, but upregulated noncanonical WNT5A and receptor ROR-2. We show that RAGE blockade suppressed the levels of autophagy-related protein LC3II/I, beclin1, accelerated degradation of autophagy for the increasing p62 expression, and increased cell apoptosis for the increasing expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and bcl-2-associated X proteins. We observed the location of WNT5A and beclin1 expressions on cells by immunofluorescence and their trends were consistent with western blotting. Taken together, our findings suggested that RAGE blockade+cisplatin improved chemotherapeutic effects by reducing autophagy and regulating Wnt/β-catenin to suppress the progression of TSCC.

Deletion of tumor suppressors adenomatous polyposis coli and Smad4 in murine luminal epithelial cells causes invasive prostate cancer and loss of androgen receptor expression

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed non-skin cancer in the US and kills approximately 27,000 men per year in the US. Additional genetic mouse models are needed that recapitulate the heterogeneous nature of human prostate cancer. The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway is important for human prostate tumorigenesis and metastasis, and also drives tumorigenesis in mouse models. Loss of Smad4 has also been found in human prostate cancer and drives tumorigenesis and metastasis when coupled with other genetic aberrations in mouse models. In this work, we concurrently deleted Smad4 and the tumor suppressor and endogenous Wnt/beta-catenin inhibitor adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) in luminal prostate cells in mice. This double conditional knockout model produced invasive castration-resistant prostate carcinoma with no evidence of metastasis. We observed mixed differentiation phenotypes, including basaloid and squamous differentiation. Interestingly, tumor cells in this model commonly lose androgen receptor expression. In addition, tumors disappear in these mice during androgen cycling (castration followed by testosterone reintroduction). These mice model non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer and should provide novel information for tumors that have genetic aberrations in the Wnt pathway or Smad4.