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Shi L, Zhu M, Long R, Wang S, Wang P, Liu Y. Prussian blue nanoparticle-based pH-responsive self-assembly for enhanced photothermal and chemotherapy of tumors. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2024; 256:112938. [PMID: 38761749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been growing interest in size-transformable nanoplatforms that exhibit active responses to acidic microenvironments, presenting promising prospects in the field of nanomedicine for tumor therapy. However, the design and fabrication of such size-adjustable nanotherapeutics pose significant challenges compared to size-fixed nanocomposites, primarily due to their distinct pH-responsive requirements. In this study, we developed pH-activated-aggregating nanosystems to integrate chemotherapy and photothermal therapy by creating size-transformable nanoparticles based on Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs) anchored with acid-responsive polyoxometalates (POMs) quantum dots via electrostatic interactions (PPP NPs). Subsequently, we utilized doxorubicin (DOX) as a representative drug to formulate PPPD NPs. Notably, PPPD NPs exhibited a significant response to acidic conditions, resulting in changes in surface charge and rapid aggregation of PPP NPs. Furthermore, the aggregated PPP NPs demonstrated excellent photothermal properties under near-infrared laser irradiation. Importantly, PPPD NPs prolonged their retention time in tumor cells via a size-transformation approach. In vitro cellular assays revealed that the anticancer efficacy of PPPD NPs was significantly enhanced. The IC50 values for the PPPD NPs groupand the PPPD NPs + NIR group were 50.11 μg/mL and 30.9 μg/mL. Overall, this study introduces a novel strategy for cancer therapy by developing size-aggregating nano-drugs with stimuli-responsive properties, holding promise for improved therapeutic outcomes in future combination approaches involving photothermal therapy and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linrong Shi
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Ruimin Long
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Shibin Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Pei Wang
- School of Stomatology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China.
| | - Yuangang Liu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Seifi Z, Khazaei M, Cheraghali D, Rezakhani L. Decellularized tissues as platforms for digestive system cancer models. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31589. [PMID: 38845895 PMCID: PMC11153114 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multifunctional network of macromolecules that regulate various cellular functions and physically support the tissues. Besides physiological conditions, the ECM also changes during pathological conditions such as cancer. As tumor cells proliferate, notable changes occur in the quantity and makeup of the surrounding ECM. Therefore, the role of this noncellular component of tissues in studies of tumor microenvironments should be considered. So far, many attempts have been made to create 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) models that can replicate the intricate connections within the tumor microenvironment. Decellularized tissues are proper scaffolds that imitate the complex nature of native ECM. This review aims to summarize 3D models of digestive system cancers based on decellularized ECMs. These ECM-based scaffolds will enable us to study the interactive communication between cells and their surrounding environment which brings new potential for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Seifi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Danial Cheraghali
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ, USA
| | - Leila Rezakhani
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Plesselova S, Calar K, Axemaker H, Sahly E, de la Puente P. Multicompartmentalized microvascularized tumor-on-a-chip to study tumor-stroma interactions and drug resistance in ovarian cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596456. [PMID: 38853974 PMCID: PMC11160770 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients receiving standard of care chemotherapy develop chemoresistance within 5 years. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic and influential player in disease progression and therapeutic response. However, there is a lack of models that allow us to elucidate the compartmentalized nature of TME in a controllable, yet physiologically relevant manner and its critical role in modulating drug resistance. Methods We developed a 3D microvascularized multiniche tumor-on-a-chip formed by five chambers (central cancer chamber, flanked by two lateral stromal chambers and two external circulation chambers) to recapitulate OC-TME compartmentalization and study its influence on drug resistance. Stromal chambers included endothelial cells alone or cocultured with normal fibroblasts or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Results The tumor-on-a-chip recapitulated spatial TME compartmentalization including vessel-like structure, stromal-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, generation of oxygen gradients, and delayed drug diffusion/penetration from the circulation chamber towards the cancer chamber. The cancer chamber mimicked metastasis-like migration and increased drug resistance to carboplatin/paclitaxel treatment in the presence of CAF when compared to normal fibroblasts. CAF-mediated drug resistance was rescued by ECM targeted therapy. Critically, these results demonstrate that cellular crosstalk recreation and spatial organization through compartmentalization are essential to determining the effect of the compartmentalized OC-TME on drug resistance. Conclusions Our results present a functionally characterized microvascularized multiniche tumor-on-a-chip able to recapitulate TME compartmentalization influencing drug resistance. This technology holds the potential to guide the design of more effective and targeted therapeutic strategies to overcome chemoresistance in OC.
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Haake SM, Rios BL, Pozzi A, Zent R. Integrating integrins with the hallmarks of cancer. Matrix Biol 2024; 130:20-35. [PMID: 38677444 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.04.003] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells adhere to a specialized extracellular matrix called the basement membrane which allows them to polarize and form epithelial tissues. The extracellular matrix provides essential physical scaffolding and biochemical and biophysical cues required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation, function, and homeostasis. Epithelial cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (i.e., basement membrane) plays a critical role in organizing epithelial tissues, separating the epithelial cells from the stroma. Epithelial cell detachment from the basement membrane classically results in death, though detachment or invasion through the basement membrane represents a critical step in carcinogenesis. Epithelial cells bind to the extracellular matrix via specialized matrix receptors, including integrins. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that form a mechanical linkage between the extracellular matrix and the intracellular cytoskeleton and are required for anchorage-dependent cellular functions such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. The role of integrins in the development, growth, and dissemination of multiple types of carcinomas has been investigated by numerous methodologies, which has led to great complexity. To organize this vast array of information, we have utilized the "Hallmarks of Cancer" from Hanahan and Weinberg as a convenient framework to discuss the role of integrins in the pathogenesis of cancers. This review explores this biology and how its complexity has impacted the development of integrin-targeted anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Haake
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Brenda L Rios
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ambra Pozzi
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Roy Zent
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Yan C, Du W, Kirkwood KL, Wang Y, Zhou W, Li Z, Tian Y, Lin S, Zheng L, Al-Aroomi MA, Gao J, Jiang S, Sun C, Liu F. CCR7 affects the tumor microenvironment by regulating the activation of naïve CD8 + T cells to promote the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101924. [PMID: 38430712 PMCID: PMC10920962 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101924] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer, being one of the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. CC Chemokine receptor 7(CCR7) is a multifunctional G protein-coupled trans-membrane chemokine that affects immune cell chemotaxis, migration, and cancer progression through its interaction with its ligands C-C motif chemokine ligand 19(CCL19) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 21(CCL21). Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of CCR7 in the malignant progression of a variety of cancers, reflecting the pro-cancer properties of CCR7. The Cancer Genome Atlas data suggests CCR7 has elevated expression in oral cancer. Specifically, CCR7 expression in tumor microenvironment (TME) may regulate the ability of some immune cells to engage in anti-tumor immune responses. Since CD8+ T cells have become a key immunotherapeutic target, the role of CCR7 in antitumor immune response of naïve CD8+ T cells in TME has not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS A CCR7 knockout mouse model was constructed, and the mechanism of ccr7 on the regulation of tumor microenvironment by naïve CD8+ T cells was verified under the guidance of single-cell RNA sequencing combined with in vivo animal experiments and in vitro cell experiments. RESULTS CCR7 is knocked out with impaired tumor growth and altered CD8+ T cell profiles, revealing the importance of this protein in OSCC. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of CCR7 enhances CD8+ T cell activation, proliferation, and anti-tumor function, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Yan
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Weidong Du
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Keith L Kirkwood
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-8006, USA
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Wanhang Zhou
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Zhenning Li
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Shanfeng Lin
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Li Zheng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Maged Ali Al-Aroomi
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Jiaxing Gao
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Changfu Sun
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Fayu Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 Nanjing North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China.
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Tran HCM, Mbemba E, Mourot N, Faltas B, Rousseau A, Lefkou E, Sabbah M, van Dreden P, Gerotziafas G. The procoagulant signature of cancer cells drives fibrin network formation in tumor microenvironment and impacts its quality. Implications in cancer cell migration and the resistance to anticancer agents. Thromb Res 2024; 238:172-183. [PMID: 38723522 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.015] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer cells induce hypercoagulability in the tumoral microenvironment by expressing Tissue Factor (TF). We aimed to study the impact of the procoagulant signature of cancer cells on the quality and structure of fibrin network. We also studied the impact of fibrin clot shield (FCS) on the efficiency of anticancer agents and the migration of cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pancreatic cancer cells BXPC3 and breast cancer cells MDA-MB231 and MCF7, were cultured in the presence of normal Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP), diluted 10 % in conditioning media. Their potential to induce thrombin generation and their fibrinolytic activity were assessed. The structure of fibrin network was analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Cancer cells' mobility with fibrin clot and their interactions with fibrin were observed. Cancer cells were treated with paclitaxel (PTX) or 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4OHTam) in the presence or absence of FCS. RESULTS Cancer cells, in presence of PPP, induced fibrin network formation. High TF-expressing cancer cells (BXPC3 and MDA-MB23 cells), led to dense fibrin network with fine fibers. Low TF expressing cells MCF7 led to thick fibers. Exogenous TF enhanced the density of fibrin network formed by MCF7 cells. Cancer cells through their inherent profibrinolytic potential migrated within the fiber scaffold. The BXPC3 and MCF7 cells moved in clusters whereas the MDA-MB231 cells moved individually within the fibrin network. FCS decreased the efficiency of PTX and 4OHTam on the viability of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS The procoagulant signature of cancer cells is determinant for the quality and structure of fibrin network in the microenvironment. Original SEM images show the architecture of "bird's nest"-like fibrin network being in touch with the cell membranes and surrounding cancer cells. Fibrin network constructed by triggering thrombin generation by cancer cells, provides a scaffold for cell migration. Fibrin clot shields protect cancer cells against PTX and 4OHTam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Chi Mai Tran
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Elisabeth Mbemba
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Noémie Mourot
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Beshoy Faltas
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Rousseau
- Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Elmina Lefkou
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Michèle Sabbah
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Patrick van Dreden
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Grigoris Gerotziafas
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Thrombosis Center, Tenon - Saint Antoine University Hospital,Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assitance Publique Hôpitaix de Paris (AP-HP), 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France.
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Wang Y, Yuan R, Liang B, Zhang J, Wen Q, Chen H, Tian Y, Wen L, Zhou H. A "One-Step" Strategy for the Global Characterization of Core-Fucosylated Glycoproteome. JACS AU 2024; 4:2005-2018. [PMID: 38818065 PMCID: PMC11134376 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Core fucosylation, a special type of N-linked glycosylation, is important in tumor proliferation, invasion, metastatic potential, and therapy resistance. However, the core-fucosylated glycoproteome has not been extensively profiled due to the low abundance and poor ionization efficiency of glycosylated peptides. Here, a "one-step" strategy has been described for protein core-fucosylation characterization in biological samples. Core-fucosylated peptides can be selectively labeled with a glycosylated probe, which is linked with a temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) polymer, by mutant endoglycosidase (EndoF3-D165A). The labeled probe can be further removed by wild-type endoglycosidase (EndoF3) in a traceless manner for mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. The feasibility and effectiveness of the "one-step" strategy are evaluated in bovine serum albumin (BSA) spiked with standard core-fucosylated peptides, H1299, and Jurkat cell lines. The "one-step" strategy is then employed to characterize core-fucosylated sites in human lung adenocarcinoma, resulting in the identification of 2494 core-fucosylated sites distributed on 1176 glycoproteins. Further data analysis reveals that 196 core-fucosylated sites are significantly upregulated in tumors, which may serve as potential drug development targets or diagnostic biomarkers. Together, this "one-step" strategy has great potential for use in global and in-depth analysis of the core-fucosylated glycoproteome to promote its mechanism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiu Wang
- Department
of Otolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rui Yuan
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Department
of Hematology, Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department
of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qin Wen
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yinping Tian
- Carbohydrate-Based
Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liuqing Wen
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Carbohydrate-Based
Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced
Study, University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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8
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FENG KUN, PENG HAO, LV QINGPENG, ZHANG YEWEI. PHLDA2 reshapes the immune microenvironment and induces drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1063-1078. [PMID: 38827322 PMCID: PMC11136693 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.047078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy known for its unfavorable prognosis. The dysregulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the sensitivity to immunotherapy or chemotherapy, leading to treatment failure. The elucidation of PHLDA2's involvement in HCC is imperative, and the clinical value of PHLDA2 is also underestimated. Here, bioinformatics analysis was performed in multiple cohorts to explore the phenotype and mechanism through which PHLDA2 may affect the progression of HCC. Then, the expression and function of PHLDA2 were examined via the qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and MTT assays. Our findings indicate a substantial upregulation of PHLDA2 in HCC, correlated with a poorer prognosis. The methylation levels of PHLDA2 were found to be lower in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. Besides, noteworthy associations were observed between PHLDA2 expression and immune infiltration in HCC. In addition, PHLDA2 upregulation is closely associated with stemness features and immunotherapy or chemotherapy resistance in HCC. In vitro experiments showed that sorafenib or cisplatin significantly up-regulated PHLDA2 mRNA levels, and PHLDA2 knockdown markedly decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to chemotherapy drugs. Meanwhile, we found that TGF-β induced the expression of PHLDA2 in vitro. The GSEA and in vitro experiment indicated that PHLDA2 may promote the HCC progression via activating the AKT signaling pathway. Our study revealed the novel role of PHLDA2 as an independent prognostic factor, which plays an essential role in TME remodeling and treatment resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- KUN FENG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - HAO PENG
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - QINGPENG LV
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - YEWEI ZHANG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
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Wang L, Li C, Zhan H, Li S, Zeng K, Xu C, Zou Y, Xie Y, Zhan Z, Yin S, Zeng Y, Chen X, Lv G, Han Z, Zhou D, Zhou D, Yang Y, Zhou A. Targeting the HSP47-collagen axis inhibits brain metastasis by reversing M2 microglial polarization and restoring anti-tumor immunity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101533. [PMID: 38744278 PMCID: PMC11149409 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101533] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastases (BrMs) are the leading cause of death in patients with solid cancers. BrMs exhibit a highly immunosuppressive milieu and poor response to immunotherapies; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Here, we show that upregulation of HSP47 in tumor cells drives metastatic colonization and outgrowth in the brain by creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment. HSP47-mediated collagen deposition in the metastatic niche promotes microglial polarization to the M2 phenotype via the α2β1 integrin/nuclear factor κB pathway, which upregulates the anti-inflammatory cytokines and represses CD8+ T cell anti-tumor responses. Depletion of microglia reverses HSP47-induced inactivation of CD8+ T cells and abolishes BrM. Col003, an inhibitor disrupting HSP47-collagen association restores an anti-tumor immunity and enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in BrM-bearing mice. Our study supports that HSP47 is a critical determinant of M2 microglial polarization and immunosuppression and that blocking the HSP47-collagen axis represents a promising therapeutic strategy against brain metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Cuiying Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongchao Zhan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shangbiao Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kunlin Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yulong Zou
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuxin Xie
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ziling Zhan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shengqi Yin
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guangzhao Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zelong Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dexiang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China.
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China.
| | - Aidong Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Zheng J, Wu YC, Cai X, Phan P, Er EE, Zhao Z, Lee SSY. Correlative multiscale 3D imaging of mouse primary and metastatic tumors by sequential light sheet and confocal fluorescence microscopy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594162. [PMID: 38798657 PMCID: PMC11118317 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) optical microscopy, combined with advanced tissue clearing, permits in situ interrogation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in large volumetric tumors for preclinical cancer research. Light sheet (also known as ultramicroscopy) and confocal fluorescence microscopy are often used to achieve macroscopic and microscopic 3D images of optically cleared tumor tissues, respectively. Although each technique offers distinct fields of view (FOVs) and spatial resolution, the combination of these two optical microscopy techniques to obtain correlative multiscale 3D images from the same tumor tissues has not yet been explored. To establish correlative multiscale 3D optical microscopy, we developed a method for optically marking defined regions of interest (ROIs) within a cleared mouse tumor by employing a UV light-activated visible dye and Z-axis position-selective UV irradiation in a light sheet microscope system. By integrating this method with subsequent tissue processing, including physical ROI marking, reversal of tissue clearing, tissue macrosectioning, and multiplex immunofluorescence, we established a workflow that enables the tracking and 3D imaging of ROIs within tumor tissues through sequential light sheet and confocal fluorescence microscopy. This approach allowed for quantitative 3D spatial analysis of the immune response in the TME of a mouse mammary tumor following cancer immunotherapy at multiple spatial scales. The workflow also facilitated the direct localization of a metastatic lesion within a whole mouse brain. These results demonstrate that our ROI tracking method and its associated workflow offer a novel approach for correlative multiscale 3D optical microscopy, with the potential to provide new insights into tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and response to therapy at various spatial levels.
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11
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Ranjbar S, Sadeghian P, Khademian S, Emami M, Jahromi ZP, Mirmajidi SH, Zare F, Negahdaripour M, Ghasemi Y, Khoshneviszadeh M. 5-Oxo-dihydropyranopyran derivatives as anti-proliferative agents; synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular docking, MD simulation, DFT, and in-silico pharmacokinetic studies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29850. [PMID: 38707385 PMCID: PMC11066326 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
A series of ethyl 2-amino-7-methyl-5-oxo-4-phenyl-4,5-dihydropyrano[4,3-b]pyran-3-carboxylate derivatives (4a-j) bearing different substitutions on the C4-phenyl ring was synthesized. The anti-proliferative activity of all the synthesized compounds was assessed against two human cancer-cell lines, including SW-480 and MCF-7, by using MTT method. Derivatives 4g, 4i, and 4j, possessing 4-NO2, 4-Cl, and 3,4,5-(OCH3)3 substitutions, were found to be the most potent compounds against both cell lines. The obtained IC50 values for 4g, 4i, and 4j were 34.6, 35.9, and 38.6 μM against SW-480 cells and 42.6, 34.2, and 26.6 μM against MCF-7 cells, respectively. Evaluation of the free radical scavenging potential of the compounds against DPPH radicals showed the highest result for compound 4j with an EC50 value of 580 μM. Molecular docking studies revealed the compounds were well accommodated within the binding site of cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2) with binding energies comparable to those of DTQ (the co-crystallized inhibitor) and BMS-265246 (a well-known CDK2 inhibitor). Molecular dynamics simulation studies confirmed the interactions and stability of the 4g-CDK2 complex. All derivatives, except 4g, were predicted to comply with the drug-likeness rules. Compound 4j may be proposed as an anti-cancer lead candidate for further studies due to the promising findings from in-silico pharmacokinetic studies, such as high GI absorption, not being a P-gp substrate, and being a P-gp inhibitor. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis was performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) level of theory to examine the reactivity or stability descriptors of 4d, 4g, 4i, and 4j derivatives. The highest value of energy gap between HOMO and LUMO and thermochemical parameters were obtained for 4i and 4j.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ranjbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Computational Vaccine and Drug Design Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Paria Sadeghian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Khademian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mina Emami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Pakrouh Jahromi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Habibeh Mirmajidi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fateme Zare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Computational Vaccine and Drug Design Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khoshneviszadeh
- Computational Vaccine and Drug Design Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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12
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Wu H, Yang Z, Chang C, Wang Z, Zhang D, Guo Q, Zhao B. A novel disulfide death-related genes prognostic signature identifies the role of IPO4 in glioma progression. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:168. [PMID: 38734657 PMCID: PMC11088110 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Disulfide death," a form of cellular demise, is triggered by the abnormal accumulation of intracellular disulfides under conditions of glucose deprivation. However, its role in the prognosis of glioma remains undetermined. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to establish prognostic signature based on disulfide death-related genes (DDRGs) and to provide new solutions in choosing the effective treatment of glioma. METHODS The RNA transcriptome, clinical information, and mutation data of glioma samples were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), while normal samples were obtained from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). DDRGs were compiled from previous studies and selected through differential analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis. The molecular subtypes were determined through consensus clustering analysis. Further, LASSO analysis was employed to select characteristic genes, and subsequently, a risk model comprising seven DDRGs was constructed based on multivariable Cox analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were employed to assess survival differences between high and low-risk groups. Additionally, functional analyses (GO, KEGG, GSEA) were conducted to explore the potential biological functions and signaling pathways of genes associated with the model. The study also explored immune checkpoint (ICP) genes, immune cell infiltration levels, and immune stromal scores. Finally, the effect of Importin-4(IPO4) on glioma has been further confirmed through RT-qPCR, Western blot, and cell functional experiments. RESULTS 7 genes associated with disulfide death were obtained and two subgroups of patients with different prognosis and clinical characteristics were identified. Risk signature was subsequently developed and proved to serve as an prognostic predictor. Notably, the high-risk group exhibited an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by a high concentration of M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs). In contrast, the low-risk group showed lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. Therefore, patients in the high-risk group may benefit more from immunotherapy, while patients in the low-risk group may benefit more from chemotherapy. In addition, in vitro experiments have shown that inhibition of the expression of IPO4 leads to a significant reduction in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. CONCLUSION This study identified two glioma subtypes and constructed a prognostic signature based on DDRGs. The signature has the potential to optimize the selection of patients for immune- and chemotherapy and provided a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaoYuan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China
| | - ZhiHao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China
| | - ChenXi Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China
| | - ZhiWei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China
| | - DeRan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China
| | - QingGuo Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China.
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13
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Di Marco T, Mazzoni M, Greco A, Cassinelli G. Non-oncogene dependencies: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116254. [PMID: 38704100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116254] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Targeting oncogene addictions have changed the history of subsets of malignancies and continues to represent an excellent therapeutic opportunity. Nonetheless, alternative strategies are required to treat malignancies driven by undruggable oncogenes or loss of tumor suppressor genes and to overcome drug resistance also occurring in cancers addicted to actionable drivers. The discovery of non-oncogene addiction (NOA) uncovered novel therapeutically exploitable "Achilles' heels". NOA refers to genes/pathways not oncogenic per sé but essential for the tumor cell growth/survival while dispensable for normal cells. The clinical success of several classes of conventional and molecular targeted agents can be ascribed to their impact on both tumor cell-associated intrinsic as well as microenvironment-related extrinsic NOA. The integration of genetic, computational and pharmacological high-throughput approaches led to the identification of an expanded repertoire of synthetic lethality interactions implicating NOA targets. Only a few of them have been translated into the clinics as most NOA vulnerabilities are not easily druggable or appealing targets. Nonetheless, their identification has provided in-depth knowledge of tumor pathobiology and suggested novel therapeutic opportunities. Here, we summarize conceptual framework of intrinsic and extrinsic NOA providing exploitable vulnerabilities. Conventional and emerging methodological approaches used to disclose NOA dependencies are reported together with their limits. We illustrate NOA paradigmatic and peculiar examples and outline the functional/mechanistic aspects, potential druggability and translational interest. Finally, we comment on difficulties in exploiting the NOA-generated knowledge to develop novel therapeutic approaches to be translated into the clinics and to fully harness the potential of clinically available drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Di Marco
- Integrated Biology of Rare Tumors Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Mazzoni
- Integrated Biology of Rare Tumors Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Greco
- Integrated Biology of Rare Tumors Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cassinelli
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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14
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Zheng R, Liu X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Guo S, Jin X, Zhang J, Guan Y, Liu Y. Frontiers and future of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: from molecular mechanisms to clinical application. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383978. [PMID: 38756774 PMCID: PMC11096556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignant tumor, that is becoming increasingly common in recent years. Despite advances in intensive treatment modalities including surgery, radiotherapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy, the overall survival rate has not significantly improved in patients with pancreatic cancer. This may be attributed to the insidious onset, unknown pathophysiology, and poor prognosis of the disease. It is therefore essential to identify and develop more effective and safer treatments for pancreatic cancer. Tumor immunotherapy is the new and fourth pillar of anti-tumor therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Significant progress has made in the use of immunotherapy for a wide variety of malignant tumors in recent years; a breakthrough has also been made in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This review describes the advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus, and matrix-depletion therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. At the same time, some new potential biomarkers and potential immunotherapy combinations for pancreatic cancer are discussed. The molecular mechanisms of various immunotherapies have also been elucidated, and their clinical applications have been highlighted. The current challenges associated with immunotherapy and proposed strategies that hold promise in overcoming these limitations have also been discussed, with the aim of offering new insights into immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongxian Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shutong Guo
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuehong Guan
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
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15
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Vessella T, Xiang S, Xiao C, Stilwell M, Fok J, Shohet J, Rozen E, Zhou HS, Wen Q. DDR2 signaling and mechanosensing orchestrate neuroblastoma cell fate through different transcriptome mechanisms. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:867-882. [PMID: 38538106 PMCID: PMC11073507 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13798] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates carcinogenesis by interacting with cancer cells via cell surface receptors. Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) is a collagen-activated receptor implicated in cell survival, growth, and differentiation. Dysregulated DDR2 expression has been identified in various cancer types, making it as a promising therapeutic target. Additionally, cancer cells exhibit mechanosensing abilities, detecting changes in ECM stiffness, which is particularly important for carcinogenesis given the observed ECM stiffening in numerous cancer types. Despite these, whether collagen-activated DDR2 signaling and ECM stiffness-induced mechanosensing exert similar effects on cancer cell behavior and whether they operate through analogous mechanisms remain elusive. To address these questions, we performed bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells cultured on collagen-coated substrates. Our results show that DDR2 downregulation induces significant changes in the cell transcriptome, with changes in expression of 15% of the genome, specifically affecting the genes associated with cell division and differentiation. We validated the RNA-seq results by showing that DDR2 knockdown redirects the cell fate from proliferation to senescence. Like DDR2 knockdown, increasing substrate stiffness diminishes cell proliferation. Surprisingly, RNA-seq indicates that substrate stiffness has no detectable effect on the transcriptome. Furthermore, DDR2 knockdown influences cellular responses to substrate stiffness changes, highlighting a crosstalk between these two ECM-induced signaling pathways. Based on our results, we propose that the ECM could activate DDR2 signaling and mechanosensing in cancer cells to orchestrate their cell fate through distinct mechanisms, with or without involving gene expression, thus providing novel mechanistic insights into cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theadora Vessella
- Department of Chemical EngineeringWorcester Polytechnic InstituteMAUSA
| | | | - Cong Xiao
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Black Family Stem Cell InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Madelyn Stilwell
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWichita State UniversityKSUSA
| | - Jaidyn Fok
- Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Jason Shohet
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Esteban Rozen
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
- Crnic Institute Boulder Branch, BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderCOUSA
| | - H. Susan Zhou
- Department of Chemical EngineeringWorcester Polytechnic InstituteMAUSA
| | - Qi Wen
- Department of PhysicsWorcester Polytechnic InstituteMAUSA
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16
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Mai Z, Lin Y, Lin P, Zhao X, Cui L. Modulating extracellular matrix stiffness: a strategic approach to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:307. [PMID: 38693104 PMCID: PMC11063215 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06697-4] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and the tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review comprehensively discusses the key factors regulating ECM remodeling, including the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the accumulation and crosslinking of ECM proteins. Furthermore, it provides a detailed exploration of how ECM stiffness influences the behaviors of both tumor and immune cells. Significantly, the impact of ECM stiffness on the response to various immunotherapy strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and therapeutic cancer vaccines, is thoroughly examined. The review also addresses the challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice, highlighting the need for more precise biomaterials that accurately mimic the ECM and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The insights offered aim to guide future research, with the potential to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Mai
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunfan Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Pei Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Yang D, Dang S, Wang Z, Xie M, Li X, Ding X. Vessel co-option: a unique vascular-immune niche in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1386772. [PMID: 38737903 PMCID: PMC11082301 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1386772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor vasculature is pivotal in regulating tumor perfusion, immune cell infiltration, metastasis, and invasion. The vascular status of the tumor is intricately linked to its immune landscape and response to immunotherapy. Vessel co-option means that tumor tissue adeptly exploits pre-existing blood vessels in the para-carcinoma region to foster its growth rather than inducing angiogenesis. It emerges as a significant mechanism contributing to anti-angiogenic therapy resistance. Different from angiogenic tumors, vessel co-option presents a distinctive vascular-immune niche characterized by varying states and distribution of immune cells, including T-cells, tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, and hepatic stellate cells. This unique composition contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that is crucial in modulating the response to cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we systematically reviewed the evidence and molecular mechanisms of vessel co-option in liver cancer, while also exploring its implications for anti-angiogenic drug resistance and the immune microenvironment, to provide new ideas and clues for screening patients with liver cancer who are effective in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiangming Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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18
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Zhang Y, Hu Q, Pei Y, Luo H, Wang Z, Xu X, Zhang Q, Dai J, Wang Q, Fan Z, Fang Y, Ye M, Li B, Chen M, Xue Q, Zheng Q, Zhang S, Huang M, Zhang T, Gu J, Xiong Z. A patient-specific lung cancer assembloid model with heterogeneous tumor microenvironments. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3382. [PMID: 38643164 PMCID: PMC11032376 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47737-z] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer models play critical roles in basic cancer research and precision medicine. However, current in vitro cancer models are limited by their inability to mimic the three-dimensional architecture and heterogeneous tumor microenvironments (TME) of in vivo tumors. Here, we develop an innovative patient-specific lung cancer assembloid (LCA) model by using droplet microfluidic technology based on a microinjection strategy. This method enables precise manipulation of clinical microsamples and rapid generation of LCAs with good intra-batch consistency in size and cell composition by evenly encapsulating patient tumor-derived TME cells and lung cancer organoids inside microgels. LCAs recapitulate the inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, TME cellular diversity, and genomic and transcriptomic landscape of their parental tumors. LCA model could reconstruct the functional heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and reflect the influence of TME on drug responses compared to cancer organoids. Notably, LCAs accurately replicate the clinical outcomes of patients, suggesting the potential of the LCA model to predict personalized treatments. Collectively, our studies provide a valuable method for precisely fabricating cancer assembloids and a promising LCA model for cancer research and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qifan Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuquan Pei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xinxin Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Jianli Dai
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Zilian Fan
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongcong Fang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Min Ye
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Binhan Li
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mailin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Qi Xue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Qingfeng Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shulin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jin Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Zhuo Xiong
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China.
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19
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Gou Z, Li J, Liu J, Yang N. The hidden messengers: cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNAs as key regulators of cancer malignancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378302. [PMID: 38694824 PMCID: PMC11061421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a class of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a key role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. CAFs mediate their activities by secreting soluble chemicals, releasing exosomes, and altering the extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contain various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. microRNA (miRNA), a 22-26 nucleotide non-coding RNA, can regulate the cellular transcription processes. Studies have shown that miRNA-loaded exosomes secreted by CAFs engage in various regulatory communication networks with other TME constituents. This study focused on the roles of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs in generating cancer malignant characteristics, including immune modulation, tumor growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and treatment resistance. This study thoroughly examines miRNA's dual regulatory roles in promoting and suppressing cancer. Thus, changes in the CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, and their specificity can be used to develop newer therapies. This review also discusses the pressing problems that require immediate attention, aiming to inspire researchers to explore more novel avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Gou
- Bethune First Clinical School of Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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20
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Theivendran S, Xian H, Qu J, Song Y, Sun B, Song H, Yu C. A Pioglitazone Nanoformulation Designed for Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Reprogramming and Cancer Treatment. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:4354-4361. [PMID: 38563599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The recent focus of cancer therapeutics research revolves around modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance efficacy. The tumor stroma, primarily composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), poses significant obstacles to therapeutic penetration, influencing resistance and tumor progression. Reprogramming CAFs into an inactivated state has emerged as a promising strategy, necessitating innovative approaches. This study pioneers the design of a nanoformulation using pioglitazone, a Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-diabetic drug, to reprogram CAFs in the breast cancer TME. Glutathione (GSH)-responsive dendritic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles loaded with pioglitazone (DMON-P) are designed for the delivery of cargo to the GSH-rich cytosol of CAFs. DMON-P facilitates pioglitazone-mediated CAF reprogramming, enhancing the penetration of doxorubicin (Dox), a therapeutic drug. Treatment with DMON-P results in the downregulation of CAF biomarkers and inhibits tumor growth through the effective delivery of Dox. This innovative approach holds promise as an alternative strategy for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in CAF-abundant tumors, particularly in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shevanuja Theivendran
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - He Xian
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Jingjing Qu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Yaping Song
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Bing Sun
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Hao Song
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Chengzhong Yu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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21
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El-Tanani M, Rabbani SA, Babiker R, Rangraze I, Kapre S, Palakurthi SS, Alnuqaydan AM, Aljabali AA, Rizzo M, El-Tanani Y, Tambuwala MM. Unraveling the tumor microenvironment: Insights into cancer metastasis and therapeutic strategies. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216894. [PMID: 38626856 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer metastasis and therapeutic response, offering fresh insights into the intricate interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding milieu. The TME, a dynamic ecosystem comprising diverse cellular and acellular elements, not only fosters tumor progression but also profoundly affects the efficacy of conventional and emerging cancer therapies. Through nuanced exploration, this review illuminates the multifaceted nature of the TME, elucidating its capacity to engender drug resistance via mechanisms such as hypoxia, immune evasion, and the establishment of physical barriers to drug delivery. Moreover, it investigates innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at targeting the TME, including stromal reprogramming, immune microenvironment modulation, extracellular matrix (ECM)-targeting agents, and personalized medicine strategies, highlighting their potential to augment treatment outcomes. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates the challenges posed by the complexity and heterogeneity of the TME, which contribute to variable therapeutic responses and potentially unintended consequences. This underscores the need to identify robust biomarkers and advance predictive models to anticipate treatment outcomes, as well as advocate for combination therapies that address multiple facets of the TME. Finally, the review emphasizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to unravel the intricacies of the TME, thereby facilitating the development of more effective, adaptable, and personalized cancer treatments. By providing critical insights into the current state of TME research and its implications for the future of oncology, this review highlights the dynamic and evolving landscape of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Tanani
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Syed Arman Rabbani
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rasha Babiker
- Physiology Department, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras-al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Imran Rangraze
- Internal Medicine Department, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras-al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumedha Kapre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Sushesh Srivastsa Palakurthi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Abdullah M Alnuqaydan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alaa A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, Jordan
| | - Manfredi Rizzo
- (D)epartment of Health Promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Yahia El-Tanani
- Medical School, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
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22
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Lv D, Fei Y, Chen H, Wang J, Han W, Cui B, Feng Y, Zhang P, Chen J. Crosstalk between T lymphocyte and extracellular matrix in tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340702. [PMID: 38690275 PMCID: PMC11058664 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex three-dimensional structure composed of proteins, glycans, and proteoglycans, constituting a critical component of the tumor microenvironment. Complex interactions among immune cells, extracellular matrix, and tumor cells promote tumor development and metastasis, consequently influencing therapeutic efficacy. Hence, elucidating these interaction mechanisms is pivotal for precision cancer therapy. T lymphocytes are an important component of the immune system, exerting direct anti-tumor effects by attacking tumor cells or releasing lymphokines to enhance immune effects. The ECM significantly influences T cells function and infiltration within the tumor microenvironment, thereby impacting the behavior and biological characteristics of tumor cells. T cells are involved in regulating the synthesis, degradation, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix through the secretion of cytokines and enzymes. As a result, it affects the proliferation and invasive ability of tumor cells as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying T lymphocyte-ECM interactions in the tumor immune microenvironment and their potential application in immunotherapy. It provides novel insights for the development of innovative tumor therapeutic strategies and drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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23
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Qiu H, Fu Y, Guo Z, Zhang X, Wang X, Wu H. Dysregulated microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs associated with extracellular matrix stiffness. Exp Cell Res 2024; 437:114014. [PMID: 38547959 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114014] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness regulates development and homeostasis in vivo and affects both physiological and pathological processes. A variety of studies have demonstrated that mRNAs, such as Piezo1, integrin β1, and Yes-associated protein (YAP)/tafazzin (TAZ), can sense the mechanical signals induced by ECM stiffness and transmit them from the extracellular space into the cytoplasm. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have been reported to play important roles in various cellular processes. Therefore, the interactions between ncRNAs and ECM stiffness, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, have become intriguing. In this review, we summarize recent findings on miRNAs and lncRNAs that interact with ECM stiffness. Several miRNAs and lncRNAs are involved in the progression of liver cancer, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, and cardiovascular diseases under the regulation of ECM stiffness. Through these ncRNAs, cellular behaviors including cell differentiation, proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are affected by ECM stiffness. We also integrate the ncRNA signaling pathways associated with ECM stiffness, in which typical signaling pathways like integrin β1/TGFβ1, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and EMT are involved. Although our understanding of the relationships between ncRNAs and ECM stiffness is still limited, further investigations may provide new insights for disease treatment. ECM-associated ncRNAs may serve as disease biomarkers or be targeted by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Qiu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu, 200093, Shanghai, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Fu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhinan Guo
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China; School of Sports and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Yangpu, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinjia Zhang
- School of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinyue Wang
- School of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hailong Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pudong, 201318, Shanghai, China.
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24
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Connaughton M, Dabagh M. Modeling Physical Forces Experienced by Cancer and Stromal Cells Within Different Organ-Specific Tumor Tissue. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2024; 12:413-434. [PMID: 38765886 PMCID: PMC11100865 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2024.3388561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical force exerted on cancer cells by their microenvironment have been reported to drive cells toward invasive phenotypes by altering cells' motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. These mechanical forces include compressive, tensile, hydrostatic, and shear forces. The importance of forces is then hypothesized to be an alteration of cancer cells' and their microenvironment's biophysical properties as the indicator of a tumor's malignancy state. Our objective is to investigate and quantify the correlation between a tumor's malignancy state and forces experienced by the cancer cells and components of the microenvironment. In this study, we have developed a multicomponent, three-dimensional model of tumor tissue consisting of a cancer cell surrounded by fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM). Our results on three different organs including breast, kidney, and pancreas show that: A) the stresses within tumor tissue are impacted by the organ specific ECM's biophysical properties, B) more invasive cancer cells experience higher stresses, C) in pancreas which has a softer ECM (Young modulus of 1.0 kPa) and stiffer cancer cells (Young modulus of 2.4 kPa and 1.7 kPa) than breast and kidney, cancer cells experienced significantly higher stresses, D) cancer cells in contact with ECM experienced higher stresses compared to cells surrounded by fibroblasts but the area of tumor stroma experiencing high stresses has a maximum length of 40 μm when the cancer cell is surrounded by fibroblasts and 12 μm for when the cancer cell is in vicinity of ECM. This study serves as an important first step in understanding of how the stresses experienced by cancer cells, fibroblasts, and ECM are associated with malignancy states of cancer cells in different organs. The quantification of forces exerted on cancer cells by different organ-specific ECM and at different stages of malignancy will help, first to develop theranostic strategies, second to predict accurately which tumors will become highly malignant, and third to establish accurate criteria controlling the progression of cancer cells malignancy. Furthermore, our in silico model of tumor tissue can yield critical, useful information for guiding ex vivo or in vitro experiments, narrowing down variables to be investigated, understanding what factors could be impacting cancer treatments or even biomarkers to be looking for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Connaughton
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
| | - Mahsa Dabagh
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukeeWI53211USA
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25
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Ma X, Xu L, Gong S, Wu N, Guo J, Feng X, Zhao M, Qiu S, Sun M, Zhang C, Zhang X, Ren Z, Zhang P. hsa_circ_0007919 promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis by modulating Sp1-mediated THBS1 transcription. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23591. [PMID: 38572579 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302422rr] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
CircRNAs are abnormally expressed in various cancers and play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancers. However, their biological functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms in pancreatic cancer (PC) metastasis are incompletely understood. Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by second-generation transcriptome sequencing in three pairs of PC tissues and adjacent tissues. The expression and prognostic significance of hsa_circ_0007919 were evaluated by qRT-PCR and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were conducted to detect the role of hsa_circ_0007919 in PC metastasis in vitro. A lung metastasis model and IHC experiments were conducted to confirm the effects of hsa_circ_0007919 on tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the interplay among hsa_circ_0007919, Sp1, and the THBS1 promoter. hsa_circ_0007919 was significantly upregulated in PC tissues and cells and was correlated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and poor prognosis. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0007919 significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of PC cells in vitro and inhibited tumor metastasis in vivo. However, overexpression of hsa_circ_0007919 exerted the opposite effects. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0007919 could recruit the transcription factor Sp1 to inhibit THBS1 transcription, thereby facilitating PC metastasis. hsa_circ_0007919 can promote the metastasis of PC by inhibiting THBS1 expression. hsa_circ_0007919 may be a potential therapeutic target in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Shuai Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Nai Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Sancheng Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ming Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiuzhong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zeqiang Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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26
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Coker ZN, Troyanova-Wood M, Steelman ZA, Ibey BL, Bixler JN, Scully MO, Yakovlev VV. Brillouin microscopy monitors rapid responses in subcellular compartments. PHOTONIX 2024; 5:9. [PMID: 38618142 PMCID: PMC11006764 DOI: 10.1186/s43074-024-00123-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Measurements and imaging of the mechanical response of biological cells are critical for understanding the mechanisms of many diseases, and for fundamental studies of energy, signal and force transduction. The recent emergence of Brillouin microscopy as a powerful non-contact, label-free way to non-invasively and non-destructively assess local viscoelastic properties provides an opportunity to expand the scope of biomechanical research to the sub-cellular level. Brillouin spectroscopy has recently been validated through static measurements of cell viscoelastic properties, however, fast (sub-second) measurements of sub-cellular cytomechanical changes have yet to be reported. In this report, we utilize a custom multimodal spectroscopy system to monitor for the very first time the rapid viscoelastic response of cells and subcellular structures to a short-duration electrical impulse. The cytomechanical response of three subcellular structures - cytoplasm, nucleoplasm, and nucleoli - were monitored, showing distinct mechanical changes despite an identical stimulus. Through this pioneering transformative study, we demonstrate the capability of Brillouin spectroscopy to measure rapid, real-time biomechanical changes within distinct subcellular compartments. Our results support the promising future of Brillouin spectroscopy within the broad scope of cellular biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary N. Coker
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas A&M University, 4242 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 USA
- SAIC, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 USA
| | | | - Zachary A. Steelman
- Air Force Research Laboratory, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 USA
| | - Bennett L. Ibey
- Air Force Research Laboratory, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 USA
| | - Joel N. Bixler
- Air Force Research Laboratory, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 USA
| | - Marlan O. Scully
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas A&M University, 4242 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 USA
- Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Vladislav V. Yakovlev
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas A&M University, 4242 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 USA
- Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3120 TAMU, 101 Bizzell Street, College Station, TX 77843 USA
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27
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Onyeisi JOS, Nader HB, Lopes CC. Effects of syndecan-4 silencing on the extracellular matrix remodeling in anoikis-resistant endothelial cells. Cell Biol Int 2024. [PMID: 38591778 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Anoikis is a process of programmed cell death induced by the loss of cell/matrix interactions. In previous work, we have shown that the acquisition of anoikis resistance upregulates syndecan-4 (SDC4) expression in endothelial cells. In addition, SDC4 gene silencing by microRNA interference reverses the transformed phenotype of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells. Due to this role of SDC4 in regulating the behavior of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells, we have evaluated that the functional consequences of SDC4 silencing in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in anoikis-resistant rabbit aortic endothelial cells submitted to SDC4 gene silencing (miR-Syn4-Adh-1-EC). For this, we evaluated the expression of adhesive proteins, ECM receptors, nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, and ECM-degrading enzymes and their inhibitors. Altered cell behavior was monitored by adhesion, migration, and tube formation assays. We found that SDC4 silencing led to a decrease in migration and angiogenic capacity of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells; this was accompanied by an increase in adhesion to fibronectin. Furthermore, after SDC4 silencing, we observed an increase in the expression of fibronectin, collagen IV, and vitronectin, and a decrease in the expression of integrin α5β1 and αvβ3, besides that, silenced cells show an increase in Src and FAK expression. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis demonstrated that SDC4 silencing leads to altered gene and protein expression of MMP2, MMP9, and HSPE. Compared with parental cells, SDC4 silenced cells showed a decrease in nitric oxide production and eNOS expression. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that SDC4 plays an important role in ECM remodeling. In addition, our findings represent an important step toward understanding the mechanism by which SDC4 can reverse the transformed phenotype of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Oyie Sousa Onyeisi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Disciplina de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Bonciani Nader
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Disciplina de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Cristina Lopes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Disciplina de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Liu JF, Zou B, Xiang C, Yan HC. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis unveils THEMIS2 as a carcinogenic indicator related to immune infiltration and prognosis of thyroid cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8156. [PMID: 38589421 PMCID: PMC11001958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58943-6] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers associated with the initiation and prognosis of thyroid cancer and elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. We obtained expression profiles and clinical information from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-THCA and three datasets (GSE53157, GSE82208, and GSE76039). The three microarray datasets were combined using Perl and the sva package in R and termed 'merged dataset'. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified 15 gene co-expression modules in the merged dataset and 235 hub genes. Venn diagram analysis revealed 232 overlapping genes between the merged and THCA datasets. Overlapping genes were subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression identified THEMIS2 as a candidate hub gene. Cox, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) confirmed the correlation of THEMIS2 with overall survival, its enrichment in immunologic processes, and its association with the p53 and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Its expression was positively correlated with those of immune checkpoints and the infiltration level of immune cells. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis confirmed that THEMIS2, a diagnostic biomarker, could distinguish between tumor and normal specimens. The nomogram (ROC or DCA) model containing THEMIS2, age, and stage predicted favourable prognoses. Thus, THEMIS2 was a biomarker of immune infiltration and prognosis in thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Liu
- Head and Neck Breast Department, Xinxiang Central Hospital, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China
| | - Bing Zou
- Breast and Nail Surgery, Feicheng City People's Hospital, Feicheng, 271600, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hai-Chao Yan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
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29
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y. Transcriptional regulation of cancer stem cell: regulatory factors elucidation and cancer treatment strategies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:99. [PMID: 38561775 PMCID: PMC10986082 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first discovered in the 1990s, revealing the mysteries of cancer origin, migration, recurrence and drug-resistance from a new perspective. The expression of pluripotent genes and complex signal regulatory networks are significant features of CSC, also act as core factors to affect the characteristics of CSC. Transcription is a necessary link to regulate the phenotype and potential of CSC, involving chromatin environment, nucleosome occupancy, histone modification, transcription factor (TF) availability and cis-regulatory elements, which suffer from ambient pressure. Especially, the expression and activity of pluripotent TFs are deeply affected by both internal and external factors, which is the foundation of CSC transcriptional regulation in the current research framework. Growing evidence indicates that regulating epigenetic modifications to alter cancer stemness is effective, and some special promoters and enhancers can serve as targets to influence the properties of CSC. Clarifying the factors that regulate CSC transcription will assist us directly target key stem genes and TFs, or hinder CSC transcription through environmental and other related factors, in order to achieve the goal of inhibiting CSC and tumors. This paper comprehensively reviews the traditional aspects of transcriptional regulation, and explores the progress and insights of the impact on CSC transcription and status through tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, metabolism and new meaningful regulatory factors in conjunction with the latest research. Finally, we present opinions on omnidirectional targeting CSCs transcription to eliminate CSCs and address tumor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Jouybar M, de Winde CM, Wolf K, Friedl P, Mebius RE, den Toonder JMJ. Cancer-on-chip models for metastasis: importance of the tumor microenvironment. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:431-448. [PMID: 37914546 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-on-chip (CoC) models, based on microfluidic chips harboring chambers for 3D tumor-cell culture, enable us to create a controlled tumor microenvironment (TME). CoC models are therefore increasingly used to systematically study effects of the TME on the various steps in cancer metastasis. Moreover, CoC models have great potential for developing novel cancer therapies and for predicting patient-specific response to cancer treatments. We review recent developments in CoC models, focusing on three main TME components: (i) the anisotropic extracellular matrix (ECM) architectures, (ii) the vasculature, and (iii) the immune system. We aim to provide guidance to biologists to choose the best CoC approach for addressing questions about the role of the TME in metastasis, and to inspire engineers to develop novel CoC technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jouybar
- Microsystems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M de Winde
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Microsystems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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31
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Shen B, Mei J, Xu R, Cai Y, Wan M, Zhou J, Ding J, Zhu Y. B7-H3 is associated with the armored-cold phenotype and predicts poor immune checkpoint blockade response in melanoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155267. [PMID: 38520953 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most suitable tumor type for immunotherapy, but not all melanoma patients could respond to immunotherapy. B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3) belongs to the B7 family and is overexpressed in a number of malignant tumors, but the expression pattern of B7-H3 in melanoma has not been well summarized. The expression of B7-H3 was investigated in melanoma and its correlations with features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) by using various public databases, including the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the GEPIA, and the Human Protein Atlas databases. In addition, the in-house melanoma tissue microarray was applied to validate the results from public databases. Based on the public and in-house cohorts, we found that B7-H3 was overexpressed in melanoma tumor tissues and high B7-H3 expression was related to poor clinical outcome. Moreover, B7-H3 was negatively correlated with levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and positively correlated with collagen infiltration. With clinical translational value, the predictive value of B7-H3 for conventional immunotherapy was detected using the Kaplan-Meier plotter tool, and the results showed that melanoma patients with high B7-H3 expression were insensitive to anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy. In conclusion, we first investigate the expression of B7-H3 in melanoma and its correlations with the TME features, and indicate B7-H3 as a promising therapeutic target in melanoma patients that are insensitive to conventional immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozhi Shen
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Mei
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Rui Xu
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yun Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changzhou Jintan First People's Hospital, Changzhou 213200, China
| | - Mengyun Wan
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Junli Ding
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China.
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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32
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Menshikh K, Banicevic I, Obradovic B, Rimondini L. Biomechanical Aspects in Bone Tumor Engineering. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2024; 30:217-229. [PMID: 37830183 PMCID: PMC11001506 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2023.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
In the past decades, anticancer drug development brought the field of tumor engineering to a new level by the need of robust test systems. Simulating tumor microenvironment in vitro remains a challenge, and osteosarcoma-the most common primary bone cancer-is no exception. The growing evidence points to the inevitable connection between biomechanical stimuli and tumor chemosensitivity and aggressiveness, thus making this component of the microenvironment a mandatory requirement to the developed models. In this review, we addressed the question: is the "in vivo - in vitro" gap in osteosarcoma engineering bridged from the perspective of biomechanical stimuli? The most notable biomechanical cues in the tumor cell microenvironment are observed and compared in the contexts of in vivo conditions and engineered three-dimensional in vitro models. Impact statement The importance of biomechanical stimuli in three-dimensional in vitro models for drug testing is becoming more pronounced nowadays. This review might assist in understanding the key players of the biophysical environment of primary bone cancer and the current state of bone tumor engineering from this perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Menshikh
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ivana Banicevic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Obradovic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lia Rimondini
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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33
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Bello IO. From complexity to clarity: unravelling tumor heterogeneity through the lens of tumor microenvironment for innovative cancer therapy. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:299-323. [PMID: 38189822 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02258-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous clinical successes recorded in the landscape of cancer therapy, tumor heterogeneity remains a formidable challenge to successful cancer treatment. In recent years, the emergence of high-throughput technologies has advanced our understanding of the variables influencing tumor heterogeneity beyond intrinsic tumor characteristics. Emerging knowledge shows that drivers of tumor heterogeneity are not only intrinsic to cancer cells but can also emanate from their microenvironment, which significantly favors tumor progression and impairs therapeutic response. Although much has been explored to understand the fundamentals of the influence of innate tumor factors on cancer diversity, the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are often undervalued. It is therefore imperative that a clear understanding of the interactions between the TME and other tumor intrinsic factors underlying the plastic molecular behaviors of cancers be identified to develop patient-specific treatment strategies. This review highlights the roles of the TME as an emerging factor in tumor heterogeneity. More particularly, we discuss the role of the TME in the context of tumor heterogeneity and explore the cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that could be used to resolve this recurring clinical conundrum. We conclude by speculating on exciting research questions that can advance our understanding of tumor heterogeneity with the goal of developing customized therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Ibrahim O Bello
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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34
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Tian Y, Cheng T, Sun F, Zhou Y, Yuan C, Guo Z, Wang Z. Effect of biophysical properties of tumor extracellular matrix on intratumoral fate of nanoparticles: Implications on the design of nanomedicine. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 326:103124. [PMID: 38461766 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103124] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Nanomedicine has a profound impact on various research domains including drug delivery, diagnostics, theranostics, and regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of nanomedicines for solid cancer remains limited due to the abundant physiological and pathological barriers in tumor that hinder the intratumoral penetration and distribution of these nanomedicines. In this article, we review the dynamic remodeling of tumor extracellular matrix during the tumor progression, discuss the impact of biophysical obstacles within tumors on the penetration and distribution of nanomedicines within the solid tumor and collect innovative approaches to surmount these obstacles for improving the penetration and accumulation of nanomedicines in tumor. Furthermore, we dissect the challenges and opportunities of the respective approaches, and propose potential avenues for future investigations. The purpose of this review is to provide a perspective guideline on how to effectively enhance the penetration of nanomedicines within tumors using promising methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachao Tian
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Guoru Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Xiangfang District, Harbin City 150030, China; School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, Shandong 250353, China
| | - Tianfu Cheng
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Fuwei Sun
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Yaxin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chao Yuan
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, Shandong 250353, China
| | - Zengwang Guo
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China.
| | - Zhongjiang Wang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China.
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35
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Souza VGP, Telkar N, Lam WL, Reis PP. Comprehensive Analysis of Lung Adenocarcinoma and Brain Metastasis through Integrated Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3779. [PMID: 38612588 PMCID: PMC11012108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly prevalent and lethal form of lung cancer, comprising approximately half of all cases. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages with brain metastasis (BM), resulting in high mortality rates. Current BM management involves complex interventions and conventional therapies that offer limited survival benefits with neurotoxic side effects. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex system where cancer cells interact with various elements, significantly influencing tumor behavior. Immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, target the TME for cancer treatment. Despite their effectiveness, it is crucial to understand metastatic lung cancer and the specific characteristics of the TME, including cell-cell communication mechanisms, to refine treatments. Herein, we investigated the tumor microenvironment of brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD-BM) and primary tumors across various stages (I, II, III, and IV) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) from publicly available datasets. Our analysis included exploring the immune and non-immune cell composition and the expression profiles and functions of cell type-specific genes, and investigating the interactions between different cells within the TME. Our results showed that T cells constitute the majority of immune cells present in primary tumors, whereas microglia represent the most dominant immune cell type in BM. Interestingly, microglia exhibit a significant increase in the COX pathway. Moreover, we have shown that microglia primarily interact with oligodendrocytes and endothelial cells. One significant interaction was identified between DLL4 and NOTCH4, which demonstrated a relevant association between endothelial cells and microglia and between microglia and oligodendrocytes. Finally, we observed that several genes within the HLA complex are suppressed in BM tissue. Our study reveals the complex molecular and cellular dynamics of BM-LUAD, providing a path for improved patient outcomes with personalized treatments and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa G. P. Souza
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Nikita Telkar
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Wan L. Lam
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Patricia P. Reis
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
- Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
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36
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Gao F, You X, Yang L, Zou X, Sui B. Boosting immune responses in lung tumor immune microenvironment: A comprehensive review of strategies and adjuvants. Int Rev Immunol 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38525925 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2333275] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The immune system has a substantial impact on the growth and expansion of lung malignancies. Immune cells are encompassed by a stroma comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) and different cells like stromal cells, which are known as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TME is marked by the presence of immunosuppressive factors, which inhibit the function of immune cells and expand tumor growth. In recent years, numerous strategies and adjuvants have been developed to extend immune responses in the TIME, to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we outline the present knowledge of immune evasion mechanisms in lung TIME, explain the biology of immune cells and diverse effectors on these components, and discuss various approaches for overcoming suppressive barriers. We highlight the potential of novel adjuvants, including toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines, phytochemicals, nanocarriers, and oncolytic viruses, for enhancing immune responses in the TME. Ultimately, we provide a summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating these strategies and adjuvants in lung cancer patients. This review also provides a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in boosting immune responses in the TIME and highlights the potential of these approaches for improving outcomes in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing You
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Da Qing Long Nan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiangni Zou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bowen Sui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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37
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Zhu C, Wang W, Wang Y, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Li J. Targeted Extracellular Protein Degradation by Dendronized DNA Chimeras. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:654-659. [PMID: 38331720 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular soluble proteins are key agents in the development of various diseases. However, strategies to remove therapeutically relevant extracellular targets are still scarce. Here, we establish dendronized DNA chimera (DENTAC) as an efficient approach for targeted degradation of the extracellular protein of interest (ePOI). DENTAC consists of a DNA dendron against cell-surface scavenger receptors (SRs), a protein ligand, and a connecting linker, which harnesses SRs as a lysosome-trafficking receptor to mediate the lysosomal degradation of the ePOI. We interrogate and optimize structure-activity relationships of DENTAC. Using neutravidin as a model ePOI, we show that both branch number and DNA length in the DNA dendron are important determinants for efficient lysosomal delivery and degradation of the protein. We demonstrate three branches and 10 nucleotide-length polythymidine as the optimal DNA dendron components to construct DENTAC. We further exemplify the anticancer application of DENTAC by targeting matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), where we find linker property as another factor important for DENTAC performance. We reveal that MMP-9-targeting DENTAC effectively restrain cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This study thus provides a potent strategy to delete extracellular proteins that are commonly difficult to target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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38
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Liu Q, Wang J, Sun H, Zhang Z, Wang H, Ma S, Zhang C, Wang Q, Cai G, Zheng J, Nie Y, Liu P, Wang J. Targeting RORγ inhibits the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Ther 2024; 32:749-765. [PMID: 38310356 PMCID: PMC10928303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.032] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 80%-90% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) occur in a premalignant environment of fibrosis and abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM), highlighting an essential role of ECM in the tumorigenesis and progress of HCC. However, the determinants of ECM in HCC are poorly defined. Here, we show that nuclear receptor RORγ is highly expressed and amplified in HCC tumors. RORγ functions as an essential activator of the matrisome program via directly driving the expression of major ECM genes in HCC cells. Elevated RORγ increases fibronectin-1 deposition, cell-matrix adhesion, and collagen production, creating a favorable microenvironment to boost liver cancer metastasis. Moreover, RORγ antagonists effectively inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in multiple HCC xenografts and immune-intact models, and they effectively sensitize HCC tumors to sorafenib therapy in mice. Notably, elevated RORγ expression is associated with ECM remodeling and metastasis in patients with HCC. Taken together, we identify RORγ as a key player of ECM remodeling in HCC and as an attractive therapeutic target for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Junhua Wang
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Huizi Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Guodi Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jianwei Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China.
| | - Peiqing Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.
| | - Junjian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.
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39
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Zhang S, Jia X, Dai H, Zhu X, Song W, Bian S, Wu H, Chen S, Tang Y, Chen J, Jin C, Zhou M, Xie H, Zheng S, Song P. SERPINE2 promotes liver cancer metastasis by inhibiting c-Cbl-mediated EGFR ubiquitination and degradation. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:384-407. [PMID: 38407942 PMCID: PMC10958675 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12527] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. Serpin family E member 2 (SERPINE2) has been reported to play a key role in the metastasis of many tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA), including DNA methylation and transcriptome sequencing data, was utilized to identify the crucial oncogene associated with DNA methylation and cancer progression in liver cancer. Data from the TCGA and RNA sequencing for 94 pairs of liver cancer tissues were used to explore the correlation between SERPINE2 expression and clinical parameters of patients. DNA methylation sequencing was used to detect the DNA methylation levels in liver cancer tissues and cells. RNA sequencing, cytokine assays, immunoprecipitation (IP) and mass spectrometry (MS) assays, protein stability assays, and ubiquitination assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis. Patient-derived xenografts and tumor organoid models were established to determine the role of SERPINE2 in the treatment of liver cancer using sorafenib. RESULTS Based on the public database screening, SERPINE2 was identified as a tumor promoter regulated by DNA methylation. SERPINE2 expression was significantly higher in liver cancer tissues and was associated with the dismal prognosis in patients with liver cancer. SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by enhancing cell pseudopodia formation, cell adhesion, cancer-associated fibroblast activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. IP/MS assays confirmed that SERPINE2 activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signaling pathways by interacting with EGFR. Mechanistically, SERPINE2 inhibited EGFR ubiquitination and maintained its protein stability by competing with the E3 ubiquitin ligase, c-Cbl. Additionally, EGFR was activated in liver cancer cells after sorafenib treatment, and SERPINE2 knockdown-induced EGFR downregulation significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer. Furthermore, we found that SERPINE2 knockdown also had a sensitizing effect on lenvatinib treatment. CONCLUSIONS SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by preventing EGFR degradation via c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination, suggesting that inhibition of the SERPINE2-EGFR axis may be a potential target for liver cancer treatment.
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Luo X, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhou X, Shao Z, Liu K, Shang Z. Melatonin inhibits the stemness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by modulating HA synthesis via the FOSL1/HAS3 axis. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12940. [PMID: 38402581 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan and the main component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which has been reported to interact with its receptor CD44 to play critical roles in the self-renewal and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) of multiple malignancies. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone with pleiotropic antitumor properties. However, whether melatonin could regulate HA accumulation in the ECM to modulate the stemness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown. In this study, we found that melatonin suppressed CSC-related markers, such as CD44, of HNSCC cells and decreased the tumor-initiating frequency of CSCs in vivo. In addition, melatonin modulated HA synthesis of HNSCC cells by downregulating the expression of hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3). Further study showed that the Fos-like 1 (FOSL1)/HAS3 axis mediated the inhibitory effects of melatonin on HA accumulation and stemness of HNSCC in a receptor-independent manner. Taken together, melatonin modulated HA synthesis through the FOSL1/HAS3 axis to inhibit the stemness of HNSCC cells, which elucidates the effect of melatonin on the ECM and provides a novel perspective on melatonin in HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaocheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengjun Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Shu J, Deng H, Zhang Y, Wu F, He J. Cancer cell response to extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical cue: opportunities for tumor apoptosis strategies. Regen Biomater 2024; 11:rbae016. [PMID: 38476678 PMCID: PMC10932484 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing studies have revealed the importance of mechanical cues in tumor progression, invasiveness and drug resistance. During malignant transformation, changes manifest in either the mechanical properties of the tissue or the cellular ability to sense and respond to mechanical signals. The major focus of the review is the subtle correlation between mechanical cues and apoptosis in tumor cells from a mechanobiology perspective. To begin, we focus on the intracellular force, examining the mechanical properties of the cell interior, and outlining the role that the cytoskeleton and intracellular organelle-mediated intracellular forces play in tumor cell apoptosis. This article also elucidates the mechanisms by which extracellular forces guide tumor cell mechanosensing, ultimately triggering the activation of the mechanotransduction pathway and impacting tumor cell apoptosis. Finally, a comprehensive examination of the present status of the design and development of anti-cancer materials targeting mechanotransduction is presented, emphasizing the underlying design principles. Furthermore, the article underscores the need to address several unresolved inquiries to enhance our comprehension of cancer therapeutics that target mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, PR China
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
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Chu Y, Yuan Q, Jiang H, Wu L, Xie Y, Zhang X, Li L. A comprehensive review of the anticancer effects of decursin. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1303412. [PMID: 38444945 PMCID: PMC10912667 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1303412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a globally complex disease with a plethora of genetic, physiological, metabolic, and environmental variations. With the increasing resistance to current anticancer drugs, efforts have been made to develop effective cancer treatments. Currently, natural products are considered promising cancer therapeutic agents due to their potent anticancer activity and low intrinsic toxicity. Decursin, a coumarin analog mainly derived from the roots of the medicinal plant Angelica sinensis, has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and especially anticancer activities. Existing studies indicate that decursin affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, and metastasis. It also indirectly affects the immune microenvironment and can act as a potential anticancer agent. Decursin can exert synergistic antitumor effects when used in combination with a number of common clinical anticancer drugs, enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity and reversing drug resistance in cancer cells, suggesting that decursin is a good drug combination. Second, decursin is also a promising lead compound, and compounds modifying its structure and formulation form also have good anticancer effects. In addition, decursin is not only a key ingredient in several natural herbs and dietary supplements but is also available through a biosynthetic pathway, with anticancer properties and a high degree of safety in cells, animals, and humans. Thus, it is evident that decursin is a promising natural compound, and its great potential for cancer prevention and treatment needs to be studied and explored in greater depth to support its move from the laboratory to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Chu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qiang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Hangyu Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yutao Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Nanchong Key Laboratory of Individualized Drug Therapy, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaofen Zhang
- Nanchong Key Laboratory of Individualized Drug Therapy, Nanchong, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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He R, Huang S, Lu J, Su L, Gao X, Chi H. Unveiling the immune symphony: decoding colorectal cancer metastasis through immune interactions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362709. [PMID: 38415252 PMCID: PMC10897008 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), known for its high metastatic potential, remains a leading cause of cancer-related death. This review emphasizes the critical role of immune responses in CRC metastasis, focusing on the interaction between immune cells and tumor microenvironment. We explore how immune cells, through cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, contribute to the CRC metastasis cascade, underlining the tumor microenvironment's role in shaping immune responses. The review addresses CRC's immune evasion tactics, especially the upregulation of checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1 and CTLA-4, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. We also examine advanced immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and immune cell transplantation, to modify immune responses and enhance treatment outcomes in CRC metastasis. Overall, our analysis offers insights into the interplay between immune molecules and the tumor environment, crucial for developing new treatments to control CRC metastasis and improve patient prognosis, with a specific focus on overcoming immune evasion, a key aspect of this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru He
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shangke Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiaan Lu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinrui Gao
- Department of Oncology, Yongchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Abdallah R, Shaito AA, Badran A, Baydoun S, Sobeh M, Ouchari W, Sahri N, Eid AH, Mesmar JE, Baydoun E. Fractionation and phytochemical composition of an ethanolic extract of Ziziphus nummularia leaves: antioxidant and anticancerous properties in human triple negative breast cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1331843. [PMID: 38405665 PMCID: PMC10885810 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1331843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural products have long been utilized in traditional medicine as remedies to improve health and treat illnesses, and have had a key role in modern drug discovery. Recently, there has been a revived interest in the search for bioactives from natural sources as alternative or complementary modalities to synthetic medicines; especially for cancer treatment, which incidence and mortality rates are on the rise worldwide. Ziziphus nummularia has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Its traditional uses and numerous ethnopharmacological properties may be attributed to its richness in bioactive metabolites. However, its phytochemical composition or chemopreventive effects against the aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are still poorly explored. Here, phytochemical composition of an ethanolic extract of Z. nummularia leaves (ZNE) and its chromatographically isolated fractions was identified both qualitatively by spectrophotometric assays and analytically by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. The anti-proliferative effects of ZNE were tested in several cancer cell lines, but we focused on its anti-TNBC effects since they were not explored yet. The anti-cancerous potential of ZNE and its fractions was tested in vitro in MDA-MB-231, a TNBC cell line. Results showed that ZNE and its Fraction 6 (F6) reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. F6 decreased MDA-MB-231 viability more than crude ZNE or its other fractions. ZNE and F6 are rich in phytochemicals and HPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis identified several metabolites that were previously reported to have anti-cancerous effects. Both ZNE and F6 showed potent antioxidant capacity in the DPPH assay, but promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in MDA-MB-231 cells; an effect which was blunted by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). NAC also blunted ZNE- and F6-induced reduction in TNBC cell viability. We also demonstrated that ZNE and F6 induced an arrest of the cell cycle, and triggered apoptosis- and autophagy-mediated cell death. ZNE and F6 inhibited metastasis-related cellular processes by modifying cell migration, invasion, and adhesion. Taken together, our findings reveal that Z. nummularia is rich in phytochemicals that can attenuate the malignant phenotype of TNBC and may offer innovative avenues for the discovery of new drug leads for treatment of TNBC and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola Abdallah
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdullah A. Shaito
- Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences at College of Health Sciences, and College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Badran
- Department of Nutrition, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Serine Baydoun
- Breast Imaging Section, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Mansour Sobeh
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wafae Ouchari
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nihad Sahri
- Agrobiosciences Program, College for Agriculture and Environmental Science, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Elias Baydoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Jiang J, Wang Y, Sun M, Luo X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Li S, Hu D, Zhang J, Wu Z, Chen X, Zhang B, Xu X, Wang S, Xu S, Huang W, Xia L. SOX on tumors, a comfort or a constraint? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:67. [PMID: 38331879 PMCID: PMC10853543 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) family, composed of 20 transcription factors, is a conserved family with a highly homologous HMG domain. Due to their crucial role in determining cell fate, the dysregulation of SOX family members is closely associated with tumorigenesis, including tumor invasion, metastasis, proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness and drug resistance. Despite considerable research to investigate the mechanisms and functions of the SOX family, confusion remains regarding aspects such as the role of the SOX family in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and contradictory impacts the SOX family exerts on tumors. This review summarizes the physiological function of the SOX family and their multiple roles in tumors, with a focus on the relationship between the SOX family and TIME, aiming to propose their potential role in cancer and promising methods for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zerui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dian Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiaqian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhangfan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake university school of medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Čunderlíková B, Klučková K, Babál P, Mlkvý P, Teplický T. Modifications of DAMPs levels in extracellular environment induced by aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy of esophageal cancer cells. Int J Radiat Biol 2024; 100:802-816. [PMID: 38319688 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2024.2310002] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunogenic cell death plays an important role in anticancer treatment because it combines cell death with appearance of damage associated molecular patterns that have the potential to activate anticancer immunity. Effects of damage associated molecular patterns induced by aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy were studied mainly on dendritic cells. They have not been deeply studied on macrophages that constitute the essential component of the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study was to analyze features of esophageal cancer cell death in relation to release capacity of damage associated molecular pattern species, and to test the effect of related extracellular environmental alterations on macrophages. MATERIAL AND METHODS Esophageal Kyse 450 carcinoma cells were subjected to aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy at different concentrations of aminolevulinic acid. Resting, IFN/LPS and IL-4 macrophage subtypes were prepared from monocytic THP-1 cell line. Cell death features and macrophage modifications were analyzed by fluorescence-based live cell imaging. ATP and HMGB1 levels in cell culture media were determined by ELISA assays. The presence of lipid peroxidation products in culture media was assessed by spectrophotometric detection of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. RESULTS Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy induced various death pathways in Kyse 450 cells that included features of apoptosis, necrosis and ferroptosis. ATP amounts in extracellular environment of treated Kyse 450 cells increased with increasing aminolevulinic acid concentration. Levels of HMGB1, detectable by ELISA assay in culture media, were decreased after the treatment. Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy induced lipid peroxidation of cellular structures and increased levels of extracellular lipid peroxidation products. Incubation of resting and IL-4 macrophages in conditioned medium from Kyse 450 cells treated by aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy induced morphological changes in macrophages, however, comparable alterations were induced also by conditioned medium from untreated cancer cells. CONCLUSION Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy leads to alterations in local extracellular levels of damage associated molecular patterns, however, comprehensive studies are needed to find whether they can be responsible for macrophage phenotype modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Čunderlíková
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- International Laser Centre, Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Pavel Babál
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Mlkvý
- International Laser Centre, Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, Bratislava, Slovakia
- St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tibor Teplický
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Xu C, Xiao X, Hu W, Zhu L, Kou H, Zhang J, Wei B, Wang H. Ultrahigh pressure field: A friendly pathway for regulating the cellular adhesion and migration capacity of collagen. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:127864. [PMID: 37939762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127864] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Customized control of the biological response between the material matrix and cells is a crucial aspect in the development of the next generation of collagen materials. This study aims to investigate the effects of ultrahigh pressure treatment on the interaction between collagen and cells by subjecting bovine tendon collagen to different intensities of ultrahigh pressure field. The results indicate that ultrahigh pressure treatment alters the spatial folding of collagen, causing distortion of its triple helical conformation and exposing more free amino groups and hydrophobic regions. As a result, collagen's cell adhesion capability and ability to promote cell migration are significantly enhanced. Optimal cell adhesion and migration capabilities are observed in collagen samples treated at 500 MPa for 15 min. However, further increasing the intensity of the ultrahigh pressure treatment leads to severe damage to the triple-helical structure of collagen, along with re-aggregation of free amino groups and hydrophobic moieties, thereby reducing collagen's cell adhesion capability and ability to promote cell migration. Therefore, ultrahigh pressure treatment offers a promising method to effectively regulate collagen-cell adhesion and promote cell migration without the need for external components. This provides a potential means for the customized enhancement of collagen-based material interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Xu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lian Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huizhi Kou
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juntao Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Benmei Wei
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, Hubei, China.
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48
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Zhang C, Wang Y, Zhen Z, Li J, Su J, Wu C. mTORC1 Mediates Biphasic Mechano-Response to Orchestrate Adhesion-Dependent Cell Growth and Anoikis Resistance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307206. [PMID: 38041494 PMCID: PMC10853740 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Cells constantly sense and respond to not only biochemical but also biomechanical changes in their microenvironment, demanding for dynamic metabolic adaptation. ECM stiffening is a hallmark of cancer aggressiveness, while survival under substrate detachment also associates with poor prognosis. Mechanisms underlying this, non-linear mechano-response of tumor cells may reveal potential double-hit targets for cancers. Here, an integrin-GSK3β-FTO-mTOR axis is reported, that can integrate stiffness sensing to ensure both the growth advantage endowed by rigid substrate and cell death resistance under matrix detachment. It is demonstrated that substrate stiffening can activate mTORC1 and elevate mTOR level through integrins and GSK3β-FTO mediated mRNA m6 A modification, promoting anabolic metabolism. Inhibition of this axis upon ECM detachment enhances autophagy, which in turn conveys resilience of tumor cells to anoikis, as it is demonstrated in human breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and mice malignant ascites. Collectively, these results highlight the biphasic mechano-regulation of cellular metabolism, with implications in tumor growth under stiffened conditions such as fibrosis, as well as in anoikis-resistance during cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Zhang
- Institute of Systems BiomedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
- International Cancer InstituteBeijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems BiologyPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Institute of Systems BiomedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
- International Cancer InstituteBeijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems BiologyPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
| | - Zifeng Zhen
- Institute of Systems BiomedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
- International Cancer InstituteBeijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems BiologyPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Institute of Systems BiomedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
- International Cancer InstituteBeijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems BiologyPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
| | - Jing Su
- Pathology DepartmentPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
| | - Congying Wu
- Institute of Systems BiomedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
- International Cancer InstituteBeijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems BiologyPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
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49
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Li Y, Jin G, Liu N, Guo H, Xu F. The post-chemotherapy changes of tumor physical microenvironment: Targeting extracellular matrix to address chemoresistance. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216583. [PMID: 38072368 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The tumor physical microenvironment (TPME) contributes to cancer chemoresistance in both mechanical and mechanobiological approaches. Along with chemotherapy, the tumor microenvironment undergoes dramatic changes, most of which can regulate TPME through extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and related signaling pathways. However, there is still no discussion about the post-chemotherapy TPME changes mediated by ECM remodeling, and consequent impact on chemoresistance. Herein, we summarize the TPME alterations induced by chemotherapy and corresponding influence on chemotherapy response of cancer cells in context of ECM. The response of cancer cell to chemotherapy, imposed by post-chemotherapy ECM, are discussed in both mechanical (ECM physical features) and mechanobiological (ECM-responsive signaling pathways) manner. In the end, we present ECM remodeling and related signaling pathways as two promising clinic strategies to relieve or overcome chemoresistance induced by TPME change, and summarize the corresponding therapeutic agents currently being tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Guorui Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affifiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, 570311, PR China.
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, PR China.
| | - Feng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China.
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50
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Riaz F, Zhang J, Pan F. Forces at play: exploring factors affecting the cancer metastasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1274474. [PMID: 38361941 PMCID: PMC10867181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1274474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic disease, a leading and lethal indication of deaths associated with tumors, results from the dissemination of metastatic tumor cells from the site of primary origin to a distant organ. Dispersion of metastatic cells during the development of tumors at distant organs leads to failure to comply with conventional treatments, ultimately instigating abrupt tissue homeostasis and organ failure. Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial factor in cancer progression and the process of metastatic tumor development at secondary sites. TME comprises several factors contributing to the initiation and progression of the metastatic cascade. Among these, various cell types in TME, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T cells, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are significant players participating in cancer metastasis. Besides, various other factors, such as extracellular matrix (ECM), gut microbiota, circadian rhythm, and hypoxia, also shape the TME and impact the metastatic cascade. A thorough understanding of the functions of TME components in tumor progression and metastasis is necessary to discover new therapeutic strategies targeting the metastatic tumor cells and TME. Therefore, we reviewed these pivotal TME components and highlighted the background knowledge on how these cell types and disrupted components of TME influence the metastatic cascade and establish the premetastatic niche. This review will help researchers identify these altered components' molecular patterns and design an optimized, targeted therapy to treat solid tumors and restrict metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Riaz
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
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