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Zheng W, Guo Y, Kahar A, Bai J, Zhu Q, Huang X, Li Y, Xu B, Jia X, Wu G, Zhang C, Zhu Y. RUNX1-induced upregulation of PTGS2 enhances cell growth, migration and invasion in colorectal cancer cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11670. [PMID: 38778047 PMCID: PMC11111780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60296-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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises via the progressive accumulation of dysregulation in key genes including oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2, also called COX2) acts as an oncogenic driver in CRC. Here, we explored the upstream transcription factors (TFs) responsible for elevating PTGS2 expression in CRC cells. The results showed that PTGS2 silencing repressed cell growth, migration and invasion in HCT116 and SW480 CRC cells. The two fragments (499-981 bp) and (1053-1434 bp) were confirmed as the core TF binding profiles of the PTGS2 promoter. PTGS2 expression positively correlated with RUNX1 level in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) samples using the TCGA-COAD dataset. Furthermore, RUNX1 acted as a positive regulator of PTGS2 expression by promoting transcriptional activation of the PTGS2 promoter via the 1086-1096 bp binding motif. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that PTGS2 upregulation induced by the TF RUNX1 promotes CRC cell growth, migration and invasion, providing an increased rationale for the use of PTGS2 inhibitors in CRC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
- Hepatobiliary Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Red Star Hospital of the 13th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Hami, 839000, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, China
- The Affiliated People's Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China
| | - Yingchang Guo
- Department of Interventional Therapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China
| | - Aihemaiti Kahar
- Hepatobiliary Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Red Star Hospital of the 13th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Hami, 839000, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, China
| | - Junwei Bai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Qinhui Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Shangcai People's Hospital, Zhumadian, 463800, Henan, China
| | - Xinli Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Suiping People's Hospital, Zhumadian, 463100, Henan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Bingyi Xu
- Weihui People's Hospital, Weihui, 453100, Henan, China
| | - Xueshan Jia
- Development Department, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
| | - Yuanzeng Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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2
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Tang M, Zhang S, Yang M, Feng R, Lin J, Chen X, Xu Y, Yu R, Liao X, Li Z, Li X, Li M, Zhang Q, Chen S, Qian W, Liu Y, Song L, Li J. Infiltrative Vessel Co-optive Growth Pattern Induced by IQGAP3 Overexpression Promotes Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2206-2224. [PMID: 38470497 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a major unfavorable prognostic factor for intrahepatic metastasis and postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the intervention and preoperative prediction for MVI remain clinical challenges due to the absent precise mechanism and molecular marker(s). Herein, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying vascular invasion that can be applied to clinical intervention for MVI in HCC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The histopathologic characteristics of clinical MVI+/HCC specimens were analyzed using multiplex immunofluorescence staining. The liver orthotopic xenograft mouse model and mechanistic experiments on human patient-derived HCC cell lines, including coculture modeling, RNA-sequencing, and proteomic analysis, were used to investigate MVI-related genes and mechanisms. RESULTS IQGAP3 overexpression was correlated significantly with MVI status and reduced survival in HCC. Upregulation of IQGAP3 promoted MVI+-HCC cells to adopt an infiltrative vessel co-optive growth pattern and accessed blood capillaries by inducing detachment of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) from the endothelium. Mechanically, IQGAP3 overexpression contributed to HCC vascular invasion via a dual mechanism, in which IQGAP3 induced HSC activation and disruption of the HSC-endothelial interaction via upregulation of multiple cytokines and enhanced the trans-endothelial migration of MVI+-HCC cells by remodeling the cytoskeleton by sustaining GTPase Rac1 activity. Importantly, systemic delivery of IQGAP3-targeting small-interfering RNA nanoparticles disrupted the infiltrative vessel co-optive growth pattern and reduced the MVI of HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed a plausible mechanism underlying IQGAP3-mediated microvascular invasion in HCC, and provided a potential target to develop therapeutic strategies to treat HCC with MVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoling Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meisongzhu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongni Feng
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinbin Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingru Xu
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruyuan Yu
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziwen Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xincheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiliang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suwen Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Qian
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanji Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Libing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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3
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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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Zhang R, Yao Y, Gao H, Hu X. Mechanisms of angiogenesis in tumour. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1359069. [PMID: 38590656 PMCID: PMC10999665 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1359069] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Antiangiogenic factor-targeting drugs have been approved as first line agents in a variety of oncology treatments. Clinical drugs frequently target the VEGF signalling pathway during sprouting angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumours can evade antiangiogenic therapy through other angiogenesis mechanisms in addition to the vascular sprouting mechanism involving endothelial cells. These mechanisms include (1) sprouting angiogenesis, (2) vasculogenic mimicry, (3) vessel intussusception, (4) vascular co-option, (5) cancer stem cell-derived angiogenesis, and (6) bone marrow-derived angiogenesis. Other non-sprouting angiogenic mechanisms are not entirely dependent on the VEGF signalling pathway. In clinical practice, the conversion of vascular mechanisms is closely related to the enhancement of tumour drug resistance, which often leads to clinical treatment failure. This article summarizes recent studies on six processes of tumour angiogenesis and provides suggestions for developing more effective techniques to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Hu
- China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Gadewal N, Natu A, Sen S, Rauniyar S, Bastikar V, Gupta S. Integrative epigenome-transcriptome analysis unravels cancer-specific over-expressed genes potentially regulating immune microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130596. [PMID: 38471632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130596] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is the frequently diagnosed histological life-threatening tumor subtype in the urinary system. Integrating multi-omics data is emerging as a tool to provide a comprehensive view of biology and disease for better therapeutic interventions. METHOD We have integrated freely available ccRCC data sets of genome-wide DNA methylome, transcriptome, and active histone modification marks, H3K27ac, H3K4me1, and H3K4me3 specific ChIP-seq data to screen genes with higher expression. Further, these genes were filtered based on their effect on survival upon alteration in expression. RESULTS The six multi-omics-based identified genes, RUNX1, MSC, ADA, TREML1, TGFA, and VWF, showed higher expression with enrichment of active histone marks and hypomethylated CpG in ccRCC. In continuation, the identified genes were validated by an independent dataset and showed a correlation with nodal and metastatic status. Furthermore, gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed that immune-related pathways are activated in ccRCC patients. CONCLUSIONS The network analysis of six overexpressed genes suggests their potential role in an immunosuppressive environment, leading to tumor progression and poor prognosis. Our study shows that the multi-omics approach helps unravel complex biology for patient subtyping and proposes combination strategies with epi-drugs for more precise immunotherapy in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Gadewal
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Facility, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Center for Computational Biology & Translational Research, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai - Pune Expressway, Bhatan, Post - Somathne, Panvel, Mumbai, 410206, MH, India
| | - Abhiram Natu
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, MH, India
| | - Siddhartha Sen
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Facility, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India
| | - Sukanya Rauniyar
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, MH, India
| | - Virupaksha Bastikar
- Center for Computational Biology & Translational Research, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai - Pune Expressway, Bhatan, Post - Somathne, Panvel, Mumbai, 410206, MH, India
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, MH, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, MH, India.
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6
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Chen X, Wang L, Yang M, Zhao W, Tu J, Liu B, Yuan X. RUNX transcription factors: biological functions and implications in cancer. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:50. [PMID: 38430423 PMCID: PMC10908630 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01281-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factors (RUNX) are a family of transcription factors that are essential for normal and malignant hematopoietic processes. Their most widely recognized role in malignancy is to promote the occurrence and development of acute myeloid leukemia. However, it is worth noting that during the last decade, studies of RUNX proteins in solid tumors have made considerable progress, suggesting that these proteins are directly involved in different stages of tumor development, including tumor initiation, progression, and invasion. RUNX proteins also play a role in tumor angiogenesis, the maintenance of tumor cell stemness, and resistance to antitumor drugs. These findings have led to the consideration of RUNX as a tumor biomarker. All RUNX proteins are involved in the occurrence and development of solid tumors, but the role of each RUNX protein in different tumors and the major signaling pathways involved are complicated by tumor heterogeneity and the interacting tumor microenvironment. Understanding how the dysregulation of RUNX in tumors affects normal biological processes is important to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which RUNX affects malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jie Fang Road 1095, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jie Fang Road 1095, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jie Fang Road 1095, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Weiheng Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jie Fang Road 1095, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jingyao Tu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jie Fang Road 1095, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jie Fang Road 1095, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Xianglin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jie Fang Road 1095, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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7
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Wang S, Riedstra CP, Zhang Y, Anandh S, Dudley AC. PTEN-restoration abrogates brain colonisation and perivascular niche invasion by melanoma cells. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:555-567. [PMID: 38148377 PMCID: PMC10876963 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02530-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) continue to be a significant clinical problem with limited treatment options. Highly invasive melanoma cells migrate along the vasculature and perivascular cells may contribute to residual disease and recurrence. PTEN loss and hyperactivation of AKT occur in MBM; however, a role for PTEN/AKT in perivascular invasion has not been described. METHODS We used in vivo intracranial injections of murine melanoma and bulk RNA sequencing of melanoma cells co-cultured with brain endothelial cells (brECs) to investigate brain colonisation and perivascular invasion. RESULTS We found that PTEN-null melanoma cells were highly efficient at colonising the perivascular niche relative to PTEN-expressing counterparts. PTEN re-expression (PTEN-RE) in melanoma cells significantly reduced brain colonisation and migration along the vasculature. We hypothesised this phenotype was mediated through vascular-induced TGFβ secretion, which drives AKT phosphorylation. Disabling TGFβ signalling in melanoma cells reduced colonisation and perivascular invasion; however, the introduction of constitutively active myristolated-AKT (myrAKT) restored overall tumour size but not perivascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS PTEN loss facilitates perivascular brain colonisation and invasion of melanoma. TGFβ-AKT signalling partially contributes to this phenotype, but further studies are needed to determine the complementary mechanisms that enable melanoma cells to both survive and spread along the brain vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Caroline P Riedstra
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Swetha Anandh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- The University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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8
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Marani M, Madan V, Le TK, Deng J, Lee KK, Ma EZ, Kwatra SG. Dysregulation of the Skin-Liver Axis in Prurigo Nodularis: An Integrated Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Population-Based Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:146. [PMID: 38397136 PMCID: PMC10887737 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020146] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pruritus has long been linked to hepatic dysfunction; however, there are limited data characterizing the association between liver disease and prurigo nodularis (PN), a chronic inflammatory skin disease featuring severe pruritis. We thus conducted a cross-sectional analysis of hepatic comorbidities in PN patients using TriNetX, a large global health research network. This analysis revealed that PN patients had a higher risk (p < 0.001) of developing liver cirrhosis, acute and subacute hepatic failure, inflammatory liver disease, chronic hepatitis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, portal hypertension, fatty liver, chronic passive congestion of the liver, and hepatocellular carcinoma compared with healthy controls. The cumulative incidence of liver disease was about three times higher in PN patients compared with healthy controls. These findings provided the basis for translational studies to investigate a genetic mechanism for this association. Cutaneous transcriptomic analysis performed on PN patients revealed the dysregulation of genes related to hepatic failure in lesional PN compared with both nonlesional PN and control skin. Similarly, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) revealed a significantly increased (p < 0.05) activation of liver metabolism, chronic hepatic failure, acute hepatic failure, cholestatic liver disease, polycystic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma pathways in lesional PN compared with control skin. A subsequent genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified shared single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes AR, EDIL3, MACROD2, PCSK5, RUNX1T1, TENM4, and ZEB2 between PN and liver disease from the FinnGen cohort. Significant dysregulation of the skin-liver axis in PN patients may explain the increased incidence and severity of hepatic comorbidities and help identify future therapeutic targets for PN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shawn G. Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Carrera-Aguado I, Marcos-Zazo L, Carrancio-Salán P, Guerra-Paes E, Sánchez-Juanes F, Muñoz-Félix JM. The Inhibition of Vessel Co-Option as an Emerging Strategy for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:921. [PMID: 38255995 PMCID: PMC10815934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020921] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic mechanism of vascularization that has been associated to anti-angiogenic therapy. In VCO, cancer cells hijack the pre-existing blood vessels and use them to obtain oxygen and nutrients and invade adjacent tissue. Multiple primary tumors and metastases undergo VCO in highly vascularized tissues such as the lungs, liver or brain. VCO has been associated with a worse prognosis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that undergo VCO are poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that co-opted vessels show a quiescent phenotype in contrast to angiogenic tumor blood vessels. On the other hand, it is believed that during VCO, cancer cells are adhered to basement membrane from pre-existing blood vessels by using integrins, show enhanced motility and a mesenchymal phenotype. Other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as extracellular matrix, immune cells or extracellular vesicles play important roles in vessel co-option maintenance. There are no strategies to inhibit VCO, and thus, to eliminate resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes all the molecular mechanisms involved in vessel co-option analyzing the possible therapeutic strategies to inhibit this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Carrera-Aguado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Marcos-Zazo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Carrancio-Salán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Guerra-Paes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Juanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M. Muñoz-Félix
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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10
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Ou R, Lin C, Chen Y. CST2 is activated by RUNX1 and promotes pancreatic cancer progression by activating PI3K/AKT pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 747:109760. [PMID: 37722526 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109760] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cystatin 2 (CST2) is a protein coding gene that belongs to a large superfamily of cysteine protease inhibitors. The deregulation of CST2 has been implicated in human cancers. The role of CST2 in pancreatic carcinogenesis has not yet been investigated. In this study, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was performed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset containing pancreatic tumor samples and normal tissues. The functional role of CST2 in pancreatic cells was investigated by gene knockdown in vitro and in mouse xenograft tumor model. We found that CST2 was overexpressed in pancreatic tumor samples and cell lines. The knockdown of CST2 led to reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion, while apoptotic events were increased upon CST2 silencing in pancreatic cancer cells. In the xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cells, CST2 knockdown also retarded tumor growth on tumor growth. RUNX1 was identified as a transcription factor which positively regulated the expression of CST2. Further, we showed that, CST2 knockdown suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling in pancreatic cells. Overall, our findings suggest that CST2 serves as an oncogene which facilitates the progression of pancreatic cancer. RUNX1 functions to upregulate CST2 in pancreatic cancer cells and CST2 may promote the malignancy of pancreatic cells by maintaining the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongwen Ou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China; Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China; National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Chengjie Lin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China; Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China; National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Youting Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China; Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China; National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China.
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11
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Wen Q, Huang M, Xie J, Liu R, Miao Q, Huang J, Zhang J, Lyu W, Qi M, Wu C, Qi Q, Zhang Z, Deng R, Wang C, Chen ZS, Zhang D, Ye W, Chen M. lncRNA SYTL5-OT4 promotes vessel co-option by inhibiting the autophagic degradation of ASCT2. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 69:100975. [PMID: 37207473 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Vessel co-option is responsible for tumor resistance to antiangiogenic therapies (AATs) in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). However, the mechanisms underlying vessel co-option remain largely unknown. Herein, we investigated the roles of a novel lncRNA SYTL5-OT4 and Alanine-Serine-Cysteine Transporter 2 (ASCT2) in vessel co-option-mediated AAT resistance. METHODS SYTL5-OT4 was identified by RNA-sequencing and verified by RT-qPCR and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization assays. The effects of SYTL5-OT4 and ASCT2 on tumor cells were investigated by gain- and loss-of-function experiments, and those of SYTL5-OT4 on ASCT2 expression were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The roles of SYTL5-OT4 and ASCT2 in vessel co-option were detected by histological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence analyses. RESULTS The expression of SYTL5-OT4 and ASCT2 was higher in patients with AAT-resistant CRCLM. SYTL5-OT4 enhanced the expression of ASCT2 by inhibiting its autophagic degradation. SYTL5-OT4 and ASCT2 promoted vessel co-option by increasing the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells. Combination therapy of ASCT2 inhibitor and antiangiogenic agents overcame vessel co-option-mediated AAT resistance in CRCLM. CONCLUSION This study highlights the crucial roles of lncRNA and glutamine metabolism in vessel co-option and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with AAT-resistant CRCLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Maohua Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jingwen Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Runyu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qun Miao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jinjun Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Junqiu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wenyu Lyu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ming Qi
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chunyi Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qi Qi
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhijing Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Rong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chenran Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Wencai Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Minfeng Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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12
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Fleischer JR, Schmitt AM, Haas G, Xu X, Zeisberg EM, Bohnenberger H, Küffer S, Teuwen LA, Karras PJ, Beißbarth T, Bleckmann A, Planque M, Fendt SM, Vermeulen P, Ghadimi M, Kalucka J, De Oliveira T, Conradi LC. Molecular differences of angiogenic versus vessel co-opting colorectal cancer liver metastases at single-cell resolution. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:17. [PMID: 36691028 PMCID: PMC9872436 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) are associated with a poor prognosis, reflected by a five-year survival rate of 14%. Anti-angiogenic therapy through anti-VEGF antibody administration is one of the limited therapies available. However, only a subgroup of metastases uses sprouting angiogenesis to secure their nutrients and oxygen supply, while others rely on vessel co-option (VCO). The distinct mode of vascularization is reflected by specific histopathological growth patterns (HGPs), which have proven prognostic and predictive significance. Nevertheless, their molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. METHODS We evaluated CRCLM from 225 patients regarding their HGP and clinical data. Moreover, we performed spatial (21,804 spots) and single-cell (22,419 cells) RNA sequencing analyses to explore molecular differences in detail, further validated in vitro through immunohistochemical analysis and patient-derived organoid cultures. RESULTS We detected specific metabolic alterations and a signature of WNT signalling activation in metastatic cancer cells related to the VCO phenotype. Importantly, in the corresponding healthy liver of CRCLM displaying sprouting angiogenesis, we identified a predominantly expressed capillary subtype of endothelial cells, which could be further explored as a possible predictor for HGP relying on sprouting angiogenesis. CONCLUSION These findings may prove to be novel therapeutic targets to the treatment of CRCLM, in special the ones relying on VCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Robert Fleischer
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Maria Schmitt
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gwendolyn Haas
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Xingbo Xu
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Maria Zeisberg
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hanibal Bohnenberger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Küffer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laure-Anne Teuwen
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Philipp Johannes Karras
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of General- and Visceral Surgery, Raphaelsklinik Münster, Loerstraße 23, 48143, Münster, Germany
| | - Tim Beißbarth
- Department of Medical Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Goldschmidtstraße 1, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annalen Bleckmann
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Mélanie Planque
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Vermeulen
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Sint-Augustinus, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joanna Kalucka
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tiago De Oliveira
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena-Christin Conradi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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13
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Zaharia C, Veen T, Lea D, Kanani A, Alexeeva M, Søreide K. Histopathological Growth Pattern in Colorectal Liver Metastasis and The Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010181. [PMID: 36612177 PMCID: PMC9818232 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost half of all patients with colorectal cancer present with or eventually develop metastasis, most frequently in the liver. Understanding the histopathological growth patterns and tumor immune microenvironment of colorectal liver metastases may help determine treatment strategies and assess prognosis. A literature search was conducted to gather information on cancer biology, histopathological growth patterns, and the tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal liver metastases, including their mechanisms and their impact on clinical outcomes. A first consensus on histopathological growth patterns emerged in 2017, identifying five growth patterns. Later studies found benefits from a two-tier system, desmoplastic and non-desmoplastic, incorporated into the updated 2022 consensus. Furthermore, the tumor immune microenvironment shows additional characteristic features with relevance to cancer biology. This includes density of T-cells (CD8+), expression of claudin-2, presence of vessel co-option versus angiogenesis, as well as several other factors. The relation between histopathological growth patterns and the tumor immune microenvironment delineates distinct subtypes of cancer biology. The distinct subtypes are found to correlate with risk of metastasis or relapse, and hence to clinical outcome and long-term survival in each patient. In order to optimize personalized and precision therapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases, further investigation into the mechanisms of cancer biology and their translational aspects to novel treatment targets is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zaharia
- Department of Pathology, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Group, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Torhild Veen
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Group, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Dordi Lea
- Department of Pathology, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Group, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Arezo Kanani
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Group, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Marina Alexeeva
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Group, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kjetil Søreide
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Group, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, N-7804 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence:
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14
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Relationship between Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Colorectal Liver Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416197. [PMID: 36555840 PMCID: PMC9783529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common metastatic site in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Indeed, 25-30% of the cases develop colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), showing an extremely poor 5-year survival rate and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) provide a nurturing microenvironment for CRC metastasis, promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the TGF-β signaling pathway, thus driving tumor cells to acquire mesenchymal properties that allow them to migrate from the primary tumor and invade the new metastatic site. EMT is known to contribute to the disruption of blood vessel integrity and the generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), thus being closely related to high metastatic potential in numerous solid cancers. Despite the fact that it is well-recognized that the crosstalk between tumor cells and the inflammatory microenvironment is crucial in the EMT process, the association between the EMT and the role of TAMs is still poorly understood. In this review, we elaborated on the role that TAMs exert in the induction of EMT during CLM development. Since TAMs are the major source of TGF-β in the liver, we also focused on novel insights into their role in TGF-β-induced EMT.
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15
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TGF-β Signaling in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): From Underlying Mechanism to Potential Applications in Clinical Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214436. [PMID: 36430910 PMCID: PMC9698504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health issue, and it has the leading incidence and mortality among malignant tumors worldwide. CRC patients with metastasis in the liver, lung or other distant sites always have poor prognosis. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover the underlying mechanisms of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to develop optimal therapy for mCRC. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a significant role in various physiologic and pathologic processes, and aberrant TGF-β signal transduction contributes to mCRC progression. In this review, we summarize the alterations of the TGF-β signaling pathway in mCRC patients, the functional mechanisms of TGF-β signaling, its promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, its facilitation of angiogenesis, its suppression of anti-tumor activity of immune cells in the microenvironment and its contribution to stemness of CRC cells. We also discuss the possible applications of TGF-β signaling in mCRC diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapies in clinical trials. Hopefully, these research advances in TGF-β signaling in mCRC will improve the development of new strategies that can be combined with molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and traditional therapies to achieve better efficacy and benefit mCRC patients in the near future.
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16
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Rada M, Hassan N, Lazaris A, Metrakos P. The molecular mechanisms underlying neutrophil infiltration in vessel co-opting colorectal cancer liver metastases. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1004793. [PMID: 36330498 PMCID: PMC9623070 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1004793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLMs) have two major histopathological growth patterns (HGPs): desmoplastic (DHGP) and replacement (RHGP). The DHGP tumours derive their vasculature by angiogenesis, while the RHGP tumours use vessel co-option. Various studies have associated RHGP tumours with an unfavourable prognosis, as well as high levels of resistance to anti-angiogenic agents and chemotherapy. Recently, we reported higher numbers of neutrophils in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of vessel co-opting tumours compared to their angiogenic counterparts. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotype are unclear. Herein, we suggested a positive correlation between the expression of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) in the hepatocytes and the presence of neutrophils in vessel co-opting tumours. Importantly, upregulation of Ang1 in the hepatocytes is associated with the presence of runt-related transcription factor-1 (RUNX1) in the neighboring cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our data suggest the molecular mechanisms by which neutrophils are infiltrated in vessel co-opting CRCLM lesions. This finding may yield novel therapeutic strategies for CRCLM patients in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Rada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Peter Metrakos
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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17
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Latacz E, Höppener D, Bohlok A, Leduc S, Tabariès S, Fernández Moro C, Lugassy C, Nyström H, Bozóky B, Floris G, Geyer N, Brodt P, Llado L, Van Mileghem L, De Schepper M, Majeed AW, Lazaris A, Dirix P, Zhang Q, Petrillo SK, Vankerckhove S, Joye I, Meyer Y, Gregorieff A, Roig NR, Vidal-Vanaclocha F, Denis L, Oliveira RC, Metrakos P, Grünhagen DJ, Nagtegaal ID, Mollevi DG, Jarnagin WR, D’Angelica MI, Reynolds AR, Doukas M, Desmedt C, Dirix L, Donckier V, Siegel PM, Barnhill R, Gerling M, Verhoef C, Vermeulen PB. Histopathological growth patterns of liver metastasis: updated consensus guidelines for pattern scoring, perspectives and recent mechanistic insights. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:988-1013. [PMID: 35650276 PMCID: PMC9470557 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The first consensus guidelines for scoring the histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) of liver metastases were established in 2017. Since then, numerous studies have applied these guidelines, have further substantiated the potential clinical value of the HGPs in patients with liver metastases from various tumour types and are starting to shed light on the biology of the distinct HGPs. In the present guidelines, we give an overview of these studies, discuss novel strategies for predicting the HGPs of liver metastases, such as deep-learning algorithms for whole-slide histopathology images and medical imaging, and highlight liver metastasis animal models that exhibit features of the different HGPs. Based on a pooled analysis of large cohorts of patients with liver-metastatic colorectal cancer, we propose a new cut-off to categorise patients according to the HGPs. An up-to-date standard method for HGP assessment within liver metastases is also presented with the aim of incorporating HGPs into the decision-making processes surrounding the treatment of patients with liver-metastatic cancer. Finally, we propose hypotheses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the biology of the different HGPs, opening some exciting preclinical and clinical research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Latacz
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Iridium Netwerk and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Diederik Höppener
- grid.508717.c0000 0004 0637 3764Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Bohlok
- grid.418119.40000 0001 0684 291XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophia Leduc
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Tabariès
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Medicine, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Claire Lugassy
- grid.418596.70000 0004 0639 6384Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Hanna Nyström
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden ,grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Béla Bozóky
- grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Floris
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Imaging and Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.410569.f0000 0004 0626 3338Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalie Geyer
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Pnina Brodt
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Surgery, Oncology and Medicine, McGill University and the Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Laura Llado
- grid.418284.30000 0004 0427 2257HBP and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Laura Van Mileghem
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Iridium Netwerk and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maxim De Schepper
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ali W. Majeed
- grid.31410.370000 0000 9422 8284Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anthoula Lazaris
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Piet Dirix
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Iridium Netwerk and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Qianni Zhang
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Stéphanie K. Petrillo
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Sophie Vankerckhove
- grid.418119.40000 0001 0684 291XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ines Joye
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Iridium Netwerk and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yannick Meyer
- grid.508717.c0000 0004 0637 3764Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Gregorieff
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Regenerative Medicine Network, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Nuria Ruiz Roig
- grid.411129.e0000 0000 8836 0780Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.418284.30000 0004 0427 2257Tumoral and Stromal Chemoresistance Group, Oncobell Program, IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Human Anatomy and Embryology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Fernando Vidal-Vanaclocha
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510GWU-Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Larsimont Denis
- grid.418119.40000 0001 0684 291XDepartment of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rui Caetano Oliveira
- grid.28911.330000000106861985Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Peter Metrakos
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Dirk J. Grünhagen
- grid.508717.c0000 0004 0637 3764Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris D. Nagtegaal
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - David G. Mollevi
- grid.418284.30000 0004 0427 2257Tumoral and Stromal Chemoresistance Group, Oncobell Program, IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.418701.b0000 0001 2097 8389Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - William R. Jarnagin
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Michael I D’Angelica
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Andrew R. Reynolds
- grid.417815.e0000 0004 5929 4381Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michail Doukas
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Desmedt
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Dirix
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Iridium Netwerk and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vincent Donckier
- grid.418119.40000 0001 0684 291XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter M. Siegel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Medicine, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry, Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Raymond Barnhill
- grid.418596.70000 0004 0639 6384Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France ,Université de Paris l’UFR de Médecine, Paris, France
| | - Marco Gerling
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Cornelis Verhoef
- grid.508717.c0000 0004 0637 3764Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter B. Vermeulen
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Iridium Netwerk and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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18
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Cuypers A, Truong ACK, Becker LM, Saavedra-García P, Carmeliet P. Tumor vessel co-option: The past & the future. Front Oncol 2022; 12:965277. [PMID: 36119528 PMCID: PMC9472251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.965277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic vascularization mechanism that is a possible cause of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT). Multiple tumors are hypothesized to primarily rely on growth factor signaling-induced sprouting angiogenesis, which is often inhibited during AAT. During VCO however, tumors invade healthy tissues by hijacking pre-existing blood vessels of the host organ to secure their blood and nutrient supply. Although VCO has been described in the context of AAT resistance, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process and the profile and characteristics of co-opted vascular cell types (endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes) remain poorly understood, resulting in the lack of therapeutic strategies to inhibit VCO (and to overcome AAT resistance). In the past few years, novel next-generation technologies (such as single-cell RNA sequencing) have emerged and revolutionized the way of analyzing and understanding cancer biology. While most studies utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing with focus on cancer vascularization have centered around ECs during sprouting angiogenesis, we propose that this and other novel technologies can be used in future investigations to shed light on tumor EC biology during VCO. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms driving VCO known to date and introduce the models used to study this phenomenon to date. We highlight VCO studies that recently emerged using sequencing approaches and propose how these and other novel state-of-the-art methods can be used in the future to further explore ECs and other cell types in the VCO process and to identify potential vulnerabilities in tumors relying on VCO. A better understanding of VCO by using novel approaches could provide new answers to the many open questions, and thus pave the way to develop new strategies to control and target tumor vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cuypers
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anh-Co Khanh Truong
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa M. Becker
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paula Saavedra-García
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Peter Carmeliet,
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19
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Kong BT, Fan QS, Wang XM, Zhang Q, Zhang GL. Clinical implications and mechanism of histopathological growth pattern in colorectal cancer liver metastases. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3101-3115. [PMID: 36051338 PMCID: PMC9331533 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i26.3101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver is the most common site of metastases of colorectal cancer, and liver metastases present with distinct histopathological growth patterns (HGPs), including desmoplastic, pushing and replacement HGPs and two rare HGPs. HGP is a miniature of tumor-host reaction and reflects tumor biology and pathological features as well as host immune dynamics. Many studies have revealed the association of HGPs with carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, and clinical outcomes and indicates HGP functions as bond between microscopic characteristics and clinical implications. These findings make HGP a candidate marker in risk stratification and guiding treatment decision-making, and a target of imaging observation for patient screening. Of note, it is crucial to determine the underlying mechanism shaping HGP, for instance, immune infiltration and extracellular matrix remodeling in desmoplastic HGP, and aggressive characteristics and special vascularization in replacement HGP (rHGP). We highlight the importance of aggressive features, vascularization, host immune and organ structure in formation of HGP, hence propose a novel "advance under camouflage" hypothesis to explain the formation of rHGP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Tan Kong
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
- School of Graduates, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qing-Sheng Fan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Xiao-Min Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Gan-Lin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
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20
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Rada M, Kapelanski-Lamoureux A, Tsamchoe M, Petrillo S, Lazaris A, Metrakos P. Angiopoietin-1 Upregulates Cancer Cell Motility in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases through Actin-Related Protein 2/3. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2540. [PMID: 35626145 PMCID: PMC9139616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy is a major challenge in the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLMs). Vessel co-option has been identified as a key contributor to anti-angiogenic therapy resistance in CRCLMs. Recently, we identified a positive correlation between the expression of Angiopoietin1 (Ang1) in the liver and the development of vessel co-opting CRCLM lesions in vivo. However, the mechanisms underlying its stimulation of vessel co-option are unclear. Herein, we demonstrated Ang1 as a positive regulator of actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) expression in cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo, which is known to be essential for the formation of vessel co-option in CRCLM. Significantly, Ang1-dependent ARP2/3 expression was impaired in the cancer cells upon Tie2 or PI3K/AKT inhibition in vitro. Taken together, our results suggest novel mechanisms by which Ang1 confers the development of vessel co-option in CRCLM, which, targeting this pathway, may serve as promising therapeutic targets to overcome the development of vessel co-option in CRCLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Rada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (A.K.-L.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Metrakos
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (A.K.-L.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
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21
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Ariffin NS. Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs of Steroid-Associated Complications in Patients With Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Clin Breast Cancer 2022; 22:499-506. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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22
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Lugassy C, Vermeulen PB, Ribatti D, Pezzella F, Barnhill RL. Vessel co-option and angiotropic extravascular migratory metastasis: a continuum of tumour growth and spread? Br J Cancer 2022; 126:973-980. [PMID: 34987186 PMCID: PMC8980005 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Two fields of cancer research have emerged dealing with the biology of tumour cells localised to the abluminal vascular surface: vessel co-option (VCo), a non-angiogenic mode of tumour growth and angiotropic extravascular migratory metastasis (EVMM), a non-hematogenous mode of tumour migration and metastasis. VCo is a mechanism by which tumour cells gain access to a blood supply by spreading along existing blood vessels in order to grow locally. Angiotropic EVMM involves "pericytic mimicry" (PM), which is characterised by tumour cells continuously migrating in the place of pericytes distantly along abluminal vascular surfaces. When cancer cells are engaged in PM and EVMM, they migrate along blood vessels beyond the advancing front of the tumour to secondary sites with the formation of regional and distant metastases. In the present perspective, the authors review the current scientific literature, emphasising the analogies between embryogenesis and cancer progression, the re-activation of embryonic signals by "cancer stem cells", and the important role of laminins and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition. This perspective maintains that VCo and angiotropic EVMM constitute complementary processes and represent a continuum of cancer progression from the primary tumour to metastases and of tumour growth to EVMM, analogous to the embryonic development program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Lugassy
- grid.418596.70000 0004 0639 6384Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Peter B. Vermeulen
- grid.428965.40000 0004 7536 2436Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals, Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Center for Oncological Research (CORE, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Pezzella
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Raymond L. Barnhill
- grid.418596.70000 0004 0639 6384Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France ,grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602University of Paris UFR de Médecine, Paris, France
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23
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Cancer Cells Promote Phenotypic Alterations in Hepatocytes at the Edge of Cancer Cell Nests to Facilitate Vessel Co-Option Establishment in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051318. [PMID: 35267627 PMCID: PMC8909291 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumour cells in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) obtain their blood supply via two major mechanisms: (i) sprouting angiogenesis, through the generation of new vessels; (ii) vessel co-option, where the cancer cells hijack the pre-existing vasculature. The current treatment for CRCLM targets angiogenesis; however, these treatments are ineffective on cancer cells utilizing vessel co-option to gain their blood supply. Our study suggests that cancer cells stimulate phenotypic alterations in the cells of surrounding liver tissue (hepatocytes) in vessel co-opting lesions. These modifications facilitate cancer cells to infiltrate through the liver tissue and hijack the pre-existing vasculature to obtain oxygen and nutrients. Abstract Vessel co-option is correlated with resistance against anti-angiogenic therapy in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). Vessel co-opting lesions are characterized by highly motile cancer cells that move toward and along the pre-existing vessels in the surrounding nonmalignant tissue and co-opt them to gain access to nutrients. To access the sinusoidal vessels, the cancer cells in vessel co-opting lesions must displace the hepatocytes and occupy their space. However, the mechanisms underlying this displacement are unknown. Herein, we examined the involvement of apoptosis, autophagy, motility, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways in hepatocyte displacement by cancer cells. We demonstrate that cancer cells induce the expression of the proteins that are associated with the upregulation of apoptosis, motility, and EMT in adjacent hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, we observe the upregulation of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) in adjacent hepatocytes to cancer cell nests, while we notice a downregulation of E-cadherin. Importantly, the knockdown of runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) in cancer cells attenuates the function of cancer cells in hepatocytes alterations in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our data suggest that cancer cells exploit various mechanisms to displace hepatocytes and access the sinusoidal vessels to establish vessel co-option.
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24
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Lin TC. RUNX1 and cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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