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Golo M, Newman PLH, Kempe D, Biro M. Mechanoimmunology in the solid tumor microenvironment. Biochem Soc Trans 2024:BST20231427. [PMID: 38856041 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231427] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that adjoins the cancer cells within solid tumors and comprises distinct components such as extracellular matrix, stromal and immune cells, blood vessels, and an abundance of signaling molecules. In recent years, the mechanical properties of the TME have emerged as critical determinants of tumor progression and therapeutic response. Aberrant mechanical cues, including altered tissue architecture and stiffness, contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Moreover, burgeoning immunotherapies hold great promise for harnessing the immune system to target and eliminate solid malignancies; however, their success is hindered by the hostile mechanical landscape of the TME, which can impede immune cell infiltration, function, and persistence. Consequently, understanding TME mechanoimmunology - the interplay between mechanical forces and immune cell behavior - is essential for developing effective solid cancer therapies. Here, we review the role of TME mechanics in tumor immunology, focusing on recent therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the mechanical properties of the TME to potentiate T cell immunotherapies, and innovative assays tailored to evaluate their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Golo
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter L H Newman
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Daryan Kempe
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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2
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Wang Y, Chen X, Yang Y. CircRNA-regulated glucose metabolism in ovarian cancer: an emerging landscape for therapeutic intervention. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:584-596. [PMID: 37578652 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03285-4] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate among female reproductive system tumours, with limited efficacy of traditional treatments and 5-year survival rates that rarely exceed 40%. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a stable endogenous circular RNA that typically regulates protein expression by binding to downstream miRNA. It has been demonstrated that circRNAs play an important role in the proliferation, migration, and glucose metabolism (such as the Warburg effect) of OC and can regulate the expression of glucose metabolism-related proteins such as GLUT1 and HK2, promoting anaerobic glycolysis of cancer cells, increasing glucose uptake and ATP production, and affecting energy supply and biosynthetic substances to support tumour growth and invasion. This review summarises the formation and characteristics of circRNAs and focuses on their role in regulating glucose metabolism in OC cells and their potential therapeutic value, providing insights for identifying new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Gynecological Oncology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Gynecological Oncology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yongxiu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gynecological Oncology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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3
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Xu X, Yao L. Recent advances in the development of Rho kinase inhibitors (2015-2021). Med Res Rev 2024; 44:406-421. [PMID: 37265266 DOI: 10.1002/med.21980] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCKs) are key downstream effectors of small GTPases. ROCK plays a central role in diverse cellular events with accumulating evidence supporting the concept that ROCK is important in tumor development and progression. Numerous ROCK inhibitors have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancers. In this article, we review recent research progress on ROCK inhibitors, especially those with potential for the treatment of cancers, reported in the literature from 2015 to 2021. Most ROCK inhibitors show potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities and have potential in the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Xu
- Yantai University Hospital, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Lei Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
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4
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Magalhaes YT, Forti FL. ROCK inhibition reduces the sensitivity of mutant p53 glioblastoma to genotoxic stress through a Rac1-driven ROS production. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 164:106474. [PMID: 37778694 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106474] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to radio and chemotherapy in Glioblastoma (GBM) is correlated with its malignancy, invasiveness, and aggressiveness. The Rho GTPase pathway plays important roles in these processes, but its involvement in the GBM response to genotoxic treatments remains unsolved. Inhibition of this signaling pathway has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of CNS injuries and diseases, proving to be a strong candidate for therapeutic approaches. To this end, Rho-associated kinases (ROCK), classic downstream effectors of small Rho GTPases, were targeted for pharmacological inhibition using Y-27632 in GBM cells, expressing the wild-type or mutated p53 gene, and exposed to genotoxic stress by gamma ionizing radiation (IR) or cisplatin (PT). The use of the ROCK inhibitor (ROCKi) had opposite effects in these cells: in cells expressing wild-type p53, ROCKi reduced survival and DNA repair capacity (reduction of γH2AX foci and accumulation of strand breaks) after stress promoted by IR or PT; in cells expressing the mutant p53 protein, both treatments promoted longer survival and more efficient DNA repair, responses further enhanced by ROCKi. The target DNA repair mechanisms of ROCK inhibition were, respectively, an attenuation of NHEJ and NER pathways in wild-type p53 cells, and a stimulation of HR and NER pathways in mutant p53 cells. These effects were accompanied by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by genotoxic stress only in mutant p53 cells but potentiated by ROCKi and reversed by p53 knockdown. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) treatment or Rac1 knockdown completely eliminated ROCKi's p53-dependent actions, since ROCK inhibition specifically elevated Rac-GTP levels only in mutant p53 cells. Combining IR or PT and ROCKi treatments broadens our understanding of the sensitivity and resistance of, respectively, GBM expressing wild-type or mutant p53 to genotoxic agents. Our proposal may be a determining factor in improving the efficiency and assertiveness of CNS antitumor therapies based on ROCK inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of ROCK inhibitors in association with radio or chemotherapy modulates GBM resistance and sensitivity depending on the p53 activity, suggesting the potential value of this protein as therapeutic target for tumor pre-sensitization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Thamires Magalhaes
- Laboratory of Signaling in Biomolecular Systems, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio Luis Forti
- Laboratory of Signaling in Biomolecular Systems, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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5
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Xu QX, Guo L, Li Y, Wang ZW, Hu P, Yang GM, Pan Y. In silico screening-based discovery of benzamide derivatives as inhibitors of Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK1). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37668086 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2253918] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
As a pivotal node in modulating various cell behaviors, Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK1) has attracted significant attention as a promising therapeutic target in a variety of diseases. Benzamide has been widely reported as a ROCK1 inhibitors in recent years. To better understand its pharmacological properties and to explore its potential inhibitors, a series of ROCK1 inhibitors derived from N-methyl-4-(4-pyrazolidinyl) benzamides (MPBs) were investigated by using three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models, pharmacophore models, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) model (q2 = 0.616, R2 = 0.972, ONC = 4, and r2pred = 0.983) and the best Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) model (q2= 0.740, R2 = 0.982, ONC = 6, and r2pred = 0.824) exhibited reliable predictability with satisfactory validation parameters. In the subsequent virtual screening, VS03 and VS05 were identified to have superior predicted activities and higher docking scores, meanwhile they demonstrated to be reasonably stable in the binding pocket through MD simulations. These results provide a significant theoretical direction for the rational design and development of novel ROCK1 inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Xuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhao-Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Po Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang-Ming Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Djokovic N, Djuric A, Ruzic D, Srdic-Rajic T, Nikolic K. Correlating Basal Gene Expression across Chemical Sensitivity Data to Screen for Novel Synergistic Interactors of HDAC Inhibitors in Pancreatic Carcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:294. [PMID: 37259439 PMCID: PMC9964546 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies. Development of the chemoresistance in the PDAC is one of the key contributors to the poor survival outcomes and the major reason for urgent development of novel pharmacological approaches in a treatment of PDAC. Systematically tailored combination therapy holds the promise for advancing the treatment of PDAC. However, the number of possible combinations of pharmacological agents is too large to be explored experimentally. In respect to the many epigenetic alterations in PDAC, epigenetic drugs including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) could be seen as the game changers especially in combined therapy settings. In this work, we explored a possibility of using drug-sensitivity data together with the basal gene expression of pancreatic cell lines to predict combinatorial options available for HDACi. Developed bioinformatics screening protocol for predictions of synergistic drug combinations in PDAC identified the sphingolipid signaling pathway with associated downstream effectors as a promising novel targets for future development of multi-target therapeutics or combined therapy with HDACi. Through the experimental validation, we have characterized novel synergism between HDACi and a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor RKI-1447, and between HDACi and a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist fingolimod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Djokovic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Djuric
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Ruzic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Srdic-Rajic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Nikolic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
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Naylor G, Julian L, Watson-Bryce S, Mullin M, Nibbs RJ, Olson MF. Immunogenic Death of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Mice Expressing Caspase-Resistant ROCK1 Is Not Replicated by ROCK Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235943. [PMID: 36497425 PMCID: PMC9740421 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological changes during apoptosis help facilitate "immunologically silent" cell death. Caspase cleavage of the ROCK1 kinase results in its activation, which drives the forceful contraction of apoptotic cells. We previously showed that when ROCK1 was mutated to render it caspase-resistant, there was greater liver damage and neutrophil recruitment after treatment with the hepatotoxin diethylnitrosamine (DEN). We now show that acute DEN-induced liver damage induced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, indicative of immunogenic cell death (ICD), in mice expressing non-cleavable ROCK1 (ROCK1nc). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumours in ROCK1nc mice had more neutrophils and CD8+ T cells relative to mice expressing wild-type ROCK1, indicating that spontaneous tumour cell death also was more immunogenic. Since ICD induction has been proposed to be tumour-suppressive, the effects of two distinct ROCK inhibitors on HCC tumours was examined. Both fasudil and AT13148 significantly decreased tumour numbers, areas and volumes, but neither resulted in greater numbers of neutrophils or CD8+ T cells to be recruited. In the context of acute DEN-induced liver damage, AT13148 inhibited the recruitment of dendritic, natural killer and CD8+ T cells to livers. These observations indicate that there is an important role for ROCK1 cleavage to limit immunogenic cell death, which was not replicated by systemic ROCK inhibitor administration. As a result, concomitant administration of ROCK inhibitors with cancer therapeutics would be unlikely to result in therapeutic benefit by inducing ICD to increase anti-tumour immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Naylor
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Linda Julian
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Steven Watson-Bryce
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Margaret Mullin
- Electron Microscopy Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Robert J. Nibbs
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Michael F. Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 661 University Avenue Suite 1105, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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8
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Focal adhesion kinase priming in pancreatic cancer, altering biomechanics to improve chemotherapy. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1129-1141. [PMID: 35929603 PMCID: PMC9444069 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220162] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The dense desmoplastic and fibrotic stroma is a characteristic feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), regulating disease progression, metastasis and response to treatment. Reciprocal interactions between the tumour and stroma are mediated by bidirectional integrin-mediated signalling, in particular by Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK). FAK is often hyperactivated and overexpressed in aggressive cancers, promoting stromal remodelling and inducing tissue stiffness which can accelerate cancer cell proliferation, survival and chemoresistance. Therapeutic targeting of the PDAC stroma is an evolving area of interest for pre-clinical and clinical research, where a subtle reshaping of the stromal architecture prior to chemotherapy may prove promising in the clinical management of disease and overall patient survival. Here, we describe how transient stromal manipulation (or ‘priming’) via short-term FAK inhibition, rather than chronic treatment, can render PDAC cells exquisitely vulnerable to subsequent standard-of-care chemotherapy. We assess how our priming publication fits with the recent literature and describe in this perspective how this could impact future cancer treatment. This highlights the significance of treatment timing and warrants further consideration of anti-fibrotic therapies in the clinical management of PDAC and other fibrotic diseases.
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Wang D, Li Y, Ge H, Ghadban T, Reeh M, Güngör C. The Extracellular Matrix: A Key Accomplice of Cancer Stem Cell Migration, Metastasis Formation, and Drug Resistance in PDAC. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163998. [PMID: 36010993 PMCID: PMC9406497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rich in dense fibrotic stroma that are composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. A disruption of the balance between ECM synthesis and secretion and the altered expression of matrix remodeling enzymes lead to abnormal ECM dynamics in PDAC. This pathological ECM promotes cancer growth, survival, invasion, and alters the behavior of fibroblasts and immune cells leading to metastasis formation and chemotherapy resistance, which contribute to the high lethality of PDAC. Additionally, recent evidence highlights that ECM, as a major structural component of the tumor microenvironment, is a highly dynamic structure in which ECM proteins establish a physical and biochemical niche for cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are characterized by self-renewal, tumor initiation, and resistance to chemotherapeutics. In this review, we will discuss the effects of the ECM on tumor biological behavior and its molecular impact on the fundamental signaling pathways in PDAC. We will also provide an overview of how the different ECM components are able to modulate CSCs properties and finally discuss the current and ongoing therapeutic strategies targeting the ECM. Given the many challenges facing current targeted therapies for PDAC, a better understanding of molecular events involving the interplay of ECM and CSC will be key in identifying more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs and ultimately to improve survival in patients that are suffering from this deadly disease.
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Boyd LNC, Andini KD, Peters GJ, Kazemier G, Giovannetti E. Heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 82:184-196. [PMID: 33737108 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with a notably poor prognosis, in urgent need of improved treatment strategies. The desmoplastic PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME), marked by a high concentration of cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs), is a dynamic part of PDAC pathophysiology which occasions a variety of effects throughout the course of pancreatic tumorigenesis and disease evolution. A better understanding of the desmoplastic TME and CAF biology in particular, should provide new opportunities for improving therapeutics. That CAFs have a tumor-supportive role in oncogenesis is well known, yet research evidence has shown that CAFs also have tumor-repressive functions. In this review, we seek to clarify the intriguing heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs and their ambivalent role in PDAC tumorigenesis and progression. Additionally, we provide recommendations to advance the implementation of CAF-directed PDAC care. An improved understanding of CAFs' origins, spatial location, functional diversity, and marker determination, as well as CAF behavior during the course of PDAC progression and metastasis will provide essential knowledge for the future improvement of therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka N C Boyd
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Lab of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Katarina D Andini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lab of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lab of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lab of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini, 13, 56017, San Giuliano Terme PI, Pisa, Italy.
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11
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Cao W, Tian R, Pan R, Sun B, Xiao C, Chen Y, Zeng Z, Lei S. Terpinen-4-ol inhibits the proliferation and mobility of pancreatic cancer cells by downregulating Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2. Bioengineered 2022; 13:8643-8656. [PMID: 35322742 PMCID: PMC9161900 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2054205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Terpinen-4-ol (T4O), a compound isolated from the seeds of turmeric, has exhibited anti-malignancy, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties in previous studies. However, the specific effects and molecular mechanisms of T4O on pancreatic cancer (PC) cells remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that T4O markedly suppressed PC cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and induced apoptosis. Similarly, T4O significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of PC cells in vitro. Through RNA sequencing, 858 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which were enriched in the Rhodopsin (RHO)/ Ras homolog family member A (RHOA) signaling pathway. Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), a DEG enriched in the RHO/RHOA signaling pathway, was considered as a key target of T4O in PC cells; it was significantly reduced after T4O treatment, highly expressed in PC tissues, and negatively associated with patient outcome. Overexpression of ROCK2 significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of T4O on PC cell proliferation and mobility. Moreover, T4O inhibited cell proliferation in vivo and decreased the Ki-67, cell nuclear antigen, EMT markers, and ROCK2 expression. In conclusion, we consider that T4O can suppress the malignant biological behavior of PC by reducing the expression of ROCK2, thus contributing to PC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Cao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ruhua Tian
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Runsang Pan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Baofei Sun
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chaolun Xiao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhirui Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shan Lei
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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12
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Liu C, Zhu B, Zhong M, Bao J. miRNA-448 Regulates the Development of Glioblastoma (GBM) by Regulating Rho-Associated Protein Kinase 1. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2502010. [PMID: 35281946 PMCID: PMC8913139 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2502010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive adult brain tumor that poses a huge threat to people's health. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in the progression of GBM. However, the role of miR-448 in GBM remains largely unknown. Therefore, the regulatory mechanism of miR-448 in the development of GBM is elucidated in this study. Methods The protein and mRNA expressions of miR-448 and ROCK1 were measured by Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay. The relationship between miR-448 and ROCK1 was probed by luciferase reporter assay. Results miR-448 expression was downregulated in GBM tissues and cells. And poor clinical outcomes of GBM patients were related to miR-448 downregulation. Functionally, overexpression of miR-448 restrained cell viability, migration, and invasion in GBM. Additionally, miR-448 reduced ROCK1 expression by binding to its 3'-UTR. Moreover, knockdown of ROCK1 inhibited the progression of GBM. Furthermore, overexpression of ROCK1 abolished the antitumor effect of miR-448 in GBM. Conclusion miR-448 restrained cell viability, invasion, and migration in GBM by inhibiting ROCK1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao 028007, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao 028007, China
| | - Meng Zhong
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao 028007, China
| | - Jinsuo Bao
- Neurosurgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao 028007, China
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13
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Murray ER, Menezes S, Henry JC, Williams JL, Alba-Castellón L, Baskaran P, Quétier I, Desai A, Marshall JJT, Rosewell I, Tatari M, Rajeeve V, Khan F, Wang J, Kotantaki P, Tyler EJ, Singh N, Reader CS, Carter EP, Hodivala-Dilke K, Grose RP, Kocher HM, Gavara N, Pearce O, Cutillas P, Marshall JF, Cameron AJM. Disruption of pancreatic stellate cell myofibroblast phenotype promotes pancreatic tumor invasion. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110227. [PMID: 35081338 PMCID: PMC8810397 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), differentiation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) into myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can both promote and suppress tumor progression. Here, we show that the Rho effector protein kinase N2 (PKN2) is critical for PSC myofibroblast differentiation. Loss of PKN2 is associated with reduced PSC proliferation, contractility, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) stress fibers. In spheroid co-cultures with PDAC cells, loss of PKN2 prevents PSC invasion but, counter-intuitively, promotes invasive cancer cell outgrowth. PKN2 deletion induces a myofibroblast to inflammatory CAF switch in the PSC matrisome signature both in vitro and in vivo. Further, deletion of PKN2 in the pancreatic stroma induces more locally invasive, orthotopic pancreatic tumors. Finally, we demonstrate that a PKN2KO matrisome signature predicts poor outcome in pancreatic and other solid human cancers. Our data indicate that suppressing PSC myofibroblast function can limit important stromal tumor-suppressive mechanisms, while promoting a switch to a cancer-supporting CAF phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Murray
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Shinelle Menezes
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Jack C Henry
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Josie L Williams
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Lorena Alba-Castellón
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Priththivika Baskaran
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ivan Quétier
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ami Desai
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Jacqueline J T Marshall
- Protein Phosphorylation Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ian Rosewell
- Transgenic Services, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Marianthi Tatari
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Vinothini Rajeeve
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Faraz Khan
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Jun Wang
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Panoraia Kotantaki
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Eleanor J Tyler
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Namrata Singh
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Claire S Reader
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Edward P Carter
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Richard P Grose
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Nuria Gavara
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oliver Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Pedro Cutillas
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - John F Marshall
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Angus J M Cameron
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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14
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Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Koltai T, Alfarouk KO, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. Tumor Microenvironment Features and Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights into Targeting Physicochemical Barriers and Metabolism as Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6135. [PMID: 34885243 PMCID: PMC8657427 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the median overall survival of PDAC patients rarely exceeds 1 year and has an overall 5-year survival rate of about 9%. These numbers are anticipated to worsen in the future due to the lack of understanding of the factors involved in its strong chemoresistance. Chemotherapy remains the only treatment option for most PDAC patients; however, the available therapeutic strategies are insufficient. The factors involved in chemoresistance include the development of a desmoplastic stroma which reprograms cellular metabolism, and both contribute to an impaired response to therapy. PDAC stroma is composed of immune cells, endothelial cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts embedded in a prominent, dense extracellular matrix associated with areas of hypoxia and acidic extracellular pH. While multiple gene mutations are involved in PDAC initiation, this desmoplastic stroma plays an important role in driving progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying PDAC resistance are a prerequisite for designing novel approaches to increase patient survival. In this review, we provide an overview of the stromal features and how they contribute to the chemoresistance in PDAC treatment. By highlighting new paradigms in the role of the stromal compartment in PDAC therapy, we hope to stimulate new concepts aimed at improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
| | | | - Khalid O. Alfarouk
- Al-Ghad International College for Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Madinah Al-Munwarah 42316, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Rosa A. Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
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15
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Kim S, Kim SA, Han J, Kim IS. Rho-Kinase as a Target for Cancer Therapy and Its Immunotherapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312916. [PMID: 34884721 PMCID: PMC8657458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is fast rising as a prominent new pillar of cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system to fight against numerous types of cancer. Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in diverse cellular activities, and is therefore the target of interest in various diseases at the cellular level including cancer. Indeed, ROCK is well-known for its involvement in the tumor cell and tumor microenvironment, especially in its ability to enhance tumor cell progression, migration, metastasis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Importantly, ROCK is also considered to be a novel and effective modulator of immune cells, although further studies are needed. In this review article, we describe the various activities of ROCK and its potential to be utilized in cancer treatment, particularly in cancer immunotherapy, by shining a light on its activities in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seohyun Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Seong A. Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jihoon Han
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - In-San Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Correspondence:
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16
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Perez VM, Kearney JF, Yeh JJ. The PDAC Extracellular Matrix: A Review of the ECM Protein Composition, Tumor Cell Interaction, and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751311. [PMID: 34692532 PMCID: PMC8526858 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is notorious for a dense fibrotic stroma that is interlaced with a collagen-based extracellular matrix (ECM) that plays an important role in tumor biology. Traditionally thought to only provide a physical barrier from host responses and systemic chemotherapy, new studies have demonstrated that the ECM maintains biomechanical and biochemical properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and restrains tumor growth. Recent studies have shown that the ECM augments tumor stiffness, interstitial fluid pressure, cell-to-cell junctions, and microvascularity using a mix of biomechanical and biochemical signals to influence tumor fate for better or worse. In addition, PDAC tumors have been shown to use ECM-derived peptide fragments as a nutrient source in nutrient-poor conditions. While collagens are the most abundant proteins found in the ECM, several studies have identified growth factors, integrins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans in the ECM. This review focuses on the dichotomous nature of the PDAC ECM, the types of collagens and other proteins found in the ECM, and therapeutic strategies targeting the PDAC ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M Perez
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Joseph F Kearney
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jen Jen Yeh
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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17
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Murphy KJ, Chambers CR, Herrmann D, Timpson P, Pereira BA. Dynamic Stromal Alterations Influence Tumor-Stroma Crosstalk to Promote Pancreatic Cancer and Treatment Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3481. [PMID: 34298706 PMCID: PMC8305001 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancer studies now recognize that disease initiation, progression, and response to treatment are strongly influenced by the microenvironmental niche. Widespread desmoplasia, or fibrosis, is fundamental to pancreatic cancer development, growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. This fibrotic landscape is largely regulated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which deposit and remodel extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review will explore the prognostic and functional value of the stromal compartment in predicting outcomes and clinical prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We will also discuss the major dynamic stromal alterations that occur in the pancreatic TME during tumor development and progression, and how the stromal ECM can influence cancer cell phenotype, metabolism, and immune response from a biochemical and biomechanical viewpoint. Lastly, we will provide an outlook on the latest clinical advances in the field of anti-fibrotic co-targeting in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy in PDAC, providing insight into the current challenges in treating this highly aggressive, fibrotic malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendelle J. Murphy
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (K.J.M.); (C.R.C.); (D.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Cecilia R. Chambers
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (K.J.M.); (C.R.C.); (D.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (K.J.M.); (C.R.C.); (D.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (K.J.M.); (C.R.C.); (D.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Brooke A. Pereira
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (K.J.M.); (C.R.C.); (D.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
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18
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Belhabib I, Zaghdoudi S, Lac C, Bousquet C, Jean C. Extracellular Matrices and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Targets for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3466. [PMID: 34298680 PMCID: PMC8303391 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid cancer progression is dictated by neoplastic cell features and pro-tumoral crosstalks with their microenvironment. Stroma modifications, such as fibroblast activation into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, are now recognized as critical events for cancer progression and as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets. The recent appreciation of the key, complex and multiple roles of the ECM in cancer and of the CAF diversity, has revolutionized the field and raised innovative but challenging questions. Here, we rapidly present CAF heterogeneity in link with their specific ECM remodeling features observed in cancer, before developing each of the impacts of such ECM modifications on tumor progression (survival, angiogenesis, pre-metastatic niche, chemoresistance, etc.), and on patient prognosis. Finally, based on preclinical studies and recent results obtained from clinical trials, we highlight key mechanisms or proteins that are, or may be, used as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets, and we report and discuss benefits, disappointments, or even failures, of recently reported stroma-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christine Jean
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM U1037, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ERL5294 CNRS, 31037 Toulouse, France; (I.B.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (C.B.)
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19
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Gorchs L, Kaipe H. Interactions between Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and T Cells in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment and the Role of Chemokines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2995. [PMID: 34203869 PMCID: PMC8232575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Less than 10% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) survive 5 years or more, making it one of the most fatal cancers. Accumulation of T cells in pancreatic tumors is associated with better prognosis, but immunotherapies to enhance the anti-tumor activity of infiltrating T cells are failing in this devastating disease. Pancreatic tumors are characterized by a desmoplastic stroma, which mainly consists of activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Pancreatic CAFs have emerged as important regulators of the tumor microenvironment by contributing to immune evasion through the release of chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors, which alters T-cell migration, differentiation and cytotoxic activity. However, recent discoveries have also revealed that subsets of CAFs with diverse functions can either restrain or promote tumor progression. Here, we discuss our current knowledge about the interactions between CAFs and T cells in PDAC and summarize different therapy strategies targeting the CAF-T cell axis with focus on CAF-derived soluble immunosuppressive factors and chemokines. Identifying the functions of different CAF subsets and understanding their roles in T-cell trafficking within the tumor may be fundamental for the development of an effective combinational treatment for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Targeting Lysyl Oxidase Family Meditated Matrix Cross-Linking as an Anti-Stromal Therapy in Solid Tumours. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030491. [PMID: 33513979 PMCID: PMC7865543 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To improve efficacy of solid cancer treatment, efforts have shifted towards targeting both the cancer cells and the surrounding tumour tissue they grow in. The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of enzymes underpin the fibrotic remodeling of the tumour microenvironment to promote both cancer growth, spread throughout the body and modulate response to therapies. This review examines how the lysyl oxidase family is involved in tumour development, how they can be targeted, and their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in solid tumours. Abstract The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of enzymes are a major driver in the biogenesis of desmoplastic matrix at the primary tumour and secondary metastatic sites. With the increasing interest in and development of anti-stromal therapies aimed at improving clinical outcomes of cancer patients, the Lox family has emerged as a potentially powerful clinical target. This review examines how lysyl oxidase family dysregulation in solid cancers contributes to disease progression and poor patient outcomes, as well as an evaluation of the preclinical landscape of LOX family targeting therapeutics. We also discuss the suitability of the LOX family as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in solid tumours.
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21
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Mobasheri T, Rayzan E, Shabani M, Hosseini M, Mahmoodi Chalbatani G, Rezaei N. Neuroblastoma-targeted nanoparticles and novel nanotechnology-based treatment methods. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1751-1775. [PMID: 32735058 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a complicated pediatric tumor, originating from the neural crest, which is the most prevalent in adrenal glands, but may rarely be seen in some other tissues as well. Studies are focused on developing new strategies through novel chemo- and immuno-therapeutic drug targets. Different types of oncogenes such as MYCN, tumor suppressor genes such as p53, and some structural genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor are considered as targets for neuroblastoma therapy. The individual expression patterns in NB cells make them appropriate for this purpose. The combined effect of nano-drug delivery systems and specific drug targets will result in lower systemic side effects, prolonged therapeutic effects, and improvements in the pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs. Some of these novel drug delivery systems with a focus on liposomes as carriers are also discussed. In this review, genes and protein products that are beneficial as drug targets in the treatment of neuroblastoma have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taranom Mobasheri
- International Hematology/Oncology of Pediatrics Experts (IHOPE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Elham Rayzan
- International Hematology/Oncology of Pediatrics Experts (IHOPE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsima Shabani
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,International Hematology/Oncology of Pediatrics Experts (IHOPE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mina Hosseini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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22
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Nikolaou S, Machesky LM. The stressful tumour environment drives plasticity of cell migration programmes, contributing to metastasis. J Pathol 2020; 250:612-623. [PMID: 32057095 PMCID: PMC7216910 DOI: 10.1002/path.5395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumours evolve to cope with environmental stresses or challenges such as nutrient starvation, depletion of survival factors, and unbalanced mechanical forces. The uncontrolled growth and aberrant deregulation of core cell homeostatic pathways induced by genetic mutations create an environment of stress. Here, we explore how the adaptations of tumours to the changing environment can drive changes in the motility machinery of cells, affecting migration, invasion, and metastasis. Tumour cells can invade individually or collectively, or they can be extruded out of the surrounding epithelium. These mechanisms are thought to be modifications of normal processes occurring during development or tissue repair. Therefore, tumours may activate these pathways in response to environmental stresses, enabling them to survive in hostile environments and spread to distant sites. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savvas Nikolaou
- Division of Cancer Metastasis and RecurrenceCRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Laura M Machesky
- Division of Cancer Metastasis and RecurrenceCRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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23
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Pereira BA, Vennin C, Papanicolaou M, Chambers CR, Herrmann D, Morton JP, Cox TR, Timpson P. CAF Subpopulations: A New Reservoir of Stromal Targets in Pancreatic Cancer. Trends Cancer 2019; 5:724-741. [PMID: 31735290 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most significant components in the tumour microenvironment (TME), where they can perform several protumourigenic functions. Several studies have recently reported that CAFs are more heterogenous and plastic than was previously thought. As such, there has been a shift in the field to study CAF subpopulations and the emergent functions of these subsets in tumourigenesis. In this review, we explore how different aspects of CAF heterogeneity are defined and how these manifest in multiple cancers, with a focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We also discuss therapeutic approaches to selectively target protumourigenic CAF functions, while avoiding normal fibroblasts, providing insight into the future of stromal targeting for the treatment of PDAC and other solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A Pereira
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Claire Vennin
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Papanicolaou
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Cecilia R Chambers
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Department, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Thomas R Cox
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
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24
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Rho GTPases in cancer: friend or foe? Oncogene 2019; 38:7447-7456. [PMID: 31427738 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0963-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Rho GTPases RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 are important regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics. Although many in vitro and in vivo data indicate tumor-promoting effects of activated Rho GTPases, also tumor suppressive functions have been described, suggesting either highly cell-type-specific functions for Rho GTPases in cancer or insufficient cancer models. The availability of a large number of cancer genome-sequencing data by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) allows for the investigation of Rho GTPase function in human cancers in silico. This information should be used to improve our in vitro and in vivo cancer models, which are essential for a molecular understanding of Rho GTPase function in malignant tumors and for the potential development of cancer drugs targeting Rho GTPase signaling.
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25
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Libanje F, Raingeaud J, Luan R, Thomas Z, Zajac O, Veiga J, Marisa L, Adam J, Boige V, Malka D, Goéré D, Hall A, Soazec J, Prall F, Gelli M, Dartigues P, Jaulin F. ROCK2 inhibition triggers the collective invasion of colorectal adenocarcinomas. EMBO J 2019; 38:e99299. [PMID: 31304629 PMCID: PMC6627234 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201899299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The metastatic progression of cancer is a multi-step process initiated by the local invasion of the peritumoral stroma. To identify the mechanisms underlying colorectal carcinoma (CRC) invasion, we collected live human primary cancer specimens at the time of surgery and monitored them ex vivo. This revealed that conventional adenocarcinomas undergo collective invasion while retaining their epithelial glandular architecture with an inward apical pole delineating a luminal cavity. To identify the underlying mechanisms, we used microscopy-based assays on 3D organotypic cultures of Caco-2 cysts as a model system. We performed two siRNA screens targeting Rho-GTPases effectors and guanine nucleotide exchange factors. These screens revealed that ROCK2 inhibition triggers the initial leader/follower polarization of the CRC cell cohorts and induces collective invasion. We further identified FARP2 as the Rac1 GEF necessary for CRC collective invasion. However, FARP2 activation is not sufficient to trigger leader cell formation and the concomitant inhibition of Myosin-II is required to induce invasion downstream of ROCK2 inhibition. Our results contrast with ROCK pro-invasive function in other cancers, stressing that the molecular mechanism of metastatic spread likely depends on tumour types and invasion mode.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rui Luan
- INSERM U‐981Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | | | - Olivier Zajac
- INSERM U‐981Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
- Present address:
Department of Translational ResearchCurie InstituteParisFrance
| | - Joel Veiga
- Cell Biology ProgramMemorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Present address:
Imagine InstituteParisFrance
| | - Laetitia Marisa
- Programme “Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs”Ligue Nationale Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Julien Adam
- Pathology DepartmentGustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | | | - David Malka
- Digestive Cancer UnitGustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | - Diane Goéré
- Digestive Cancer UnitGustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | - Alan Hall
- Cell Biology ProgramMemorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | - Friedrich Prall
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Medicine of RostockRostockGermany
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26
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Xu F, Li H, Hu C. MiR‐202 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in breast cancer by targeting ROCK1 gene. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:16008-16018. [PMID: 31106468 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xu
- Department of Pathology Jining No.1 People's Hospital Jining China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Oncology Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University Jining China
| | - Chengjiu Hu
- Department of Pathology Jining No.1 People's Hospital Jining China
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27
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Zhang W, Liu K, Pei Y, Ma J, Tan J, Zhao J. Mst1 regulates non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial damage via ROCK1/F‑actin pathways. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2409-2422. [PMID: 30320378 PMCID: PMC6203146 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 (Mst1) is well recognized as a major tumor suppressor in cancer development, growth, metabolic reprogramming, metastasis, cell death and recurrence. However, the roles of Mst1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell phenotypic alterations remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the functional role and underlying mechanisms of Mst1 with regards to A549 cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis; this study focused on mitochondrial homeostasis and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1)/F‑actin pathways. The results demonstrated that Mst1 was downregulated in A549 cells compared with in a normal pulmonary epithelial cell line. Subsequently, overexpression of Mst1 in A549 cells reduced cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of Mst1 suppressed A549 cell proliferation and migration. At the molecular level, the reintroduction of Mst1 in A549 cells led to activation of mitochondrial apoptosis, as evidenced by a reduction in mitochondrial potential, overproduction of ROS, cytochrome c release from the mitochondria into the nucleus, and upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein expression. In addition, Mst1 overexpression was closely associated with impaired mitochondrial respiratory function and suppressed cellular energy metabolism. Functional studies illustrated that Mst1 overexpression activated ROCK1/F-actin pathways, which highly regulate mitochondrial function. Inhibition of ROCK1/F-actin pathways in A549 cells sustained mitochondrial homeostasis, alleviated caspase-9-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis, enhanced cancer cell migration and increased cell proliferation. In conclusion, these data firmly established the regulatory role of Mst1 in NSCLC A549 cell survival via the modulation of ROCK1/F-actin pathways, which may provide opportunities for novel treatment modalities in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Army General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Keiqiang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Army General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Yingxin Pei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Army General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Jingbo Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Army General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Army General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Army General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100700, P. R. China
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28
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Tharp KM, Weaver VM. Modeling Tissue Polarity in Context. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:3613-3628. [PMID: 30055167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polarity is critical for development and tissue-specific function. However, the acquisition and maintenance of tissue polarity is context dependent. Thus, cell and tissue polarity depend on cell adhesion which is regulated by the cytoskeleton and influenced by the biochemical composition of the extracellular microenvironment and modified by biomechanical cues within the tissue. These biomechanical cues include fluid flow induced shear stresses, cell-density and confinement-mediated compression, and cellular actomyosin tension intrinsic to the tissue or induced in response to morphogens or extracellular matrix stiffness. Here, we discuss how extracellular matrix stiffness and fluid flow influence cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and alter cytoskeletal organization to modulate cell and tissue polarity. We describe model systems that when combined with state of the art molecular screens and high-resolution imaging can be used to investigate how force modulates cell and tissue polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tharp
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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29
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Rath N, Munro J, Cutiongco MF, Jagiełło A, Gadegaard N, McGarry L, Unbekandt M, Michalopoulou E, Kamphorst JJ, Sumpton D, Mackay G, Vennin C, Pajic M, Timpson P, Olson MF. Rho Kinase Inhibition by AT13148 Blocks Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Invasion and Tumor Growth. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3321-3336. [PMID: 29669760 PMCID: PMC6005347 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The high mortality of pancreatic cancer demands that new therapeutic avenues be developed. The orally available small-molecule inhibitor AT13148 potently inhibits ROCK1 and ROCK2 kinases that regulate the actomyosin cytoskeleton. We previously reported that ROCK kinase expression increases with human and mouse pancreatic cancer progression and that conditional ROCK activation accelerates mortality in a genetically modified LSL-KrasG12D; LSL-p53R172H; Pdx1-Cre; (KPC) mouse pancreatic cancer model. In this study, we show that treatment of KPC mouse and human TKCC5 patient-derived pancreatic tumor cells with AT13148, as well as the ROCK-selective inhibitors Y27632 and H1152, act comparably in blocking ROCK substrate phosphorylation. AT13148, Y27632, and H1152 induced morphologic changes and reduced cellular contractile force generation, motility on pliable discontinuous substrates, and three-dimensional collagen matrix invasion. AT13148 treatment reduced subcutaneous tumor growth and blocked invasion of healthy pancreatic tissue by KPC tumor cells in vivo without affecting proliferation, suggesting a role for local tissue invasion as a contributor to primary tumor growth. These results suggest that AT13148 has antitumor properties that may be beneficial in combination therapies or in the adjuvant setting to reduce pancreatic cancer cell invasion and slow primary tumor growth. AT13148 might also have the additional benefit of enabling tumor resection by maintaining separation between tumor and healthy tissue boundaries.Significance: Preclinical evaluation of a small-molecule ROCK inhibitor reveals significant effects on PDAC invasion and tumor growth, further validating ROCK kinases as viable therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3321-36. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Rath
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - June Munro
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Francene Cutiongco
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alicja Jagiełło
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaj Gadegaard
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lynn McGarry
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jurre J Kamphorst
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Sumpton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Mackay
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Vennin
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Michael F Olson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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30
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Filipe EC, Chitty JL, Cox TR. Charting the unexplored extracellular matrix in cancer. Int J Exp Pathol 2018; 99:58-76. [PMID: 29671911 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is present in all solid tissues and considered a master regulator of cell behaviour and phenotype. The importance of maintaining the correct biochemical and biophysical properties of the ECM, and the subsequent regulation of cell and tissue homeostasis, is illustrated by the simple fact that the ECM is highly dysregulated in many different types of disease, especially cancer. The loss of tissue ECM homeostasis and integrity is seen as one of the hallmarks of cancer and typically defines transitional events in progression and metastasis. The vast majority of cancer studies place an emphasis on exploring the behaviour and intrinsic signalling pathways of tumour cells. Their goal was to identify ways to target intracellular pathways regulating cancer. Cancer progression and metastasis are powerfully influenced by the ECM and thus present a vast, unexplored repository of anticancer targets that we are only just beginning to tap into. Deconstructing the complexity of the tumour ECM landscape and identifying the interactions between the many cell types, soluble factors and extracellular-matrix proteins have proved challenging. Here, we discuss some of the emerging tools and platforms being used to catalogue and chart the ECM in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysse C Filipe
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica L Chitty
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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31
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Santi A, Kugeratski FG, Zanivan S. Cancer Associated Fibroblasts: The Architects of Stroma Remodeling. Proteomics 2018; 18:e1700167. [PMID: 29280568 PMCID: PMC5900985 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201700167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts have exceptional phenotypic plasticity and capability to secrete vast amount of soluble factors, extracellular matrix components and extracellular vesicles. While in physiological conditions this makes fibroblasts master regulators of tissue homeostasis and healing of injured tissues, in solid tumors cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) co-evolve with the disease, and alter the biochemical and physical structure of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the behavior of the surrounding stromal and cancer cells. Thus CAFs are fundamental regulators of tumor progression and influence response to therapeutic treatments. Increasing efforts are devoted to better understand the biology of CAFs to bring insights to develop complementary strategies to target this cell type in cancer. Here we highlight components of the tumor microenvironment that play key roles in cancer progression and invasion, and provide an extensive overview of past and emerging understanding of CAF biology as well as the contribution that MS-based proteomics has made to this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Santi
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | | | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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32
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Veenstra VL, Garcia-Garijo A, van Laarhoven HW, Bijlsma MF. Extracellular Influences: Molecular Subclasses and the Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10020034. [PMID: 29382042 PMCID: PMC5836066 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer and carries the worst prognosis of all common cancers. Five-year survival rates have not surpassed 6% for some decades and this lack of improvement in outcome urges a better understanding of the PDAC-specific features which contribute to this poor result. One of the most defining features of PDAC known to contribute to its progression is the abundance of non-tumor cells and material collectively known as the stroma. It is now well recognized that the different non-cancer cell types, signalling molecules, and mechanical properties within a tumor can have both tumor-promoting as well as –inhibitory effects. However, the net effect of this intratumour heterogeneity is not well understood. Heterogeneity in the stromal makeup between patients is even less well established. Such intertumour heterogeneity is likely to be affected by the relative contributions of individual stromal constituents, but how these contributions exactly relate to existing classifications that demarcate intertumour heterogeneity in PDAC is not fully known. In this review, we give an overview of the available evidence by delineating the elements of the PDAC stroma and their contribution to tumour growth. We do so by interpreting the heterogeneity at the gene expression level in PDAC, and how stromal elements contribute to, or interconnect, with this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique L Veenstra
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Garcia-Garijo
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Hanneke W van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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