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Amit M, Anastasaki C, Dantzer R, Demir IE, Deneen B, Dixon KO, Egeblad M, Gibson EM, Hervey-Jumper SL, Hondermarck H, Magnon C, Monje M, Na'ara S, Pan Y, Repasky EA, Scheff NN, Sloan EK, Talbot S, Tracey KJ, Trotman LC, Valiente M, Van Aelst L, Venkataramani V, Venkatesh HS, Vermeer PD, Winkler F, Wong RJ, Gutmann DH, Borniger JC. Next Directions in the Neuroscience of Cancers Arising outside the CNS. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:669-673. [PMID: 38571430 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1495] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
SUMMARY The field of cancer neuroscience has begun to define the contributions of nerves to cancer initiation and progression; here, we highlight the future directions of basic and translational cancer neuroscience for malignancies arising outside of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Texas
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany; Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC) International Research Consortium, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience and Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Karen O Dixon
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mikala Egeblad
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erin M Gibson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Shawn L Hervey-Jumper
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Neuroscience Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory, Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Claire Magnon
- Laboratory of Cancer and Microenvironment-National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institute of Biology François Jacob-Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), University of Paris Cité, University of Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California
| | - Shorook Na'ara
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yuan Pan
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Texas
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Nicole N Scheff
- Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Erica K Sloan
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Victoria, Australia
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | | | - Manuel Valiente
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Varun Venkataramani
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Humsa S Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paola D Vermeer
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard J Wong
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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2
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Park H, Lee CH. The contribution of the nervous system in the cancer progression. BMB Rep 2024; 57:167-175. [PMID: 38523371 PMCID: PMC11058356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is driven by genetic mutations, environmental factors, and intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME comprises of diverse cell types, such as cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and neuronal cells. These cells mutually influence each other through various factors, including cytokines, vascular perfusion, and matrix stiffness. In the initial or developmental stage of cancer, neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor are associated with poor prognosis of various cancers by communicating with cancer cells, immune cells, and peripheral nerves within the TME. Over the past decade, research has been conducted to prevent cancer growth by controlling the activation of neurotrophic factors within tumors, exhibiting a novel attemt in cancer treatment with promising results. More recently, research focusing on controlling cancer growth through regulation of the autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, has gained significant attention. Sympathetic signaling predominantly promotes tumor progression, while the role of parasympathetic signaling varies among different cancer types. Neurotransmitters released from these signalings can directly or indirectly affect tumor cells or immune cells within the TME. Additionally, sensory nerve significantly promotes cancer progression. In the advanced stage of cancer, cancer-associated cachexia occurs, characterized by tissue wasting and reduced quality of life. This process involves the pathways via brainstem growth and differentiation factor 15-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like signaling and hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurons. Our review highlights the critical role of neurotrophic factors as well as central nervous system on the progression of cancer, offering promising avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(4): 167-175].
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongryeol Park
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster D-48149, Germany, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Chan Hee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Program of Material Science for Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
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Gründer S, Vanek J, Pissas KP. Acid-sensing ion channels and downstream signalling in cancer cells: is there a mechanistic link? Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:659-672. [PMID: 38175291 PMCID: PMC11006730 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02902-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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
It is increasingly appreciated that the acidic microenvironment of a tumour contributes to its evolution and clinical outcomes. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which tumour cells detect acidosis and the signalling cascades that it induces is still limited. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are sensitive receptors for protons; therefore, they are also candidates for proton sensors in tumour cells. Although in non-transformed tissue, their expression is mainly restricted to neurons, an increasing number of studies have reported ectopic expression of ASICs not only in brain cancer but also in different carcinomas, such as breast and pancreatic cancer. However, because ASICs are best known as desensitizing ionotropic receptors that mediate rapid but transient signalling, how they trigger intracellular signalling cascades is not well understood. In this review, we introduce the acidic microenvironment of tumours and the functional properties of ASICs, point out some conceptual problems, summarize reported roles of ASICs in different cancers, and highlight open questions on the mechanisms of their action in cancer cells. Finally, we propose guidelines to keep ASIC research in cancer on solid ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Jakob Vanek
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Barr J, Walz A, Restaino AC, Amit M, Barclay SM, Vichaya EG, Spanos WC, Dantzer R, Talbot S, Vermeer PD. Tumor-infiltrating nerves functionally alter brain circuits and modulate behavior in a mouse model of head-and-neck cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.18.562990. [PMID: 37905135 PMCID: PMC10614955 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.18.562990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients often experience changes in mental health, prompting an exploration into whether nerves infiltrating tumors contribute to these alterations by impacting brain functions. Using a male mouse model for head and neck cancer, we utilized neuronal tracing techniques and show that tumor-infiltrating nerves indeed connect to distinct brain areas via the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglion. The activation of this neuronal circuitry led to behavioral alterations represented by decreased nest-building, increased latency to eat a cookie, and reduced wheel running. Tumor-infiltrating nociceptor neurons exhibited heightened activity, as indicated by increased calcium mobilization. Correspondingly, the specific brain regions receiving these neural projections showed elevated cFos and delta FosB expression in tumor-bearing mice, alongside markedly intensified calcium responses compared to non-tumor-bearing counterparts. The genetic elimination of nociceptor neurons in tumor-bearing mice led to decreased brain Fos expression and mitigated the behavioral alterations induced by the presence of the tumor. While analgesic treatment successfully restored behaviors involving oral movements to normalcy in tumor-bearing mice, it did not have a similar therapeutic effect on voluntary wheel running. This discrepancy points towards an intricate relationship, where pain is not the exclusive driver of such behavioral shifts. Unraveling the interaction between the tumor, infiltrating nerves, and the brain is pivotal to developing targeted interventions to alleviate the mental health burdens associated with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Barr
- Sanford Research, Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Austin Walz
- Sanford Research, Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Anthony C. Restaino
- Sanford Research, Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah M. Barclay
- Sanford Research, Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | | | - William C. Spanos
- Sanford Research, Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Robert Dantzer
- University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Queen’s University, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paola D. Vermeer
- Sanford Research, Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, USA
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Mardelle U, Bretaud N, Daher C, Feuillet V. From pain to tumor immunity: influence of peripheral sensory neurons in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335387. [PMID: 38433844 PMCID: PMC10905387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are the primary sensory interfaces of the body, allowing it to recognize, process, and respond to various stimuli from both the external and internal environment. These systems work in concert through various mechanisms of neuro-immune crosstalk to detect threats, provide defense against pathogens, and maintain or restore homeostasis, but can also contribute to the development of diseases. Among peripheral sensory neurons (PSNs), nociceptive PSNs are of particular interest. They possess a remarkable capability to detect noxious stimuli in the periphery and transmit this information to the brain, resulting in the perception of pain and the activation of adaptive responses. Pain is an early symptom of cancer, often leading to its diagnosis, but it is also a major source of distress for patients as the disease progresses. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the mechanisms within tumors that are likely to induce cancer pain, exploring a range of factors from etiological elements to cellular and molecular mediators. In addition to transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system, PSNs are also capable, when activated, to produce and release neuropeptides (e.g., CGRP and SP) from their peripheral terminals. These neuropeptides have been shown to modulate immunity in cases of inflammation, infection, and cancer. PSNs, often found within solid tumors, are likely to play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment, potentially influencing both tumor growth and anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge about the degree of sensory innervation in tumors. We also seek to understand whether and how PSNs may influence the tumor growth and associated anti-tumor immunity in different mouse models of cancer. Finally, we discuss the extent to which the tumor is able to influence the development and functions of the PSNs that innervate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Mardelle
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Ninon Bretaud
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Clara Daher
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Feuillet
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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Szallasi A. Targeting TRPV1 for Cancer Pain Relief: Can It Work? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:648. [PMID: 38339399 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030648] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic intractable pain affects a large proportion of cancer patients, especially those with metastatic bone disease. Blocking sensory afferents for cancer pain relief represents an attractive alternative to opioids and other drugs acting in the CNS in that sensory nerve blockers are not addictive and do not affect the mental state of the patient. A distinct subpopulation of sensory afferents expresses the capsaicin receptor TRPV1. Intrathecal resiniferatoxin, an ultrapotent capsaicin analog, ablates TRPV1-expressing nerve endings exposed to the cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in permanent analgesia in women with cervical cancer metastasis to the pelvic bone. High-dose capsaicin patches are effective pain killers in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain. However, large gaps remain in our knowledge since the mechanisms by which cancer activates TRPV1 are essentially unknown. Most important, it is not clear whether or not sensory denervation mediated by TRPV1 agonists affects cancer progression. In a murine model of breast cancer, capsaicin desensitization was reported to accelerate progression. By contrast, desensitization mediated by resiniferatoxin was found to block melanoma growth. These observations imply that TRPV1 blockade for pain relief may be indicated for some cancers and contraindicated for others. In this review, we explore the current state of this field and compare the analgesic potential of TRPV1 antagonism and sensory afferent desensitization in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Szallasi
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Winkler F. Neuroscience and oncology: state-of-the-art and new perspectives. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:544-548. [PMID: 37973023 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Emerging discoveries suggest that both the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system are an important driver of cancer initiation, promotion, dissemination, and therapy resistance, not only in the brain but also in multiple cancer types throughout the body. This article highlights the most recent developments in this emerging field of research over the last year and provides a roadmap for the future, emphasizing its translational potential. RECENT FINDINGS Excitatory synapses between neurons and cancer cells that drive growth and invasion have been detected and characterized. In addition, a plethora of paracrine, mostly tumor-promoting neuro-cancer interactions are reported, and a neuro-immuno-cancer axis emerges. Cancer cell-intrinsic neural properties, and cancer (therapy) effects on the nervous system that cause morbidity in patients and can establish harmful feedback loops receive increasing attention. Despite the relative novelty of these findings, therapies that inhibit key mechanisms of this neuro-cancer crosstalk are developed, and already tested in clinical trials, largely by repurposing of approved drugs. SUMMARY Neuro-cancer interactions are manyfold, have multiple clinical implications, and can lead to novel neuroscience-instructed cancer therapies and improved therapies of neurological dysfunctions and cancer pain. The development of biomarkers and identification of most promising therapeutic targets is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Wu Z, Jia Q, Liu B, Fang L, Leung PCK, Cheng JC. NPFF stimulates human ovarian cancer cell invasion by upregulating MMP-9 via ERK1/2 signaling. Exp Cell Res 2023; 430:113693. [PMID: 37392963 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) belongs to the RFamide peptide family. NPFF regulates a variety of physiological functions by binding to a G protein-coupled receptor, NPFFR2. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies. The pathogenesis of EOC can be regulated by many local factors, including neuropeptides, through an autocrine/paracrine manner. However, to date, the expression and/or function of NPFF/NPFFR2 in EOC is undetermined. In this study, we show that the upregulation of NPFFR2 mRNA was associated with poor overall survival in EOC. The TaqMan probe-based RT-qPCR showed that NPFF and NPFFR2 were expressed in three human EOC cells, CaOV3, OVCAR3, and SKOV3. In comparison, NPFF and NPFFR2 expression levels were higher in SKOV3 cells than in CaOV3 or OVCAR3 cells. Treatment of SKOV3 cells with NPFF did not affect cell viability and proliferation but stimulated cell invasion. NPFF treatment upregulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Using the siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we showed that the stimulatory effect of NPFF on MMP-9 expression was mediated by the NPFFR2. Our results also showed that ERK1/2 signaling was activated in SKOV3 cells in response to the NPFF treatment. In addition, blocking the activation of ERK1/2 signaling abolished the NPFF-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion. This study provides evidence that NPFF stimulates EOC cell invasion by upregulating MMP-9 expression through the NPFFR2-mediated ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiongqiong Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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