1
|
Louault K, Blavier L, Lee MH, Kennedy RJ, Fernandez GE, Pawel BR, Asgharzadeh S, DeClerck YA. Nuclear factor-κB activation by transforming growth factor-β1 drives tumour microenvironment-mediated drug resistance in neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02686-8. [PMID: 38806726 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the tumour microenvironment (TME) contribute to therapeutic resistance. Here we demonstrate that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 produced in the TME increased drug resistance of neuroblastoma (NB) cells. METHODS Human NB cell lines were tested in vitro for their sensitivity to Doxorubicin (DOX) and Etoposide (ETOP) in the presence of tumour-associated macrophages (TAM) and mesenchymal stromal cells/cancer-associated fibroblasts (MSC/CAF). These experiments were validated in xenotransplanted and primary tumour samples. RESULTS Drug resistance was associated with an increased expression of efflux transporter and anti-apoptotic proteins. Upregulation was dependent on activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by TGF-β-activated kinase (TAK1) and SMAD2. Resistance was reversed upon pharmacologic and genetic inhibitions of NF-κB, and TAK1/SMAD2. Interleukin-6, leukaemia inhibitory factor and oncostatin M were upregulated by this TGF-β/TAK1/NF-κB/SMAD2 signalling pathway contributing to drug resistance via an autocrine loop activating STAT3. An analysis of xenotransplanted NB tumours revealed an increased presence of phospho (p)-NF-κB in tumours co-injected with MSC/CAF and TAM, and these tumours failed to respond to Etoposide but responded if treated with a TGF-βR1/ALK5 inhibitor. Nuclear p-NF-κB was increased in patient-derived tumours rich in TME cells. CONCLUSIONS The data provides a novel insight into a targetable mechanism of environment-mediated drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Louault
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Laurence Blavier
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Men-Hua Lee
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Rebekah J Kennedy
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - G Esteban Fernandez
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Bruce R Pawel
- Department of Pathology, and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Department of Pathology, and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Yves A DeClerck
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Polychronopoulos PA, Bedoya-Reina OC, Johnsen JI. The Neuroblastoma Microenvironment, Heterogeneity and Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1863. [PMID: 38791942 PMCID: PMC11119056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a peripheral nervous system tumor that almost exclusively occurs in young children. Although intensified treatment modalities have led to increased patient survival, the prognosis for patients with high-risk disease is still around 50%, signifying neuroblastoma as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor and is shaped by its origin from cells within the neural crest. Hence, neuroblastoma usually presents with a low mutational burden and is, in the majority of cases, driven by epigenetically deregulated transcription networks. The recent development of Omic techniques has given us detailed knowledge of neuroblastoma evolution, heterogeneity, and plasticity, as well as intra- and intercellular molecular communication networks within the neuroblastoma microenvironment. Here, we discuss the potential of these recent discoveries with emphasis on new treatment modalities, including immunotherapies which hold promise for better future treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Alkinoos Polychronopoulos
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.A.P.); (O.C.B.-R.)
| | - Oscar C. Bedoya-Reina
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.A.P.); (O.C.B.-R.)
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.A.P.); (O.C.B.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kou Z, Liu C, Zhang W, Sun C, Liu L, Zhang Q. Heterogeneity of primary and metastatic CAFs: From differential treatment outcomes to treatment opportunities (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:54. [PMID: 38577950 PMCID: PMC11015919 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with primary tumor sites, metastatic sites appear more resistant to treatments and respond differently to the treatment regimen. It may be due to the heterogeneity in the microenvironment between metastatic sites and primary tumors. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are widely present in the tumor stroma as key components of the tumor microenvironment. Primary tumor CAFs (pCAFs) and metastatic CAFs (mCAFs) are heterogeneous in terms of source, activation mode, markers and functional phenotypes. They can shape the tumor microenvironment according to organ, showing heterogeneity between primary tumors and metastases, which may affect the sensitivity of these sites to treatment. It was hypothesized that understanding the heterogeneity between pCAFs and mCAFs can provide a glimpse into the difference in treatment outcomes, providing new ideas for improving the rate of metastasis control in various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Kou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa Island 999078, Macau SAR, P.R. China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
- Department of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100007, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Q, Li X, Cao Z, Feng W, Chen Y, Jiang D. Enzyme-Mediated Bioorthogonal Cascade Catalytic Reaction for Metabolism Intervention and Enhanced Ferroptosis on Neuroblastoma. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8228-8241. [PMID: 38471004 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
It remains a tremendous challenge to explore effective therapeutic modalities against neuroblastoma, a lethal cancer of the sympathetic nervous system with poor prognosis and disappointing treatment outcomes. Considering the limitations of conventional treatment modalities and the intrinsic vulnerability of neuroblastoma, we herein develop a pioneering sequential catalytic therapeutic system that utilizes lactate oxidase (LOx)/horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-loaded amorphous zinc metal-organic framework, named LOx/HRP-aZIF, in combination with a 3-indole-acetic acid (IAA) prodrug. On the basis of abnormal lactate accumulation that occurs in the tumor microenvironment, the cascade reaction of LOx and HRP consumes endogenous glutathione and a reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to achieve the first stage of killing cancer cells via antioxidative incapacitation and electron transport chain interference. Furthermore, the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by HRP and IAA through bioorthogonal catalysis promotes ferritin degradation and lipid peroxidation, ultimately provoking self-enhanced ferroptosis with positive feedback by initiating an endogenous Fenton reaction. This work highlights the superiority of the natural enzyme-dependent cascade and bioorthogonal catalytic reaction, offering a paradigm for synergistically enzyme-based metabolism-ferroptosis anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Xiangze Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyao Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325088, P. R. China
| | - Dapeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bueno-Urquiza LJ, Godínez-Rubí M, Villegas-Pineda JC, Vega-Magaña AN, Jave-Suárez LF, Puebla-Mora AG, Aguirre-Sandoval GE, Martínez-Silva MG, Ramírez-de-Arellano A, Pereira-Suárez AL. Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts in Cervical Cancer Progression: FAP as a Central Activation Marker. Cells 2024; 13:560. [PMID: 38606999 PMCID: PMC11010959 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth leading cancer among women and is one of the principal gynecological malignancies. In the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role during malignant progression, exhibiting a variety of heterogeneous phenotypes. CAFs express phenotypic markers like fibroblast activation protein (FAP), vimentin, S100A4, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and functional markers such as MMP9. This study aimed to evaluate the protein expression of vimentin, S100A4, αSMA, FAP, and MMP9 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-CAF cells, as well as in cervical cancer samples. MSC cells were stimulated with HeLa and SiHa tumor cell supernatants, followed by protein evaluation and cytokine profile to confirm differentiation towards a CAF phenotype. In addition, automated immunohistochemistry (IHQa) was performed to evaluate the expression of these proteins in CC samples at different stages. Our findings revealed a high expression of FAP in stimulated MSC cells, accompanied by the secretion of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines. In the other hand, CC samples were observed to have high expression of FAP, vimentin, αSMA, and MMP9. Most importantly, there was a high expression of their activation proteins αSMA and FAP during the different stages. In the early stages, a myofibroblast-like phenotype (CAFs αSMA+ FAP+), and in the late stages a protumoral phenotype (CAF αSMA- FAP+). In summary, FAP has a crucial role in the activation of CAFs during cervical cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lesly Jazmin Bueno-Urquiza
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
| | - Marisol Godínez-Rubí
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Julio César Villegas-Pineda
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Alejandra Natali Vega-Magaña
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Luis Felipe Jave-Suárez
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Ana Graciela Puebla-Mora
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Gloria Estefanía Aguirre-Sandoval
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - María Guadalupe Martínez-Silva
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Adrián Ramírez-de-Arellano
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
| | - Ana Laura Pereira-Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang M, Xue W, Yuan H, Wang Z, Yu L. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting CAFs: A Promising Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2823-2849. [PMID: 38525013 PMCID: PMC10959015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s451151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. PC is typically diagnosed at a late stage, exhibits a poor response to conventional treatment, and has a bleak prognosis. Unfortunately, PC's survival rate has not significantly improved since the 1960s. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). They play a vital role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and facilitating the intricate communication between cancer cells and infiltrated immune cells. Exploring therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs may reverse the current landscape of PC therapy. In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have evolved rapidly and have been able to accurately target and precisely release drugs with little or no toxicity to the whole body. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the origin, heterogeneity, potential targets, and recent advances in the nano-drug delivery system of CAFs in PC. We will also propose a novel integrated treatment regimen that utilizes a nano-drug delivery system to target CAFs in PC, combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we will address the challenges that this regimen currently faces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Karami Fath M, Bagherzadeh Torbati SM, Saqagandomabadi V, Yousefi Afshar O, Khalilzad M, Abedi S, Moliani A, Daneshdoust D, Barati G. The therapeutic effect of MSCs and their extracellular vesicles on neuroblastoma. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 187:51-60. [PMID: 38373516 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a common inflammatory-related cancer during infancy. Standard treatment modalities including surgical interventions, high-dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy are not able to increase survival rate and reduce tumor relapse in high-risk patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their tumor-targeting and immunomodulating properties. MSCs could be engineered to express anticancer agents (i.e., growth factors, cytokines, pro-apoptotic agents) or deliver oncolytic viruses in the tumor microenvironment. As many functions of MSCs are mediated through their secretome, researchers have tried to use extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs for targeted therapy of neuroblastoma. Here, we reviewed the studies to figure out whether the use of MSCs could be worthwhile in neuroblastoma therapy or not. Native MSCs have shown a promoting or inhibiting role in cancers including neuroblastoma. Therefore, MSCs are proposed as a vehicle to deliver anticancer agents such as oncolytic viruses to the neuroblastoma tumor microenvironment. Although modified MSCs or their EVs have been shown to suppress the tumorigenesis of neuroblastoma, further pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to come to a conclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Saqagandomabadi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Mohammad Khalilzad
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sara Abedi
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Moliani
- Isfahan Medical Students Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Danyal Daneshdoust
- Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim HS, Noh YK, Min KW, Kim DH, Kwon MJ, Pyo JS, Lee JY. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Together with a Decline in CD8+ T Cells Predict a Worse Prognosis for Breast Cancer Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:2114-2126. [PMID: 38093168 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in tumor microenvironment regulation and cancer progression. This study assessed the significance and predictive potential of CAFs in breast cancer prognosis. METHODS The study included 1503 breast cancer patients. Cancer-associated fibroblasts were identified using morphologic features from hematoxylin and eosin slides. The study analyzed clinicopathologic parameters, survival rates, immune cells, gene sets, and prognostic models using gene-set enrichment analysis, in silico cytometry, pathway analysis, in vitro drug-screening, and gradient-boosting machine (GBM)-learning. RESULTS The presence of CAFs correlated significantly with young age, lymphatic invasion, and perineural invasion. In silico cytometry showed altered leukocyte subsets in the presence of CAFs, with decreased CD8+ T cells. Gene-set enrichment analysis showed associations with critical processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune modulation. Drug sensitivity analysis in breast cancer cell lines with varying fibroblast activation protein-α expression suggested that CAF-targeted therapies might enhance the efficacy of certain anticancer drugs including ARRY-520, ispinesib-mesylate, paclitaxel, and docetaxel. Integrating CAF presence with machine-learning improved survival prediction. For breast cancer patients, CAFs were independent prognostic markers for worse disease-specific survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the significance of CAFs in breast cancer biology and provided compelling evidence of their impact on patient outcomes and treatment response. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential of CAFs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers and support the development of CAF-targeted therapies to improve breast cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Suk Kim
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung-Kyun Noh
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Computational Sciences, Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Soo Pyo
- Department of Pathology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Yeon Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kim HS, Min KW. ASO Author Reflections: Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts with Decreased CD8+ T Cells are Associated with a Poor Prognosis in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:2127-2128. [PMID: 38142256 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14817-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Suk Kim
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lootens T, Roman BI, Stevens CV, De Wever O, Raedt R. Glioblastoma-Associated Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Partners in Crime? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2285. [PMID: 38396962 PMCID: PMC10889514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (TA-MSCs) have been recognized as attractive therapeutic targets in several cancer types, due to their ability to enhance tumor growth and angiogenesis and their contribution to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In glioblastoma (GB), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem to be recruited to the tumor site, where they differentiate into glioblastoma-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (GA-MSCs) under the influence of tumor cells and the TME. GA-MSCs are reported to exert important protumoral functions, such as promoting tumor growth and invasion, increasing angiogenesis, stimulating glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) proliferation and stemness, mediating resistance to therapy and contributing to an immunosuppressive TME. Moreover, they could act as precursor cells for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which have recently been identified in GB. In this review, we provide an overview of the different functions exerted by GA-MSCs and CAFs and the current knowledge on the relationship between these cell types. Increasing our understanding of the interactions and signaling pathways in relevant models might contribute to future regimens targeting GA-MSCs and GB-associated CAFs to inhibit tumor growth and render the TME less immunosuppressive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Lootens
- 4Brain, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.I.R.); (C.V.S.)
| | - Bart I. Roman
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.I.R.); (C.V.S.)
- SynBioC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian V. Stevens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.I.R.); (C.V.S.)
- SynBioC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.I.R.); (C.V.S.)
| | - Robrecht Raedt
- 4Brain, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.I.R.); (C.V.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Melchionna R, Trono P, Di Carlo A, Di Modugno F, Nisticò P. Transcription factors in fibroblast plasticity and CAF heterogeneity. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:347. [PMID: 38124183 PMCID: PMC10731891 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research focused on the multifaceted landscape and functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) aimed to reveal their heterogeneity and identify commonalities across diverse tumors for more effective therapeutic targeting of pro-tumoral stromal microenvironment. However, a unified functional categorization of CAF subsets remains elusive, posing challenges for the development of targeted CAF therapies in clinical settings.The CAF phenotype arises from a complex interplay of signals within the tumor microenvironment, where transcription factors serve as central mediators of various cellular pathways. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing technology have emphasized the role of transcription factors in the conversion of normal fibroblasts to distinct CAF subtypes across various cancer types.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the specific roles of transcription factor networks in shaping CAF heterogeneity, plasticity, and functionality. Beginning with their influence on fibroblast homeostasis and reprogramming during wound healing and fibrosis, it delves into the emerging insights into transcription factor regulatory networks. Understanding these mechanisms not only enables a more precise characterization of CAF subsets but also sheds light on the early regulatory processes governing CAF heterogeneity and functionality. Ultimately, this knowledge may unveil novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, addressing the existing challenges of stromal-targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Melchionna
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Trono
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Di Carlo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Modugno
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Stip MC, Teeuwen L, Dierselhuis MP, Leusen JHW, Krijgsman D. Targeting the myeloid microenvironment in neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:337. [PMID: 38087370 PMCID: PMC10716967 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02913-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells (granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages) play an important role in neuroblastoma. By inducing a complex immunosuppressive network, myeloid cells pose a challenge for the adaptive immune system to eliminate tumor cells, especially in high-risk neuroblastoma. This review first summarizes the pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions of myeloid cells, including granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) during the development and progression of neuroblastoma. Secondly, we discuss how myeloid cells are engaged in the current treatment regimen and explore novel strategies to target these cells in neuroblastoma. These strategies include: (1) engaging myeloid cells as effector cells, (2) ablating myeloid cells or blocking the recruitment of myeloid cells to the tumor microenvironment and (3) reprogramming myeloid cells. Here we describe that despite their immunosuppressive traits, tumor-associated myeloid cells can still be engaged as effector cells, which is clear in anti-GD2 immunotherapy. However, their full potential is not yet reached, and myeloid cell engagement can be enhanced, for example by targeting the CD47/SIRPα axis. Though depletion of myeloid cells or blocking myeloid cell infiltration has been proven effective, this strategy also depletes possible effector cells for immunotherapy from the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, reprogramming of suppressive myeloid cells might be the optimal strategy, which reverses immunosuppressive traits, preserves myeloid cells as effectors of immunotherapy, and subsequently reactivates tumor-infiltrating T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein C Stip
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Loes Teeuwen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jeanette H W Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yan L, Zheng J, Wang Q, Hao H. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 681:127-135. [PMID: 37774570 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.065] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are mesenchymal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs are the most abundant cellular components in the TME of solid tumors. They affect the progression and course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in various types of tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). CAFs can promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis; protect tumor cells from immune surveillance; and resist tumor cell apoptosis caused by chemotherapy, resulting in drug resistance to chemotherapy. In recent years, researchers have become increasingly interested CAF functions and have conducted extensive research. However, compared to other types of malignancies, our understanding of the interaction between CRC cells and CAFs remains limited. Therefore, we searched the relevant literature published in the past 10 years, and reviewed the origin, biological characteristics, heterogeneity, role in the TME, and potential therapeutic targets of CAFs, to aid future research on CAFs and tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yan
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, PR China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, PR China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, PR China.
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zaarour RF, Ribeiro M, Azzarone B, Kapoor S, Chouaib S. Tumor microenvironment-induced tumor cell plasticity: relationship with hypoxic stress and impact on tumor resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222575. [PMID: 37886168 PMCID: PMC10598765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor interaction with stromal components during carcinogenesis is crucial for the design of efficient cancer treatment approaches. It is widely admitted that tumor hypoxic stress is associated with tumor aggressiveness and thus impacts susceptibility and resistance to different types of treatments. Notable biological processes that hypoxia functions in include its regulation of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. While hypoxia has been reported as a major player in tumor survival and dissemination regulation, the significance of hypoxia inducible factors in cancer stem cell development remains poorly understood. Several reports indicate that the emergence of cancer stem cells in addition to their phenotype and function within a hypoxic tumor microenvironment impacts cancer progression. In this respect, evidence showed that cancer stem cells are key elements of intratumoral heterogeneity and more importantly are responsible for tumor relapse and escape to treatments. This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of the interaction between tumor hypoxic stress and its role in stemness acquisition and maintenance. Our review extensively covers the influence of hypoxia on the formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells and discusses the potential of targeting hypoxia-induced alterations in the expression and function of the so far known stem cell markers in cancer therapy approaches. We believe that a better and integrated understanding of the effect of hypoxia on stemness during carcinogenesis might lead to new strategies for exploiting hypoxia-associated pathways and their targeting in the clinical setting in order to overcome resistance mechanisms. More importantly, at the present time, efforts are oriented towards the design of innovative therapeutical approaches that specifically target cancer stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- RF. Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Ribeiro
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - B. Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Kapoor
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lv Y, Hu J, Zheng W, Shan L, Bai B, Zhu H, Dai S. A WGCNA-based cancer-associated fibroblast risk signature in colorectal cancer for prognosis and immunotherapy response. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2256-2275. [PMID: 37859738 PMCID: PMC10583018 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are notably involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment failure. In this article, we report the in silico development of a CAF-related prognostic signature for CRC. Methods We separately downloaded CRC transcription data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Deconvolution algorithms, including Estimating the Proportions of Immune and Cancer Cells and the Microenvironment Cell Population-counter, were used to calculate CAF abundance, while the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression algorithm was used to calculate the stromal score. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were used to identify CAF-related genes and prognostic signatures. Results We identified a three-gene, prognostic, CAF-related signature and defined risk groups based on the Riskscores. Multidimensional validations were applied to evaluate the robustness of the signature and its correlation with clinical parameters. We utilized Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and oncoPredict algorithms to predict therapy responses and found that patients in low-risk groups are more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Finally, we used the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Human Protein Atlas databases to evaluate the mRNA and protein levels encoded by the signature genes. Conclusions This novel CAF-related three-gene signature is expected to become a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC and predict chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses. It may be of considerable value for studying the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lv
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Zheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingjun Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xu J, Shi Q, Wang B, Ji T, Guo W, Ren T, Tang X. The role of tumor immune microenvironment in chordoma: promising immunotherapy strategies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1257254. [PMID: 37720221 PMCID: PMC10502727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1257254] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumor with limited therapeutic options, which is resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and targeted therapy is also shown with little efficacy. The long-standing delay in researching its mechanisms of occurrence and development has resulted in the dilemma of no effective treatment targets and no available drugs in clinical practice. In recent years, the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in driving tumor growth has become a hot and challenging topic in the field of cancer research. Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of various tumors. However, the study of the immune microenvironment of chordoma is still in its infancy. In this review, we aim to present a comprehensive reveal of previous exploration on the chordoma immune microenvironment and propose promising immunotherapy strategies for chordoma based on these characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiuhui Xu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qianyu Shi
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Boyang Wang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Ji
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Ren
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Tang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zou Z, Lin Z, Wu C, Tan J, Zhang J, Peng Y, Zhang K, Li J, Wu M, Zhang Y. Micro-Engineered Organoid-on-a-Chip Based on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Predict Immunotherapy Responses of HCC Patients. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302640. [PMID: 37485650 PMCID: PMC10520686 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Patient-derived organoid (PDO) has great potential in precision oncology, but low success rate, time-consuming culture, and lack of tumor microenvironment (TME) limit its application. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) accumulate in primary site to support tumor growth and recruit immune cells to form TME. Here, MSC and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) coculture is used to construct HCC organoid-on-a-chip mimicking original TME and provide a high-throughput drug-screening platform to predict outcomes of anti-HCC immunotherapies. HCC-PDOs and PBMC are co-cultured with MSC and Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). MSC increases success rate of biopsy-derived PDO culture, accelerates PDO growth, and promotes monocyte survival and differentiation into tumor-associated macrophages. A multi-layer microfluidic chip is designed to achieve high-throughput co-culture for drug screening. Compared to conventional PDOs, MSC-PDO-PBMC and CAF-PDO-PBMC models show comparable responses to chemotherapeutic or targeted anti-tumor drugs but more precise prediction potential in assessing patients' responses to anti-PD-L1 drugs. Moreover, this microfluidic platform shortens PDO growth time and improves dimensional uniformity of organoids. In conclusion, the study successfully constructs microengineered organoid-on-a-chip to mimic TME for high-throughput drug screening, providing novel platform to predict immunotherapy response of HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Zou
- Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Zhun Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Chenglin Wu
- The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jizhou Tan
- The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Yanwen Peng
- The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510635China
| | - Kunsong Zhang
- The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jiaping Li
- The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Minhao Wu
- Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Yuanqing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Morgan A, Griffin M, Kameni L, Wan DC, Longaker MT, Norton JA. Medical Biology of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1044. [PMID: 37626931 PMCID: PMC10451924 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer with one of the lowest 5-year survival rates of all cancer types. A defining characteristic of pancreatic cancer is the existence of dense desmoplastic stroma that, when exposed to stimuli such as cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines, generate a tumor-promoting environment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated during the progression of pancreatic cancer and are a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs are primarily pro-tumorigenic in their activated state and function as promoters of cancer invasion, proliferation, metastasis, and immune modulation. Aided by many signaling pathways, cytokines, and chemokines in the tumor microenvironment, CAFs can originate from many cell types including resident fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, pancreatic stellate cells, adipocytes, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and other cell types. CAFs are a highly heterogeneous cell type expressing a variety of surface markers and performing a wide range of tumor promoting and inhibiting functions. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses have revealed a high degree of specialization among CAFs. Some examples of CAF subpopulations include myofibrotic CAFs (myCAFs), which exhibit a matrix-producing contractile phenotype; inflammatory CAFs (iCAF) that are classified by their immunomodulating, secretory phenotype; and antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs), which have antigen-presenting capabilities and express Major Histocompatibility Complex II (MHC II). Over the last several years, various attempts have been undertaken to describe the mechanisms of CAF-tumor cell interaction, as well as CAF-immune cell interaction, that contribute to tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Although our understanding of CAF biology in cancer has steadily increased, the extent of CAFs heterogeneity and their role in the pathobiology of pancreatic cancer remains elusive. In this regard, it becomes increasingly evident that further research on CAFs in pancreatic cancer is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annah Morgan
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
| | - Michelle Griffin
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lionel Kameni
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
| | - Derrick C. Wan
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael T. Longaker
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Norton
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chai C, Sui K, Tang J, Yu H, Yang C, Zhang H, Li SC, Zhong JF, Wang Z, Zhang X. BCR-ABL1-driven exosome-miR130b-3p-mediated gap-junction Cx43 MSC intercellular communications imply therapies of leukemic subclonal evolution. Theranostics 2023; 13:3943-3963. [PMID: 37554265 PMCID: PMC10405834 DOI: 10.7150/thno.83178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: In the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME), mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) control the self-renewal of both healthy and cancerous hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). We previously showed that in vivo leukemia-derived MSCs change neighbor MSCs into leukemia-permissive states and boost leukemia cell proliferation, survival, and chemotherapy resistance. But the mechanisms behind how the state changes are still not fully understood. Methods: Here, we took a reverse engineering approach to determine BCR-ABL1+ leukemia cells activated transcriptional factor C/EBPβ, resulting in miR130a/b-3p production. Then, we back-tracked from clinical specimen transcriptome sequencing to cell co-culture, molecular and cellular assays, flow cytometry, single-cell transcriptome, and transcriptional regulation to determine the molecular mechanisms of BCR-ABL1-driven exosome-miR130b-3p-mediated gap-junction Cx43 MSC intercellular communications. Results: BCR-ABL1-driven exosome-miR130a/b-3p mediated gap-junction Cx43 (a.k.a., GJA1) BMSC intercellular communications for subclonal evolution in leukemic microenvironment by targeting BMSCs-expressed HLAs, thereby potentially maintaining BMSCs with self-renewal properties and reduced BMSC immunogenicity. The Cx43low and miR-130a/bhigh subclonal MSCs subsets of differentiation state could be reversed to Cx43high and miR-130a/blow subclones of the higher stemness state in Cx43-overexpressed subclonal MSCs. Both miR-130a and miR-130b might only inhibit Cx43 translation or degrade Cx43 proteins and did not affect Cx43 mRNA stability. The subclonal evolution was further confirmed by single-cell transcriptome profiling of MSCs, which suggested that Cx43 regulated their stemness and played normal roles in immunomodulation antigen processing. Thus, upregulated miR-130a/b promoted osteogenesis and adipogenesis from BMSCs, thereby decreasing cancer progression. Our clinical data validated that the expression of many genes in human major histocompatibility was negatively associated with the stemness of MSCs, and several immune checkpoint proteins contributing to immune escape in tumors were overexpressed after either miR-130a or miR-130b overexpression, such as CD274, LAG3, PDCD1, and TNFRSF4. Not only did immune response-related cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and PI3K-AKT pathways, including EGR3, TNFRSF1B, but also NDRG2 leukemic-associated inflammatory factors, such as IFNB1, CXCL1, CXCL10, and CCL7 manifest upon miR-130a/b overexpression. Either BCR siRNAs or ABL1 siRNAs assay showed significantly decreased miR-130a and miR-130b expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing confirmed that the regulation of miR-130a and miR-130b expression is BCR-ABL1-dependent. BCR-ABL1 induces miR-130a/b expression through the upregulation of transcriptional factor C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ could bind directly to the promoter region of miR-130b-3p, not miR-130a-3p. BCR-ABL1-driven exosome-miR130a-3p could interact with Cx43, and further impact GJIC in TME. Conclusion: Our findings shed light on how leukemia BCR-ABL1-driven exosome-miR130b-3p could interact with gap-junction Cx43, and further impact GJIC in TME, implications for leukemic therapies of subclonal evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengyan Chai
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Ke Sui
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Hongyang Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Shengwen Calvin Li
- Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience Research, CHOC Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), 1201 La Veta Ave., Orange, CA 92868-3874, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, 200 S. Manchester Ave. Ste. 206, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
| | - Jiang F. Zhong
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, 92354, United States of America
| | - Zheng Wang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing,400037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wu X, Yan H, Qiu M, Qu X, Wang J, Xu S, Zheng Y, Ge M, Yan L, Liang L. Comprehensive characterization of tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer via molecular analysis. eLife 2023; 12:e86032. [PMID: 37267125 PMCID: PMC10238095 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a challenging and deadly disease with high tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity. Using an integrative multi-omics analysis and artificial intelligence-enabled spatial analysis of whole-slide images, we performed a comprehensive characterization of TME in colorectal cancer (CCCRC). CRC samples were classified into four CCCRC subtypes with distinct TME features, namely, C1 as the proliferative subtype with low immunogenicity; C2 as the immunosuppressed subtype with the terminally exhausted immune characteristics; C3 as the immune-excluded subtype with the distinct upregulation of stromal components and a lack of T cell infiltration in the tumor core; and C4 as the immunomodulatory subtype with the remarkable upregulation of anti-tumor immune components. The four CCCRC subtypes had distinct histopathologic and molecular characteristics, therapeutic efficacy, and prognosis. We found that the C1 subtype may be suitable for chemotherapy and cetuximab, the C2 subtype may benefit from a combination of chemotherapy and bevacizumab, the C3 subtype has increased sensitivity to the WNT pathway inhibitor WIKI4, and the C4 subtype is a potential candidate for immune checkpoint blockade treatment. Importantly, we established a simple gene classifier for accurate identification of each CCCRC subtype. Collectively our integrative analysis ultimately established a holistic framework to thoroughly dissect the TME of CRC, and the CCCRC classification system with high biological interpretability may contribute to biomarker discovery and future clinical trial design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangkun Wu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Mingxing Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoping Qu
- Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., LtdNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., LtdNanjingChina
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shaowan Xu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yiran Zheng
- Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., LtdNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., LtdNanjingChina
| | - Minghui Ge
- Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., LtdNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., LtdNanjingChina
| | - Linlin Yan
- Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., LtdNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., LtdNanjingChina
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Jinfeng LaboratoryChongqingChina
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kehrberg RJ, Bhyravbhatla N, Batra SK, Kumar S. Epigenetic regulation of cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188901. [PMID: 37120098 PMCID: PMC10375465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a significant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), contribute to cancer progression through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, and metabolites. It is now well recognized that CAFs are a heterogenous population with ablation experiments leading to reduced tumor growth and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrating CAF subgroups. CAFs lack genetic mutations yet substantially differ from their normal stromal precursors. Here, we review epigenetic changes in CAF maturation, focusing on DNA methylation and histone modifications. DNA methylation changes in CAFs have been demonstrated globally, while roles of methylation at specific genes affect tumor growth. Further, loss of CAF histone methylation and gain of histone acetylation has been shown to promote CAF activation and tumor promotion. Many CAF activating factors, such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), lead to these epigenetic changes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as targets and orchestrators of epigenetic modifications that influence gene expression. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET), an epigenetic reader, recognizes histone acetylation and activates the transcription of genes leading to the pro-tumor phenotype of CAFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Kehrberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Namita Bhyravbhatla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gordon JAR, Evans MF, Ghule PN, Lee K, Vacek P, Sprague BL, Weaver DL, Stein GS, Stein JL. Identification of molecularly unique tumor-associated mesenchymal stromal cells in breast cancer patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282473. [PMID: 36940196 PMCID: PMC10027225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex mixture of cell types that bi-directionally interact and influence tumor initiation, progression, recurrence, and patient survival. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of the tumor microenvironment engage in crosstalk with cancer cells to mediate epigenetic control of gene expression. We identified CD90+ MSCs residing in the tumor microenvironment of patients with invasive breast cancer that exhibit a unique gene expression signature. Single-cell transcriptional analysis of these MSCs in tumor-associated stroma identified a distinct subpopulation characterized by increased expression of genes functionally related to extracellular matrix signaling. Blocking the TGFβ pathway reveals that these cells directly contribute to cancer cell proliferation. Our findings provide novel insight into communication between breast cancer cells and MSCs that are consistent with an epithelial to mesenchymal transition and acquisition of competency for compromised control of proliferation, mobility, motility, and phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A. R. Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Mark F. Evans
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Prachi N. Ghule
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Kyra Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Pamela Vacek
- Department of Surgery, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Brian L. Sprague
- Department of Surgery, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Donald L. Weaver
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Gary S. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Janet L. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Vitale C, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Monocyte and Macrophage in Neuroblastoma: Blocking Their Pro-Tumoral Functions and Strengthening Their Crosstalk with Natural Killer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:885. [PMID: 36980226 PMCID: PMC10047506 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has represented an enormous step forward in the fight against cancer. Immunotherapeutic approaches have increasingly become a fundamental part of the combined therapies currently adopted in the treatment of patients with high-risk (HR) neuroblastoma (NB). An increasing number of studies focus on the understanding of the immune landscape in NB and, since this tumor expresses low or null levels of MHC class I, on the development of new strategies aimed at enhancing innate immunity, especially Natural Killer (NK) cells and macrophages. There is growing evidence that, within the NB tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which mainly present an M2-like phenotype, have a crucial role in mediating NB development and immune evasion, and they have been correlated to poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, TAM can also impair the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by NK cells upon the administration of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the current standard immunotherapy for HR-NB patients. This review deals with the main mechanisms regulating the crosstalk among NB cells and TAMs or other cellular components of the TME, which support tumor development and induce drug resistance. Furthermore, we will address the most recent strategies aimed at limiting the number of pro-tumoral macrophages within the TME, reprogramming the TAMs functional state, thus enhancing NK cell functions. We also prospectively discuss new or unexplored aspects of human macrophage heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Arpinati L, Scherz-Shouval R. From gatekeepers to providers: regulation of immune functions by cancer-associated fibroblasts. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:421-443. [PMID: 36870916 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major protumorigenic components of the tumor microenvironment in solid cancers. CAFs are heterogeneous, consisting of multiple subsets that display diverse functions. Recently, CAFs have emerged as major promoters of immune evasion. CAFs favor T cell exclusion and exhaustion, promote recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and induce protumoral phenotypic shifts in macrophages and neutrophils. With the growing appreciation of CAF heterogeneity came the understanding that different CAF subpopulations may be driving distinct immune-regulatory effects, interacting with different cell types, and perhaps even driving opposing effects on malignancy. In this review we discuss the current understanding of CAF-immune interactions, their effect on tumor progression and therapeutic response, and the possibility of exploiting CAF-immune interactions as potential targets for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Arpinati
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Szabo PM, Vajdi A, Kumar N, Tolstorukov MY, Chen BJ, Edwards R, Ligon KL, Chasalow SD, Chow KH, Shetty A, Bolisetty M, Holloway JL, Golhar R, Kidd BA, Hull PA, Houser J, Vlach L, Siemers NO, Saha S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are the main contributors to epithelial-to-mesenchymal signatures in the tumor microenvironment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3051. [PMID: 36810872 PMCID: PMC9944255 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumor initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown. We studied several tumor types to identify the source of EMT gene expression signals and a potential mechanism of resistance to immuno-oncology treatment. Across tumor types, EMT-related gene expression was strongly associated with expression of stroma-related genes. Based on RNA sequencing of multiple patient-derived xenograft models, EMT-related gene expression was enriched in the stroma versus parenchyma. EMT-related markers were predominantly expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), cells of mesenchymal origin which produce a variety of matrix proteins and growth factors. Scores derived from a 3-gene CAF transcriptional signature (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1) were sufficient to reproduce association between EMT-related markers and disease prognosis. Our results suggest that CAFs are the primary source of EMT signaling and have potential roles as biomarkers and targets for immuno-oncology therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Szabo
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ USA ,grid.428458.70000 0004 1792 8104Present Address: Fate Therapeutics, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Amir Vajdi
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA ,grid.417993.10000 0001 2260 0793Present Address: Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | | | - Benjamin J. Chen
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Robin Edwards
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ USA ,grid.428496.5Present Address: Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Princeton, NJ USA
| | - Keith L. Ligon
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - Scott D. Chasalow
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ USA
| | - Kin-Hoe Chow
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - Aniket Shetty
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mohan Bolisetty
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ USA
| | - James L. Holloway
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Ryan Golhar
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ USA
| | - Brian A. Kidd
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA USA
| | | | - Jeff Houser
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA USA
| | - Logan Vlach
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA USA ,grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Present Address: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Nathan O. Siemers
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ USA ,Present Address: Fiveprime Group, Monterey, CA USA
| | - Saurabh Saha
- grid.419971.30000 0004 0374 8313Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ USA ,Present Address: Centessa Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li X, Wang Q, Xu C, Zhang L, Zhou J, Lv J, Xu M, Jiang D. Ferroptosis Inducers Kill Mesenchymal Stem Cells Affected by Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041301. [PMID: 36831642 PMCID: PMC9954189 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow (BM) is the most common site of neuroblastoma (NB) metastasis, and its involvement represents poor patient prognosis. In accordance with the "seed and soil" theory of tumor metastasis, BM provides a favorable environment for NB metastasis while bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been recognized as a central part of tumor stroma formation. Yet, there is currently no effective method for intervening these BMSCs. We found that BMSCs affected by NB (NB-BMSCs) could significantly promote NB growth and migration. Additionally, tumor cell-endowed BMSCs showed stronger resistance to several chemotherapeutic agents. Surprisingly, NB-BMSCs were more sensitive to ferroptosis than normal BMSCs. NB-BMSCs had lower levels of intracellular free iron while synthesizing more iron-sulfur clusters and heme. Moreover, the Xc-/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 (Xc-/GSH/GPX4) pathway of the anti-ferroptosis system was significantly downregulated. Accordingly, ferroptosis inducers erastin and RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3) could significantly kill NB-BMSCs with limited effects on normal BMSCs. BMSCs from NB patients with BM metastasis also showed poor anti-ferroptosis ability compared with those from NB patients without BM metastasis. In vivo studies suggested that co-injection of mice with BMSCs and NB cells could significantly promote the growth of tumor tissues compared with injecting NB cells alone. However, treatment with erastin or RSL3 resulted in the opposite effect to some extent. Our results revealed that NB-BMSCs were vulnerable to ferroptosis from downregulation of the Xc-/GSH/GPX4 pathway. Ferroptosis inducers could effectively kill NB-BMSCs, but not normal BMSCs. This study provides possible new ideas for the treatment of tumor-associated BMSCs in NB patients.
Collapse
|
28
|
Neuroblastoma Tumor-Associated Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Regulate the Cytolytic Functions of NK Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010019. [PMID: 36612020 PMCID: PMC9818020 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma tumor-associated mesenchymal stromal cells (NB-TA-MSC) have been extensively characterized for their pro-tumorigenic properties, while their immunosuppressive potential, especially against NK cells, has not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we study the immune-regulatory potential of six primary young and senescent NB-TA-MSC on NK cell function. Young cells display a phenotype (CD105+/CD90+/CD73+/CD29+/CD146+) typical of MSC cells and, in addition, express high levels of immunomodulatory molecules (MHC-I, PDL-1 and PDL-2 and transcriptional-co-activator WWTR1), able to hinder NK cell activity. Notably, four of them express the neuroblastoma marker GD2, the most common target for NB immunotherapy. From a functional point of view, young NB-TA-MSC, contrary to the senescent ones, are resistant to activated NK cell-mediated lysis, but this behavior is overcome using anti-CD105 antibody TRC105 that activates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, proliferating NB-TA-MSC, but not the senescent ones, after six days of co-culture, inhibit proliferation, expression of activating receptors and cytolytic activity of freshly isolated NK. Inhibitors of the soluble immunosuppressive factors L-kynurenine and prostaglandin E2 efficiently counteract this latter effect. Our data highlight the presence of phenotypically heterogeneous NB-TA-MSC displaying potent immunoregulatory properties towards NK cells, whose inhibition could be mandatory to improve the antitumor efficacy of targeted immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
29
|
Ge Z, Shang Y, Wang W, Yang J, Chen SZ. Brown adipocytes promote epithelial mesenchymal transition of neuroblastoma cells by inducing PPAR-γ/UCP2 expression. Adipocyte 2022; 11:335-345. [PMID: 35531888 PMCID: PMC9122313 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2022.2073804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonic malignant tumour of the sympathetic nervous system, and current research shows that activation of brown adipose tissue accelerates cachexia in cancer patients. However, the interaction between brown adipose tissues and NB remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the effect of brown adipocytes in the co-culture system on the proliferation and migration of NB cells. Brown adipocytes promoted the proliferation and migration of Neuro-2a, BE(2)-M17, and SH-SY5Y cells under the co-culture system, with an increase of the mRNA and protein levels of UCP2 and PPAR-γ in NB cells. The UCP2 inhibitor genipin or PPAR-γ inhibitor T0090709 inhibited the migration of NB cells induced by brown adipocytes. Genipin or siUCP2 upregulated the expression of E-cadherin, and downregulated the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin in NB cells. We suggest that under co-cultivation conditions, NB cells can activate brown adipocytes, which triggers changes in various genes and promotes the proliferation and migration of NB cells. The PPAR-γ/UCP2 pathway is involved in the migration of NB cells caused by brown adipocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhijuan Ge
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, Northern China, China
| | - Yue Shang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, Northern China, China
| | - Wendie Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, Northern China, China
| | - Jigang Yang
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, Northern China, China
| | - Shu-Zhen Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, Northern China, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mesenchymal/stromal stem cells: necessary factors in tumour progression. Cell Death Discov 2022; 8:333. [PMID: 35869057 PMCID: PMC9307857 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSCs) are a crucial component of the tumour microenvironment (TME). They can be recruited from normal tissues into the TME and educated by tumour cells to transform into tumour-associated MSCs, which are oncogenic cells that promote tumour development and progression by impacting or transforming into various kinds of cells, such as immune cells and endothelial cells. Targeting MSCs in the TME is a novel strategy to prevent malignant processes. Exosomes, as communicators, carry various RNAs and proteins and thus link MSCs and the TME, which provides options for improving outcomes and developing targeted treatment.
Collapse
|
31
|
Louault K, Porras T, Lee MH, Muthugounder S, Kennedy RJ, Blavier L, Sarte E, Fernandez GE, Yang F, Pawel BR, Shimada H, Asgharzadeh S, DeClerck YA. Fibroblasts and macrophages cooperate to create a pro-tumorigenic and immune resistant environment via activation of TGF-β/IL-6 pathway in neuroblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2146860. [PMID: 36479153 PMCID: PMC9721439 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2146860] [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: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and their precursor mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are often detected together in tumors, but how they cooperate is not well understood. Here, we show that TAM and CAF are the most abundant nonmalignant cells and are present together in untreated human neuroblastoma (NB) tumors that are also poorly infiltrated with T and natural killer (NK) cells. We then show that MSC and CAF-MSC harvested from NB tumors protected human monocytes (MN) from spontaneous apoptosis in an interleukin (IL)-6 dependent mechanism. The interactions of MN and MSC with NB cells resulted in a significant induction or increase in the expression of several pro-tumorigenic cytokines/chemokines (TGF-β1, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-4) but not of anti-tumorigenic cytokines (TNF-α, IL-12) by MN or MSC, while also inducing cytokine expression in quiescent NB cells. We then identified a TGF-β1/IL-6 pathway where TGF-β1 stimulated the expression of IL-6 in NB cells and MSC, promoting TAM survival. Evidence for the contribution of TAM and MSC to the activation of this pathway was then provided in xenotransplanted NB tumors and patients with primary tumors by demonstrating a direct correlation between the presence of CAF and p-SMAD2 and p-STAT3. The data highlight a new mechanism of interaction between TAM and CAF supporting their pro-tumorigenic function in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louault
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tania Porras
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Hua Lee
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sakunthala Muthugounder
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rebekah J. Kennedy
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laurence Blavier
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Sarte
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - G. Esteban Fernandez
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fusheng Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bruce R. Pawel
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Shimada
- Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yves A. DeClerck
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,CONTACT Yves A. DeClerck ; Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zafari R, Razi S, Rezaei N. The role of dendritic cells in neuroblastoma: Implications for immunotherapy. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
34
|
Wong KY, Cheung AH, Chen B, Chan WN, Yu J, Lo KW, Kang W, To KF. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in nonsmall cell lung cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical implications. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:1195-1215. [PMID: 35603909 PMCID: PMC9545594 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the common and leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The tumor microenvironment has been recognized to be instrumental in tumorigenesis. To have a deep understanding of the molecular mechanism of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing research interests. CAFs belong to the crucial and dominant cell population in the tumor microenvironment to support the cancer cells. The interplay and partnership between cancer cells and CAFs contribute to each stage of tumorigenesis. CAFs exhibit prominent heterogeneity and secrete different kinds of cytokines and chemokines, growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. Many studies focused on the protumorigenic functions of CAFs, yet many challenges about the heterogeneity of CAFS remain unresolved. This review comprehensively summarized the tumor-promoting role and molecular mechanisms of CAFs in NSCLC, including their origin, phenotypic changes and heterogeneity and their functional roles in carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, we also highlighted the updated molecular classifications based on the molecular features and functional roles of CAFs. With the development of cutting-edge platforms and further investigations of CAFs, novel therapeutic strategies for accurately targeting CAFs in NSCLC may be developed based on the increased understanding of the relevant molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kit Yee Wong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyPrince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Alvin Ho‐Kwan Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyPrince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyPrince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Wai Nok Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyPrince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyPrince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyPrince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyPrince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wei D, Qi J, Hamblin MR, Wen X, Jiang X, Yang H. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy: design and potential applications for cancer treatment and beyond. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:7108-7131. [PMID: 36276636 PMCID: PMC9576624 DOI: 10.7150/thno.74820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed cancer treatment modality based on a target-specific photosensitizer conjugate (TSPC) composed of an NIR phthalocyanine photosensitizer and an antigen-specific recognition system. NIR-PIT has predominantly been used for targeted therapy of tumors via local irradiation with NIR light, following binding of TSPC to antigen-expressing cells. Physical stress-induced membrane damage is thought to be a major mechanism underlying NIR-PIT-triggered photokilling. Notably, NIR-PIT can rapidly induce immunogenic cell death and activate the adaptive immune response, thereby enabling its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, NIR-PIT-triggered “super-enhanced permeability and retention” effects can enhance drug delivery into tumors. Supported by its potential efficacy and safety, NIR-PIT is a rapidly developing therapeutic option for various cancers. Hence, this review seeks to provide an update on the (i) broad range of target molecules suitable for NIR-PIT, (ii) various types of receptor-selective ligands for designing the TSPC “magic bullet,” (iii) NIR light parameters, and (iv) strategies for enhancing the efficacy of NIR-PIT. Moreover, we review the potential application of NIR-PIT, including the specific design and efficacy in 19 different cancer types, and its clinical studies. Finally, we summarize possible NIR-PIT applications in noncancerous conditions, including infection, pain, itching, metabolic disease, autoimmune disease, and tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Wei
- Department of Dermatology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,NHC Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Organ Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinxin Qi
- Department of Dermatology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Xiang Wen
- Department of Dermatology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Department of Dermatology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hao Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Organ Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Chengdu 610041, China.,Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Pathology in Clinical Application, West China Hospital, Sichuan University
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gomez RL, Ibragimova S, Ramachandran R, Philpott A, Ali FR. Tumoral heterogeneity in neuroblastoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188805. [PMID: 36162542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188805] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a solid, neuroendocrine tumor with divergent clinical behavior ranging from asymptomatic to fatal. The diverse clinical presentations of neuroblastoma are directly linked to the high intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity it presents. This heterogeneity is strongly associated with therapeutic resistance and continuous relapses, often leading to fatal outcomes. The development of successful risk assessment and tailored treatment strategies lies in evaluating the extent of heterogeneity via the accurate genetic and epigenetic profiling of distinct cell subpopulations present in the tumor. Recent studies have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive tumoral heterogeneity in pursuing better therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. This review describes the cellular, genetic, and epigenetic aspects of neuroblastoma heterogeneity. In addition, we summarize the recent findings on three crucial factors that can lead to heterogeneity in solid tumors: the inherent diversity of the progenitor cells, the presence of cancer stem cells, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshna Lawrence Gomez
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shakhzada Ibragimova
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Revathy Ramachandran
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anna Philpott
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Center, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fahad R Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Jurj A, Ionescu C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:276. [PMID: 36114508 PMCID: PMC9479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang Z, Zhou X, Guo J, Zhang F, Qian Y, Wang G, Duan M, Wang Y, Zhao H, Yang Z, Liu Z, Jiang X. TA-MSCs, TA-MSCs-EVs, MIF: their crosstalk in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2022; 20:320. [PMID: 35842634 PMCID: PMC9287873 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As an important component of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), it has been established that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote the progression of tumor cells. MSCs can directly promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells via cytokines and chemokines, as well as promote tumor progression by regulating the functions of anti-tumor immune and immunosuppressive cells. MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs-EVs) contain part of the plasma membrane and signaling factors from MSCs; therefore, they display similar effects on tumors in the immunosuppressive TME. The tumor-promoting role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the immunosuppressive TME has also been revealed. Interestingly, MIF exerts similar effects to those of MSCs in the immunosuppressive TME. In this review, we summarized the main effects and related mechanisms of tumor-associated MSCs (TA-MSCs), TA-MSCs-EVs, and MIF on tumors, and described their relationships. On this basis, we hypothesized that TA-MSCs-EVs, the MIF axis, and TA-MSCs form a positive feedback loop with tumor cells, influencing the occurrence and development of tumors. The functions of these three factors in the TME may undergo dynamic changes with tumor growth and continuously affect tumor development. This provides a new idea for the targeted treatment of tumors with EVs carrying MIF inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghou Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinshuai Guo
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Fusheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yiping Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Meiqi Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yutian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Haiying Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zunpeng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jin Y, Edalatian Zakeri S, Bahal R, Wiemer AJ. New Technologies Bloom Together for Bettering Cancer Drug Conjugates. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:680-711. [PMID: 35710136 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug conjugates, including antibody-drug conjugates, are a step toward realizing Paul Ehrlich's idea from over 100 years ago of a "magic bullet" for cancer treatment. Through balancing selective targeting molecules with highly potent payloads, drug conjugates can target specific tumor microenvironments and kill tumor cells. A drug conjugate consists of three parts: a targeting agent, a linker, and a payload. In some conjugates, monoclonal antibodies act as the targeting agent, but new strategies for targeting include antibody derivatives, peptides, and even small molecules. Linkers are responsible for connecting the payload to the targeting agent. Payloads impact vital cellular processes to kill tumor cells. At present, there are 12 antibody-drug conjugates on the market for different types of cancers. Research on drug conjugates is increasing year by year to solve problems encountered in conjugate design, such as tumor heterogeneity, poor circulation, low drug loading, low tumor uptake, and heterogenous expression of target antigens. This review highlights some important preclinical research on drug conjugates in recent years. We focus on three significant areas: improvement of antibody-drug conjugates, identification of new conjugate targets, and development of new types of drug conjugates, including nanotechnology. We close by highlighting the critical barriers to clinical translation and the open questions going forward. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The development of anticancer drug conjugates is now focused in three broad areas: improvements to existing antibody drug conjugates, identification of new targets, and development of new conjugate forms. This article focuses on the exciting preclinical studies in these three areas and advances in the technology that improves preclinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | | | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Shah K, Mallik SB, Gupta P, Iyer A. Targeting Tumour-Associated Fibroblasts in Cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:908156. [PMID: 35814453 PMCID: PMC9258494 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.908156] [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] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours develop within complex tissue environments consisting of aberrant oncogenic cancer cells, diverse innate and adaptive immune cells, along with structural stromal cells, extracellular matrix and vascular networks, and many other cellular and non-cellular soluble constituents. Understanding the heterogeneity and the complex interplay between these cells remains a key barrier in treating tumours and cancers. The immune status of the pre-tumour and tumour milieu can dictate if the tumour microenvironment (TME) supports either a pro-malignancy or an anti-malignancy phenotype. Identification of the factors and cell types that regulate the dysfunction of the TME is crucial in order to understand and modulate the immune status of tumours. Among these cell types, tumour-associated fibroblasts are emerging as a major component of the TME that is often correlated with poor prognosis and therapy resistance, including immunotherapies. Thus, a deeper understanding of the complex roles of tumour-associated fibroblasts in regulating tumour immunity and cancer therapy could provide new insight into targeting the TME in various human cancers. In this review, we summarize recent studies investigating the role of immune and key stromal cells in regulating the immune status of the TME and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting stromal cells, especially tumour-associated fibroblasts, within the TME as an adjuvant therapy to sensitize immunosuppressive tumours and prevent cancer progression, chemo-resistance and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kairav Shah
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Praveer Gupta
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Abishek Iyer
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Garcia-Gerique L, García M, Garrido-Garcia A, Gómez-González S, Torrebadell M, Prada E, Pascual-Pasto G, Muñoz O, Perez-Jaume S, Lemos I, Salvador N, Vila-Ubach M, Doncel-Requena A, Suñol M, Carcaboso AM, Mora J, Lavarino C. MIF/CXCR4 signaling axis contributes to survival, invasion, and drug resistance of metastatic neuroblastoma cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:669. [PMID: 35715791 PMCID: PMC9206243 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bone marrow (BM) is the most common site of dissemination in patients with aggressive, metastatic neuroblastoma (NB). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the aggressive behavior of NB cells in the BM niche are still greatly unknown. In the present study, we explored biological mechanisms that play a critical role in NB cell survival and progression in the BM and investigated potential therapeutic targets. METHODS Patient-derived bone marrow (BM) primary cultures were generated using fresh BM aspirates obtained from NB patients. NB cell lines were cultured in the presence of BM conditioned media containing cell-secreted factors, and under low oxygen levels (1% O2) to mimic specific features of the BM microenvironment of high-risk NB patients. The BM niche was explored using cytokine profiling assays, cell migration-invasion and viability assays, flow cytometry and analysis of RNA-sequencing data. Selective pharmacological inhibition of factors identified as potential mediators of NB progression within the BM niche was performed in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a key inflammatory cytokine involved in BM infiltration. Cytokine profiling and RNA-sequencing data analysis revealed NB cells as the main source of MIF in the BM, suggesting a potential role of MIF in tumor invasion. Exposure of NB cells to BM-conditions increased NB cell-surface expression of the MIF receptor CXCR4, which was associated with increased cell viability, enhanced migration-invasion, and activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Moreover, subcutaneous co-injection of NB and BM cells enhanced tumor engraftment in mice. MIF inhibition with 4-IPP impaired in vitro NB aggressiveness, and improved drug response while delayed NB growth, improving survival of the NB xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that BM infiltration by NB cells may be mediated, in part, by MIF-CXCR4 signaling. We demonstrate the antitumor efficacy of MIF targeting in vitro and in vivo that could represent a novel therapeutic target for patients with disseminated high-risk NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Garcia-Gerique
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta García
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alícia Garrido-Garcia
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gómez-González
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Torrebadell
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estela Prada
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Pascual-Pasto
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Muñoz
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Perez-Jaume
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isadora Lemos
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noelia Salvador
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Vila-Ubach
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Doncel-Requena
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Suñol
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel M Carcaboso
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona (PCCB), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cinzia Lavarino
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain. .,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona (PCCB), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Qian B, Sun J, Zuo P, Da M, Mo X, Fang Y. Verification of genetic differences and immune cell infiltration subtypes in the neuroblastoma tumour microenvironment during immunotherapy. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:169. [PMID: 35643506 PMCID: PMC9145414 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved understanding of the tumour microenvironment (TME) has enabled remarkable advancements in research on cancer progression in the past few years. It is crucial to understand the nature and function of the TME because precise treatment strategies, including immunotherapy, for managing specific cancers have received widespread attention. The immune infiltrative profiles of neuroblastoma (NB) have not yet been completely illustrated. The purpose of this research was to analyse tumour immune cell infiltration (ICI) in the microenvironment of NB. Methods We applied the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms to evaluate the ICI status of 438 NB samples. Three ICI models were selected, and ICI scores were acquired. Subgroups with high ICI scores determined based on the presence of immune activation signalling pathways had better overall survival. Results Genes involved in the immunosuppressive heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis signalling pathway were markedly enriched in the low ICI score subgroup. It was inferred that patients with high ICI NB subtypes were more likely to respond to immunotherapy and have a better prognosis than those of patients with low ICI NB subtypes. Conclusion Notably, our ICI data not only provide a new clinical and theoretical basis for mining NB prognostic markers related to the microenvironment but also offer new ideas for the development of NB precision immunotherapy methods.
Collapse
|
43
|
Gilazieva Z, Ponomarev A, Rizvanov A, Solovyeva V. The Dual Role of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles in Carcinogenesis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060813. [PMID: 35741334 PMCID: PMC9220333 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane structures that play the role of intermediaries between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) because they have the ability to transport lipids, transcription factors, mRNA, and proteins. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a major component of the TME and may have different effects on tumor progression using EVs. This review includes information about various studies which have reported that EVs from MSCs can have either antitumor or pro-tumor effects, depending on both the tumor type and developmental stage. It provides an overview of the published data on EV MSCs and their effect on tumor cells. In addition, the use of EV MSCs for the development of new methods for treating oncological diseases is described. Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play an important role in tumor progression. MSCs remodel the extracellular matrix, participate in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, promote the spread of metastases, and inhibit antitumor immune responses in the TME; however, there are also data pertaining to the antitumor effects of MSCs. MSCs activate the cell death mechanism by modulating the expression of proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, angiogenesis receptors, and proapoptotic proteins. One of the main ways in which MSCs and TME interact is through the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by cells. Currently, data on the effects of both MSCs and their EVs on tumor cells are rather contradictory. Various studies have reported that EVs from MSCs can have either antitumor or pro-tumor effects, depending on both the tumor type and developmental stage. In this review, we discuss published data on EV MSCs and their effect on tumor cells. The molecular composition of vesicles obtained from MSCs is also presented in the review. In addition, the use of EV MSCs for the development of new methods for treating oncological diseases is described.
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Purpose of Review The evolving information of the initiation, tumor cell heterogeneity, and plasticity of childhood neuroblastoma has opened up new perspectives for developing therapies based on detailed knowledge of the disease. Recent Findings The cellular origin of neuroblastoma has begun to unravel and there have been several reports on tumor cell heterogeneity based on transcriptional core regulatory circuitries that have given us important information on the biology of neuroblastoma as a developmental disease. This together with new insight of the tumor microenvironment which acts as a support for neuroblastoma growth has given us the prospect for designing better treatment approaches for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. Here, we discuss these new discoveries and highlight some emerging therapeutic options. Summary Neuroblastoma is a disease with multiple facets. Detailed biological and molecular knowledge on neuroblastoma initiation, heterogeneity, and the communications between cells in the tumor microenvironment holds promise for better therapies.
Collapse
|
45
|
Truong DQ, Ho BT, Chau GC, Truong DK, Pham TTT, Nakagawara A, Bui CB. Collagen XI Alpha 1 (COL11A1) Expression in the Tumor Microenvironment Drives Neuroblastoma Dissemination. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2022; 25:91-98. [PMID: 34460335 DOI: 10.1177/10935266211039200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is among the most common cancers in children. A highly aggressive form of cancer, NB relies on cells in the microenvironment for dissemination particularly cancer associated fibroblast (CAFs). CAFs synthesise the extracellular matrix to create a scaffold for tumor growth thus enabling the carcinogenesis of NB, Collagen, an abundant scaffold protein produced by CAFs, has been implicated in the creation of an optimal tumor microenvironment, however, the expression profile of collagen within NB is not yet known. METHODS We characterised collagen expression within the tumor-stroma boundary by microarray and confirmed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The collagen marker, COL11A1, was also upregulated in NB CD45+ cells and SMA+ CAFs. Furthermore, SMA+ CAFs led to neuroblastoma cell invasion in an in vitro co-culture system which was subsequently attenuated by gene silencing COL11A1. Immunohistochemical staining of clinical tumor samples revealed that high COL11A1 expression in the stroma adjacent to tumour site, significantly associated with advanced cancer stages, age ≥18 months, undifferentiated tumor status, relapse and poor overall survival. CONCLUSION Collectively, these results suggest that a COL11A1 signature in the NB microenvironment could represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ban Tran Ho
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of medicine and pharmacy at Hochiminh city, Vietnam.,Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Gia-Cac Chau
- School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dinh Khai Truong
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of medicine and pharmacy at Hochiminh city, Vietnam.,Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Akira Nakagawara
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chi-Bao Bui
- City Children's Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.,School of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Xu Z, Gao H, Zhang Y, Feng W, Miao Y, Xu Z, Li W, Chen F, Lv Z, Huo J, Liu W, Shen X, Zong Y, Zhao J, Lu A. CCL7 and TGF-β secreted by MSCs play opposite roles in regulating CRC metastasis in a KLF5/CXCL5 dependent manner. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2327-2341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
47
|
Liu Q, Wang Z, Jiang Y, Shao F, Ma Y, Zhu M, Luo Q, Bi Y, Cao L, Peng L, Zhou J, Zhao Z, Deng X, He TC, Wang S. Single-cell landscape analysis reveals distinct regression trajectories and novel prognostic biomarkers in primary neuroblastoma. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1624-1638. [PMID: 36157484 PMCID: PMC9485279 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), which is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor, varies widely in its clinical presentation and outcome. NB has a unique ability to spontaneously differentiate and regress, suggesting a potential direction for therapeutic intervention. However, the underlying mechanisms of regression remain largely unknown, and more reliable prognostic biomarkers are needed for predicting trajectories for NB. We performed scRNA-seq analysis on 17 NB clinical samples and three peritumoral adrenal tissues. Primary NB displayed varied cell constitution, even among tumors of the same pathological subtype. Copy number variation patterns suggested that neuroendocrine cells represent the malignant cell type. Based on the differential expression of sets of related marker genes, a subgroup of neuroendocrine cells was identified and projected to differentiate into a subcluster of benign fibroblasts with highly expressed CCL2 and ZFP36, supporting a progressive pathway of spontaneous NB regression. We also identified prognostic markers (STMN2, TUBA1A, PAGE5, and ETV1) by evaluating intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Lastly, we determined that ITGB1 in M2-like macrophages was associated with favorable prognosis and may serve as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. In conclusion, our findings reveal novel mechanisms underlying regression and potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets of NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Zhenni Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Singleron Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211800, PR China
| | - Fengling Shao
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Qing Luo
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yang Bi
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Lijian Cao
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Jianwu Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Xiaobin Deng
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular and Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Suzuki J, Tsuboi M, Ishii G. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and the tumor microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:169-182. [PMID: 34904919 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2019018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a markedly poor prognosis as it progresses, and the prognosis is still unsatisfactory even with modern treatments. Cancer is composed of not only cancer cells, but also stroma consisting of various cell types. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the stroma and the associated tumor microenvironment (TME). Particularly, CAFs are a critical component in elucidating the biological mechanisms of cancer progression and new therapeutic targets. This article outlines the TME formed by CAFs in NSCLC. AREAS COVERED Focusing on the TME in NSCLC, we discuss the mechanisms by which CAFs are involved in cancer progression, drug resistance, and the development of therapies targeting CAFs. EXPERT OPINION In the TME, CAFs profoundly contribute to tumor progression by interacting with cancer cells through direct contact or paracrine cytokine signaling. CAFs also interact with various other stromal components to establish a tumor-promoting immunosuppressive microenvironment and remodel the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, these effects are closely associated with drug resistance. Further elucidation of the stromal microenvironment, including CAFs, could prove to be crucial in the treatment of NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Suzuki
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tsuboi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Genichiro Ishii
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Salah RA, Nasr MA, El-Derby AM, Abd Elkodous M, Mohamed RH, El-Ekiaby N, Osama A, Elshenawy SE, Hamad MHM, Magdeldin S, Gabr MM, Abdelaziz AI, El-Badri NS. Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line-microenvironment induced cancer-associated phenotype, genotype and functionality in mesenchymal stem cells. Life Sci 2022; 288:120168. [PMID: 34826437 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promise in liver cancer treatment. However, when MSCs are recruited to hepatic site of injury, they acquire cancerous promoting phenotype. AIMS To assess the influence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment on human adipose MSCs (hA-MSCs) and predict hA-MSCs intracellular miRNAs role. MATERIALS AND METHODS After indirect co-culturing with Huh-7 cells, hA-MSCs were characterized via cell cycle profile, proliferation and migration potentials by MTT and scratch assays respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of deregulated proteins and miRNA targets was also analyzed. KEY FINDINGS Co-cultured hA-MSCs could acquire a cancer-associated phenotype as shown by upregulation of CAF, cancer markers, and downregulation of differentiation markers. Migration of these cancer-associated cells was increased concomitantly with upregulation of adhesion molecules, but not epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers. Co-cultured cells showed increased proliferation confirmed by downregulation in cell percentage in G0/G1, G2/M and upregulation in S phases of cell cycle. Upregulation of miR-17-5p and 615-5p in co-cultured hA-MSCs was also observed. Functional enrichment analysis of dysregulated proteins in co-cultured hA-MSCs, including our selected miRNAs targets, showed their involvement in development of cancer-associated characteristics. SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests an interaction between tumor cells and surrounding stromal components to generate cancer associated phenotype of some CAF-like characteristics, known to favor cancer progression. This sheds the light on the use of hA-MSCs in HCC therapy. hA-MSCs modulation may be partially achieved via dysregulation of intracellular miR17-5P and 615-5p expression, suggesting an important role for miRNAs in HCC pathogenesis, and as a possible therapeutic candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ayman Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Nasr
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Azza M El-Derby
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - M Abd Elkodous
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada El-Ekiaby
- School of Medicine NewGiza University (NGU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Osama
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa E Elshenawy
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | | | - Sameh Magdeldin
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Gabr
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Nagwa S El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tang PC, Chung JY, Xue VW, Xiao J, Meng X, Huang X, Zhou S, Chan AS, Tsang AC, Cheng AS, Lee T, Leung K, Lam EW, To K, Tang PM, Lan H. Smad3 Promotes Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Generation via Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2101235. [PMID: 34791825 PMCID: PMC8728853 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important in tumor microenvironment (TME) driven cancer progression. However, CAFs are heterogeneous and still largely underdefined, better understanding their origins will identify new therapeutic strategies for cancer. Here, the authors discovered a new role of macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in cancer for de novo generating protumoral CAFs by resolving the transcriptome dynamics of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) with single-cell resolution. MMT cells (MMTs) are observed in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) associated with CAF abundance and patient mortality. By fate-mapping study, RNA velocity, and pseudotime analysis, existence of novel macrophage-lineage-derived CAF subset in the TME of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model is confirmed, which is directly transited via MMT from M2-TAM in vivo and bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) in vitro. Adoptive transfer of BMDM-derived MMTs markedly promote CAF formation in LLC-bearing mice. Mechanistically, a Smad3-centric regulatory network is upregulated in the MMTs of NSCLC, where chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing(ChIP-seq) detects a significant enrichment of Smad3 binding on fibroblast differentiation genes in the macrophage-lineage cells in LLC-tumor. More importantly, macrophage-specific deletion and pharmaceutical inhibition of Smad3 effectively block MMT, therefore, suppressing the CAF formation and cancer progression in vivo. Thus, MMT may represent a novel therapeutic target of CAF for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chiu‐Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Jeff Yat‐Fai Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Vivian Wei‐wen Xue
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | | | - Xiao‐Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney DiseasesGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyTongji University School of MedicineTongji University Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Alex Siu‐Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social SciencesThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong KongChina
| | - Anna Chi‐Man Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | | | - Tin‐Lap Lee
- ReproductionDevelopment and Endocrinology ProgramSchool of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Kam‐Tong Leung
- Department of PaediatricsPrince of Wales HospitalThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Eric W.‐F. Lam
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Ka‐Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Patrick Ming‐Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Hui‐Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong‐Guangdong Academy of Sciences/Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney DiseasesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| |
Collapse
|