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Ju Y, Xu D, Liao MM, Sun Y, Bao WD, Yao F, Ma L. Barriers and opportunities in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:199. [PMID: 39266715 PMCID: PMC11393360 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00681-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a fatal clinical challenge characterized by a dismal 5-year overall survival rate, primarily due to the lack of early diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. Immunotherapy, a proven success in multiple cancers, has yet to demonstrate significant benefits in PDAC. Recent studies have revealed the immunosuppressive characteristics of the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells with suppressive properties, desmoplastic stroma, microbiome influences, and PDAC-specific signaling pathways. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the immunosuppressive TME of PDAC, TME differences among various mouse models of pancreatic cancer, and the mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting cancer cell-intrinsic pathways and TME components to sensitize PDAC to immune therapies, providing insights into strategies and future perspectives to break through the barriers in improving pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Ju
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Dongzhi Xu
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Miao-Miao Liao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Dai Bao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Fan Yao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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2
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Duan H, Gao L, Asikaer A, Liu L, Huang K, Shen Y. Prognostic Model Construction of Disulfidptosis-Related Genes and Targeted Anticancer Drug Research in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01131-8. [PMID: 38575817 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01131-8] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer stands as one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by delayed diagnosis, high mortality rates, limited treatment efficacy, and poor prognosis. Disulfidptosis, a recently unveiled modality of cell demise induced by disulfide stress, has emerged as a critical player intricately associated with the onset and progression of various cancer types. It has emerged as a promising candidate biomarker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and treatment strategies. In this study, we have effectively established a prognostic risk model for pancreatic cancer by incorporating multiple differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) closely linked to disulfide-driven cell death. Our investigation delved into the nuanced relationship between the DElncRNA-based predictive model for disulfide-driven cell death and the therapeutic responses to anticancer agents. Our findings illuminate that the high-risk subgroup exhibits heightened susceptibility to the small molecule compound AZD1208, positioning it as a prospective therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer. Finally, we have elucidated the underlying mechanistic potential of AZD1208 in ameliorating pancreatic cancer through its targeted inhibition of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARG) protein, employing an array of comprehensive analytical methods, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This study explores disulfidptosis-related genes, paving the way for the development of targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer and emphasizing their significance in the field of oncology. Furthermore, through computational biology approaches, the drug AZD1208 was identified as a potential treatment targeting the PPARG protein for pancreatic cancer. This discovery opens new avenues for exploring targets and screening drugs for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Duan
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Gao
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiminuer Asikaer
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingzhi Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuilong Huang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Shen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Ma Y, Tang R, Huang P, Li D, Liao M, Gao S. Mitochondrial energy metabolism-related gene signature as a prognostic indicator for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1332042. [PMID: 38572434 PMCID: PMC10987750 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1332042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis worldwide. Considering the effect of mitochondrial metabolism on the prognosis of pancreatic cancer has rarely been investigated, we aimed to establish prognostic gene markers associated with mitochondrial energy metabolism for the prediction of survival probability in patients with PAAD. Methods: Gene expression data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases, and the mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards database. Based on mitochondrial energy metabolism score (MMs), differentially expressed MMRGs were established for MMs-high and MMs-low groups using ssGSEA. After the univariate Cox and least absolute and selection operator (LASSO) analyses, a prognostic MMRG signature was used in the multivariate Cox proportional regression model. Survival and immune cell infiltration analyses were performed. In addition, a nomogram based on the risk model was used to predict the survival probability of patients with PAAD. Finally, the expression of key genes was verified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. Intro cell experiments were performed to evaluated the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Results: A prognostic signature was constructed consisting of two mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes (MMP11, COL10A1). Calibration and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves verified the good predictability performance of the risk model for the survival rate of patients with PAAD. Finally, immune-related analysis explained the differences in immune status between the two subgroups based on the risk model. The high-risk score group showed higher estimate, immune, and stromal scores, expression of eight checkpoint genes, and infiltration of M0 macrophages, which might indicate a beneficial response to immunotherapy. The qPCR results confirmed high expression of MMP11 in pancreatic cancer cell lines, and IHC also verified high expression of MMP11 in clinical pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues. In vitro cell experiments also demonstrated the role of MMP11 in cell proliferation and invasion. Conclusion: Our study provides a novel two-prognostic gene signature-based on MMRGs-that accurately predicted the survival of patients with PAAD and could be used for mitochondrial energy metabolism-related therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ma
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ronghao Tang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Peilin Huang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Danhua Li
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Meijian Liao
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shoucui Gao
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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4
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Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. A glutamine tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells: recent advances in unraveling the ongoing battle. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:74. [PMID: 38459595 PMCID: PMC10921613 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, immune cell function, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism has been implicated in cancer development and immune responses, supported by mounting evidence. Cancer cells heavily rely on glutamine as a critical nutrient for survival and proliferation, while immune cells require glutamine for activation and proliferation during immune reactions. This metabolic competition creates a dynamic tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells. Targeting glutamine transporters and downstream enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism holds significant promise in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches that improve anti-tumor immunity and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in unraveling the tug-of-war of glutamine metabolism between cancer and immune cells and explore potential applications of basic science discoveries in the clinical setting. Further investigations into the regulation of glutamine metabolism in cancer and immune cells are expected to yield valuable insights, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Pei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengnan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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5
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Siwo GH, Singal AG, Waljee AK. Pan-cancer molecular signatures connecting aspartate transaminase (AST) to cancer prognosis, metabolic and immune signatures. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.01.582939. [PMID: 38496547 PMCID: PMC10942358 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.01.582939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Serum aspartate transaminase (sAST) level is used routinely in conjunction with other clinical assays to assess liver health and disease. Increasing evidence suggests that sAST is associated with all-cause mortality and has prognostic value in several cancers, including gastrointestinal and urothelial cancers. Here, we undertake a systems approach to unravel molecular connections between AST and cancer prognosis, metabolism, and immune signatures at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Methods We mined public gene expression data across multiple normal and cancerous tissues using the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEX) resource and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to assess the expression of genes encoding AST isoenzymes (GOT1 and GOT2) and their association with disease prognosis and immune infiltration signatures across multiple tumors. We examined the associations between AST and previously reported pan-cancer molecular subtypes characterized by distinct metabolic and immune signatures. We analyzed human protein-protein interaction networks for interactions between GOT1 and GOT2 with cancer-associated proteins. Using public databases and protein-protein interaction networks, we determined whether the subset of proteins that interact with AST (GOT1 and GOT2 interactomes) are enriched with proteins associated with specific diseases, miRNAs and transcription factors. Results We show that AST transcript isoforms (GOT1 and GOT2) are expressed across a wide range of normal tissues. AST isoforms are upregulated in tumors of the breast, lung, uterus, and thymus relative to normal tissues but downregulated in tumors of the liver, colon, brain, kidney and skeletal sarcomas. At the proteomic level, we find that the expression of AST is associated with distinct pan-cancer molecular subtypes with an enrichment of specific metabolic and immune signatures. Based on human protein-protein interaction data, AST physically interacts with multiple proteins involved in tumor initiation, suppression, progression, and treatment. We find enrichments in the AST interactomes for proteins associated with liver and lung cancer and dermatologic diseases. At the regulatory level, the GOT1 interactome is enriched with the targets of cancer-associated miRNAs, specifically mir34a - a promising cancer therapeutic, while the GOT2 interactome is enriched with proteins that interact with cancer-associated transcription factors. Conclusions Our findings suggest that perturbations in the levels of AST within specific tissues reflect pathophysiological changes beyond tissue damage and have implications for cancer metabolism, immune infiltration, prognosis, and treatment personalization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX
- Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Akbar K. Waljee
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX
- Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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6
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Zhang Y, Xiao B, Liu Y, Wu S, Xiang Q, Xiao Y, Zhao J, Yuan R, Xie K, Li L. Roles of PPAR activation in cancer therapeutic resistance: Implications for combination therapy and drug development. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176304. [PMID: 38142851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176304] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment or effective containment of cancer. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play an essential role in regulating energy homeostasis and determining cell fate. Despite of the pleiotropic roles of PPARs in cancer, numerous studies have suggested their intricate relationship with therapeutic resistance in cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of the roles of excessively activated PPARs in promoting resistance to modern anti-cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The mechanisms through which activated PPARs contribute to therapeutic resistance in most cases include metabolic reprogramming, anti-oxidant defense, anti-apoptosis signaling, proliferation-promoting pathways, and induction of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In addition, we discussed the mechanisms through which activated PPARs lead to multidrug resistance in cancer, including drug efflux, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and acquisition and maintenance of the cancer stem cell phenotype. Preliminary studies investigating the effect of combination therapies with PPAR antagonists have suggested the potential of these antagonists in reversing resistance and facilitating sustained cancer management. These findings will provide a valuable reference for further research on and clinical translation of PPAR-targeting treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Zhang
- School of Medicine, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Yunduo Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Shunhong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Qin Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Yuhan Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Junxiu Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Ruanfei Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Keping Xie
- School of Medicine, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Linhai Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China.
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7
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Li Y, Pan Y, Zhao X, Wu S, Li F, Wang Y, Liu B, Zhang Y, Gao X, Wang Y, Zhou H. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: A key link between lipid metabolism and cancer progression. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:332-345. [PMID: 38142478 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Lipids represent the essential components of membranes, serve as fuels for high-energy processes, and play crucial roles in signaling and cellular function. One of the key hallmarks of cancer is the reprogramming of metabolic pathways, especially abnormal lipid metabolism. Alterations in lipid uptake, lipid desaturation, de novo lipogenesis, lipid droplets, and fatty acid oxidation in cancer cells all contribute to cell survival in a changing microenvironment by regulating feedforward oncogenic signals, key oncogenic functions, oxidative and other stresses, immune responses, or intercellular communication. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors activated by fatty acids and act as core lipid sensors involved in the regulation of lipid homeostasis and cell fate. In addition to regulating whole-body energy homeostasis in physiological states, PPARs play a key role in lipid metabolism in cancer, which is receiving increasing research attention, especially the fundamental molecular mechanisms and cancer therapies targeting PPARs. In this review, we discuss how cancer cells alter metabolic patterns and regulate lipid metabolism to promote their own survival and progression through PPARs. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PPARs in cancer based on recent studies from the last five years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkuo Li
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yujie Pan
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shouwang Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Faping Li
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuxiong Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yanghe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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8
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Bhattacharyya S, Oon C, Diaz L, Sandborg H, Stempinski ES, Saoi M, Morgan TK, López CS, Cross JR, Sherman MH. Autotaxin-lysolipid signaling suppresses a CCL11-eosinophil axis to promote pancreatic cancer progression. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:283-298. [PMID: 38195933 PMCID: PMC10899115 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Lipids and their modifying enzymes regulate diverse features of the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. The secreted enzyme autotaxin (ATX) hydrolyzes extracellular lysophosphatidylcholine to generate the multifunctional lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and supports the growth of several tumor types, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here we show that ATX suppresses the accumulation of eosinophils in the PDAC microenvironment. Genetic or pharmacologic ATX inhibition increased the number of intratumor eosinophils, which promote tumor cell apoptosis locally and suppress tumor progression. Mechanistically, ATX suppresses eosinophil accumulation via an autocrine feedback loop, wherein ATX-LPA signaling negatively regulates the activity of the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun, in turn suppressing the expression of the potent eosinophil chemoattractant CCL11 (eotaxin-1). Eosinophils were identified in human PDAC specimens, and rare individuals with high intratumor eosinophil abundance had the longest overall survival. Together with recent findings, this study reveals the context-dependent, immune-modulatory potential of ATX-LPA signaling in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohinee Bhattacharyya
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chet Oon
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luis Diaz
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Holly Sandborg
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin S Stempinski
- Multiscale Microscopy Core Facility, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michelle Saoi
- Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry K Morgan
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Claudia S López
- Multiscale Microscopy Core Facility, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Justin R Cross
- Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Yang R, Cheng S, Xiao J, Pei Y, Zhu Z, Zhang J, Feng J, Li J. GLS and GOT2 as prognostic biomarkers associated with dendritic cell and immunotherapy response in breast cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24163. [PMID: 38234908 PMCID: PMC10792574 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24163] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the females' most common cancer. Targeting the immune microenvironment is a new and promising treatment method for breast cancer. Nevertheless, only a small section of patients can profit by immunotherapy, and improving the ability to accurately predict the potential for immunotherapy response is still awaiting further exploration. In this study, we found that the key factors of glutamine metabolism, glutaminase 1 (GLS) and mitochondrial aspartate transaminase (GOT2), showed opposite expression patterns in breast cancer samples. Based on the expression level of GLS and GOT2, we divided the breast cancer samples into two clusters: Cluster 2 showed GLS expressed higher and GOT2 expressed lower, whereas Cluster 1 showed GOT2 expressed higher and GLS expressed lower. GSEA showed that the clusters were related to pathways of immunity. Further analysis showed that Cluster 2 was positively associated with immunity infiltration. Through WGCNA, we identified a module strongly correlated with glutamine metabolism and immunity and identified 11 dendritic cell-associated genes involved in dendritic cell development, maturation, activation and other functions. In addition, Cluster 2 also showed higher immune checkpoint gene expression, which suggest the Cluster 2 had even better response to immunotherapy. The validation dataset could also be clustered into two groups. Cluster 2 (GLS expressed higher and GOT2 expressed lower) of the validation dataset was also positively associated with dendritic cells and a better immunotherapy response. Thus, these data indicate that GLS and GOT2 are prognostic biomarkers which closely related to dendritic cells and better reacted to immunotherapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifang Yang
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Shuo Cheng
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yujie Pei
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Zhonglin Zhu
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Jing Feng
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Jing Li
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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10
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Liu Y, Wei D, Deguchi Y, Xu W, Tian R, Liu F, Xu M, Mao F, Li D, Chen W, Valentin LA, Deguchi E, Yao JC, Shureiqi I, Zuo X. PPARδ dysregulation of CCL20/CCR6 axis promotes gastric adenocarcinoma carcinogenesis by remodeling gastric tumor microenvironment. Gastric Cancer 2023; 26:904-917. [PMID: 37572185 PMCID: PMC10640489 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01418-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) promotes inflammation and carcinogenesis in many organs, but the underlying mechanisms remains elusive. In stomachs, PPARδ significantly increases chemokine Ccl20 expression in gastric epithelial cells while inducing gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). CCR6 is the sole receptor of CCL20. Here, we examine the role of PPARδ-mediated Ccl20/Ccr6 signaling in GAC carcinogenesis and investigate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The effects of PPARδ inhibition by its specific antagonist GSK3787 on GAC were examined in the mice with villin-promoter-driven PPARδ overexpression (PpardTG). RNAscope Duplex Assays were used to measure Ccl20 and Ccr6 levels in stomachs and spleens. Subsets of stomach-infiltrating immune cells were measured via flow cytometry or immunostaining in PpardTG mice fed GSK3787 or control diet. A panel of 13 optimized proinflammatory chemokines in mouse sera were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS GSK3787 significantly suppressed GAC carcinogenesis in PpardTG mice. PPARδ increased Ccl20 level to chemoattract Ccr6+ immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T regulatory cells, but decreased CD8+ T cells in gastric tissues. GSK3787 suppressed PPARδ-induced gastric immunosuppression by inhibiting Ccl20/Ccr6 axis. Furthermore, Ccl20 protein levels increased in sera of PpardTG mice starting at the age preceding gastric tumor development and further increased with GAC progression as the mice aged. GSK3787 decreased the PPARδ-upregulated Ccl20 levels in sera of the mice. CONCLUSIONS PPARδ dysregulation of Ccl20/Ccr6 axis promotes GAC carcinogenesis by remodeling gastric tumor microenvironment. CCL20 might be a potential biomarker for the early detection and progression of GAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daoyan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yasunori Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rui Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fuyao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Donghui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weidong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lovie Ann Valentin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Eriko Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - James C Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Imad Shureiqi
- Rogel Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xiangsheng Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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11
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Alberghina L. The Warburg Effect Explained: Integration of Enhanced Glycolysis with Heterogeneous Mitochondria to Promote Cancer Cell Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15787. [PMID: 37958775 PMCID: PMC10648413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Warburg effect is the long-standing riddle of cancer biology. How does aerobic glycolysis, inefficient in producing ATP, confer a growth advantage to cancer cells? A new evaluation of a large set of literature findings covering the Warburg effect and its yeast counterpart, the Crabtree effect, led to an innovative working hypothesis presented here. It holds that enhanced glycolysis partially inactivates oxidative phosphorylation to induce functional rewiring of a set of TCA cycle enzymes to generate new non-canonical metabolic pathways that sustain faster growth rates. The hypothesis has been structured by constructing two metabolic maps, one for cancer metabolism and the other for the yeast Crabtree effect. New lines of investigation, suggested by these maps, are discussed as instrumental in leading toward a better understanding of cancer biology in order to allow the development of more efficient metabolism-targeted anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Alberghina
- Centre of Systems Biology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
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12
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Burgermeister E. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Exploratory Nuclear Receptor Crosstalk in Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14546. [PMID: 37833991 PMCID: PMC10572424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The three major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK/SAPK) are upstream regulators of the nuclear receptor superfamily (NRSF). These ligand-activated transcription factors are divided into subclasses comprising receptors for endocrine hormones, metabolic compounds (e.g., vitamins, diet), xenobiotics, and mediators released from host immune reactions such as tissue injury and inflammation. These internal and external cues place the NRSF at the frontline as sensors and translators of information from the environment towards the genome. For most of the former "orphan" receptors, physiological and synthetic ligands have been identified, opening intriguing opportunities for combination therapies with existing cancer medications. Hitherto, only preclinical data are available, warranting further validation in clinical trials in patients. The current review summarized the existing literature covering the expression and function of NRSF subclasses in human solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies and their modulatory effects on innate (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells) and adaptive (i.e., T cell subsets) immune cells, encouraging mechanistic and pharmacological studies in combination with current clinically approved therapeutics against immune checkpoint molecules (e.g., PD1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Burgermeister
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
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13
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Song L, Wei X, Zhang X, Lu Y. Combining single-cell and transcriptomic analysis revealed the immunomodulatory effect of GOT2 on a glutamine-dependent manner in cutaneous melanoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1241454. [PMID: 37693904 PMCID: PMC10483140 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1241454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reprogramming in glutamine metabolism is a hallmark of cancers, while its role in cutaneous melanoma has not been studied at great length. Methods: Here, we constructed a glutamine metabolism-related prognostic signature in cutaneous melanoma with a variety of bioinformatics methods according to the glutamine metabolism regulatory molecules. Moreover, experimental verification was carried out for the key gene. Results: We have identified two subgroups of cutaneous melanoma patients, each with different prognoses, immune characteristics, and genetic mutations. GOT2 was the most concerned key gene among the model genes. We verified its role in promoting tumor cell proliferation by CCK-8 and clone formation assays. Conclusion: Our study cast new light on the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma, and the internal mechanism regulating glutamine metabolism of GOT2 may provide a new avenue for treating the cutaneous melanoma disease precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebin Song
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiyi Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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14
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Kerk SA, Garcia-Bermudez J, Birsoy K, Sherman MH, Shah YM, Lyssiotis CA. Spotlight on GOT2 in Cancer Metabolism. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:695-702. [PMID: 37635751 PMCID: PMC10460182 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s382161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
GOT2 is at the nexus of several critical metabolic pathways in homeostatic cellular and dysregulated cancer metabolism. Despite this, recent work has emphasized the remarkable plasticity of cancer cells to employ compensatory pathways when GOT2 is inhibited. Here, we review the metabolic roles of GOT2, highlighting findings in both normal and cancer cells. We emphasize how cancer cells repurpose cell intrinsic metabolism and their flexibility when GOT2 is inhibited. We close by using this framework to discuss key considerations for future investigations into cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Kerk
- Doctoral Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Javier Garcia-Bermudez
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kivanc Birsoy
- Laboratory of Metabolic Regulation and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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15
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Hu Z, Xie Y, Lu J, Yang J, Zhang J, Jiang H, Li H, Zhang Y, Wu D, Zeng K, Bai X, Yu X. VANGL2 inhibits antiviral IFN-I signaling by targeting TBK1 for autophagic degradation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg2339. [PMID: 37352355 PMCID: PMC10289648 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg2339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Stringent control of type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is critical to potent innate immune responses against viral infection, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we found that Van Gogh-like 2 (VANGL2) acts as an IFN-inducible negative feedback regulator to suppress IFN-I signaling during vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection. Mechanistically, VANGL2 interacted with TBK1 and promoted the selective autophagic degradation of TBK1 via K48-linked polyubiquitination at Lys372 by the E3 ligase TRIP, which serves as a recognition signal for the cargo receptor OPTN. Furthermore, myeloid-specific deletion of VANGL2 in mice showed enhanced IFN-I production against VSV infection and improved survival. In general, these findings revealed a negative feedback loop of IFN-I signaling through the VANGL2-TRIP-TBK1-OPTN axis and highlighted the cross-talk between IFN-I and autophagy in preventing viral infection. VANGL2 could be a potential clinical therapeutic target for viral infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingchao Xie
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiansen Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Joint Surgery, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianwu Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahuan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaji Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Yue Bei People’s Hospital Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ke Zeng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Single Cell Technology and Application, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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16
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McCarthy GA, Di Niro R, Finan JM, Jain A, Guo Y, Wyatt C, Guimaraes A, Waugh T, Keith D, Morgan T, Sears R, Brody J. Deletion of the mRNA stability factor ELAVL1 (HuR) in pancreatic cancer cells disrupts the tumor microenvironment integrity. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad016. [PMID: 37089813 PMCID: PMC10113877 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal cells promote extensive fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is associated with poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance. We report here for the first time that loss of the RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR, ELAVL1) in PDAC cells leads to reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment. In multiple in vivo models, CRISPR deletion of ELAVL1 in PDAC cells resulted in a decrease of collagen deposition, accompanied by a decrease of stromal markers (i.e. podoplanin, α-smooth muscle actin, desmin). RNA-sequencing data showed that HuR plays a role in cell-cell communication. Accordingly, cytokine arrays identified that HuR regulates the secretion of signaling molecules involved in stromal activation and extracellular matrix organization [i.e. platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGFAA) and pentraxin 3]. Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation analysis and transcription inhibition studies validated PDGFA mRNA as a novel HuR target. These data suggest that tumor-intrinsic HuR supports extrinsic activation of the stroma to produce collagen and desmoplasia through regulating signaling molecules (e.g. PDGFAA). HuR-deficient PDAC in vivo tumors with an altered tumor microenvironment are more sensitive to the standard of care gemcitabine, as compared to HuR-proficient tumors. Taken together, we identified a novel role of tumor-intrinsic HuR in its ability to modify the surrounding tumor microenvironment and regulate PDGFAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A McCarthy
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Roberto Di Niro
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Jennifer M Finan
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Aditi Jain
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Yifei Guo
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Cory R Wyatt
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Alexander R Guimaraes
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Trent A Waugh
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Dove Keith
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Terry K Morgan
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
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17
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Yao Q, Zhang X, Wei C, Chen H, Xu Q, Chen J, Chen D. Prognostic prediction and immunotherapy response analysis of the fatty acid metabolism-related genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17224. [PMID: 37360096 PMCID: PMC10285252 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urinary cancer. Although diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for ccRCC have been improved, the survival outcomes of patients with advanced ccRCC remain unsatisfactory. Fatty acid metabolism (FAM) has been increasingly recognized as a critical modulator of cancer development. However, the significance of the FAM in ccRCC remains unclear. Herein, we explored the function of a FAM-related risk score in the stratification and prediction of treatment responses in patients with ccRCC. Methods First, we applied an unsupervised clustering method to categorize patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets into subtypes and retrieved FAM-related genes from the MSigDB database. We discern differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different subtypes. Then, we applied univariate Cox regression analysis followed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) linear regression based on DEGs expression to establish a FAM-related risk score for ccRCC. Results We stratified the three ccRCC subtypes based on FAM-related genes with distinct overall survival (OS), clinical features, immune infiltration patterns, and treatment sensitivities. We screened nine genes from the FAM-related DEGs in the three subtypes to establish a risk prediction model for ccRCC. Nine FAM-related genes were differentially expressed in the ccRCC cell line ACHN compared to the normal kidney cell line HK2. High-risk patients had worse OS, higher genomic heterogeneity, a more complex tumor microenvironment (TME), and elevated expression of immune checkpoints. This phenomenon was validated in the ICGC cohort. Conclusion We constructed a FAM-related risk score that predicts the prognosis and therapeutic response of ccRCC. The close association between FAM and ccRCC progression lays a foundation for further exploring FAM-related functions in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinfan Yao
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, China
| | - Xiuyuan Zhang
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, China
| | - Chunchun Wei
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, China
| | - Hongjun Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, China
| | - Qiannan Xu
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, China
| | - Jianghua Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, China
| | - Dajin Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, China
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18
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Fu S, Xu S, Zhang S. The role of amino acid metabolism alterations in pancreatic cancer: From mechanism to application. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188893. [PMID: 37015314 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing in both developed and developing Nations. In recent years, various research evidence suggested that reprogrammed metabolism may play a key role in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and development. Therefore, it has great potential as a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic target. Amino acid metabolism is deregulated in pancreatic cancer, and changes in amino acid metabolism can affect cancer cell status, systemic metabolism in malignant tumor patients and mistakenly involved in different biological processes including stemness, proliferation and growth, invasion and migration, redox state maintenance, autophagy, apoptosis and even tumor microenvironment interaction. Generally, the above effects are achieved through two pathways, energy metabolism and signal transduction. This review aims to highlight the current research progress on the abnormal alterations of amino acids metabolism in pancreatic cancer, how they affect tumorigenesis and development of pancreatic cancer and the application prospects of them as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenao Fu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shaokang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shubing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
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19
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Falcomatà C, Bärthel S, Schneider G, Rad R, Schmidt-Supprian M, Saur D. Context-Specific Determinants of the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:278-297. [PMID: 36622087 PMCID: PMC9900325 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have shown benefits across a range of human cancers, but not pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent evidence suggests that the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) constitutes an important roadblock to their efficacy. The landscape of the TME differs substantially across PDAC subtypes, indicating context-specific principles of immunosuppression. In this review, we discuss how PDAC cells, the local TME, and systemic host and environmental factors drive immunosuppression in context. We argue that unraveling the mechanistic drivers of the context-specific modes of immunosuppression will open new possibilities to target PDAC more efficiently by using multimodal (immuno)therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE Immunosuppression is an almost universal hallmark of pancreatic cancer, although this tumor entity is highly heterogeneous across its different subtypes and phenotypes. Here, we provide evidence that the diverse TME of pancreatic cancer is a central executor of various different context-dependent modes of immunosuppression, and discuss key challenges and novel opportunities to uncover, functionalize, and target the central drivers and functional nodes of immunosuppression for therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falcomatà
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bärthel
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc Schmidt-Supprian
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Corresponding Authors: Dieter Saur, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany. Phone: 49-89-4140-5255; Fax: 49-89-4140-7289; E-mail: ; and Chiara Falcomatà,
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Do BT, Vander Heiden MG. GOT2 consider the tumor microenvironment. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:884-886. [PMID: 36153305 PMCID: PMC9671779 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To thrive in a hypoxic and nutrient-limited tumor microenvironment, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells rewire their metabolism. Understanding PDAC cell metabolism may uncover vulnerabilities that can be targeted for improved therapy. Three recent studies find that the PDAC tumor microenvironment modulates the functional consequences of depleting the mitochondrially localized aspartate transaminase GOT2, thus providing new insights into the metabolism of this lethal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Do
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Matthew G Vander Heiden
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Newsom OJ, Sullivan LB. Targeting PDAC metabolism: Environment determines what has GOT2 give. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1617-1619. [PMID: 36323232 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic disruption is a mainstay of cancer therapy, prompting research aimed at identifying novel metabolic targets. Despite strong effects observed in culture, three recent studies found pancreatic tumors are refractory to disruption of the metabolic enzyme GOT2, revealing complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment that bypass its conventional metabolic roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Newsom
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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