1
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Cheng X, Wang W, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Zhu P, He R, Wu M, Zhou T, Jiang Y, Jiang L, Chen Y, Liang Z, Wu X, Weng X. Distinctly altered lipid components in hepatocellular carcinoma relate to impaired T cell-dependent antitumor immunity. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:582-594. [PMID: 37823937 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10595-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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS T cells are master effectors of anti-tumor immunity in cancer. Recent studies suggest that altered lipid metabolism imposed by the tumor microenvironment constrains anti-tumor immunity. However, the tumor-associated lipid species changes that dampen T cell ability to control tumor progression are not fully understood. Here, we plan to clarify the influences of distinctly altered lipid components in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on T-cell function, aiming to seek lipid metabolic targets for improving T cell anti-tumor effects. METHODS Tumor tissues and non-tumor liver from HCC patients were collected for RNA-sequencing, lipid profiling and T cell characterizing, followed by correlation analysis. Additionally, the effects of significantly changed lipid components on anti-tumor potential of T cells were tested by in vitro cell experiments and/or in vivo tumor inoculated model. RESULTS Altered lipid metabolism coincides with impaired T cell response in HBV-related HCC. Characteristic lipid composition, significantly marked by accumulation of long-chain acylcarnitines (LCACs) and reduction of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), are found in the tumor tissue. Notably, LCACs accumulated are associated with T cells exhaustion and deficient functionality, while LPCs correlate to anti-tumor effects of T cells. In particular, supplement of LPCs, including LPC (20:0) and LPC (22:0), directly promote the activation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells in vitro, and suppress tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the distinctly changed lipid components closely related to T cell dysregulation in HCC, and suggests a promising strategy by decreasing LCACs and increasing LPCs for anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Cheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ziyao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Haoquan Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mi Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lang Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yiqing Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhihui Liang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiongwen Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiufang Weng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Transfusion, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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2
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Scimeca M, Rovella V, Caporali S, Shi Y, Bischof J, Woodsmith J, Tisone G, Sica G, Amelio I, Melino G, Mauriello A, Bove P. Genetically driven predisposition leads to an unusually genomic unstable renal cell carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38512353 PMCID: PMC10957849 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma originates from the lining of the proximal convoluted renal tubule and represents the most common type of kidney cancer. Risk factors and comorbidities might be associated to renal cell carcinoma, while a small fraction of 2-3% emerges from patients with predisposing cancer syndromes, typically associated to hereditary mutations in VHL, folliculin, fumarate hydratase or MET genes. Here, we report a case of renal cell carcinoma in patient with concurrent germline mutations in BRCA1 and RAD51 genes. This case displays an unusual high mutational burden and chromosomal aberrations compared to the typical profile of renal cell carcinoma. Mutational analysis on whole genome sequencing revealed an enrichment of the MMR2 mutational signature, which is indicative of impaired DNA repair capacity. Overall, the tumor displayed a profile of unusual high genomic instability which suggests a possible origin from germline predisposing mutations in the DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51. While BRCA1 and RAD51 germline mutations are well-characterised in breast and ovarian cancer, their role in renal cell carcinoma is still largely unexplored. The genomic instability detected in this case of renal cell carcinoma, along with the presence of unusual mutations, might offer support to clinicians for the development of patient-tailored therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Caporali
- Division for Systems Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Division for Systems Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Zhu M, Rovella V, Scimeca M, Mauriello A, Shi Y, Bischof J, Woodsmith J, Anselmo A, Melino G, Tisone G, Agostini M. Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma reveals a rare molecular subtype. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:10. [PMID: 38228856 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, occurring predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Here, we describe a case of a 62-year-old man that was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with HCC where the cancer has already metastasized to the retroperitoneum and peritoneum. In order to better characterize the HCC, both the cancerous liver tissue and the adjacent normal liver tissue of the patient were collected and subjected to a genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Our patient carries a highly mutated HCC, which is characterized by both somatic mutation in the following genes ALK, CDK6, TP53, PGR. In addition, we observe several molecular alterations that are associated with potential therapy resistance, for example the expression of the organic-anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) family members B1 and B3, that mediate the transport of the anticancer drugs, has been found decreased. Overall, our molecular profiling potentially classify the patient with poor prognosis and possibly displaying resistance to pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zhu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Alessandro Anselmo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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4
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Sheikh E, Agrawal K, Roy S, Burk D, Donnarumma F, Ko YH, Guttula PK, Biswal NC, Shukla HD, Gartia MR. Multimodal Imaging of Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment in Response to an Antiglycolytic Drug. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301815. [PMID: 37706285 PMCID: PMC10842640 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Lipid metabolism and glycolysis play crucial roles in the progression and metastasis of cancer, and the use of 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) as an antiglycolytic agent has shown promise in killing pancreatic cancer cells. However, developing an effective strategy to avoid chemoresistance requires the ability to probe the interaction of cancer drugs with complex tumor-associated microenvironments (TAMs). Unfortunately, no robust and multiplexed molecular imaging technology is currently available to analyze TAMs. In this study, the simultaneous profiling of three protein biomarkers using SERS nanotags and antibody-functionalized nanoparticles in a syngeneic mouse model of pancreatic cancer (PC) is demonstrated. This allows for comprehensive information about biomarkers and TAM alterations before and after treatment. These multimodal imaging techniques include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), immunohistochemistry (IHC), polarized light microscopy, second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and untargeted liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The study reveals the efficacy of 3-BP in treating pancreatic cancer and identifies drug treatment-induced lipid species remodeling and associated pathways through bioinformatics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Sheikh
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Kirti Agrawal
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Sanjit Roy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - David Burk
- Department of Cell Biology and Bioimaging, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Fabrizio Donnarumma
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Young H Ko
- NewG Lab Pharma, 701 East Pratt Street, Columbus Center, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA
| | - Praveen Kumar Guttula
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Nrusingh C Biswal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Hem D Shukla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Manas Ranjan Gartia
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
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5
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Cappello A, Tosetti G, Smirnov A, Ganini C, Yang X, Shi Y, Wang Y, Melino G, Bernassola F, Candi E. p63 orchestrates serine and one carbon metabolism enzymes expression in head and neck cancer. Biol Direct 2023; 18:73. [PMID: 37946250 PMCID: PMC10636826 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00426-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by high proliferation and limited differentiation. The altered expression of the p53 family members, and specifically of p63, represents a pivotal event in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. Physiologically, p63 affects metabolism through the direct transactivation of the enzyme hexokinase 2, and subsequently controls the proliferation of epithelial cells; nonetheless, its role in cancer metabolism is still largely unclear. The high energetic demand of cancer and the consequent needs of a metabolic reshape, also involve the serine and glycine catabolic and anabolic pathways, including the one carbon metabolism (OCM), to produce energetic compounds (purines) and to maintain cellular homeostasis (glutathione and S-adenosylmethionine). RESULTS The involvement in serine/glycine starvation by other p53 family members has been reported, including HNSCC. Here, we show that in HNSCC p63 controls the expression of the enzymes regulating the serine biosynthesis and one carbon metabolism. p63 binds the promoter region of genes involved in the serine biosynthesis as well as in the one carbon metabolism. p63 silencing in a HNSCC cell line affects the mRNA and protein levels of these selected enzymes. Moreover, the higher expression of TP63 and its target enzymes, negatively impacts on the overall survival of HNSCC patients. CONCLUSION These data indicate a direct role of p63 in the metabolic regulation of HNSCC with significant clinical effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cappello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Tosetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ganini
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121, Bari, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Policlinico di Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institute for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Hou P, Fang J, Liu Z, Shi Y, Agostini M, Bernassola F, Bove P, Candi E, Rovella V, Sica G, Sun Q, Wang Y, Scimeca M, Federici M, Mauriello A, Melino G. Macrophage polarization and metabolism in atherosclerosis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:691. [PMID: 37863894 PMCID: PMC10589261 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the inner walls of vessels. These plaques restrict blood flow and lead to complications such as heart attack or stroke. The development of atherosclerosis is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Atherosclerotic plaques in stable form are characterized by slow growth, which leads to luminal stenosis, with low embolic potential or in unstable form, which contributes to high risk for thrombotic and embolic complications with rapid clinical onset. In this complex scenario of atherosclerosis, macrophages participate in the whole process, including the initiation, growth and eventually rupture and wound healing stages of artery plaque formation. Macrophages in plaques exhibit high heterogeneity and plasticity, which affect the evolving plaque microenvironment, e.g., leading to excessive lipid accumulation, cytokine hyperactivation, hypoxia, apoptosis and necroptosis. The metabolic and functional transitions of plaque macrophages in response to plaque microenvironmental factors not only influence ongoing and imminent inflammatory responses within the lesions but also directly dictate atherosclerotic progression or regression. In this review, we discuss the origin of macrophages within plaques, their phenotypic diversity, metabolic shifts, and fate and the roles they play in the dynamic progression of atherosclerosis. It also describes how macrophages interact with other plaque cells, particularly T cells. Ultimately, targeting pathways involved in macrophage polarization may lead to innovative and promising approaches for precision medicine. Further insights into the landscape and biological features of macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques may offer valuable information for optimizing future clinical treatment for atherosclerosis by targeting macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Hou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Liu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Federici
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Han Y, Rovella V, Smirnov A, Buonomo OC, Mauriello A, Perretta T, Shi Y, Woodmsith J, Bischof J, Melino G, Candi E, Bernassola F. A BRCA2 germline mutation and high expression of immune checkpoints in a TNBC patient. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:370. [PMID: 37813891 PMCID: PMC10562433 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of mammary carcinoma. Here, we describe a case of an 81-year-old female diagnosed with ductal triple negative breast cancer with a germline pathogenic variant in BReast CAncer gene2 (BRCA2). Genetic testing also revealed the presence of four somatic mutations in the ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EphA3), TP53, BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1), and MYB genes. The BRCA2, TP53, and BAP1 gene mutations are highly predictive of a defective homologous recombination repair system and subsequent chromosomal instability in this patient. Coherently, the patient displayed a strong homologous recombination deficiency signature and high tumor mutational burden status, which are generally associated with increased probability of immune neoantigens formation and presentation, and with tumor immunogenicity. Analysis of immune checkpoint revealed high expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2), programmed death 1 (PD1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA 4), suggesting that the patient might likely benefit from immunotherapies. Altogether, these findings support an unveiled link between BRCA2 inactivation, HR deficiency and increased expression of immune checkpoints in TNBC. This clinical case highlights the importance of screening TNBC patients for genetic mutations and TMB biomarkers in order to predict the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Han
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 214000, Wuxi, China
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Claudio Buonomo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Perretta
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | | | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Yang X, Smirnov A, Buonomo OC, Mauriello A, Shi Y, Bischof J, Woodsmith J, Melino G, Candi E, Bernassola F. A primary luminal/HER2 negative breast cancer patient with mismatch repair deficiency. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:365. [PMID: 37783677 PMCID: PMC10545677 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01650-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we present the case of a 47-year-old woman diagnosed with luminal B breast cancer subtype and provide an in-depth analysis of her gene mutations, chromosomal alterations, mRNA and protein expression changes. We found a point mutation in the FGFR2 gene, which is potentially hyper-activating the receptor function, along with over-expression of its ligand FGF20 due to genomic amplification. The patient also harbors somatic and germline mutations in some mismatch repair (MMR) genes, with a strong MMR mutational signature. The patient displays high microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) status and increased levels of CTLA-4 and PD-1 expression. Altogether, these data strongly implicate that aberrant FGFR signaling, and defective MMR system might be involved in the development of this breast tumor. In addition, high MSI and TMB in the context of CTLA-4 and PD-L1 positivity, suggest the potential benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Accurate characterization of molecular subtypes, based on gene mutational and expression profiling analyses, will be certainly helpful for individualized treatment and targeted therapy of breast cancer patients, especially for those subtypes with adverse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Claudio Buonomo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, Germany Biochemistry Laboratory, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan Woodsmith
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, Germany Biochemistry Laboratory, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Liu R, Scimeca M, Sun Q, Melino G, Mauriello A, Shao C, Shi Y, Piacentini M, Tisone G, Agostini M. Harnessing metabolism of hepatic macrophages to aid liver regeneration. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:574. [PMID: 37644019 PMCID: PMC10465526 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06066-7] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver regeneration is a dynamic and regulated process that involves inflammation, granulation, and tissue remodeling. Hepatic macrophages, abundantly distributed in the liver, are essential components that actively participate in each step to orchestrate liver regeneration. In the homeostatic liver, resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) acquire a tolerogenic phenotype and contribute to immunological tolerance. Following toxicity-induced damage or physical resection, Kupffer cells as well as monocyte-derived macrophages can be activated and promote an inflammatory process that supports the survival and activation of hepatic myofibroblasts and thus promotes scar tissue formation. Subsequently, these macrophages, in turn, exhibit the anti-inflammatory effects critical to extracellular matrix remodeling during the resolution stage. However, continuous damage-induced chronic inflammation generally leads to hepatic macrophage dysfunction, which exacerbates hepatocellular injury and triggers further liver fibrosis and even cirrhosis. Emerging macrophage-targeting strategies have shown efficacy in both preclinical and clinical studies. Increasing evidence indicates that metabolic rewiring provides substrates for epigenetic modification, which endows monocytes/macrophages with prolonged "innate immune memory". Therefore, it is reasonable to conceive novel therapeutic strategies for metabolically reprogramming macrophages and thus mediate a homeostatic or reparative process for hepatic inflammation management and liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Military Medical Science; Research Unit of Cell Death Mechanism, 2021RU008, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Changshun Shao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China.
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Scimeca M, Rovella V, Palumbo V, Scioli MP, Bonfiglio R, Tor Centre, Melino G, Piacentini M, Frati L, Agostini M, Candi E, Mauriello A. Programmed Cell Death Pathways in Cholangiocarcinoma: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3638. [PMID: 37509299 PMCID: PMC10377326 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143638] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly aggressive cancer arising from the bile ducts. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies has prompted the search for new approaches to target this disease. Recent evidence suggests that distinct programmed cell death mechanisms, namely, apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, play a critical role in the development and progression of cholangiocarcinoma. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the role of programmed cell death in cholangiocarcinoma and its potential implications for the development of novel therapies. Several studies have shown that the dysregulation of apoptotic signaling pathways contributes to cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis and resistance to treatment. Similarly, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, which are pro-inflammatory forms of cell death, have been implicated in promoting immune cell recruitment and activation, thus enhancing the antitumor immune response. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that targeting cell death pathways could sensitize cholangiocarcinoma cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In conclusion, programmed cell death represents a relevant molecular mechanism of pathogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma, and further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying details and possibly identify therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Scioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Frati
- Institute Pasteur Italy-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Via Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed S.p.A., Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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11
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Blandino G. Activated KRAS, polyamines, iASPP and TME: a multiple liaison in pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:1615-1617. [PMID: 37120687 PMCID: PMC10244394 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy.
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12
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Chen D, Cao Y, Tang H, Zang L, Yao N, Zhu Y, Jiang Y, Zhai S, Liu Y, Shi M, Zhao S, Wang W, Wen C, Peng C, Chen H, Deng X, Jiang L, Shen B. Comprehensive machine learning-generated classifier identifies pro-metastatic characteristics and predicts individual treatment in pancreatic cancer: A multicenter cohort study based on super-enhancer profiling. Theranostics 2023; 13:3290-3309. [PMID: 37351165 PMCID: PMC10283048 DOI: 10.7150/thno.84978] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Accumulating evidence illustrated that the reprogramming of the super-enhancers (SEs) landscape could promote the acquisition of metastatic features in pancreatic cancer (PC). Given the anatomy-based TNM staging is limited by the heterogeneous clinical outcomes in treatment, it is of great clinical significance to tailor individual stratification and to develop alternative therapeutic strategies for metastatic PC patients based on SEs. Methods: In our study, ChIP-Seq analysis for H3K27ac was performed in primary pancreatic tumors (PTs) and hepatic metastases (HMs). Bootstrapping and univariate Cox analysis were implemented to screen prognostic HM-acquired, SE-associated genes (HM-SE genes). Then, based on 1705 PC patients from 14 multicenter cohorts, 188 machine-learning (ML) algorithm integrations were utilized to develop a comprehensive super-enhancer-related metastatic (SEMet) classifier. Results: We established a novel SEMet classifier based on 38 prognostic HM-SE genes. Compared to other clinical traits and 33 published signatures, the SEMet classifier possessed robust and powerful performance in predicting prognosis. In addition, patients in the SEMetlow subgroup owned dismal survival rates, more frequent genomic alterations, and more activated cancer immunity cycle as well as better benefits in immunotherapy. Remarkably, there existed a tight correlation between the SEMetlow subgroup and metastatic phenotypes of PC. Among 18 SEMet genes, we demonstrated that E2F7 may promote PC metastasis through the upregulation of TGM2 and DKK1. Finally, after in silico screening of potential compounds targeted SEMet classifier, results revealed that flumethasone could enhance the sensitivity of metastatic PC to routine gemcitabine chemotherapy. Conclusion: Overall, our study provided new insights into personalized treatment approaches in the clinical management of metastatic PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yizhi Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Haoyu Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Longjun Zang
- Department of General Surgery, Taiyuan Central Hospital, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Na Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Youwei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shuyu Zhai
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yihao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Minmin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shulin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Weishen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chenlei Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chenghong Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaxing Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lingxi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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13
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Montanaro M, Agostini M, Anemona L, Bonanno E, Servadei F, Finazzi Agrò E, Asimakopoulos AD, Ganini C, Cipriani C, Signoretti M, Bove P, Rugolo F, Imperiali B, Melino G, Mauriello A, Scimeca M. ZNF750: A Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076519. [PMID: 37047491 PMCID: PMC10095592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men in 2020. The clinical decision making for prostate cancer patients is based on the stratification of the patients according to both clinical and pathological parameters such as Gleason score and prostate-specific antigen levels. However, these tools still do not adequately predict patient outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ZNF750 could have a role in better stratifying patients, identifying those with a higher risk of metastasis and with the poorest prognosis. The data reported here revealed that ZNF750 protein levels are reduced in human prostate cancer samples, and this reduction is even higher in metastatic samples. Interestingly, nuclear positivity is significantly reduced in patients with metastatic prostate cancer, regardless of both Gleason score and grade group. More importantly, the bioinformatics analysis indicates that ZNF750 expression is positively correlated with better prognosis. Overall, our findings suggest that nuclear expression of ZNF750 may be a reliable prognostic biomarker for metastatic prostate cancer, which lays the foundation for the development of new biological therapies.
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14
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Smirnov A, Melino G, Candi E. Gene expression in organoids: an expanding horizon. Biol Direct 2023; 18:11. [PMID: 36964575 PMCID: PMC10038780 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent development of human three-dimensional organoid cultures has opened new doors and opportunities ranging from modelling human development in vitro to personalised cancer therapies. These new in vitro systems are opening new horizons to the classic understanding of human development and disease. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of these models requires cutting-edge techniques to capture and trace global changes in gene expression to enable identification of key players and uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. Rapid development of sequencing approaches made possible global transcriptome analyses and epigenetic profiling. Despite challenges in organoid culture and handling, these techniques are now being adapted to embrace organoids derived from a wide range of human tissues. Here, we review current state-of-the-art multi-omics technologies, such as single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility assays, employed to study organoids as a model for development and a platform for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00166, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Pouliquen DL, Malloci M, Boissard A, Henry C, Guette C. Proteomes of Residual Tumors in Curcumin-Treated Rats Reveal Changes in Microenvironment/Malignant Cell Crosstalk in a Highly Invasive Model of Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213732. [PMID: 36430209 PMCID: PMC9691155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213732] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin exhibits both immunomodulatory properties and anticarcinogenic effects which have been investigated in different experimental tumor models and cancer types. Its interactions with multiple signaling pathways have been documented through proteomic studies on malignant cells in culture; however, in vivo approaches are scarce. In this study, we used a rat model of highly invasive peritoneal mesothelioma to analyze the residual tumor proteomes of curcumin-treated rats in comparison with untreated tumor-bearing rats (G1) and provide insights into the modifications in the tumor microenvironment/malignant cell crosstalk. The cross-comparing analyses of the histological sections of residual tumors from two groups of rats given curcumin twice on days 21 and 26 after the tumor challenge (G2) or four times on days 7, 9, 11 and 14 (G3), in comparison with G1, identified a common increase in caveolin-1 which linked with significant abundance changes affecting 115 other proteins. The comparison of G3 vs. G2 revealed additional features for 65 main proteins, including an increase in histidine-rich glycoprotein and highly significant abundance changes for 22 other proteins regulating the tumor microenvironment, linked with the presence of numerous activated T cells. These results highlight new features in the multiple actions of curcumin on tumor microenvironment components and cancer cell invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Pouliquen
- Université d’Angers, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, F-49000 Angers, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-41352854
| | - Marine Malloci
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, Inserm, BioCore, US16, SFR Bonamy, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Alice Boissard
- Université d’Angers, ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Cécile Henry
- Université d’Angers, ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Catherine Guette
- Université d’Angers, ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, F-49000 Angers, France
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16
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Zuzčák M, Trnka J. Cellular metabolism in pancreatic cancer as a tool for prognosis and treatment (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 61:93. [PMID: 35730611 PMCID: PMC9256076 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5383] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has one of the highest fatality rates and the currently available therapeutic options are not sufficient to improve its overall poor prognosis. In addition to insufficient effectiveness of anticancer treatments, the lack of clear early symptoms and early metastatic spread maintain the PC survival rates at a low level. Metabolic reprogramming is among the hallmarks of cancer and could be exploited for the diagnosis and treatment of PC. PC is characterized by its heterogeneity and, apart from molecular subtypes, the identification of metabolic subtypes in PC could aid in the development of more individualized therapeutic approaches and may lead to improved clinical outcomes. In addition to the deregulated utilization of glucose in aerobic glycolysis, PC cells can use a wide range of substrates, including branched‑chain amino acids, glutamine and lipids to fulfil their energy requirements, as well as biosynthetic needs. The tumor microenvironment in PC supports tumor growth, metastatic spread, treatment resistance and the suppression of the host immune response. Moreover, reciprocal interactions between cancer and stromal cells enhance their metabolic reprogramming. PC stem cells (PCSCs) with an increased resistance and distinct metabolic properties are associated with disease relapses and cancer spread, and represent another significant candidate for therapeutic targeting. The present review discusses the metabolic signatures observed in PC, a disease with a multifaceted and often transient metabolic landscape. In addition, the metabolic pathways utilized by PC cells, as well as stromal cells are discussed, providing examples of how they could present novel targets for therapeutic interventions and elaborating on how interactions between the various cell types affect their metabolism. Furthermore, the importance of PCSCs is discussed, focusing specifically on their metabolic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zuzčák
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Center for Research on Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Trnka
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Center for Research on Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
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