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Kalashgrani MY, Mousavi SM, Akmal MH, Gholami A, Omidifar N, Chiang WH, Lai CW, Ripaj Uddin M, Althomali RH, Rahman MM. Biosensors for metastatic cancer cell detection. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 559:119685. [PMID: 38663472 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119685] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Early detection and effective cancer treatment are critical to improving metastatic cancer cell diagnosis and management today. In particular, accurate qualitative diagnosis of metastatic cancer cell represents an important step in the diagnosis of cancer. Today, biosensors have been widely developed due to the daily need to measure different chemical and biological species. Biosensors are utilized to quantify chemical and biological phenomena by generating signals that are directly proportional to the quantity of the analyte present in the reaction. Biosensors are widely used in disease control, drug delivery, infection detection, detection of pathogenic microorganisms, and markers that indicate a specific disease in the body. These devices have been especially popular in the field of metastatic cancer cell diagnosis and treatment due to their portability, high sensitivity, high specificity, ease of use and short response time. This article examines biosensors for metastatic cancer cells. It also studies metastatic cancer cells and the mechanism of metastasis. Finally, the function of biosensors and biomarkers in metastatic cancer cells is investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Muhammad Hussnain Akmal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Ahmad Gholami
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Omidifar
- Department of Pathology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Wei-Hung Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
| | - Chin Wei Lai
- Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), Level 3, Block A, Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya (UM), 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Md Ripaj Uddin
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Raed H Althomali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Art and Science, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Al-Dawasir 11991, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Rahman
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR) & Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Chen HJ, Huang TX, Jiang YX, Chen X, Wang AF. Multifunctional roles of inflammation and its causative factors in primary liver cancer: A literature review. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1258-1271. [PMID: 38223416 PMCID: PMC10784815 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i12.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a severe and complex disease, leading to 800000 global deaths annually. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammation is one of the critical factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and steatohepatitis symptoms are at higher risk of developing HCC. However, not all inflammatory factors have a pathogenic function in HCC development. The current study describes the process and mechanism of hepatitis development and its progression to HCC, particularly focusing on viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and steatohepatitis. Furthermore, the roles of some essential inflammatory cytokines in HCC progression are described in addition to a summary of future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ting-Xiong Huang
- School of Clinical Medical, Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yu-Xi Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The People's Hospital of Yuhuan, The Yuhuan Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yuhuan 317600, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ai-Fang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The People's Hospital of Yuhuan, The Yuhuan Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yuhuan 317600, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Odarenko KV, Zenkova MA, Markov AV. The Nexus of Inflammation-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Lung Cancer Progression: A Roadmap to Pentacyclic Triterpenoid-Based Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17325. [PMID: 38139154 PMCID: PMC10743660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its high mortality is partly due to chronic inflammation that accompanies the disease and stimulates cancer progression. In this review, we analyzed recent studies and highlighted the role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a link between inflammation and lung cancer. In the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (iTME), fibroblasts, macrophages, granulocytes, and lymphocytes produce inflammatory mediators, some of which can induce EMT. This leads to increased invasiveness of tumor cells and self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are associated with metastasis and tumor recurrence, respectively. Based on published data, we propose that inflammation-induced EMT may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer. This prospect is partially realized in the development of EMT inhibitors based on pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs), described in the second part of our study. PTs reduce the metastatic potential and stemness of tumor cells, making PTs promising candidates for lung cancer therapy. We emphasize that the high diversity of molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation-induced EMT far exceeds those that have been implicated in drug development. Therefore, analysis of information on the relationship between the iTME and EMT is of great interest and may provide ideas for novel treatment approaches for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill V. Odarenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.V.O.); (M.A.Z.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina A. Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.V.O.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Andrey V. Markov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.V.O.); (M.A.Z.)
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4
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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Richardson L, Wilcockson SG, Guglielmi L, Hill CS. Context-dependent TGFβ family signalling in cell fate regulation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:876-894. [PMID: 37596501 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family are a large group of evolutionarily conserved cytokines whose signalling modulates cell fate decision-making across varying cellular contexts at different stages of life. Here we discuss new findings in early embryos that reveal how, in contrast to our original understanding of morphogen interpretation, robust cell fate specification can originate from a noisy combination of signalling inputs and a broad range of signalling levels. We compare this evidence with novel findings on the roles of TGFβ family signalling in tissue maintenance and homeostasis during juvenile and adult life, spanning the skeletal, haemopoietic and immune systems. From these comparisons, it emerges that in contrast to robust developing systems, relatively small perturbations in TGFβ family signalling have detrimental effects at later stages in life, leading to aberrant cell fate specification and disease, for example in cancer or congenital disorders. Finally, we highlight novel strategies to target and amend dysfunction in signalling and discuss how gleaning knowledge from different fields of biology can help in the development of therapeutics for aberrant TGFβ family signalling in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Richardson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Scott G Wilcockson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Division of Cell Biology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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6
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George S, Martin JAJ, Graziani V, Sanz-Moreno V. Amoeboid migration in health and disease: Immune responses versus cancer dissemination. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1091801. [PMID: 36699013 PMCID: PMC9869768 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1091801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is crucial for efficient immune responses and is aberrantly used by cancer cells during metastatic dissemination. Amoeboid migrating cells use myosin II-powered blebs to propel themselves, and change morphology and direction. Immune cells use amoeboid strategies to respond rapidly to infection or tissue damage, which require quick passage through several barriers, including blood, lymph and interstitial tissues, with complex and varied environments. Amoeboid migration is also used by metastatic cancer cells to aid their migration, dissemination and survival, whereby key mechanisms are hijacked from professionally motile immune cells. We explore important parallels observed between amoeboid immune and cancer cells. We also consider key distinctions that separate the lifespan, state and fate of these cell types as they migrate and/or fulfil their function. Finally, we reflect on unexplored areas of research that would enhance our understanding of how tumour cells use immune cell strategies during metastasis, and how to target these processes.
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7
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Sounbuli K, Mironova N, Alekseeva L. Diverse Neutrophil Functions in Cancer and Promising Neutrophil-Based Cancer Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415827. [PMID: 36555469 PMCID: PMC9779721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils represent the most abundant cell type of leukocytes in the human blood and have been considered a vital player in the innate immune system and the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Recently, several studies showed that neutrophils play an active role in the immune response during cancer development. They exhibited both pro-oncogenic and anti-tumor activities under the influence of various mediators in the tumor microenvironment. Neutrophils can be divided into several subpopulations, thus contradicting the traditional concept of neutrophils as a homogeneous population with a specific function in the innate immunity and opening new horizons for cancer therapy. Despite the promising achievements in this field, a full understanding of tumor-neutrophil interplay is currently lacking. In this review, we try to summarize the current view on neutrophil heterogeneity in cancer, discuss the different communication pathways between tumors and neutrophils, and focus on the implementation of these new findings to develop promising neutrophil-based cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khetam Sounbuli
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Mironova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-383-363-51-61
| | - Ludmila Alekseeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Deng X, Terunuma H. Harnessing NK Cells to Control Metastasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122018. [PMID: 36560427 PMCID: PMC9781233 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has produced remarkable results in tumor treatment. Nevertheless, its effects are severely limited in patients with low or absent pre-existing T cell immunity. Accordingly, metastasis remains the major cause of tumor-associated death. On the other hand, natural killer (NK) cells have the unique ability to recognize and rapidly act against tumor cells and surveil tumor cell dissemination. The role of NK cells in metastasis prevention is undisputable as an increase in the number of these cells mostly leads to a favorable prognosis. Hence, it is reasonable to consider that successful metastasis involves evasion of NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Therefore, harnessing NK cells to control metastasis is promising. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the seeds for distant metastasis, and the number of CTCs detected in the blood of patients with tumor is associated with a worse prognosis, whereas NK cells can eliminate highly motile CTCs especially in the blood. Here, we review the role of NK cells during metastasis, particularly the specific interactions of NK cells with CTCs, which may provide essential clues on how to harness the power of NK cells against tumor metastasis. As a result, a new way to prevent or treat metastatic tumor may be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Deng
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5632-6080; Fax: +81-3-5632-6083
| | - Hiroshi Terunuma
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- N2 Clinic Yotsuya, 5F 2-6 Samon-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0017, Japan
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Xu M, Zhang T, Xia R, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting the tumor stroma for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:208. [PMID: 36324128 PMCID: PMC9628074 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are comprised of both cancer cells and surrounding stromal components. As an essential part of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor stroma is highly dynamic, heterogeneous and commonly tumor-type specific, and it mainly includes noncellular compositions such as the extracellular matrix and the unique cancer-associated vascular system as well as a wide variety of cellular components including activated cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells, pericytes. All these elements operate with each other in a coordinated fashion and collectively promote cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to study the interaction and crosstalk between stromal components and neoplastic cells. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of tumor stroma in solid tumors. A series of clinical trials targeting the tumor stroma have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce and discuss current advances in the understanding of various stromal elements and their roles in cancers. We also elaborate on potential novel approaches for tumor-stroma-based therapeutic targeting, with the aim to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosen Xu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruolan Xia
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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10
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Prognostic Role of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers for Predicting Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194647. [PMID: 36230569 PMCID: PMC9564154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Molecular biomarkers play a marginal role in clinical practice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis, surveillance and treatment monitoring. Radiological biomarker: alpha-fetoprotein is still a lone protagonist in this field. The potential role of molecular biomarkers in the assessment of prognosis and treatment results could reduce the health costs faced by standard radiology. The majority of efforts are oriented towards early HCC detection, but the field faces an important challenge to find adequate biomarkers for advanced HCC management. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide and the fourth cause of tumor-related death. Imaging biomarkers are based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and are widely applied in HCC diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Unfortunately, in the field of molecular biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is still the only recognized tool for HCC surveillance in both diagnostic and follow-up purposes. Other molecular biomarkers have little roles in clinical practice regarding HCC, mainly for the detection of early-stage HCC, monitoring the response to treatments and analyzing tumor prognosis. In the last decades no important improvements have been achieved in this field and imaging biomarkers maintain the primacy in HCC diagnosis and follow-up. Despite the still inconsistent role of molecular biomarkers in surveillance and early HCC detection, they could play an outstanding role in prognosis estimation and treatment monitoring with a potential reduction in health costs faced by standard radiology. An important challenge resides in identifying sufficiently sensitive and specific biomarkers for advanced HCC for prognostic evaluation and detection of tumor progression, overcoming imaging biomarker sensitivity. The aim of this review is to analyze the current molecular and imaging biomarkers in advanced HCC.
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11
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Su X, Wu W, Zhu Z, Lin X, Zeng Y. The effects of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions in COPD induced by cigarette smoke: an update. Respir Res 2022; 23:225. [PMID: 36045410 PMCID: PMC9429334 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02153-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoke is a complex aerosol containing a large number of compounds with a variety of toxicity and carcinogenicity. Long-term exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases the risk of a variety of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a unique biological process, that refers to epithelial cells losing their polarity and transforming into mobile mesenchymal cells, playing a crucial role in organ development, fibrosis, and cancer progression. Numerous recent studies have shown that EMT is an important pathophysiological process involved in airway fibrosis, airway remodeling, and malignant transformation of COPD. In this review, we summarized the effects of cigarette smoke on the development and progression of COPD and focus on the specific changes and underlying mechanisms of EMT in COPD induced by cigarette smoke. We spotlighted the signaling pathways involved in EMT induced by cigarette smoke and summarize the current research and treatment approaches for EMT in COPD, aiming to provide ideas for potential new treatment and research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshan Su
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Weijing Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China.
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12
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Shokouhian B, Aboulkheyr Es H, Negahdari B, Tamimi A, Shahdoust M, Shpichka A, Timashev P, Hassan M, Vosough M. Hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis: Alignment of the main signaling pathways. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3984-4000. [PMID: 36037302 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Development is a symphony of cells differentiation in which different signaling pathways are orchestrated at specific times and periods to form mature and functional cells from undifferentiated cells. The similarity of the gene expression profile in malignant and undifferentiated cells is an interesting topic that has been proposed for many years and gave rise to the differentiation-therapy concept, which appears a rational insight and should be reconsidered. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the sixth common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is one of the health-threatening complications in communities where hepatotropic viruses are endemic. Sedentary lifestyle and high intake of calories are other risk factors. HCC is a complex condition in which various dimensions must be addressed, including heterogeneity of cells in the tumor mass, high invasiveness, and underlying diseases that limit the treatment options. Under these restrictions, recognizing, and targeting common signaling pathways during liver development and HCC could expedite to a rational therapeutic approach, reprograming malignant cells to well-differentiated ones in a functional state. Accordingly, in this review, we highlighted the commonalities of signaling pathways in hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, and comprised an update on the current status of targeting these pathways in laboratory studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Shokouhian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahdoust
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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13
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175537. [PMID: 36080304 PMCID: PMC9457820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data provided by World Health Organization, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of deaths due to cancer worldwide. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the last 10 years developing novel agents for HCC treatment, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Several small molecule inhibitors currently form the core of HCC treatment due to their versatility since they would be more easily absorbed and have higher oral bioavailability, thus easier to formulate and administer to patients. In addition, they can be altered structurally to have greater volumes of distribution, allowing them to block extravascular molecular targets and to accumulate in a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, they can be designed to have shortened half-lives to control for immune-related adverse events. Most importantly, they would spare patients, healthcare institutions, and society as a whole from the burden of high drug costs. The present review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical compounds that are licensed for HCC treatment and other emerging compounds that are still investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. These molecules are targeting different molecular targets and pathways that are proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Wu YH, Chou CY. Collagen XI Alpha 1 Chain, a Novel Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:925165. [PMID: 35847935 PMCID: PMC9277861 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.925165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the progression of cancer. Collagen is the most abundant component in ECM, and is involved in the biological formation of cancer. Although type XI collagen is a minor fibrillar collagen, collagen XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1) expression has been found to be upregulated in a variety of human cancers including colorectal, esophagus, glioma, gastric, head and neck, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, salivary gland, and renal cancers. High levels of COL11A1 usually predict poor prognosis, owing to its association with angiogenesis, invasion, and drug resistance in cancer. However, little is known about the specific mechanism through which COL11A1 regulates tumor progression. Here, we have organized and summarized recent developments regarding the interactions between COL11A1 and intracellular signaling pathways and selected therapeutic agents targeting COL11A1, as these indicate its potential as a target for treatment of cancers, especially epithelial ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hui Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Min-Hwei Junior College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yang Chou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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15
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Neuropilin-1 as a Potential Biomarker of Prognosis and Invasive-Related Parameters in Liver and Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143455. [PMID: 35884516 PMCID: PMC9318974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane protein which has had recently increased interest from cancer researchers. Liver cancer and colorectal cancer (CRC) are two of the most frequent and deadly tumors worldwide. Here, we assessed the prognostic, diagnostic and clinicopathological value of NRP1 in liver cancer and CRC patients by systematic searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library and a meta-analysis. Results obtained showed that NRP1 overexpression was significantly correlated with lower survival in liver cancer patients and with tumor development in hepatocarcinoma patients, and high levels of NRP1 were strongly correlated with an increased risk of vascular invasion in liver cancer and metastasis in CRC and liver tumors. Therefore, these findings could establish novel interest of NRP1 as a useful biomarker for patient prognosis as well as for invasive-related characteristics in patients with liver cancer or CRC. Abstract Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane protein involved in numerous cellular functions which has had increasing interest from cancer researchers. Liver cancer and colorectal cancer (CRC) are two of the most frequent and deadly tumors with a complex pharmacological framework. Here, we assessed the prognostic, diagnostic and clinicopathological value of NRP1 in liver cancer and CRC patients. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases for articles evaluating the NRP1 correlation with survival parameters, tumor development or clinicopathological features. Hazard ratios and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were extracted or estimated by Parmar method and pooled to evaluate the overall effect size with STATA 16 software. Heterogeneity was analyzed by chi-square-based Q test and I2 statistic, along with meta-regression and subgroup analysis, and publication bias was assessed by funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s test. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022307062). NRP1 overexpression was significantly correlated with lower survival in liver cancer patients and with tumor development in hepatocarcinoma patients, and was strongly correlated with an increased risk of vascular invasion in liver cancer and metastasis in CRC and liver tumors. These results support the role of NRP1 as a potential and useful biomarker in both types of cancer.
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16
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Galunisertib Exerts Antifibrotic Effects on TGF-β-Induced Fibroproliferative Dermal Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126689. [PMID: 35743131 PMCID: PMC9223605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermal fibroblasts in pathological scars secrete constitutively elevated levels of TGF-β, signaling the transcription of fibrotic genes via activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5). In the present study, we examine the antifibrotic effects of galunisertib, a small-molecule inhibitor of ALK5, on fibroproliferative dermal fibroblasts in an in vitro model of wound healing. We induced fibrosis in human dermal fibroblasts with exogenous TGF-β and performed cellular proliferation assays after treatment with varying concentrations of galunisertib. Dermal fibroblast proliferation was diminished to homeostatic levels without cytotoxicity at concentrations as high as 10 μM. An in vitro scratch assay revealed that galunisertib significantly enhanced cellular migration and in vitro wound closure beginning 24 h post-injury. A gene expression analysis demonstrated a significant attenuation of fibrotic gene expression, including collagen-1a, alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and connective tissue growth factor, with increased expression of the antifibrotic genes MMP1 and decorin. Protein synthesis assays confirmed drug activity and corroborated the transcription findings. In summary, galunisertib simultaneously exerts antifibrotic effects on dermal fibroblasts while enhancing rates of in vitro wound closure. Galunisertib has already completed phase II clinical trials for cancer therapy with minimal adverse effects and is a promising candidate for the treatment and prevention of pathological cutaneous scars.
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17
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Zhou Q, Zhang ZY, Ang XJ, Hu C, Ouyang J. Construction of five microRNAs prognostic markers and a prognostic model for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 10:2337-2353. [PMID: 35116550 PMCID: PMC8797919 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-21-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background To determine the role of miRNA in the progression and outcome of renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC), establish a model for predicting outcome in patients with ccRCC and verify it using a Cox regression model. The miRNA target genes were predicted to understand their biological functions. Methods The microRNAs of 71 normal tissues and 545 tumor tissues were downloaded from TCGA (https://tcga-data.nci.nih.gov/tcga/). We also downloaded 537 clinical materials from this website. The miRNA difference analysis was carried out. A prognostic model was constructed using differential miRNA. The model was verified using Cox survival analysis, receiver operator characteristic (ROC), and independent predictive analysis. Results MiR-130b-3p, miR-365b-3p, miR-149-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-144-5p can be used as independent prognostic indicators. We also analyzed the related functions of the target gene and found that target genes of miRNAs are involved in the signal pathways of some tumors, including cholesterol metabolism, HIF-1 signal pathway, focus adhesion, the Rap1 signal pathway, and hepatitis C. Conclusions The prognostic model constructed using five miRNAs is an independent and accurate factor. These miRNAs target genes are involved in regulating a variety of tumorigenesis and signal pathways. Therefore, we have reason to believe that the regulation of signal pathways by miRNA may play a critical role in the occurrence, development, and outcome of ccRCC, provide a new therapeutic target for ccRCC, and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Ang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Can Hu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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18
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Zhang Y, Gao J, Bao Y, Liu Y, Tong Y, Jin S, Zhao Q. Diagnostic accuracy and prognostic significance of osteopontin in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: a Meta-analysis. Biomarkers 2021; 27:13-21. [PMID: 34787036 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2021.2008009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE At present, there is no definite suggestion about effective tumour biomarkers for the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic significance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC). The aim of our research was to determine the value of the tumour biomarker osteopontin (OPN), which is encoded by the Spp1 gene, in the diagnosis, prognosis and development of HCC and LC through meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure electronic databases up to March 2021. Studies evaluating the diagnostic and/or prognostic value of OPN in HCC and/or LC were included. RESULTS From the systematic search, 35 studies including 9150 participants were eligible, 25 of which provided data on the diagnostic value of OPN overexpression, while 15 studies provided data on the prognostic value. OPN had high diagnostic accuracy in both HCC and LC patients compared with healthy controls, and the diagnostic efficiency was increased by the biomarker combination OPN + AFP. CONCLUSIONS OPN may be adopted as a promising predictive tumour biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC and LC and may be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Northern Theater General Hospital, Shenyang, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiayue Gao
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Bao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yimeng Tong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuqing Jin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Northern Theater General Hospital, Shenyang, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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19
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Neutrophils: Driving inflammation during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2021; 522:22-31. [PMID: 34517084 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between immune and inflammatory responses in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has garnered significant interest. In the peripheral blood and tumour microenvironment (TME), neutrophils, which are innate immune cells, crucially respond to various inflammatory factors, leading to tumour progression. To some extent, they affect the clinical treatment strategy and survival among HCC patients. A high circulating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a reliable factor that can be used to predict poor outcomes in HCC patients. However, the mechanisms underlying the protumoural effects of circulating neutrophils remain poorly understood. Besides, the distinct role and function of neutrophils at the site of HCC remain relatively unclear, which is partially attributed to their substantial heterogeneity compared with other immune cells. In this review, we firstly discuss the current information available, detailing distinct subsets, functional phenotypes, and the impact of circulating and tumour-infiltrating neutrophils on tumourigenesis in HCC. Furthermore, we describe recent pre-clinical and clinical studies concerning neutrophils for evaluating the feasibility of targeting diverse protumoural aspects to improve therapeutic efficacy, thus paving the way for neutrophil-based treatment, especially in combination with immunotherapy.
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20
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Graziani V, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Maiques O, Sanz-Moreno V. The amoeboid state as part of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition programme. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 32:228-242. [PMID: 34836782 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is essential for many biological processes, while abnormal cell migration is characteristic of cancer cells. Epithelial cells become motile by undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and mesenchymal cells increase migration speed by adopting amoeboid features. This review highlights how amoeboid behaviour is not merely a migration mode but rather a cellular state - within the EMT spectra - by which cancer cells survive, invade and colonise challenging microenvironments. Molecular biomarkers and physicochemical triggers associated with amoeboid behaviour are discussed, including an amoeboid associated tumour microenvironment. We reflect on how amoeboid characteristics support metastasis and how their liabilities could turn into therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Graziani
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | | | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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21
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Sulaiman A, McGarry S, Chilumula SC, Kandunuri R, Vinod V. Clinically Translatable Approaches of Inhibiting TGF-β to Target Cancer Stem Cells in TNBC. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101386. [PMID: 34680503 PMCID: PMC8533357 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that disproportionally accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths due to the lack of specific targets for effective treatments. In this review, we highlight the complexity of the transforming growth factor-beta family (TGF-β) pathway and discuss how the dysregulation of the TGF-β pathway promotes oncogenic attributes in TNBC, which negatively affects patient prognosis. Moreover, we discuss recent findings highlighting TGF-β inhibition as a potent method to target mesenchymal (CD44+/CD24-) and epithelial (ALDHhigh) cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. CSCs are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, resistance, and diminished patient prognosis; however, due to differential signal pathway enrichment and plasticity, these populations remain difficult to target and persist as a major barrier barring successful therapy. This review highlights the importance of TGF-β as a driver of chemoresistance, radioresistance and reduced patient prognosis in breast cancer and highlights novel treatment strategies which modulate TGF-β, impede cancer progression and reduce the rate of resistance generation via targeting the CSC populations in TNBC and thus reducing tumorigenicity. Potential TGF-β inhibitors targeting based on clinical trials are summarized for further investigation, which may lead to the development of novel therapies to improve TNBC patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sulaiman
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
- Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-816-726-2293
| | - Sarah McGarry
- Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
| | - Sai Charan Chilumula
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Rohith Kandunuri
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Vishak Vinod
- Department of Basic Science, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (S.C.C.); (R.K.); (V.V.)
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22
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Arce C, Rodríguez-Rovira I, De Rycke K, Durán K, Campuzano V, Fabregat I, Jiménez-Altayó F, Berraondo P, Egea G. Anti-TGFβ (Transforming Growth Factor β) Therapy With Betaglycan-Derived P144 Peptide Gene Delivery Prevents the Formation of Aortic Aneurysm in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:e440-e452. [PMID: 34162229 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective We investigated the effect of a potent TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) inhibitor peptide (P144) from the betaglycan/TGFβ receptor III on aortic aneurysm development in a Marfan syndrome mouse model. Approach and Results We used a chimeric gene encoding the P144 peptide linked to apolipoprotein A-I via a flexible linker expressed by a hepatotropic adeno-associated vector. Two experimental approaches were performed: (1) a preventive treatment where the vector was injected before the onset of the aortic aneurysm (aged 4 weeks) and followed-up for 4 and 20 weeks and (2) a palliative treatment where the vector was injected once the aneurysm was formed (8 weeks old) and followed-up for 16 weeks. We evaluated the aortic root diameter by echocardiography, the aortic wall architecture and TGFβ signaling downstream effector expression of pSMAD2 and pERK1/2 by immunohistomorphometry, and Tgfβ1 and Tgfβ2 mRNA expression levels by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Marfan syndrome mice subjected to the preventive approach showed no aortic dilation in contrast to untreated Marfan syndrome mice, which at the same end point age already presented the aneurysm. In contrast, the palliative treatment with P144 did not halt aneurysm progression. In all cases, P144 improved elastic fiber morphology and normalized pERK1/2-mediated TGFβ signaling. Unlike the palliative treatment, the preventive treatment reduced Tgfβ1 and Tgfβ2 mRNA levels. Conclusions P144 prevents the onset of aortic aneurysm but not its progression. Results indicate the importance of reducing the excess of active TGFβ signaling during the early stages of aortic disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Arce
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Spain (C.A., I.R.-R., K.D.R., V.C., G.E.)
| | - Isaac Rodríguez-Rovira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Spain (C.A., I.R.-R., K.D.R., V.C., G.E.)
| | - Karo De Rycke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Spain (C.A., I.R.-R., K.D.R., V.C., G.E.)
| | - Karina Durán
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Clínic y Provincial de Barcelona, Spain (K.D.)
| | - Victoria Campuzano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Spain (C.A., I.R.-R., K.D.R., V.C., G.E.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain (V.C.)
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepático-Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, Spain (I.F.)
| | - Francesc Jiménez-Altayó
- Department of Therapeutic Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain (F.J.-A.)
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain (P.B.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain (P.B.)
| | - Gustavo Egea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Spain (C.A., I.R.-R., K.D.R., V.C., G.E.)
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (G.E.)
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23
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The TGF-β Pathway: A Pharmacological Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133248. [PMID: 34209646 PMCID: PMC8268320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily members are essential for tissue homeostasis and consequently, dysregulation of their signaling pathways contributes to the development of human diseases. In the liver, TGF-β signaling participates in all the stages of disease progression from initial liver injury to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During liver carcinogenesis, TGF-β plays a dual role on the malignant cell, behaving as a suppressor factor at early stages, but contributing to later tumor progression once cells escape from its cytostatic effects. Moreover, TGF-β can modulate the response of the cells forming the tumor microenvironment that may also contribute to HCC progression, and drive immune evasion of cancer cells. Thus, targeting the TGF-β pathway may constitute an effective therapeutic option for HCC treatment. However, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that allow to predict the response of the tumors and appropriately select the patients that could benefit from TGF-β inhibitory therapies. Here we review the functions of TGF-β on HCC malignant and tumor microenvironment cells, and the current strategies targeting TGF-β signaling for cancer therapy. We also summarize the clinical impact of TGF-β inhibitors in HCC patients and provide a perspective on its future use alone or in combinatorial strategies for HCC treatment.
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24
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Xu Y, Yuan X, Zhang X, Hu W, Wang Z, Yao L, Zong L. Prognostic value of inflammatory and nutritional markers for hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26506. [PMID: 34160470 PMCID: PMC8238303 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many clinical studies have demonstrated that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) are visibly involved in the prognosis of a variety of tumors. In our research, we aim to determin the prognostic impact of NLR, PLR, and OPNI for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing treatment in Changzhi People's Hospital between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed. 270 patients with HCC were under inclusion criteria. The optimal cut-off points of OPNI, NLR and PLR were determined by using the X-tile program. The overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox Proportional Hazard Regression model to determine independent prognostic indicators for HCC.As revealed by Univariate and multivariate analysis, OPNI, Treatment, PLR, and BCLC Stage can be used as independent prognostic indicators for HCC. Comparing the P values and hazard ratios, we found out that the OPNI has greatest influence on prognosis in these indexes. The appropriate cut-off points of NLR, PLR, and OPNI were 2.5, 133.3, and 39.5, respectively. High score OPNI group had a better OS. In the analysis between OPNI and clinicopathological characteristics, there were differences in treatment, postoperative therapy, AST, ALBI grade, NLR and PLR between the high OPNI group and the low OPNI group, while others did not.OPNI is a straightforward and effective independent prognostic indicator for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Yizheng People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province
| | - Xiuxue Yuan
- Medical College of Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province
| | | | - Wenqing Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhi People's Hospital
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Heji Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi Province
| | - Longdi Yao
- The Second Clinical College of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Liang Zong
- Central Laboratory
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhi People's Hospital
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25
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Giannelli G, Santoro A, Kelley RK, Gane E, Paradis V, Cleverly A, Smith C, Estrem ST, Man M, Wang S, Lahn MM, Raymond E, Benhadji KA, Faivre S. Correction: Biomarkers and overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TGF-βRI inhibitor galunisertib. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253671. [PMID: 34138968 PMCID: PMC8211152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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26
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Bhatt S, Kanoujia J, Dhar AK, Singh RK, Rajangam J. Current and Future Scenario of Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394716999200818103724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the immune checkpoint inhibitors such as programed cell death-1 protein/
Programmed death ligand-1 or 2 and (PD-1/PD-L1 or PD-L2) and Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated
protein 4 (CTLA-4) paved the way for developing novel cancer treatment. The check
point inhibitors are found to be very efficient in treating many hot tumors (with immune environment)
such as bladder cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC), etc. Numerous clinical trials have been initiated to evaluate the safety and effectiveness
of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with different cancer types, including hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic and prostate cancer. The results and findings of these trials are highly
appreciated. However, the search for check point inhibitors with better efficacy for the treatment of
HCC is still going on. The present review focuses on advancement in HCC treatments with respect
to various standard therapies and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shvetank Bhatt
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior-474005, India
| | - Jovita Kanoujia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior-474005, India
| | - Arghya K. Dhar
- Gurunanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kolkata-700110, India
| | - Rakesh K. Singh
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Panchgaon, Haryana 122412, India
| | - Jayaraman Rajangam
- Sree Vidya Niketan College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517102, India
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Hess JB, Sutherland KD, Best SA. Exploring natural killer cell immunology as a therapeutic strategy in lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:2788-2805. [PMID: 34295678 PMCID: PMC8264324 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-765] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic immune cells are key in the control of tumor development and progression. Natural killer (NK) cells are the cytotoxic arm of the innate immune system with the capability to kill tumor cells and surveil tumor cell dissemination. As such, the interest in harnessing NK cells in tumor control is increasing in many solid tumor types, including lung cancer. Here, we review the pre-clinical models used to unveil the role of NK cells in immunosurveillance of solid tumors and highlight measures to enhance NK cell activity. Importantly, the development of NK immunotherapy is rapidly evolving. Enhancing the NK cell response can be achieved using two broad modalities: enhancing endogenous NK cell activity, or performing adoptive transfer of pre-activated NK cells to patients. Numerous clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of NK cell immunotherapy in isolation or in combination with standard treatments, with encouraging initial results. Pre-clinical studies and early phase clinical trials suggest that patients with solid tumors, including lung cancer, have the potential to benefit from recent developments in NK cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas B Hess
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate D Sutherland
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah A Best
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Liu ZL, Liu JH, Staiculescu D, Chen J. Combination of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the new era of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211018026. [PMID: 34104226 PMCID: PMC8150670 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211018026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been the only first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for more than a decade, until the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Moreover, the combination regimen of atezolizumab (anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 antibody) plus bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody) has recently been demonstrated to have superior efficacy when compared with sorafenib monotherapy. The remarkable efficacy has made this combination therapy the new standard treatment for advanced HCC. In addition to MKIs, many other molecularly targeted therapies are under investigation, some of which have shown promising results. Therefore, in the era of immuno-oncology, there is a significant rationale for testing the combinations of molecularly targeted therapies and ICIs. Indeed, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have shown the synergic antitumor efficacy of such combinations. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the combination of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint therapies for HCC from both preclinical and clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Long Liu
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jing-Hua Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Professor Cai’s Laboratory, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Daniel Staiculescu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3, East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310016, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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29
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Lachat C, Peixoto P, Hervouet E. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition History: From Embryonic Development to Cancers. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060782. [PMID: 34067395 PMCID: PMC8224685 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that allows epithelial cells to progressively acquire a reversible mesenchymal phenotype. Here, we recount the main events in the history of EMT. EMT was first studied during embryonic development. Nowadays, it is an important field in cancer research, studied all around the world by more and more scientists, because it was shown that EMT is involved in cancer aggressiveness in many different ways. The main features of EMT's involvement in embryonic development, fibrosis and cancers are briefly reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lachat
- UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS-BFC, F-25000 Besançon, France; (P.P.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paul Peixoto
- UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS-BFC, F-25000 Besançon, France; (P.P.); (E.H.)
- EPIgenetics and GENe EXPression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Eric Hervouet
- UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS-BFC, F-25000 Besançon, France; (P.P.); (E.H.)
- EPIgenetics and GENe EXPression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
- DImaCell Platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
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30
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Li X, Ding Z, Wu Z, Xu Y, Yao H, Lin K. Targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway for fibrosis therapy: a patent review (2015-2020). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:723-743. [PMID: 33645365 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1896705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibrosis is a serious disease that occurs in many organs, such as kidney, liver and lung. The deterioration of these organs ultimately leads to death. Due to the complex mechanisms of fibrosis, research and development of antifibrotic drugs is difficult. One solution is to focus on core pathways, one of which is the TGF-β signaling pathway. In virtually every type of fibrosis, TGF-β signaling is recognized as a critical pathway. AREA COVERED This review discusses patents on active molecules related to the TGF-β signaling. Molecules targeting components related to the activation of TGF-β are introduced. Several strategies preventing signal propagation from active TGF-β to downstream targets are also introduced, including TGF-β antibodies, TGF-β ligand traps, and inhibitors of TGF-β receptor kinases. Finally, molecules affecting downstream targets in both canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling pathways are described. EXPERT OPINION Since the approval of pirfenidone, targeting TGF-β signaling has been anticipated as an effective therapy for fibrosis. The potential of this therapy has been further supported by emerging patents on the TGF-β signaling. This pathway can be entirely inhibited, from the activation of TGF-β to downstream signaling. Inhibiting TGF-β signaling is expected to provide more effective treatments for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyi Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinqiu Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hequan Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kejiang Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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31
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Harding JJ, Do RK, Yaqubie A, Cleverly A, Zhao Y, Gueorguieva I, Lahn M, Benhadji KA, Kelley RK, Abou‐Alfa GK. Phase 1b study of galunisertib and ramucirumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:3059-3067. [PMID: 33811482 PMCID: PMC8085979 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical data suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling interact to stimulate angiogenesis and suppress antitumor immune responses. Thus, combined inhibition of both pathways may offer greater antitumor activity compared with VEGF-targeted antiangiogenic monotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS This is a multicenter, open-label, phase 1b study of galunisertib, an inhibitor of TGF-β receptor 1, and ramucirumab, an anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody, in patients with advanced HCC aiming to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), antitumor efficacy, and plasma alpha-fetoprotein and TGF-β kinetics. Dose escalation employed a 3 + 3 design. Patients received galunisertib at 80 mg (cohort 1) or 150 mg (cohort 2) orally twice a day on days 1-14 of a 28-day cycle combined with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. RESULTS Eight patients were enrolled: three in cohort 1 and five in cohort 2 (two patients were unevaluable due to rapid disease progression and replaced). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade in ≥2 patients included nausea (25%) and vomiting (25%). There was one Grade 3 treatment-related AE, a cerebrovascular accident possibly related to ramucirumab. Galunisertib exposure was dose-proportional and not affected by ramucirumab. The RECIST version 1.1 objective response rate and disease control rate were 0% and 12.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION Combination therapy was safe and tolerable and displayed favorable PK. The MTD was established at galunisertib at 150 mg orally twice a day and ramucirumab 8 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. The results do not support the preclinical hypothesis that blocking TGFβ signaling enhances efficacy of VEGF-targeted therapy; thus further clinical development was halted for the combination of galunisertib and ramucirumab.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Female
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Maximum Tolerated Dose
- Middle Aged
- Nausea/chemically induced
- Prospective Studies
- Pyrazoles/administration & dosage
- Pyrazoles/adverse effects
- Pyrazoles/pharmacokinetics
- Quinolines/administration & dosage
- Quinolines/adverse effects
- Quinolines/pharmacokinetics
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/antagonists & inhibitors
- Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vomiting/chemically induced
- alpha-Fetoproteins/analysis
- Ramucirumab
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Harding
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Richard K. Do
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Amin Yaqubie
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robin K. Kelley
- Helen Diller Cancer CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Ghassan K. Abou‐Alfa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
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Ludwig N, Wieteska Ł, Hinck CS, Yerneni SS, Azambuja JH, Bauer RJ, Reichert TE, Hinck AP, Whiteside TL. Novel TGFβ Inhibitors Ameliorate Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Improve the Antitumor Immune Response of Anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1102-1111. [PMID: 33850003 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ is a key regulator of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression, and its potential role as a therapeutic target has been investigated with a limited success. This study evaluates two novel TGFβ inhibitors as mono or combinatorial therapy with anti-PD-L1 antibodies (α-PD-L1 Ab) in a murine OSCC model. Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice bearing malignant oral lesions induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) were treated for 4 weeks with TGFβ inhibitors mRER (i.p., 50 μg/d) or mmTGFβ2-7m (10 μg/d delivered by osmotic pumps) alone or in combination with α-PD-L1 Abs (7× i.p. of 100 μg/72 h). Tumor progression and body weight were monitored. Levels of bioactive TGFβ in serum were quantified using a TGFβ bioassay. Tissues were analyzed by immunohistology and flow cytometry. Therapy with mRER or mmTGFβ2-7m reduced tumor burden (P < 0.05) and decreased body weight loss compared with controls. In inhibitor-treated mice, levels of TGFβ in tumor tissue and serum were reduced (P < 0.05), whereas they increased with tumor progression in controls. Both inhibitors enhanced CD8+ T-cell infiltration into tumors and mRER reduced levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (P < 0.001). In combination with α-PD-L1 Abs, tumor burden was not further reduced; however, mmTGFβ2-7m further reduced weight loss (P < 0.05). The collagen-rich stroma was reduced by using combinatorial TGFβ/PD-L1 therapies (P < 0.05), enabling an accelerated lymphocyte infiltration into tumor tissues. The blockade of TGFβ signaling by mRER or mmTGFβ2-7m ameliorated in vivo progression of established murine OSCC. The inhibitors promoted antitumor immune responses, alone and in combination with α-PD-L1 Abs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Ludwig
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. .,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Łukasz Wieteska
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Cynthia S Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Juliana H Azambuja
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard J Bauer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Torsten E Reichert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrew P Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Theresa L Whiteside
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. .,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Departments of Immunology and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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The Clinical Role of Serum Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients with Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10030215. [PMID: 33799723 PMCID: PMC7999043 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is an unmet need. Here we investigate the potential clinical utility of the measurement of serum epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (i.e., ERBB3) in hepatitis C virus-infected patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma. Median values of serum ERBB3 were similar between patients with cirrhosis and those with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); therefore, the measurement of the biomarker in the setting of HCC surveillance appeared unsuitable. Conversely, in patients with early HCC, serum ERBB3 values were significantly associated with overall survival, suggesting that the biomarker may be useful to tailor appropriate treatment strategies in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (ERBB3) is a surface tyrosine kinase receptor belonging to the EGFR/ERBB family, involved in tumor development and progression. We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum ERBB3 measurement in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 164 HCV-infected patients (82 with cirrhosis and 82 with early HCC) were included in the study. HCC was classified according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. Among patients with HCC, 23 (28%) had a diagnosis of very early tumor (BCLC = 0), while 59 (62%) had a diagnosis of early HCC (BCLC = A). Median overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC was 79.2 (95% CI 51.6–124.8) months. While ERBB3 serum values were similar between patients with cirrhosis and those with HCC (p = 0.993), in the latter, serum ERBB3 ≥ 2860 RU resulted significantly and independently associated with OS (Hazard Ratio = 2.24, 95% CI 1.16–4.35, p = 0.017). Consistently, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates in patients with serum ERBB3 ≥ 2860 RU were 90% (36/40), 53% (19/36), and 28% (8/29) in comparison to patients with serum ERBB3 < 2860 RU, which were 98% (40/41), 80% (32/40), and 74% (26/35) (Log-rank test; p = 0.014). In conclusion, serum ERBB3 values resulted an independent prognostic factor of patients with early HCC and might be useful to tailor more personalized treatment strategies.
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Abstract
Metastasis is the most complex and deadly event. Tumor-stromal interface is a place where invasion of tumor cells in the form of single-cell or collective migration occurs, with the latter being less common but more efficient. Initiation of metastasis relies on the tumor cell cross-talking with stromal cells and taking an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in single cells, and a hybrid EMT in collective migratory cells. Stromal cross-talking along with an abnormal leaky vasculature facilitate intravasation of tumor cells, here the cells are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Tumor cells isolated from the primary tumor exploit several mechanisms to maintain their survival including rewiring metabolic demands to use sources available within the new environments, avoiding anoikis cell death when cells are detached from extracellular matrix (ECM), adopting flow mechanic by acquiring platelet shielding and immunosuppression by negating the activity of suppressor immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells. CTCs will adhere to the interstituim of the secondary organ/s, within which the newly arrived disseminative tumor cells (DTCs) undergo either dormancy or proliferation. Metastatic outgrowth is under the influence of several factors, such as the activity of macrophages, impaired autophagy and secondary site inflammatory events. Metastasis can be targeted by multiple ways, such as repressing the promoters of pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation, suppressing environmental contributors, such as hypoxia, oxidative and metabolic stressors, and targeting signaling and cell types that take major contribution to the whole process. These strategies can be used in adjuvant with other therapeutics, such as immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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35
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Correction: Biomarkers and overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TGF-βRI inhibitor galunisertib. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235580. [PMID: 32584902 PMCID: PMC7316286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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