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Cheon I, Lee S, Oh S, Ahn YH. miR-200-mediated inactivation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via targeting of NRP2-VEGFR signaling attenuates lung cancer invasion and metastasis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102194. [PMID: 38766528 PMCID: PMC11101731 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in promoting cancer cell motility, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis; therefore, extensive research has been conducted to determine their mode of activation. We aimed to identify whether miRNA-200 (miR-200), a widely recognized suppressor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, prevents CAFs from promoting cancer progression. Overexpression of miR-200 prevented CAFs from promoting lung cancer cell migration, invasion, tumorigenicity, and metastasis. Additionally, miR-200 suppressed the ability of CAFs to recruit and polarize macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, as well as the migration and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells. NRP2, a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), was confirmed to be a target of miR-200, which mediates the functional activity of miR-200 in CAFs. NRP2-VEGFR signaling facilitates the secretion of VEGF-D and pleiotrophin from CAFs, leading to the activation of cancer cell migration and invasion. These findings suggest that miR-200 remodels CAFs to impede cancer progression and metastasis and that miR-200 and NRP2 are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Cheon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Sieun Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Seonyeong Oh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
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2
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Suba Z. DNA Damage Responses in Tumors Are Not Proliferative Stimuli, but Rather They Are DNA Repair Actions Requiring Supportive Medical Care. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1573. [PMID: 38672654 PMCID: PMC11049279 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081573] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tumors, somatic mutagenesis presumably drives the DNA damage response (DDR) via altered regulatory pathways, increasing genomic instability and proliferative activity. These considerations led to the standard therapeutic strategy against cancer: the disruption of mutation-activated DNA repair pathways of tumors. PURPOSE Justifying that cancer cells are not enemies to be killed, but rather that they are ill human cells which have the remnants of physiologic regulatory pathways. RESULTS 1. Genomic instability and cancer development may be originated from a flaw in estrogen signaling rather than excessive estrogen signaling; 2. Healthy cells with genomic instability exhibit somatic mutations, helping DNA restitution; 3. Somatic mutations in tumor cells aim for the restoration of DNA damage, rather than further genomic derangement; 4. In tumors, estrogen signaling drives the pathways of DNA stabilization, leading to apoptotic death; 5. In peritumoral cellular infiltration, the genomic damage of the tumor induces inflammatory cytokine secretion and increased estrogen synthesis. In the inflammatory cells, an increased growth factor receptor (GFR) signaling confers the unliganded activation of estrogen receptors (ERs); 6. In breast cancer cells responsive to genotoxic therapy, constitutive mutations help the upregulation of estrogen signaling and consequential apoptosis. In breast tumors non-responsive to genotoxic therapy, the possibilities for ER activation via either liganded or unliganded pathways are exhausted, leading to farther genomic instability and unrestrained proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the real character and behavior of human tumors at the molecular level suggests that we should learn the genome repairing methods of tumors and follow them by supportive therapy, rather than provoking additional genomic damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Suba
- Department of Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György Str. 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Jiang Y, Ning Y, Cheng S, Huang Y, Deng M, Chen C. Single-cell aggrephagy-related patterns facilitate tumor microenvironment intercellular communication, influencing osteosarcoma progression and prognosis. Apoptosis 2024; 29:521-535. [PMID: 38066392 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01922-5] [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] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, a common malignant tumor in children, has emerged as a major threat to the life and health of pediatric patients. Presently, there are certain limitations in the diagnosis and treatment methods for this disease, resulting in inferior therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, it is of great importance to study its pathogenesis and explore innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. In this study, a non-negative matrix decomposition method was employed to conduct a comprehensive investigation and analysis of aggregated autophagy-related genes within 331,394 single-cell samples of osteosarcoma. Through this study, we have elucidated the intricate communication patterns among various cells within the tumor microenvironment. Based on the classification of aggregated autophagy-related genes, we are not only able to more accurately predict patients' prognosis but also offer robust guidance for treatment strategies. The findings of this study hold promise for breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma, intervention of aggrephagy is expected to improve the survival rate and quality of life of osteosarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Jiang
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yun Ning
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shidi Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, 400012, China
| | - Yinde Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Muhai Deng
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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4
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Bello IO. From complexity to clarity: unravelling tumor heterogeneity through the lens of tumor microenvironment for innovative cancer therapy. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:299-323. [PMID: 38189822 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02258-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous clinical successes recorded in the landscape of cancer therapy, tumor heterogeneity remains a formidable challenge to successful cancer treatment. In recent years, the emergence of high-throughput technologies has advanced our understanding of the variables influencing tumor heterogeneity beyond intrinsic tumor characteristics. Emerging knowledge shows that drivers of tumor heterogeneity are not only intrinsic to cancer cells but can also emanate from their microenvironment, which significantly favors tumor progression and impairs therapeutic response. Although much has been explored to understand the fundamentals of the influence of innate tumor factors on cancer diversity, the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are often undervalued. It is therefore imperative that a clear understanding of the interactions between the TME and other tumor intrinsic factors underlying the plastic molecular behaviors of cancers be identified to develop patient-specific treatment strategies. This review highlights the roles of the TME as an emerging factor in tumor heterogeneity. More particularly, we discuss the role of the TME in the context of tumor heterogeneity and explore the cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that could be used to resolve this recurring clinical conundrum. We conclude by speculating on exciting research questions that can advance our understanding of tumor heterogeneity with the goal of developing customized therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Ibrahim O Bello
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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5
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Wang M, Xue W, Yuan H, Wang Z, Yu L. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting CAFs: A Promising Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2823-2849. [PMID: 38525013 PMCID: PMC10959015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s451151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. PC is typically diagnosed at a late stage, exhibits a poor response to conventional treatment, and has a bleak prognosis. Unfortunately, PC's survival rate has not significantly improved since the 1960s. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). They play a vital role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and facilitating the intricate communication between cancer cells and infiltrated immune cells. Exploring therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs may reverse the current landscape of PC therapy. In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have evolved rapidly and have been able to accurately target and precisely release drugs with little or no toxicity to the whole body. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the origin, heterogeneity, potential targets, and recent advances in the nano-drug delivery system of CAFs in PC. We will also propose a novel integrated treatment regimen that utilizes a nano-drug delivery system to target CAFs in PC, combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we will address the challenges that this regimen currently faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
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6
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Coursier D, Calvo F. CAFs vs. TECs: when blood feuds fuel cancer progression, dissemination and therapeutic resistance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00931-z. [PMID: 38453816 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00931-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic progression involves complex interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stromal milieu, fostering microenvironments that crucially drive tumor progression and dissemination. Of these stromal constituents, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as predominant inhabitants within the tumor microenvironment (TME), actively shaping multiple facets of tumorigenesis, including cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and immune evasion. Notably, CAFs also orchestrate the production of pro-angiogenic factors, fueling neovascularization to sustain the metabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells. Moreover, CAFs may also directly or indirectly affect endothelial cell behavior and vascular architecture, which may impact in tumor progression and responses to anti-cancer interventions. Conversely, tumor endothelial cells (TECs) exhibit a corrupted state that has been shown to affect cancer cell growth and inflammation. Both CAFs and TECs are emerging as pivotal regulators of the TME, engaging in multifaceted biological processes that significantly impact cancer progression, dissemination, and therapeutic responses. Yet, the intricate interplay between these stromal components and the orchestrated functions of each cell type remains incompletely elucidated. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between CAFs and TECs, discussing the challenges and prospects for leveraging their interactions towards therapeutic advancements in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Coursier
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain.
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Natesh NR, Mogha P, Chen A, Antonia SJ, Varghese S. Differential roles of normal and lung cancer-associated fibroblasts in microvascular network formation. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016120. [PMID: 38524671 PMCID: PMC10959556 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Perfusable microvascular networks offer promising three-dimensional in vitro models to study normal and compromised vascular tissues as well as phenomena such as cancer cell metastasis. Engineering of these microvascular networks generally involves the use of endothelial cells stabilized by fibroblasts to generate robust and stable vasculature. However, fibroblasts are highly heterogenous and may contribute variably to the microvascular structure. Here, we study the effect of normal and cancer-associated lung fibroblasts on the formation and function of perfusable microvascular networks. We examine the influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts on microvascular networks when cultured in direct (juxtacrine) and indirect (paracrine) contacts with endothelial cells, discovering a generative inhibition of microvasculature in juxtacrine co-cultures and a functional inhibition in paracrine co-cultures. Furthermore, we probed the secreted factors differential between cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal human lung fibroblasts, identifying several cytokines putatively influencing the resulting microvasculature morphology and functionality. These findings suggest the potential contribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts in aberrant microvasculature associated with tumors and the plausible application of such in vitro platforms in identifying new therapeutic targets and/or agents that can prevent formation of aberrant vascular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen R. Natesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 203 Research Drive, MSRB1 Room No. 381, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Pankaj Mogha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Alan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Scott J. Antonia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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MOSTAFAVI SAMANEH, HASSAN ZUHAIRMOHAMMAD. The anti-neoplastic effects of metformin modulate the acquired phenotype of fibroblast cells in the breast cancer-normal fibroblast co-culture system. Oncol Res 2024; 32:477-487. [PMID: 38361760 PMCID: PMC10865743 DOI: 10.32604/or.2023.043926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracellular communications between breast cancer and fibroblast cells were reported to be involved in cancer proliferation, growth, and therapy resistance. The hallmarks of cancer-fibroblast interactions, consisting of caveolin 1 (Cav1) and mono-carboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) (metabolic coupling markers), along with IL-6, TGFβ, and lactate secretion, are considered robust biomarkers predicting recurrence and metastasis. In order to promote a novel phenotype in normal fibroblasts, we predicted that breast cancer cells could be able to cause loss of Cav1 and increase of MCT4, as well as elevate IL-6 and TGFβ in nearby normal fibroblasts. We created a co-culture model using breast cancer (4T1) and normal fibroblast (NIH3T3) cell lines cultured under specific experimental conditions in order to directly test our theory. Moreover, we show that long-term co-culture of breast cancer cells and normal fibroblasts promotes loss of Cav1 and gain of MCT4 in adjacent fibroblasts and increase lactate secretion. These results were validated using the monoculture of each group separately as a control. In this system, we show that metformin inhibits IL-6 and TGFβ secretion and re-expresses Cav1 in both cells. However, MCT4 and lactate stayed high after treatment with metformin. In conclusion, our work shows that co-culture with breast cancer cells may cause significant alterations in the phenotype and secretion of normal fibroblasts. Metformin, however, may change this state and affect fibroblasts' acquired phenotypes. Moreover, mitochondrial inhibition by metformin after 8 days of treatment, significantly hinders tumor growth in mouse model of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- SAMANEH MOSTAFAVI
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - ZUHAIR MOHAMMAD HASSAN
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Peng C, Xu Y, Wu J, Wu D, Zhou L, Xia X. TME-Related Biomimetic Strategies Against Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:109-135. [PMID: 38192633 PMCID: PMC10773252 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s441135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in various stages of tumor generation, metastasis, and evasion of immune monitoring and treatment. TME targeted therapy is based on TME components, related pathways or active molecules as therapeutic targets. Therefore, TME targeted therapy based on environmental differences between TME and normal cells has been widely studied. Biomimetic nanocarriers with low clearance, low immunogenicity, and high targeting have enormous potential in tumor treatment. This review introduces the composition and characteristics of TME, including cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), tumor blood vessels, non-tumor cells, and the latest research progress of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) based on TME. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of clinical transformation of biomimetic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Donghai Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Samart P, Heenatigala Palliyage G, Issaragrisil S, Luanpitpong S, Rojanasakul Y. Musashi-2 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes non-small cell lung cancer metastasis through paracrine IL-6-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:205. [PMID: 37941042 PMCID: PMC10631049 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, is predominantly associated with advanced/metastatic disease. The interaction between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor microenvironment is known to be essential for regulating tumor progression and metastasis, but the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of RNA-binding protein Musashi-2 (MSI2) in CAFs in promoting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invasiveness and metastatic spread, remain obscure. METHODS Genomic and proteomic database analyses were performed to evaluate the potential clinical significance of MSI2 in NSCLC tumor and stromal clinical specimens. Molecular approaches were used to modify MSI2 in CAFs and determine its functional role in NSCLC cell motility in vitro using 2D and 3D models, and in metastasis in a xenograft mouse model using live-cell imaging. RESULTS MSI2, both gene and protein, is upregulated in NSCLC tissues and is associated with poor prognosis and high metastatic risk in patients. Interestingly, MSI2 is also upregulated in NSCLC stroma and activated fibroblasts, including CAFs. Depletion of MSI2 in CAFs by CRISPR-Cas9 strongly inhibits NSCLC cell migration and invasion in vitro, and attenuates local and distant metastatic spread of NSCLC cells in vivo. The crosstalk between CAFs and NSCLC cells occurs via paracrine signaling, which is regulated by MSI2 in CAFs via IL-6. The secreted IL-6 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NSCLC cells, which drives metastasis. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal for the first time that MSI2 in CAFs is important in CAF-mediated NSCLC cell invasiveness and metastasis via IL-6 paracrine signaling. Therefore, targeting the MSI2/IL-6 axis in CAFs could be effective in combating NSCLC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinya Samart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | | | - Surapol Issaragrisil
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudjit Luanpitpong
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Yon Rojanasakul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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11
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Sang S, Wang X, Duan J, Cao Y, Shen Z, Sun L, Duan Q, Liu Z. 3D printing to construct in vitro multicellular models of melanoma. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:2853-2864. [PMID: 37227037 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is a lack of suitable models for in-vitro studies of malignant melanoma and traditional single cell culture models no longer reproduce tumor structure and physiological complexity well. The tumor microenvironment is closely related to carcinogenesis and it is particularly important to understand how tumor cells interact and communicate with surrounding nonmalignant cells. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro multicellular culture models can better simulate the tumor microenvironment due to their excellent physicochemical properties. In this study, 3D composite hydrogel scaffolds were prepared from gelatin methacrylate and polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogels by 3D printing and light curing techniques, and 3D multicellular in vitro tumor culture models were established by inoculating human melanoma cells (A375) and human fibroblasts cells on them. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance of the 3D multicellular in vitro model was evaluated. Compared with the single-cell model, the cells in the multicellular model had higher proliferation activity and migration ability, and were easy to form dense structures. Several tumor cell markers, such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, were highly expressed in the multicellular culture model, which were more favorable for tumor development. In addition, higher cell survival rate was observed after exposure to luteolin. The anticancer drug resistance result of the malignant melanoma cells in the 3D bioprinted construct demonstrated physiological properties, suggesting the promising potential of current 3D printed tumor model in the development of personalized therapy, especially for discovery of more conducive targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Sang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Institute of 6D Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Science, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiahui Duan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanyan Cao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Institute of 6D Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Science, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhizhong Shen
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Institute of 6D Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Science, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qianqian Duan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zixian Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
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12
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Proto MC, Fiore D, Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Rimonabant and Cannabidiol Rewrite the Interactions between Breast Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13427. [PMID: 37686233 PMCID: PMC10487984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713427] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of breast cancer to distant sites is the major cause of death in breast cancer patients. Increasing evidence supports the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancers, and its pathologic assessment has become a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. In the TME, a bidirectional interplay between tumor and stromal cells occurs, both at the primary and metastatic site. Hundreds of molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, contribute to this fine interaction to promote tumor spreading. Here, we investigated the effects of Rimonabant and Cannabidiol, known for their antitumor activity, on reprogramming the breast TME. Both compounds directly affect the activity of several pathways involved in breast cancer progression. To mimic tumor-stroma interactions during breast-to-lung metastasis, we investigated the effect of the compounds on growth factor secretion from metastatic breast cancer cells and normal and activated lung fibroblasts. In this setting, we demonstrated the anti-metastatic potential of the two compounds, and the membrane array analyses highlighted their ability to alter the release of factors involved in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune reprogramming. The results enforce the antitumor potential of Rimonabant and Cannabidiol, providing a novel potential tool for breast cancer TME management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
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Chuangchot N, Jamjuntra P, Yangngam S, Luangwattananun P, Thongchot S, Junking M, Thuwajit P, Yenchitsomanus PT, Thuwajit C. Enhancement of PD-L1-attenuated CAR-T cell function through breast cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived IL-6 signaling via STAT3/AKT pathways. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:86. [PMID: 37480115 PMCID: PMC10362675 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a critical role in cancer progression and immune cell modulation. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the roles of CAFs-derived IL-6 in doxorubicin (Dox) resistance and PD-L1-mediated chimeric antigenic receptor (CAR)-T cell resistance in breast cancer (BCA). METHODS CAF conditioned-media (CM) were collected, and the IL-6 level was measured by ELISA. CAF-CM were treated in MDA-MB-231 and HCC70 TNBC cell lines and siIL-6 receptor (IL-6R) knocked down (KD) cells to determine the effect of CAF-derived IL-6 on Dox resistance by flow cytometry and on increased PD-L1 through STAT3, AKT and ERK1/2 pathways by Western blot analysis. After pre-treating with CM, the folate receptor alpha (FRα)-CAR T cell cytotoxicity was evaluated in 2D and 3D spheroid culture assays. RESULTS The results showed a significant level of IL-6 in CAF-CM compared to that of normal fibroblasts (NFs). The CM with high IL-6 level significantly induced Dox resistance; and PD-L1 expression through STAT3 and AKT pathways in MDA-MB-231 and HCC70 cells. These induction effects were attenuated in siIL-6R KD cells. Moreover, the TNBC cell lines that were CM-treated with STAT3 and an AKT inhibitor had a reduced effect of IL-6 on PD-L1 expression. BCA cells with high IL-6 containing-CM treatment had resistance to cancer cell killing by FRα CAR-T cells compared to untreated cells. CONCLUSION These results highlight CAF-derived IL-6 in the resistance of chemotherapy and T cell therapy. Using inhibitors of IL6-STAT3/AKT-PD-L1 axis may provide a potential benefit of Dox and CAR-T cell therapies in BCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisa Chuangchot
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Pranisa Jamjuntra
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Yangngam
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Piriya Luangwattananun
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Suyanee Thongchot
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Mutita Junking
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Peti Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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14
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Chang J, Lo ZHY, Alenizi S, Kovacevic Z. Re-Shaping the Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Microenvironment: A New Role for the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2779. [PMID: 37345116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a highly aggressive disease, with poor response to current treatments and 5-year survival rates of 10-15%. PaC progression is facilitated by its interaction with the complex and multifaceted tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells constantly communicate with each other via the secretion and uptake of factors including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), reshaping the landscape of PaC. Recent studies demonstrated that the metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) not only inhibits oncogenic signaling pathways in PaC cells but also alters the communication between PaC cells and the surrounding stroma. In fact, NDRG1 was found to influence the secretome of PaC cells, alter cancer cell metabolism, and interfere with intracellular trafficking and intercellular communication between PaC cells and surrounding fibroblasts. This review will present recent advancements in understanding the role of NDRG1 in PaC progression, with a focus on how this molecule influences PaC-stroma communication and its potential for re-shaping the PaC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chang
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Zoe H Y Lo
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Shafi Alenizi
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
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15
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Minini M, Fouassier L. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix: Therapeutical Strategies for Modulating the Cholangiocarcinoma Microenvironment. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4185-4196. [PMID: 37185432 PMCID: PMC10137461 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30040319] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, immunotherapy has radically changed perspectives on anti-tumor treatments. However, solid tumor treatment by immunotherapy has not met expectations. Indeed, poor clinical response to treatment has highlighted the need to understand and avoid immunotherapy resistance. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second cause of hepatic cancer-related deaths because of drug inefficacy and chemo-resistance in a majority of patients. Thus, intense research is ongoing to better understand the mechanisms involved in the chemo-resistance processes. The tumor microenvironment (TME) may be involved in tumor therapy resistance by limiting drug access. Indeed, cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) alter TME by producing in excess an aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM). Interestingly, CAFs are the dominant stromal component in CCA that secrete large amounts of stiff ECM. Stiff ECM could contribute to immune exclusion by limiting anti-tumor T-cells drop-in. Herein, we summarize features, functions, and interactions among CAFs, tumor-associated ECM, and immune cells in TME. Moreover, we discuss the strategies targeting CAFs and the remodeling of the ECM to improve immunotherapy and drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Minini
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Laura Fouassier
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, 75012 Paris, France
- Association Pour L'étude des Cancers et Affections des Voies Biliaires (ACABi), 75012 Paris, France
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16
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Matarrese P, Vona R, Ascione B, Cittadini C, Tocci A, Mileo AM. Tumor Microenvironmental Cytokines Drive NSCLC Cell Aggressiveness and Drug-Resistance via YAP-Mediated Autophagy. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071048. [PMID: 37048121 PMCID: PMC10093141 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic reciprocity between cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells occurs primarily through the interaction of soluble signals, i.e., cytokines produced by stromal cells to support cancer initiation and progression by regulating cell survival, differentiation and immune cell functionality, as well as cell migration and death. In the present study, we focused on the analysis of the functional response of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines elicited by the treatment with some crucial stromal factors which, at least in part, mimic the stimulus exerted in vivo on tumor cells by microenvironmental components. Our molecular and functional results highlight the role played by the autophagic machinery in the cellular response in terms of the invasive capacity, stemness and drug resistance of two non-small lung cancer cell lines treated with stromal cytokines, also highlighting the emerging role of the YAP pathway in the mutual and dynamic crosstalk between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment elements. The results of this study provide new insights into the YAP-mediated autophagic mechanism elicited by microenvironmental cytokines on non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and may suggest new potential strategies for future cancer therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Matarrese
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Rosa Vona
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ascione
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Cittadini
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tocci
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi, 53-00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Mileo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi, 53-00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (A.M.M.)
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17
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Linares J, Varese M, Sallent-Aragay A, Méndez A, Palomo-Ponce S, Iglesias M, Batlle E, Pisonero J, Montagut C, Giralt E, Lo Re D, Calon A. Peptide-Platinum(IV) Conjugation Minimizes the Negative Impact of Current Anticancer Chemotherapy on Nonmalignant Cells. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3348-3355. [PMID: 36808993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The relative success of platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapy comes at the cost of severe adverse side effects and is associated with a high risk of pro-oncogenic activation in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report the synthesis of C-POC, a novel Pt(IV) cell-penetrating peptide conjugate showing a reduced impact against nonmalignant cells. In vitro and in vivo evaluation using patient-derived tumor organoids and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry indicates that C-POC maintains robust anticancer efficacy while displaying diminished accumulation in healthy organs and reduced adverse toxicity compared to the standard Pt-based therapy. Likewise, C-POC uptake is significantly lowered in the noncancerous cells populating the tumor microenvironment. This results in the downregulation of versican, a biomarker of metastatic spreading and chemoresistance that we found upregulated in patients treated with standard Pt-based therapy. Altogether, our findings underscore the importance of considering the off-target impact of anticancer treatment on normal cells to improve drug development and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenniffer Linares
- Cancer Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Varese
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sallent-Aragay
- Cancer Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Méndez
- Scientific and Technological Resources (SCTs), University of Oviedo, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - Sergio Palomo-Ponce
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Department of Cancer, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Iglesias
- Cancer Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Department of Cancer, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Pisonero
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Oviedo, 33005 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Clara Montagut
- Cancer Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniele Lo Re
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Calon
- Cancer Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Dhungel N, Youngblood R, Chu M, Carroll J, Dragoi AM. Assessing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity in a small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and lung fibroblasts co-culture model. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1096326. [PMID: 36936987 PMCID: PMC10022497 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1096326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the source of important cues that govern epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and facilitate the acquisition of aggressive traits by cancer cells. It is now recognized that EMT is not a binary program, and cancer cells rarely switch to a fully mesenchymal phenotype. Rather, cancer cells exist in multiple hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states responsible for cell population heterogeneity, which is advantageous for the ever-changing environment during tumor development and metastasis. How are these intermediate states generated and maintained is not fully understood. Here, we show that direct interaction between small cell lung carcinoma cells and lung fibroblasts induces a hybrid EMT phenotype in cancer cells in which several mesenchymal genes involved in receptor interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM remodeling are upregulated while epithelial genes such as E-cadherin remain unchanged or slightly increase. We also demonstrate that several core EMT-regulating transcription factors (EMT-TFs) are upregulated in cancer cells during direct contact with fibroblasts, as is Yes-associated protein (YAP1), a major regulator of the Hippo pathway. Further, we show that these changes are transient and reverse to the initial state once the interaction is disrupted. Altogether, our results provide evidence that tumor cells' direct contact with the fibroblasts in the TME initiates a signaling cascade responsible for hybrid E/M states of cancer cells. These hybrid states are maintained during the interaction and possibly contribute to therapy resistance and immune evasion, while interference with direct contact will result in slow recovery and switch to the initial states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Reneau Youngblood
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Min Chu
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Jennifer Carroll
- Center for Emerging Viral Threats (CEVT), LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
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19
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Pradhan R, Paul S, Das B, Sinha S, Dash SR, Mandal M, Kundu CN. Resveratrol nanoparticle attenuates metastasis and angiogenesis by deregulating inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of CAFs in oral cancer by CXCL-12/IL-6-dependent pathway. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 113:109257. [PMID: 36572069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the highly abundant components in the tumor microenvironment (TME). They secrete several cytokines, which amplified tumor progression, invasion, stemness, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Here, we evaluate the potentiality of cytokines for the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in oral cancer cells niche and investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effect of Resveratrol-nanoparticle (Res-NP). We first differentiated quiescent human fibroblasts into CAFs in vitro in response to PDGF-B and TGF-β stimulation and these CAFs were found to increase CXCL-12 and IL-6 secretion. CSCs-enriched population was created by incubating H-357 cells with CAFs and cytokine-enriched CAFs-conditioned media (CAFs-CM). Likewise, CSCs-populated environment was also generated after incubating CAFs-CM to patient-derived primary oral cancer cells. It was noted that CXCL-12 and IL-6 secreted from CAFs significantly promoted CSCs growth, proliferation, aggressiveness, metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, Res-NP reduced CSCs growth and proliferation by abrogating the secretion of CXCL-12 and IL-6. A significant decrease in the expression of metastatic and angiogenic markers, in ovo blood vascularization, intracellular NO generation, MMPs expression and tube formation was found upon Res-NP treatment. Reduction of representative CSCs and angiogenesis markers were also noted after Res-NP treatment in xenograft mice model. CXCL-12 physically interact with IL-6 and this interaction was diminished after Res-NP treatment. Moreover, the expression of CD133 and VEGF-A were down-regulated either on Res-NP or CXCL-12/IL-6-specific inhibitors treated CSCs-enriched cells. Thus, the data suggest that CSCs growth is CXCL-12 and IL-6 dependent and Res-NP obstruct carcinogenesis and metastasis by inhibiting CXCL-12 and IL-6 production in in vitro, in vivo, in ovo, and ex vivo systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajalaxmi Pradhan
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Subarno Paul
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Biswajit Das
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Saptarshi Sinha
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Somya Ranjan Dash
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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20
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Lee YE, Go GY, Koh EY, Yoon HN, Seo M, Hong SM, Jeong JH, Kim JC, Cho D, Kim TS, Kim SC, Jun E, Jang M. Synergistic therapeutic combination with a CAF inhibitor enhances CAR-NK-mediated cytotoxicity via reduction of CAF-released IL-6. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006130. [PMID: 36849201 PMCID: PMC9972461 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to an impaired functionality of natural killer (NK) cells that have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality. The interaction between CAFs and NK cells within the TME exerts major inhibitory effects on immune responses, indicating CAF-targeted therapies as potential targets for effective NK-mediated cancer killing. METHODS To overcome CAF-induced NK dysfunction, we selected an antifibrotic drug, nintedanib, for synergistic therapeutic combination. To evaluate synergistic therapeutic efficacy, we established an in vitro 3D Capan2/patient-derived CAF spheroid model or in vivo mixed Capan2/CAF tumor xenograft model. The molecular mechanism of NK-mediated synergistic therapeutic combination with nintedanib was revealed through in vitro experiments. In vivo therapeutic combination efficacy was subsequently evaluated. Additionally, the expression score of target proteins was measured in patient-derived tumor sections by the immunohistochemical method. RESULTS Nintedanib blocked the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) signaling pathway and diminished the activation and growth of CAFs, markedly reducing CAF-secreted IL-6. Moreover, coadministration of nintedanib improved the mesothelin (MSLN) targeting chimeric antigen receptor-NK-mediated tumor killing abilities in CAF/tumor spheroids or a xenograft model. The synergistic combination resulted in intense NK infiltration in vivo. Nintedanib alone exerted no effects, whereas blockade of IL-6 trans-signaling ameliorated the function of NK cells. The combination of the expression of MSLN and the PDGFRβ+-CAF population area, a potential prognostic/therapeutic marker, was associated with inferior clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION Our strategy against PDGFRβ+-CAF-containing pancreatic cancer allows improvements in the therapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Eun Lee
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Ga-Yeon Go
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eun-Young Koh
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Han-Na Yoon
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Minkoo Seo
- Corporate Research & Development Center, UCI therapeutics, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Ji Hye Jeong
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jin-Chul Kim
- Natural Product Research Center, Institute of Natural Products, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Duck Cho
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Tae Sung Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Song Cheol Kim
- Division of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eunsung Jun
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of) .,Division of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Mihue Jang
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of) .,KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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21
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Secretome of Stromal Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs): Relevance in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040628. [PMID: 36831295 PMCID: PMC9953839 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer secretome reflects the assortment of proteins released by cancer cells. Investigating cell secretomes not only provides a deeper knowledge of the healthy and transformed state but also helps in the discovery of novel biomarkers. Secretomes of cancer cells have been studied in the past, however, the secretome contribution of stromal cells needs to be studied. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the predominantly present cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs play key role in functions associated with matrix deposition and remodeling, reciprocal exchange of nutrients, and molecular interactions and signaling with neighboring cells in the TME. Investigating CAFs secretomes or CAFs-secreted factors would help in identifying novel CAF-specific biomarkers, unique druggable targets, and an improved understanding for personalized cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we have tried to include all studies available in PubMed with the keywords "CAFs Secretome". We aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the studies investigating role of the CAF secretome on cancer development, progression, and therapeutic outcome. However, challenges associated with this process have also been addressed in the later sections. We have highlighted the functions and clinical relevance of secretome analysis in stromal CAF-rich cancer types. This review specifically discusses the secretome of stromal CAFs in cancers. A deeper understanding of the components of the CAF secretome and their interactions with cancer cells will help in the identification of personalized biomarkers and a more precise treatment plan.
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22
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Sarkar M, Nguyen T, Gundre E, Ogunlusi O, El-Sobky M, Giri B, Sarkar TR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: The chief architect in the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1089068. [PMID: 36793444 PMCID: PMC9923123 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1089068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major players in tumor stroma. The heterogeneous sources of origin and subsequent impacts of crosstalk with breast cancer cells flaunt serious challenges before current therapies to cure triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and other cancers. The positive and reciprocal feedback of CAFs to induce cancer cells dictates their mutual synergy in establishing malignancy. Their substantial role in creating a tumor-promoting niche has reduced the efficacy of several anti-cancer treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Over the years, there has been an emphasis on understanding CAF-induced therapeutic resistance in order to enhance cancer therapy results. CAFs, in the majority of cases, employ crosstalk, stromal management, and other strategies to generate resilience in surrounding tumor cells. This emphasizes the significance of developing novel strategies that target particular tumor-promoting CAF subpopulations, which will improve treatment sensitivity and impede tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the origin and heterogeneity of CAFs, their role in tumor progression, and altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents in breast cancer. In addition, we also discuss the potential and possible approaches for CAF-mediated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Tristan Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Esheksha Gundre
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Olajumoke Ogunlusi
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohanad El-Sobky
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Biplab Giri
- Department of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, English Bazar, India,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
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The Convergence of FTIR and EVs: Emergence Strategy for Non-Invasive Cancer Markers Discovery. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 13:diagnostics13010022. [PMID: 36611313 PMCID: PMC9818376 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13010022] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In conjunction with imaging analysis, pathology-based assessments of biopsied tissue are the gold standard for diagnosing solid tumors. However, the disadvantages of tissue biopsies, such as being invasive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, have urged the development of an alternate method, liquid biopsy, that involves sampling and clinical assessment of various bodily fluids for cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are circulating biomarkers that carry molecular profiles of their cell or tissue origins and have emerged as one of the most promising biomarkers for cancer. Owing to the biological information that can be obtained through EVs' membrane surface markers and their cargo loaded with biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, EVs have become useful in cancer diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) allows rapid, non-destructive, label-free molecular profiling of EVs with minimal sample preparation. Since the heterogeneity of EV subpopulations may result in complicated FTIR spectra that are highly diverse, computational-assisted FTIR spectroscopy is employed in many studies to provide fingerprint spectra of malignant and non-malignant samples, allowing classification with high accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. In view of this, FTIR-EV approach carries a great potential in cancer detection. The progression of FTIR-based biomarker identification in EV research, the rationale of the integration of a computationally assisted approach, along with the challenges of clinical translation are the focus of this review.
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Chen H, Yang W, Xue X, Li Y, Jin Z, Ji Z. Integrated Analysis Revealed an Inflammatory Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Based Subtypes with Promising Implications in Predicting the Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Response of Bladder Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415970. [PMID: 36555612 PMCID: PMC9781727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) are closely related to progression, anticancer therapeutic resistance, and poor prognosis of bladder cancer (BCa). However, the functional role of iCAFs in BCa has been poorly studied. In our study, two BCa scRNA-seq datasets (GSE130001 and GSE146137) were obtained and integrated by the Seurat pipeline. Based on reported markers (COL1A1 and PDGFRA), iCAFs were identified and the related signature of 278 markers was developed. Following unsupervised consensus clustering, two molecular subtypes of TCGA-BLCA were identified and characterized by distinct dysregulated cancer hallmarks, immunological tumor microenvironments, prognoses, responses to chemotherapy/immunotherapy, and stemness. Subsequently, the robustness of the signature-based clustering, in terms of prognosis and therapeutic response prediction, was validated in a GEO-meta cohort with seven independent GEO datasets of 519 BCa patients, and three immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-treated cohorts. Considering the heterogeneity, re-clustering of iCAFs was performed and a subpopulation, named "LOXL2+ iCAFs", was identified. Co-culture CM derived from LOXL2 overexpression/silencing CAFs with T24 cells revealed that overexpression of LOXL2 in CAFs promoted while silencing LOXL2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of T24 cells through IL32. Moreover, the positive correlation between LOXL2 and CD206, an M2 macrophage polarization marker, has been observed and validated. Collectively, integrated single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analyses revealed an iCAF-related signature that can predict prognosis and response to immunotherapy for BCa. Additionally, the hub gene LOXL2 may serve as a promising target for BCa treatment.
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Toledo B, Picon-Ruiz M, Marchal JA, Perán M. Dual Role of Fibroblasts Educated by Tumour in Cancer Behavior and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15576. [PMID: 36555218 PMCID: PMC9778751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours are complex systems with dynamic interactions between tumour cells, non-tumour cells, and extracellular components that comprise the tumour microenvironment (TME). The majority of TME's cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are crucial in extracellular matrix (ECM) construction, tumour metabolism, immunology, adaptive chemoresistance, and tumour cell motility. CAF subtypes have been identified based on the expression of protein markers. CAFs may act as promoters or suppressors in tumour cells depending on a variety of factors, including cancer stage. Indeed, CAFs have been shown to promote tumour growth, survival and spread, and secretome changes, but they can also slow tumourigenesis at an early stage through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Stromal-cancer interactions are governed by a variety of soluble factors that determine the outcome of the tumourigenic process. Cancer cells release factors that enhance the ability of fibroblasts to secrete multiple tumour-promoting chemokines, acting on malignant cells to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion. This crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells has given new prominence to the stromal cells, from being considered as mere physical support to becoming key players in the tumour process. Here, we focus on the concept of cancer as a non-healing wound and the relevance of chronic inflammation to tumour initiation. In addition, we review CAFs heterogeneous origins and markers together with the potential therapeutic implications of CAFs "re-education" and/or targeting tumour progression inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Manuel Picon-Ruiz
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
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26
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Pakravan K, Mossahebi-Mohammadi M, Ghazimoradi MH, Cho WC, Sadeghizadeh M, Babashah S. Monocytes educated by cancer-associated fibroblasts secrete exosomal miR-181a to activate AKT signaling in breast cancer cells. J Transl Med 2022; 20:559. [PMID: 36463188 PMCID: PMC9719191 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), one of the major components of the tumor stroma, contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) through the induction and functional polarization of protumoral macrophages. We have herein investigated the contribution of CAFs to monocyte recruitment and macrophage polarization. We also sought to identify a possible paracrine mechanism by which CAF-educated monocytes affect breast cancer (BC) cell progression. METHODS Monocytes were educated by primary CAFs and normal fibroblast (NF); the phenotypic alterations of CAF- or NF-educated monocytes were measured by flow cytometry. Exosomes isolated from the cultured conditioned media of the educated monocytes were characterized. An in vivo experiment using a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model in athymic nude mice was conducted to uncover the effect of exosomes derived from CAF- or NF-educated monocytes on breast tumor growth. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to explore the role of miR-181a in BC progression with the involvement of the AKT signaling pathway. Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry staining, migration assay, immunohistochemical staining, and bioinformatics analysis were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS We illustrated that primary CAFs recruited monocytes and established pro-tumoral M2 macrophages. CAF may also differentiate human monocyte THP-1 cells into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Besides, we revealed that CAFs increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in THP-1 monocytes, as differentiating into M2 macrophages requires a level of ROS for proper polarization. Importantly, T-cell proliferation was suppressed by CAF-educated monocytes and their exosomes, resulting in an immunosuppressive TME. Interestingly, CAF-activated, polarized monocytes lost their tumoricidal abilities, and their derived exosomes promoted BC cell proliferation and migration. In turn, CAF-educated monocyte exosomes exhibited a significant promoting effect on BC tumorigenicity in vivo. Of clinical significance, we observed that up-regulation of circulating miR-181a in BC was positively correlated with tumor aggressiveness and found a high level of this miRNA in CAF-educated monocytes and their exosomes. We further clarified that the pro-oncogenic effect of CAF-educated monocytes may depend in part on the exosomal transfer of miR-181a through modulating the PTEN/Akt signaling axis in BC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings established a connection between tumor stromal communication and tumor progression and demonstrated an inductive function for CAF-educated monocytes in BC cell progression. We also proposed a supporting model in which exosomal transfer of miR-181a from CAF-educated monocytes activates AKT signaling by regulating PTEN in BC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoon Pakravan
- grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-154, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Mossahebi-Mohammadi
- grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad H. Ghazimoradi
- grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-154, Tehran, Iran
| | - William C. Cho
- grid.415499.40000 0004 1771 451XDepartment of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong China
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-154, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Babashah
- grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-154, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Kim JY, Moon S, Kim D. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Derived ANGPTL3 Induces Cancer Associated Fibroblastic Phenotypes in Surrounding Fibroblasts. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2022; 23:4315-4322. [PMID: 36580015 PMCID: PMC9971477 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2022.23.12.4315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) have emerged as both important regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism as well as insulin sensitivity. In particular, ANGPTL3 activity is one of the most important factors in cancer growth and invasion. Although ANGPTL3 have been studied in OSCC, but the role of ANGPTL3 between OSCC and CAFs has yet to be clearly defined. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the roles of ANGPTL3 in the differentiation of CAFs. METHODS For our study, we used hTERT-hNOFs to replace CAFs by coculturing them with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. We did a microarray dataset analysis to investigate what factors secreted from OSCC cells can induce cancer associated fibroblastic phenotype in surrounding fibroblasts. The secreted factors were confirmed by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and Western blot. RESULT ANGPTL3 has the most secreted factor derived from various oral cancer cells. To investigate the role of ANGPTL3 in CAFs, we treated rhANGPTL3 in hTERT-hNOFs. The fibroblasts showed an increase of tumor-promoting cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) and myofibroblastic markers, such as α-SMA and FAP. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study reports the first evidence that ANGPTL3 plays a crucial role in tumor microenvironments by inducing CAF. Therefore, targeting ANGPTL3 may be promising treatment strategy for CAF-targeted therapy in CAF-rich tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Young Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06230, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sook Moon
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Daejeon health institute of technology, Daejeon, 34504, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dokyeong Kim
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea. ,For Correspondence:
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28
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Cerro PA, Mascaraque M, Gallego-Rentero M, Almenara-Blasco M, Nicolás-Morala J, Santiago JL, González S, Gracia-Cazaña T, Juarranz Á, Gilaberte Y. Tumor microenvironment in non-melanoma skin cancer resistance to photodynamic therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:970279. [PMID: 36338755 PMCID: PMC9634550 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.970279] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancer has recently seen an increase in prevalence, and it is estimated that this grow will continue in the coming years. In this sense, the importance of therapy effectiveness has increased, especially photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy has attracted much attention as a minimally invasive, selective and repeatable approach for skin cancer treatment and prevention. Although its high efficiency, this strategy has also faced problems related to tumor resistance, where the tumor microenvironment has gained a well-deserved role in recent years. Tumor microenvironment denotes a wide variety of elements, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells or the extracellular matrix, where their interaction and the secretion of a wide diversity of cytokines. Therefore, the need of designing new strategies targeting elements of the tumor microenvironment to overcome the observed resistance has become evident. To this end, in this review we focus on the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-associated macrophages in the resistance to photodynamic therapy. We are also exploring new approaches consisting in the combination of new and old drugs targeting these cells with photodynamic therapy to enhance treatment outcomes of non-melanoma skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina A. Cerro
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria (IIS), Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - Marta Mascaraque
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experminetal Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gallego-Rentero
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experminetal Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Almenara-Blasco
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria (IIS), Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - Jimena Nicolás-Morala
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experminetal Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Santiago
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital General de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Salvador González
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Gracia-Cazaña
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria (IIS), Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - Ángeles Juarranz
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experminetal Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ángeles Juarranz, ; Yolanda Gilaberte,
| | - Yolanda Gilaberte
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria (IIS), Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ángeles Juarranz, ; Yolanda Gilaberte,
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Jiang S, Fagman JB, Ma Y, Liu J, Vihav C, Engstrom C, Liu B, Chen C. A comprehensive review of pancreatic cancer and its therapeutic challenges. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7635-7649. [PMID: 36173644 PMCID: PMC9550249 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating and lethal human malignancy with no curable chemo-treatments available thus far. More than 90% of pancreatic tumors are formed from ductal epithelium as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which often accompany with the expression of mutant K-ras. The incidences of pancreatic cancer are expected to increase rapidly worldwide in the near future, due to environmental pollution, obesity epidemics and etc. The dismal prognosis of this malignancy is contributed to its susceptibility to tumor micro-metastasis from inception and the lack of methods to detect precursor lesions at very early stages of the onset until clinical symptoms occur. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have been making promising progresses for discovering markers to determine the subtypes or stages of this malignancy, which allow effectively implementing personalized therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this review is to discuss the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and the current state of treatment options with the emphasis on targeting therapeutic approaches. The specific focuses are on the molecular mechanisms of the disease, identifications of drug resistance, establishment of immune escaping mechanisms as well as potential of targeting identified pathways in combinations with existing chemo-drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bourghardt Fagman
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yunyun Ma
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Caroline Vihav
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Engstrom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Beidong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changyan Chen
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Targeted immunotherapy against distinct cancer-associated fibroblasts overcomes treatment resistance in refractory HER2+ breast tumors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5310. [PMID: 36085201 PMCID: PMC9463158 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32782-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
About 50% of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer patients do not benefit from HER2-targeted therapy and almost 20% of them relapse after treatment. Here, we conduct a detailed analysis of two independent cohorts of HER2+ breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab to elucidate the mechanisms of resistance to anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies. In addition, we develop a fully humanized immunocompetent model of HER2+ breast cancer recapitulating ex vivo the biological processes that associate with patients’ response to treatment. Thanks to these two approaches, we uncover a population of TGF-beta-activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) specific from tumors resistant to therapy. The presence of this cellular subset related to previously described myofibroblastic (CAF-S1) and podoplanin+ CAF subtypes in breast cancer associates with low IL2 activity. Correspondingly, we find that stroma-targeted stimulation of IL2 pathway in unresponsive tumors restores trastuzumab anti-cancer efficiency. Overall, our study underscores the therapeutic potential of exploiting the tumor microenvironment to identify and overcome mechanisms of resistance to anti-cancer treatment. A substantial proportion of HER2+ breast cancer patients do not benefit from HER2-targeted therapy. Here, the authors identify a population of cancer-associated fibroblasts involved in the suppression of trastuzumab-induced ADCC that can be pharmacologically targeted to raise treatment effectiveness in unresponsive tumors.
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Recombinant Viral Vectors for Therapeutic Programming of Tumour Microenvironment: Advantages and Limitations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092142. [PMID: 36140243 PMCID: PMC9495732 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092142] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been widely investigated as tools for cancer immunotherapy. Although many preclinical studies demonstrate significant virus-mediated tumour inhibition in synergy with immune checkpoint molecules and other drugs, the clinical success of viral vector applications in cancer therapy currently is limited. A number of challenges have to be solved to translate promising vectors to clinics. One of the key elements of successful virus-based cancer immunotherapy is the understanding of the tumour immune state and the development of vectors to modify the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated immune cells, as the main component of TME, support tumour progression through multiple pathways inducing resistance to treatment and promoting cancer cell escape mechanisms. In this review, we consider DNA and RNA virus vectors delivering immunomodulatory genes (cytokines, chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, antibodies, etc.) and discuss how these viruses break an immunosuppressive cell development and switch TME to an immune-responsive “hot” state. We highlight the advantages and limitations of virus vectors for targeted therapeutic programming of tumour immune cell populations and tumour stroma, and propose future steps to establish viral vectors as a standard, efficient, safe, and non-toxic cancer immunotherapy approach that can complement other promising treatment strategies, e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T, and advanced chemotherapeutics.
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32
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Ucaryilmaz Metin C, Ozcan G. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis reveals a cancer-associated fibroblast gene signature as a poor prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:692. [PMID: 35739492 PMCID: PMC9229147 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, currently available therapies have limited success. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are pivotal cells in the stroma of gastric tumors posing a great risk for progression and chemoresistance. The poor prognostic signature for CAFs is not clear in gastric cancer, and drugs that target CAFs are lacking in the clinic. In this study, we aim to identify a poor prognostic gene signature for CAFs, targeting which may increase the therapeutic success in gastric cancer. METHODS We analyzed four GEO datasets with a network-based approach and validated key CAF markers in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) cohorts. We implemented stepwise multivariate Cox regression guided by a pan-cancer analysis in TCGA to identify a poor prognostic gene signature for CAF infiltration in gastric cancer. Lastly, we conducted a database search for drugs targeting the signature genes. RESULTS Our study revealed the COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, FN1, and SPARC as the key CAF markers in gastric cancer. Analysis of the TCGA and ACRG cohorts validated their upregulation and poor prognostic significance. The stepwise multivariate Cox regression elucidated COL1A1 and COL5A1, together with ITGA4, Emilin1, and TSPAN9 as poor prognostic signature genes for CAF infiltration. The search on drug databases revealed collagenase clostridium histolyticum, ocriplasmin, halofuginone, natalizumab, firategrast, and BIO-1211 as the potential drugs for further investigation. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the central role of extracellular matrix components secreted and remodeled by CAFs in gastric cancer. The gene signature we identified in this study carries high potential as a predictive tool for poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Elucidating the mechanisms by which the signature genes contribute to poor patient outcomes can lead to the discovery of more potent molecular-targeted agents and increase the therapeutic success in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulnihal Ozcan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koc University School of Medicine, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey.
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33
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Milián L, Monleón-Guinot I, Sancho-Tello M, Galbis JM, Cremades A, Almenar-Ordaz M, Peñaroja-Martinez J, Farras R, Martín de Llano JJ, Carda C, Mata M. In Vitro Effect of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Isolated from Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126766. [PMID: 35743206 PMCID: PMC9223514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that demonstrates the effect of cannabinoid agonists inhibiting relevant aspects in lung cancer, such as proliferation or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Most of these studies are based on evidence observed in in vitro models developed on cancer cell lines. These studies do not consider the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). One of the main components of the TME is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), cells that are relevant in the control of proliferation and metastasis in lung cancer. In this work, we evaluated the direct effects of two cannabinoid agonists, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), used alone or in combination, on CAFs and non-tumor normal fibroblasts (NFs) isolated from adenocarcinoma or from healthy lung tissue from the same patients. We observed that these compounds decrease cell density in vitro and inhibit the increase in the relative expression of type 1 collagen (COL1A1) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). On the other hand, we studied whether THC and CBD could modulate the interactions between CAFs or NFs and cancer cells. We conditioned the culture medium with stromal cells treated or not with THC and/or CBD and cultured A549 cells with them. We found that culture media conditioned with CAFs or NFs increased cell density, induced morphological changes consistent with EMT, inhibited cadherin-1 (CDH1) gene expression, and induced an increase in the relative expression of cadherin-2 (CDH2) and vimentin (VIM) genes in A549 cells. These changes were inhibited or decreased by THC and CBD administered alone or in combination. In another series of experiments, we conditioned culture media with A549 cells treated or not with THC and/or CBD, in the presence or absence of TGFβ. We observed that culture media conditioned with A549 in the presence of TGFβ induced an increase in the expression of COL1A1 and VIM, both in CAFs and in non-tumor NFs. Both THC and CBD ameliorated these effects. In summary, the results presented here reinforce the usefulness of cannabinoid agonists for the treatment of some relevant aspects of lung cancer pathology, and demonstrate in a novel way their possible effects on CAFs as a result of their relationship with cancer cells. Likewise, the results reinforce the usefulness of the combined use of THC and CBD, which has important advantages in relation to the possibility of using lower doses, thus minimizing the psychoactive effects of THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Milián
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Monleón-Guinot
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Sancho-Tello
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - María Almenar-Ordaz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Josep Peñaroja-Martinez
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Rosa Farras
- Príncipe Felipe Research Center Foundation (CIPF), 46012 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Javier Martín de Llano
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Carda
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Mata
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (I.M.-G.); (M.S.-T.); (M.A.-O.); (J.P.-M.); (J.J.M.d.L.); (C.C.)
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Chen X, Jia M, Ji J, Zhao Z, Zhao Y. Exosome-Derived Non-Coding RNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer: Possible Functions, Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Front Oncol 2022; 12:887532. [PMID: 35646623 PMCID: PMC9133322 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.887532] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death and the third most prevalent malignancy. Colorectal tumors exchange information with the surrounding environment and influence each other, which collectively constitutes the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC. Many studies have shown that exosome-derived non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in various pathophysiological processes by regulating the TME of CRC. This review summarizes recent findings on the fundamental roles of exosomal ncRNAs in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, tumor immunity, tumor metabolism and drug resistance. Certainly, the in-depth understanding of exosomal ncRNAs will provide comprehensive insights into the clinical application of these molecules against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Chen
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengmeng Jia
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Ji
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiying Zhao
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanjie Zhao
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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35
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Mechanisms of Tumor Progression and Novel Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051231. [PMID: 35267539 PMCID: PMC8909913 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in determining the biological behavior of several of the more aggressive malignancies. Among the various cell types evident in the tumor “field”, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous collection of activated fibroblasts secreting a wide repertoire of factors that regulate tumor development and progression, inflammation, drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence. Insensitivity to chemotherapeutics and metastatic spread are the major contributors to cancer patient mortality. This review discusses the complex interactions between CAFs and the various populations of normal and neoplastic cells that interact within the dynamic confines of the tumor microenvironment with a focus on the involved pathways and genes. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous population of stromal cells found in solid malignancies that coexist with the growing tumor mass and other immune/nonimmune cellular elements. In certain neoplasms (e.g., desmoplastic tumors), CAFs are the prominent mesenchymal cell type in the tumor microenvironment, where their presence and abundance signal a poor prognosis in multiple cancers. CAFs play a major role in the progression of various malignancies by remodeling the supporting stromal matrix into a dense, fibrotic structure while secreting factors that lead to the acquisition of cancer stem-like characteristics and promoting tumor cell survival, reduced sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, aggressive growth and metastasis. Tumors with high stromal fibrotic signatures are more likely to be associated with drug resistance and eventual relapse. Clarifying the molecular basis for such multidirectional crosstalk among the various normal and neoplastic cell types present in the tumor microenvironment may yield novel targets and new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights the most recent concepts regarding the complexity of CAF biology including CAF heterogeneity, functionality in drug resistance, contribution to a progressively fibrotic tumor stroma, the involved signaling pathways and the participating genes.
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Schwager SC, Young KM, Hapach LA, Carlson CM, Mosier JA, McArdle TJ, Wang W, Schunk C, Jayathilake AL, Bates ME, Bordeleau F, Antonyak MA, Cerione RA, Reinhart-King CA. Weakly migratory metastatic breast cancer cells activate fibroblasts via microvesicle-Tg2 to facilitate dissemination and metastasis. eLife 2022; 11:74433. [PMID: 36475545 PMCID: PMC9767463 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74433] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell migration is highly heterogeneous, and the migratory capability of cancer cells is thought to be an indicator of metastatic potential. It is becoming clear that a cancer cell does not have to be inherently migratory to metastasize, with weakly migratory cancer cells often found to be highly metastatic. However, the mechanism through which weakly migratory cells escape from the primary tumor remains unclear. Here, utilizing phenotypically sorted highly and weakly migratory human breast cancer cells, we demonstrate that weakly migratory metastatic cells disseminate from the primary tumor via communication with stromal cells. While highly migratory cells are capable of single cell migration, weakly migratory cells rely on cell-cell signaling with fibroblasts to escape the primary tumor. Weakly migratory cells release microvesicles rich in tissue transglutaminase 2 (Tg2) which activate murine fibroblasts and lead weakly migratory cancer cell migration in vitro. These microvesicles also induce tumor stiffening and fibroblast activation in vivo and enhance the metastasis of weakly migratory cells. Our results identify microvesicles and Tg2 as potential therapeutic targets for metastasis and reveal a novel aspect of the metastatic cascade in which weakly migratory cells release microvesicles which activate fibroblasts to enhance cancer cell dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Katherine M Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Lauren A Hapach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Caroline M Carlson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | | | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Curtis Schunk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | | | - Madison E Bates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Francois Bordeleau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology division), UniversitéLaval Cancer Research Center and Faculty of Medicine, Université LavalQuébeccCanada
| | - Marc A Antonyak
- Department of Biomedical Science, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Biomedical Science, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
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Iozzo M, Sgrignani G, Comito G, Chiarugi P, Giannoni E. Endocannabinoid System and Tumour Microenvironment: New Intertwined Connections for Anticancer Approaches. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123396. [PMID: 34943903 PMCID: PMC8699381 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) is now recognised as a hallmark of cancer, since tumour:stroma crosstalk supports the key steps of tumour growth and progression. The dynamic co-evolution of the tumour and stromal compartments may alter the surrounding microenvironment, including the composition in metabolites and signalling mediators. A growing number of evidence reports the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in cancer. ECS is composed by a complex network of ligands, receptors, and enzymes, which act in synergy and contribute to several physiological but also pathological processes. Several in vitro and in vivo evidence show that ECS deregulation in cancer cells affects proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and metastatic potential. Although it is still an evolving research, recent experimental evidence also suggests that ECS can modulate the functional behaviour of several components of the TME, above all the immune cells, endothelial cells and stromal components. However, the role of ECS in the tumour:stroma interplay remains unclear and research in this area is particularly intriguing. This review aims to shed light on the latest relevant findings of the tumour response to ECS modulation, encouraging a more in-depth analysis in this field. Novel discoveries could be promising for novel anti-tumour approaches, targeting the microenvironmental components and the supportive tumour:stroma crosstalk, thereby hindering tumour development.
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38
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Jia M, Zhang D, Zhang C, Li C. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems modulate the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer for enhanced therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:384. [PMID: 34809634 PMCID: PMC8607729 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01134-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors with a low survival rate, partly because the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of extracellular matrix (ECM), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, and vascular systems, prevents effective drug delivery and chemoradiotherapy. Thus, modulating the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer is considered a promising therapeutic approach. Since nanoparticles are one of the most effective cancer treatment strategies, several nano-delivery platforms have been developed to regulate the TME and enhance treatment. Here, we summarize the latest advances in nano-delivery systems that alter the TME in pancreatic cancer by depleting ECM, inhibiting CAFs, reversing immunosuppression, promoting angiogenesis, or improving the hypoxic environment. We also discuss promising new targets for such systems. This review is expected to improve our understanding of how to modulate the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and guide the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, No.1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunxiang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, No.1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chunhong Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, No.1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Chen Z, Zhuo S, He G, Tang J, Hao W, Gao WQ, Yang K, Xu H. Prognosis and Immunotherapy Significances of a Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts-Related Gene Signature in Gliomas. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:721897. [PMID: 34778248 PMCID: PMC8586504 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.721897] [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: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As a cold tumor, malignant glioma has strong immunosuppression and immune escape characteristics. The tumor microenvironment (TME) provides the "soil" for the survival of malignant tumors, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the architects of matrix remodeling in TME. Therefore, CAFs have potent regulatory effects on the recruitment and functional differentiation of immune cells, whereby they synthesize and secrete numerous collagens, cytokines, chemokines, and other soluble factors whose interaction with tumor cells creates an immunosuppressive TME. This consequently facilitates the immune escape of tumor cells. Targeting CAFs would improve the TME and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. Thus, regulation of CAFs and CAFs-related genes holds promise as effective immunotherapies for gliomas. Here, by analyzing the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas and the Cancer Genome Atlas database, the proportion of CAFs in the tumor was revealed to be associated with clinical and immune characteristics of gliomas. Moreover, a risk model based on the expression of CAFs-related six-gene for the assessment of glioma patients was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and the results showed that a high-risk group had a higher expression of the CAFs-related six-genes and lower overall survival rates compared with those in the low-risk group. Additionally, patients in the high-risk group exhibited older age, high tumor grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype, 1p/19q non-codeletion, O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter unmethylation and poor prognosis. The high-risk subtype had a high proportion CAFs in the TME of glioma, and a high expression of immune checkpoint genes. Analysis of the Submap algorithm indicated that the high-risk patients could show potent response to anti-PD-1 therapy. The established risk prediction model based on the expression of six CAFs-related genes has application prospects as an independent prognostic indicator and a predictor of the response of patients to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenghua Zhuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Guiying He
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingzhi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Huiming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Manoukian P, Bijlsma M, van Laarhoven H. The Cellular Origins of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Their Opposing Contributions to Pancreatic Cancer Growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:743907. [PMID: 34646829 PMCID: PMC8502878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.743907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic tumors are known to harbor an abundant and highly desmoplastic stroma. Among the various cell types that reside within tumor stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained a lot of attention in the cancer field due to their contributions to carcinogenesis and tumor architecture. These cells are not a homogeneous population, but have been shown to have different origins, phenotypes, and contributions. In pancreatic tumors, CAFs generally emerge through the activation and/or recruitment of various cell types, most notably resident fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and tumor-infiltrating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In recent years, single cell transcriptomic studies allowed the identification of distinct CAF populations in pancreatic tumors. Nonetheless, the exact sources and functions of those different CAF phenotypes remain to be fully understood. Considering the importance of stromal cells in pancreatic cancer, many novel approaches have aimed at targeting the stroma but current stroma-targeting therapies have yielded subpar results, which may be attributed to heterogeneity in the fibroblast population. Thus, fully understanding the roles of different subsets of CAFs within the stroma, and the cellular dynamics at play that contribute to heterogeneity in CAF subsets may be essential for the design of novel therapies and improving clinical outcomes. Fortunately, recent advances in technologies such as microfluidics and bio-printing have made it possible to establish more advanced ex vivo models that will likely prove useful. In this review, we will present the different roles of stromal cells in pancreatic cancer, focusing on CAF origin as a source of heterogeneity, and the role this may play in therapy failure. We will discuss preclinical models that could be of benefit to the field and that may contribute to further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Manoukian
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maarten Bijlsma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke van Laarhoven
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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41
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Asif PJ, Longobardi C, Hahne M, Medema JP. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4720. [PMID: 34572947 PMCID: PMC8472587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in cancer progression by contributing to extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, extensive crosstalk with cancer cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. As metastasis is a main reason for cancer-related deaths, it is crucial to understand the role of CAFs in this process. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease and lethality is especially common in a subtype of CRC with high stromal infiltration. A key component of stroma is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). To provide new perspectives for research on CAFs and CAF-targeted therapeutics, especially in CRC, we discuss the mechanisms, crosstalk, and functions involved in CAF-mediated cancer invasion, metastasis, and protection. This summary can serve as a framework for future studies elucidating these roles of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris Jabeen Asif
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ciro Longobardi
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Hahne
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ziani L, Buart S, Chouaib S, Thiery J. Hypoxia increases melanoma-associated fibroblasts immunosuppressive potential and inhibitory effect on T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1950953. [PMID: 34367731 PMCID: PMC8312612 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1950953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and hypoxia are central players in the complex process of tumor cell-stroma interaction and are involved in the alteration of the anti-tumor immune response by impacting both cancer and immune cell populations. However, even if their independent immunomodulatory properties are now well documented, whether the interaction between these two components of the tumor microenvironment can affect CAFs ability to alter the anti-tumor immune response is still poorly defined. In this study, we provide evidence that hypoxia increases melanoma-associated fibroblasts expression and/or secretion of several immunosuppressive factors (including TGF-β, IL6, IL10, VEGF and PD-L1). Moreover, we demonstrate that hypoxic CAF secretome exerts a more profound effect on T cell-mediated cytotoxicity than its normoxic counterpart. Together, our data suggest that the crosstalk between hypoxia and CAFs is probably an important determinant in the complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ziani
- INSERM, UMR 1186 “Human Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy”, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Saclay, France
| | - Stéphanie Buart
- INSERM, UMR 1186 “Human Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy”, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Saclay, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM, UMR 1186 “Human Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy”, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Saclay, France
- Thumbay Research Institute of Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM, UMR 1186 “Human Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy”, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Saclay, France
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Gunaydin G. CAFs Interacting With TAMs in Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Tumorigenesis and Immune Evasion. Front Oncol 2021; 11:668349. [PMID: 34336660 PMCID: PMC8317617 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.668349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most important and abundant players of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs as well as TAMs are known to play pivotal supportive roles in tumor growth and progression. The number of CAF or TAM cells is mostly correlated with poor prognosis. Both CAFs and TAMs are in a reciprocal communication with the tumor cells in the tumor milieu. In addition to such interactions, CAFs and TAMs are also involved in a dynamic and reciprocal interrelationship with each other. Both CAFs and TAMs are capable of altering each other's functions. Here, the current understanding of the distinct mechanisms about the complex interplay between CAFs and TAMs are summarized. In addition, the consequences of such a mutual relationship especially for tumor progression and tumor immune evasion are highlighted, focusing on the synergistic pleiotropic effects. CAFs and TAMs are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment; thus, they may prove to be potential therapeutic targets. A better understanding of the tri-directional interactions of CAFs, TAMs and cancer cells in terms of tumor progression will pave the way for the identification of novel theranostic cues in order to better target the crucial mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurcan Gunaydin
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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Maia A, Wiemann S. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3526. [PMID: 34298736 PMCID: PMC8307167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cells do not exist as an isolated entity. Instead, they are surrounded by and closely interact with cells of the environment they are emerged in. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is not static and several factors, including cancer cells and therapies, have been described to modulate several of its components. Fibroblasts are key elements of the TME with the capacity to influence tumour progression, invasion and response to therapy, which makes them attractive targets in cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on fibroblasts and their numerous roles in the TME with a special attention to recent findings describing their heterogeneity and role in therapy response. Furthermore, we explore how different therapies can impact these cells and their communication with cancer cells. Finally, we highlight potential strategies targeting this cell type that can be employed for improving patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maia
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Rihawi K, Ricci AD, Rizzo A, Brocchi S, Marasco G, Pastore LV, Llimpe FLR, Golfieri R, Renzulli M. Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Inflammatory Microenvironment in Gastric Cancer: Novel Translational Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083805. [PMID: 33916915 PMCID: PMC8067563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) represents the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with a poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease despite many improvements in systemic treatments in the last decade. In fact, GC has shown resistance to several treatment options, and thus, notable efforts have been focused on the research and identification of novel therapeutic targets in this setting. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in several malignancies including GC, due to its pivotal role in cancer progression and drug resistance. Therefore, several agents and therapeutic strategies targeting the TME are currently under assessment in both preclinical and clinical studies. The present study provides an overview of available evidence of the inflammatory TME in GC, highlighting different types of tumor-associated cells and implications for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Rihawi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (K.R.); (A.D.R.); (A.R.); (F.L.R.L.)
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (K.R.); (A.D.R.); (A.R.); (F.L.R.L.)
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (K.R.); (A.D.R.); (A.R.); (F.L.R.L.)
| | - Stefano Brocchi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.B.); (L.V.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Giovanni Marasco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luigi Vincenzo Pastore
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.B.); (L.V.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Fabiola Lorena Rojas Llimpe
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (K.R.); (A.D.R.); (A.R.); (F.L.R.L.)
| | - Rita Golfieri
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.B.); (L.V.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.B.); (L.V.P.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0512142958; Fax: +39-0512142805
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