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Pea A, Bevere M, Gkountakos A, Pasini D, Fiorini D, Mafficini A, Golovco S, Simbolo M, Pedron S, Sciammarella C, Mattiolo P, Mombello A, Villanova M, Franzina C, Masetto F, Ciulla C, Sperandio N, Fujikura K, Ahadi MS, Samra JS, Johns AL, Verheij J, Stommel MWJ, van Santvoort H, Schubert Santana L, Malleo G, Milella M, Brosens LAA, Wood LD, Chang DK, De Robertis R, D'Onofrio M, Gill AJ, Salvia R, Corbo V, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Luchini C. Mucinous cystic neoplasms and simple mucinous cysts are two distinct precursors of pancreatic cancer: clinicopathological, genomic, and transcriptomic characterization. J Pathol 2025. [PMID: 40371932 DOI: 10.1002/path.6437] [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: 01/09/2025] [Revised: 03/15/2025] [Accepted: 04/25/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025]
Abstract
Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas are macroscopic precursors of pancreatic cancer. A similar cystic lesion but lacking the ovarian-type subepithelial stroma has been recently defined as a simple mucinous cyst (SMC); however, its nature remains unclear. This study aims to define the clinicopathological and molecular profiles of a cohort of MCNs and SMCs of the pancreas and their associated invasive carcinoma. Overall, 23 cases were identified, comprising 19 MCNs and 4 SMCs with co-occurring invasive carcinoma. A multiregional (two samples from each cystic lesion and one from the adenocarcinoma) DNA and RNA sequencing approach was used. The key findings can be summarized as follows: (1) Molecular association: In 22/23 cases (95.7%), the concomitant mucinous cyst and invasive carcinoma shared specific genomic alterations, establishing for the first time that SMC is a true precursor of pancreatic cancer. (2) Clinical behavior: carcinomas arising from SMC appeared to be more aggressive than those arising from MCN. (3) Mutational profile: both cyst types showed significant similarities to conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with KRAS and TP53 the most commonly altered genes. (4) Intracystic heterogeneity: while most molecular alterations were present in both analyzed cystic areas, RNF43 showed the highest heterogeneity. (5) CDKN2A: its alterations were predominantly restricted to the invasive component, suggesting a role in driving the invasion in a subset of cases. CNKN2A may also serve as a potential biomarker for identifying high-risk cysts. (6) RNAseq: most cases showed a switch from the classical to the basal transcriptome subtype during the progression from cystic neoplasms to invasive cancers. These findings establish SMCs as new precursors of pancreatic cancer and provide critical insights into the tumorigenesis of MCNs, with potential immediate implications for tumor taxonomy and clinical management. © 2025 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pea
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery-The Pancreas Institute, Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Davide Pasini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Denise Fiorini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Mafficini
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stela Golovco
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Simbolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Serena Pedron
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Concetta Sciammarella
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Mattiolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Mombello
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Manuela Villanova
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carlotta Franzina
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Calogero Ciulla
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Kohei Fujikura
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Masha S Ahadi
- Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, and Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Jaswinder S Samra
- Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amber L Johns
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W J Stommel
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hjalmar van Santvoort
- Department of Surgery, Regional Academic Cancer Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht and St Antonius Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Leonor Schubert Santana
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Research Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Giuseppe Malleo
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery-The Pancreas Institute, Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lodewijk A A Brosens
- Department of Pathology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, and Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura D Wood
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David K Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Research Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Riccardo De Robertis
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Radiology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mirko D'Onofrio
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Radiology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, and Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Roberto Salvia
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery-The Pancreas Institute, Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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2
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Binkowski B, Klamer Z, Gao C, Staal B, Repesh A, Tran HL, Brass DM, Bartlett P, Gallinger S, Blomqvist M, Morrow JB, Allen P, Shi C, Singhi A, Brand R, Huang Y, Hostetter G, Haab BB. Multiplexed glycan immunofluorescence identification of pancreatic cancer cell subpopulations in both tumor and blood samples. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2025; 11:eadt0029. [PMID: 40053601 PMCID: PMC11917494 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 03/09/2025]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor heterogeneity impedes the development of biomarker assays for early disease detection. We hypothesized that PDAC cell subpopulations could be identified by aberrant glycan signatures in both tumor tissue and blood samples. We used multiplexed glycan immunofluorescence to distinguish between PDAC and noncancer cell subpopulations within tumor tissue, and we developed hybrid glycan sandwich assays to determine whether the aberrant glycan signatures could be detected in blood samples. We found that PDAC cells were identified by signatures of glycans detected by four glycan-binding proteins (VVL, CA19-9, sTRA, and GM2) and that there are three types of glycan-defined PDAC tumors: sTRA type, CA19-9 type, and intermixed. In patient-matched tumor and blood samples, the PDAC tumor type could be determined by the aberrant glycans in the blood. As a result, the combined assays of aberrant glycan signatures were more sensitive and specific than any individual assay. Our results demonstrate a methodology to detect and stratify PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ben Staal
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Blomqvist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Peter Allen
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chanjuan Shi
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aatur Singhi
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Randall Brand
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA, USA
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3
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Xu J, Pham MD, Corbo V, Ponz-Sarvise M, Oni T, Öhlund D, Hwang CI. Advancing pancreatic cancer research and therapeutics: the transformative role of organoid technology. Exp Mol Med 2025; 57:50-58. [PMID: 39814914 PMCID: PMC11799150 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01378-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 10/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Research on pancreatic cancer has transformed with the advent of organoid technology, providing a better platform that closely mimics cancer biology in vivo. This review highlights the critical advancements facilitated by pancreatic organoid models in understanding disease progression, evaluating therapeutic responses, and identifying biomarkers. These three-dimensional cultures enable the proper recapitulation of the cellular architecture and genetic makeup of the original tumors, providing insights into the complex molecular and cellular dynamics at various stages of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We explore the applications of pancreatic organoids in dissecting the tumor microenvironment (TME); elucidating cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms; and personalizing therapeutic strategies. By overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D cultures and animal models, the use of pancreatic organoids has significantly accelerated translational research, which is promising for improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in clinical settings, ultimately aiming to improve the outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihao Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- Department of Medical Oncology and Program in Solid Tumors, Cima-Universidad de Navarra, Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Tobiloba Oni
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Öhlund
- Umeå University, Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, and Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Chang-Il Hwang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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4
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Van Keymeulen A. Mechanisms of Regulation of Cell Fate in Breast Development and Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2025; 1464:167-184. [PMID: 39821026 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-70875-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2025]
Abstract
This chapter focuses on the mechanisms of regulation of cell fate in breast development, occurring mainly after birth, as well as in breast cancer. First, we will review how the microenvironment of the breast, as well as external cues, plays a crucial role in mammary gland cell specification and will describe how it has been shown to reprogram non-mammary cells into mammary epithelial cells. Then we will focus on the transcription factors and master regulators which have been established to be determinant for basal (BC) and luminal cell (LC) identity, and will describe the experiments of ectopic expression or loss of function of these transcription factors which demonstrated that they were crucial for cell fate. We will also discuss how master regulators are involved in the fate choice of LCs between estrogen receptor (ER)-positive cells and ER- cells, which will give rise to alveolar cells upon pregnancy and lactation. We will describe how oncogene expression induces reprogramming and change of fate of mammary epithelial cells before tumor appearance, which could be an essential step in tumorigenesis. Finally, we will describe the involvement of master regulators of mammary epithelial cells in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Van Keymeulen
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer (LSCC), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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5
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Luan X, Wang X, Bian G, Li X, Gao Z, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Han T, Zhao J, Zhao H, Luan X, Zhu W, Dong L, Guo F. Exosome applications for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: An update (Review). Oncol Rep 2025; 53:13. [PMID: 39575479 PMCID: PMC11605277 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8846] [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: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant neoplasm that typically manifests with subtle clinical manifestations in its early stages and frequently eludes diagnosis until the advanced phases of the disease. The limited therapeutic options available for PDAC significantly contribute to its high mortality rate, highlighting the urgent need for novel biomarkers capable of effectively identifying early clinical manifestations and facilitating precise diagnosis. The pivotal role of cellular exosomes in both the pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions for PDAC has been underscored. Furthermore, researchers have acknowledged the potential of exosomes as targeted drug carriers against regulatory cells in treating PDAC. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive review encompassing recent advancements in utilizing exosomes for elucidating mechanisms underlying disease development, patterns of metastasis, diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies associated with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchi Luan
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Xuezhe Wang
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Gang Bian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266041, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxuan Li
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular and Translational Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266031, P.R. China
| | - Ziru Gao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Zijiao Liu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine and Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Zhishang Zhang
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Tianyue Han
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Jinpeng Zhao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Hongjiao Zhao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Luan
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Wuhui Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266041, P.R. China
| | - Lili Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266041, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Guo
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
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6
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Jiang C, Centonze A, Song Y, Chrisnandy A, Tika E, Rezakhani S, Zahedi Z, Bouvencourt G, Dubois C, Van Keymeulen A, Lütolf M, Sifrim A, Blanpain C. Collagen signaling and matrix stiffness regulate multipotency in glandular epithelial stem cells in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:10482. [PMID: 39695111 PMCID: PMC11655882 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54843-5] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Glandular epithelia, including mammary gland (MG) and prostate, are composed of luminal and basal cells. During embryonic development, glandular epithelia arise from multipotent stem cells (SCs) that are replaced after birth by unipotent basal and unipotent luminal SCs. Different conditions, such as basal cell transplantation, luminal cell ablation, and oncogene expression can reinduce adult basal SC (BaSCs) multipotency in different glandular epithelia. The mechanisms regulating the reactivation of multipotency are incompletely understood. Here, we have found that Collagen I expression is commonly upregulated in BaSCs across the different multipotent conditions. Increasing collagen concentration or stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) promotes BaSC multipotency in MG and prostate organoids. Single cell RNA-seq of MG organoids in stiff conditions have uncovered the importance of β1 integrin/FAK/AP-1 axis in the regulation of BaSC multipotency. Altogether our study uncovers the key role of Collagen signaling and ECM stiffness in the regulation of multipotency in glandular epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessia Centonze
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yura Song
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonius Chrisnandy
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences (SV) and School of Engineering (STI), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elisavet Tika
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Saba Rezakhani
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences (SV) and School of Engineering (STI), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zahra Zahedi
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Bouvencourt
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Dubois
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Matthias Lütolf
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences (SV) and School of Engineering (STI), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Science (SB), EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alejandro Sifrim
- Laboratory of Multi-Omic Integrative Bioinformatics (LMIB), Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cédric Blanpain
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
- WEL Research Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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7
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Veghini L, Pasini D, Fang R, Delfino P, Filippini D, Neander C, Vicentini C, Fiorini E, Lupo F, D'Agosto SL, Carbone C, Agostini A, Piro G, Rosa D, Bevere M, Markus P, Behrens D, Luchini C, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Biffi G, Cheung PF, Siveke JT, Corbo V. Differential activity of MAPK signalling defines fibroblast subtypes in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:10534. [PMID: 39627211 PMCID: PMC11615044 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 12/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast heterogeneity is increasingly recognised across cancer conditions. Given their important contribution to disease progression, mapping fibroblasts' heterogeneity is critical to devise effective anti-cancer therapies. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the most abundant cell population in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Whether CAF phenotypes are differently specified by PDAC cell lineages remains to be elucidated. Here, we reveal an important role for the MAPK signalling pathway in defining PDAC CAF phenotypes. We show that epithelial MAPK activity promotes the myofibroblastic differentiation of CAFs by sustaining the expression and secretion of TGF-β1. We integrate single-cell profiling of post-perturbation transcriptional responses from mouse models with cellular and spatial profiles of human tissues to define a MAPKhigh CAF (mapCAF) phenotype. We show that this phenotype associates with basal-like tumour cells and reduced frequency of CD8+ T cells. In addition to elevated MAPK activity, this mapCAF phenotype is characterized by TGF-β signalling, hypoxia responsive signatures, and immunoregulatory gene programs. Furthermore, the mapCAF signature is enriched in myofibroblastic CAFs from various cancer conditions and correlates with reduced response to immune checkpoint inhibition in melanoma. Altogether, our data expand our knowledge on CAF phenotype heterogeneity and reveal a potential strategy for targeting myofibroblastic CAFs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Veghini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Pasini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rui Fang
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, A Partnership Between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Pietro Delfino
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Dea Filippini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Christian Neander
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, A Partnership Between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Caterina Vicentini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Fiorini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Lupo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sabrina L D'Agosto
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Rosa
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Peter Markus
- Department of General, Visceral, and Trauma Surgery, Elisabeth Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Diana Behrens
- EPO-Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Biffi
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Phyllis F Cheung
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, A Partnership Between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Spatiotemporal Tumor Heterogeneity, DKTK, Partner Site Essen, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, A Partnership Between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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8
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Walker M, Morton JP. Hydrogel models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to study cell mechanosensing. Biophys Rev 2024; 16:851-870. [PMID: 39830124 PMCID: PMC11735828 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-024-01265-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the predominant form of pancreatic cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with an extremely poor prognosis after diagnosis. High mortality from PDAC arises partly due to late diagnosis resulting from a lack of early-stage biomarkers and due to chemotherapeutic drug resistance, which arises from a highly fibrotic stromal response known as desmoplasia. Desmoplasia alters tissue mechanics, which triggers changes in cell mechanosensing and leads to dysregulated transcriptional activity and disease phenotypes. Hydrogels are effective in vitro models to mimic mechanical changes in tissue mechanics during PDAC progression and to study the influence of these changes on mechanosensitive cell responses. Despite the complex biophysical changes that occur within the PDAC microenvironment, carefully designed hydrogels can very closely recapitulate these properties during PDAC progression. Hydrogels are relatively inexpensive, highly reproducible and can be designed in a humanised manner to increase their relevance for human PDAC studies. In vivo models have some limitations, including species-species differences, high variability, expense and legal/ethical considerations, which make hydrogel models a promising alternative. Here, we comprehensively review recent advancements in hydrogel bioengineering for developing our fundamental understanding of mechanobiology in PDAC, which is critical for informing advanced therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Walker
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, 11 Chapel Lane, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G11 6EW UK
| | - JP Morton
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Glasgow, G61 1BD UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Glasgow, G61 1QH UK
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9
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Binkowski B, Klamer Z, Gao C, Staal B, Repesh A, Tran HL, Brass DM, Bartlett P, Gallinger S, Blomqvist M, Morrow JB, Allen P, Shi C, Singhi A, Brand R, Huang Y, Hostetter G, Haab BB. Multiplexed Glycan Immunofluorescence Identification of Pancreatic Cancer Cell Subpopulations in Both Tumor and Blood Samples. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.22.609143. [PMID: 39229066 PMCID: PMC11370594 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.22.609143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor heterogeneity impedes the development of biomarker assays suitable for early disease detection that would improve patient outcomes. The CA19-9 glycan is currently used as a standalone biomarker for PDAC. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that cancer cells may display aberrant membrane-associated glycans. We therefore hypothesized that PDAC cancer cell subpopulations could be distinguished by aberrant glycan signatures. We used multiplexed glycan immunofluorescence combined with pathologist annotation and automated image processing to distinguish between PDAC cancer cell subpopulations within tumor tissue. Using a training-set/test-set approach, we found that PDAC cancer cells may be identified by signatures comprising 4 aberrant glycans (VVL, CA19-9, sTRA, and GM2) and that there are three glycan-defined PDAC tumor types: sTRA type, CA19-9 type, and intermixed. To determine whether the aberrant glycan signatures could be detected in blood samples, we developed hybrid glycan sandwich assays for membrane-associated glycans. In both patient-matched tumor and blood samples, the proportion of aberrant glycans detected was consistent. Furthermore, our multiplexed glycan immunofluorescent approach proved to be more sensitive and more specific than CA19-9 alone. Our results provide proof of concept for a novel methodology to improve early PDAC detection and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ben Staal
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna Repesh
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Blomqvist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Peter Allen
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chanjuan Shi
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aatur Singhi
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Randall Brand
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Ciulla C, Luchini C. Genomic determinants of biological aggressiveness and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancers: KRAS and beyond. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:355-362. [PMID: 38708441 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2348676] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A marked histomolecular heterogeneity characterizes pancreatic cancer. Thus, different tumor histologies with divergent genomic profiles exist within the same category. AREAS COVERED Using data from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase (last search date: 04/04/2024), this expert-based, narrative review presents and discusses the essential molecular determinants of biological aggressiveness and poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. First, KRAS mutation still represents one of the most critical difficulties in treating pancreatic cancers. In this district, it is mutated in > 90% of malignant tumors. Notably, actionable alterations for molecular-based therapies are typically lacking in KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, transcriptome-based studies clarified that the squamous phenotype is characterized by poorer prognosis and response to standard chemotherapy. We also discuss molecular biomarkers related to dismal prognosis in specific subsets of pancreatic cancer, such as SMAD4 in signet-ring cell carcinoma and TP53 in invasive cancers derived from intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms. EXPERT OPINION The identification of the subgroups of pancreatic cancer with particularly unfavorable prognoses is a critical step for addressing specific research efforts. In addition to implementing and strengthening current precision oncology strategies, the decisive step for improving the survival of patients affected by pancreatic cancer must pass through targeting the KRAS gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Ciulla
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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11
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Wu Z, Yu X, Zhang S, He Y, Guo W. Novel roles of PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs in human health and diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:343. [PMID: 38031146 PMCID: PMC10685540 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNA has aroused great research interest recently, they play a wide range of biological functions, such as regulating cell cycle, cell proliferation, and intracellular substance metabolism. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are emerging small non-coding RNAs that are 24-31 nucleotides in length. Previous studies on piRNAs were mainly limited to evaluating the binding to the PIWI protein family to play the biological role. However, recent studies have shed more lights on piRNA functions; aberrant piRNAs play unique roles in many human diseases, including diverse lethal cancers. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of piRNAs expression and the specific functional roles of piRNAs in human diseases is crucial for developing its clinical applications. Presently, research on piRNAs mainly focuses on their cancer-specific functions but lacks investigation of their expressions and epigenetic modifications. This review discusses piRNA's biogenesis and functional roles and the recent progress of functions of piRNA/PIWI protein complexes in human diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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12
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Lin S, Margueron R, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C. Disruption of lineage integrity as a precursor to breast tumor initiation. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:887-897. [PMID: 37061355 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Increase in lineage infidelity and/or imbalance is frequently observed around the earliest stage of breast tumor initiation. In response to disruption of homeostasis, differentiated cells can partially lose their identity and gain cellular plasticity, a process involving epigenome landscape remodeling. This increase of cellular plasticity may promote the malignant transformation of breast tumors and fuel their heterogeneity. Here, we review recent studies that have yield insights into important regulators of lineage integrity and mechanisms that trigger mammary epithelial lineage derail, and evaluate their impacts on breast tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Lin
- CRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Univeristy, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Marseille, France
| | - Raphaël Margueron
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- CRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Univeristy, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Marseille, France.
| | - Christophe Ginestier
- CRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Univeristy, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Marseille, France.
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13
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Bararia A, Das A, Mitra S, Banerjee S, Chatterjee A, Sikdar N. Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation driven aberrations in pancreatic cancer-related pathways. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1505-1519. [PMID: 37746645 PMCID: PMC10514732 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i9.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) presents a catastrophic disease with poor overall survival at advanced stages, with immediate requirement of new and effective treatment options. Besides genetic mutations, epigenetic dysregulation of signaling pathway-associated enriched genes are considered as novel therapeutic target. Mechanisms beneath the deoxyribonucleic acid methylation and its utility in developing of epi-drugs in PanCa are under trails. Combinations of epigenetic medicines with conventional cytotoxic treatments or targeted therapy are promising options to improving the dismal response and survival rate of PanCa patients. Recent studies have identified potentially valid pathways that support the prediction that future PanCa clinical trials will include vigorous testing of epigenomic therapies. Epigenetics thus promises to generate a significant amount of new knowledge of biological and medical importance. Our review could identify various components of epigenetic mechanisms known to be involved in the initiation and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and related precancerous lesions, and novel pharmacological strategies that target these components could potentially lead to breakthroughs. We aim to highlight the possibilities that exist and the potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Bararia
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, India
| | - Amlan Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Royal Global University, Assam 781035, India
| | - Sangeeta Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Sudeep Banerjee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Nilabja Sikdar
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, India
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14
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Galindo-Vega A, Maldonado-Lagunas V, Mitre-Aguilar IB, Melendez-Zajgla J. Tumor Microenvironment Role in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1560. [PMID: 37371030 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a majority of patients presenting with unresectable or metastatic disease, resulting in a poor 5-year survival rate. This, in turn, is due to a highly complex tumor microenvironment and the presence of cancer stem cells, both of which induce therapy resistance and tumor relapse. Therefore, understanding and targeting the tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells may be key strategies for designing effective PDAC therapies. In the present review, we summarized recent advances in the role of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic neoplastic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Galindo-Vega
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04710, Mexico
| | | | - Irma B Mitre-Aguilar
- Biochemistry Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04710, Mexico
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15
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Yamakawa K, Koyanagi-Aoi M, Machinaga A, Kakiuchi N, Hirano T, Kodama Y, Aoi T. Blockage of retinoic acid signaling via RARγ suppressed the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by arresting the cell cycle progression of the G1-S phase. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:94. [PMID: 37198667 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02928-4] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study and several studies have reported that in some cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the expression of squamous lineage markers, such as esophagus-tissue-specific genes, correlated with a poor prognosis. However, the mechanism by which the acquisition of squamous lineage phenotypes leads to a poor prognosis remains unclear. We previously reported that retinoic acid signaling via retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ signaling) determines the differentiation lineage into the esophageal squamous epithelium. These findings hypothesized that the activation of RARγ signaling contributed to acquiring squamous lineage phenotypes and malignant behavior in PDAC. METHODS This study utilized public databases and immunostaining of surgical specimens to examine RARγ expression in PDAC. We evaluated the function of RARγ signaling by inhibitors and siRNA knockdown using a PDAC cell line and patient-derived PDAC organoids. The mechanism of the tumor-suppressive effects by blocking RARγ signaling was examined by a cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assays, RNA sequencing and Western blotting. RESULTS RARγ expression in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and PDAC was higher than that in the normal pancreatic duct. Its expression correlated with a poor patient prognosis in PDAC. In PDAC cell lines, blockade of RARγ signaling suppressed cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase without causing apoptosis. We demonstrated that blocking RARγ signaling upregulated p21 and p27 and downregulated many cell cycle genes, including cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, using patient-derived PDAC organoids, we confirmed the tumor-suppressive effect of RARγ inhibition and indicated the synergistic effects of RARγ inhibition with gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS This study clarified the function of RARγ signaling in PDAC progression and demonstrated the tumor-suppressive effect of selective blockade of RARγ signaling against PDAC. These results suggest that RARγ signaling might be a new therapeutic target for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Yamakawa
- Division of Stem Cell Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Michiyo Koyanagi-Aoi
- Division of Stem Cell Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akihito Machinaga
- Oncology Tsukuba Research Department, Discovery, Medicine Creation, DHBL, Eisai Co., Ltd, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kakiuchi
- Department of Pathology and Tumour Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Hirano
- Department of Pathology and Tumour Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuzo Kodama
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takashi Aoi
- Division of Stem Cell Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan.
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
- Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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16
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Burdziak C, Alonso-Curbelo D, Walle T, Reyes J, Barriga FM, Haviv D, Xie Y, Zhao Z, Zhao CJ, Chen HA, Chaudhary O, Masilionis I, Choo ZN, Gao V, Luan W, Wuest A, Ho YJ, Wei Y, Quail DF, Koche R, Mazutis L, Chaligné R, Nawy T, Lowe SW, Pe’er D. Epigenetic plasticity cooperates with cell-cell interactions to direct pancreatic tumorigenesis. Science 2023; 380:eadd5327. [PMID: 37167403 PMCID: PMC10316746 DOI: 10.1126/science.add5327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The response to tumor-initiating inflammatory and genetic insults can vary among morphologically indistinguishable cells, suggesting as yet uncharacterized roles for epigenetic plasticity during early neoplasia. To investigate the origins and impact of such plasticity, we performed single-cell analyses on normal, inflamed, premalignant, and malignant tissues in autochthonous models of pancreatic cancer. We reproducibly identified heterogeneous cell states that are primed for diverse, late-emerging neoplastic fates and linked these to chromatin remodeling at cell-cell communication loci. Using an inference approach, we revealed signaling gene modules and tissue-level cross-talk, including a neoplasia-driving feedback loop between discrete epithelial and immune cell populations that was functionally validated in mice. Our results uncover a neoplasia-specific tissue-remodeling program that may be exploited for pancreatic cancer interception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Burdziak
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Direna Alonso-Curbelo
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology; Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Thomas Walle
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases; Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - José Reyes
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Francisco M. Barriga
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Doron Haviv
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yubin Xie
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Chujun Julia Zhao
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University; New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Hsuan-An Chen
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ojasvi Chaudhary
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Ignas Masilionis
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Zi-Ning Choo
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vianne Gao
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wei Luan
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alexandra Wuest
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Ho
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yuhong Wei
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University; Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Daniela F Quail
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University; Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Richard Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Linas Mazutis
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University; New York, NY 10027, USA
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Centre; Vilnius University, Vilnius LT 02158, Lithuania
| | - Ronan Chaligné
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Tal Nawy
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Scott W. Lowe
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Dana Pe’er
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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17
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Goodlad JR, Xiao W, Amador C, Cook JR, Happ L, Thakkar D, Dave S, Dogan A, Duffield A, Nejati R, Ott G, Wasik M, Czader M. Phenotypic and genotypic infidelity in B-lineage neoplasms, including transdifferentiation following targeted therapy: Report from the 2021 SH/EAHP Workshop. Am J Clin Pathol 2023:7135991. [PMID: 37085149 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad035] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Session 2 of the 2021 Society for Hematopathology and European Association for Haematopathology Workshop collected examples of lineage infidelity and transdifferentiation in B-lineage neoplasms, including after targeted therapy. METHODS Twenty cases were submitted. Whole-exome sequencing and genome-wide RNA expression analysis were available on a limited subsample. RESULTS A diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) was rendered on at least 1 biopsy from 13 patients. There was 1 case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML); the remaining 6 cases were mature B-cell neoplasms. Targeted therapy was administered in 7 cases of B-ALL and 4 cases of mature B-cell neoplasms. Six cases of B-ALL underwent lineage switch to AML or mixed-phenotype acute leukemia at relapse, 5 of which had rearranged KMT2A. Changes in maturational state without lineage switch were observed in 2 cases. Examples of de novo aberrant T-cell antigen expression (n = 2) were seen among the mature B-cell lymphoma cohort, and their presence correlated with alterations in tumor cell gene expression patterns. CONCLUSIONS This cohort of cases enabled us to illustrate, discuss, and review current concepts of lineage switch and aberrant antigen expression in a variety of B-cell neoplasms and draw attention to the role targeted therapies may have in predisposing neoplasms to transdifferentiation as well as other, less expected changes in maturational status.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Goodlad
- Department of Pathology, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wenbin Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, US
| | - Catalina Amador
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, US
| | - James R Cook
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, US
| | | | | | - Sandeep Dave
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology and Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, US
| | - Ahmet Dogan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, US
| | - Amy Duffield
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, US
| | - Reza Nejati
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, US
| | - German Ott
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mariusz Wasik
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, US
| | - Magdalena Czader
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, US
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18
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Mafficini A, Simbolo M, Shibata T, Hong SM, Pea A, Brosens LA, Cheng L, Antonello D, Sciammarella C, Cantù C, Mattiolo P, Taormina SV, Malleo G, Marchegiani G, Sereni E, Corbo V, Paolino G, Ciaparrone C, Hiraoka N, Pallaoro D, Jansen C, Milella M, Salvia R, Lawlor RT, Adsay V, Scarpa A, Luchini C. Integrative characterization of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas and associated invasive adenocarcinoma. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1929-1943. [PMID: 36056133 PMCID: PMC9708572 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01143-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) is a recently recognized intraductal neoplasm. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic and molecular features of this entity, based on a multi-institutional cohort of 16 pancreatic ITPNs and associated adenocarcinomas. The genomic profiles were analyzed using histology-driven multi-regional sequencing to provide insight on tumor heterogeneity and evolution. Furthermore, an exploratory transcriptomic characterization was performed on eight invasive adenocarcinomas. The clinicopathologic parameters and molecular alterations were further analyzed based on survival indices. The main findings were as follows: 1) the concomitant adenocarcinomas, present in 75% of cases, were always molecularly associated with the intraductal components. These data definitively establish ITPN as origin of invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma; 2) alterations restricted to infiltrative components included mutations in chromatin remodeling genes ARID2, ASXL1, and PBRM1, and ERBB2-P3H4 fusion; 3) pancreatic ITPN can arise in the context of genetic syndromes, such as BRCA-germline and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome; 4) mutational profile: mutations in the classical PDAC drivers are present, but less frequently, in pancreatic ITPN; 5) novel genomic alterations were observed, including amplification of the Cyclin and NOTCH family genes and ERBB2, fusions involving RET and ERBB2, and RB1 disruptive variation; 6) chromosomal alterations: the most common was 1q gain (75% of cases); 7) by transcriptome analysis, ITPN-associated adenocarcinomas clustered into three subtypes that correlate with the activation of signaling mechanism pathways and tumor microenvironment, displaying squamous features in their majority; and 8) TP53 mutational status is a marker for adverse prognosis. ITPNs are precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer with a high malignant transformation risk. A personalized approach for patients with ITPN should recognize that such neoplasms could arise in the context of genetic syndromes. BRCA alterations, ERBB2 and RET fusions, and ERBB2 amplification are novel targets in precision oncology. The TP53 mutation status can be used as a prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mafficini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Simbolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Tatsuhiro Shibata
- Division of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, and Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Antonio Pea
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery - The Pancreas Institute, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lodewijk A Brosens
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Academic Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Davide Antonello
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery - The Pancreas Institute, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Cantù
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Mattiolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Malleo
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery - The Pancreas Institute, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marchegiani
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery - The Pancreas Institute, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sereni
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery - The Pancreas Institute, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gaetano Paolino
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciaparrone
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nobuyoshi Hiraoka
- Division of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Pallaoro
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Casper Jansen
- Laboratory for Pathology Eastern Nertherlands, Hengelo, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Milella
- Department of Medicine, Section of Oncology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Salvia
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery - The Pancreas Institute, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Volkan Adsay
- Department of Pathology, Koç University Hospital and Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy.
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy.
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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19
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Perelló-Reus CM, Rubio-Tomás T, Cisneros-Barroso E, Ibargüen-González L, Segura-Sampedro JJ, Morales-Soriano R, Barceló C. Challenges in precision medicine in pancreatic cancer: A focus in cancer stem cells and microbiota. Front Oncol 2022; 12:995357. [PMID: 36531066 PMCID: PMC9751445 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.995357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease, with the lowest 5-years survival rate of all cancers due to late diagnosis. Despite the advance and success of precision oncology in gastrointestinal cancers, the frequency of molecular-informed therapy decisions in PDAC is currently neglectable. The reasons for this dismal situation are mainly the absence of effective early diagnostic biomarkers and therapy resistance. PDAC cancer stem cells (PDAC-SC), which are regarded as essential for tumor initiation, relapse and drug resistance, are highly dependent on their niche i.e. microanatomical structures of the tumor microenvironment. There is an altered microbiome in PDAC patients embedded within the highly desmoplastic tumor microenvironment, which is known to determine therapeutic responses and affecting survival in PDAC patients. We consider that understanding the communication network that exists between the microbiome and the PDAC-SC niche by co-culture of patient-derived organoids (PDOs) with TME microbiota would recapitulate the complexity of PDAC paving the way towards a precision oncology treatment-response prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina M. Perelló-Reus
- Translational Pancreatic Cancer Oncogenesis Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | | | - Lesly Ibargüen-González
- Translational Pancreatic Cancer Oncogenesis Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juan José Segura-Sampedro
- Advanced Oncological Surgery, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- General and Digestive Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, School of Medicine, Balearic Islands Health Research Institute, University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Rafael Morales-Soriano
- Advanced Oncological Surgery, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- General and Digestive Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, School of Medicine, Balearic Islands Health Research Institute, University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Carles Barceló
- Translational Pancreatic Cancer Oncogenesis Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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20
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Lu X, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Lu T, Yang H, Yang W, Pang B, Yang C. RNF26 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Proliferation by Enhancing RBM38 Degradation. Pancreas 2022; 51:1427-1433. [PMID: 37099788 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES RING finger protein 26 (RNF26) plays an essential role in determining malignant tumor growth, whereas the role of which in pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the role of RNF26 in PC cells. METHODS The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was applied to study the role of RNF26 in malignant tumors. The in vitro or in vivo cell proliferation assays were used to investigate the role of RNF26 on the PC. The protein-protein interaction network analysis was used to search the binding partner of RNF26. The Western blot was used to reveal whether RNF26 promoted RNA binding motif protein-38 (RBM38) degradation in PC cells. RESULTS The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis tool showed that RNF26 was overexpressed in PC. Repressing RNF26 expression decreased PC cells growth, but overexpression of RNF26 increased PC proliferation. Furthermore, we demonstrated RNF26 degraded RBM38 to promote PC cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS RNF26 was abnormally increased in PC, and upregulated RNF26 was correlated with a poor prognosis. RNF26 enhanced PC proliferation by inducing RBM38 degradation. We identified a novel RNF26-RBM28 axis involved in the progression of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Lu
- From the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery
| | - Yu Zhang
- From the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery
| | - Yilei Wu
- Department of Medical Records Statistics
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21
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Laurella LC, Mirakian NT, Garcia MN, Grasso DH, Sülsen VP, Papademetrio DL. Sesquiterpene Lactones as Promising Candidates for Cancer Therapy: Focus on Pancreatic Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:3492. [PMID: 35684434 PMCID: PMC9182036 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive disease which confers to patients a poor prognosis at short term. PDAC is the fourth leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world. The rate of new cases of pancreatic cancer (incidence) is 10 per 100,000 but present a 5-year survival of less than 10%, highlighting the poor prognosis of this pathology. Furthermore, 90% of advanced PDAC tumor present KRAS mutations impacting in several oncogenic signaling pathways, many of them associated with cell proliferation and tumor progression. Different combinations of chemotherapeutic agents have been tested over the years without an improvement of significance in its treatment. PDAC remains as one the more challenging biomedical topics thus far. The lack of a proper early diagnosis, the notable mortality statistics and the poor outcome with the available therapies urge the entire scientific community to find novel approaches against PDAC with real improvements in patients' survival and life quality. Natural compounds have played an important role in the process of discovery and development of new drugs. Among them, terpenoids, such as sesquiterpene lactones, stand out due to their biological activities and pharmacological potential as antitumor agents. In this review, we will describe the sesquiterpene lactones with in vitro and in vivo activity against pancreatic tumor cells. We will also discuss the mechanism of action of the compounds as well as the signaling pathways associated with their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cecilia Laurella
- Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 2, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Nadia Talin Mirakian
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Maria Noé Garcia
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 4, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Daniel Héctor Grasso
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 4, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Cátedra de Fisiopatología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina
| | - Valeria Patricia Sülsen
- Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 2, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Daniela Laura Papademetrio
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 4, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
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22
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Roalsø MTT, Hald ØH, Alexeeva M, Søreide K. Emerging Role of Epigenetic Alterations as Biomarkers and Novel Targets for Treatments in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030546. [PMID: 35158814 PMCID: PMC8833770 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic alterations cause changes in gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence and are found to affect several molecular pathways in pancreatic tumors. Such changes are reversible, making them potential drug targets. Furthermore, epigenetic alterations occur early in the disease course and may thus be explored for early detection. Hence, a deeper understanding of epigenetics in pancreatic cancer may lead to improved diagnostics, treatments, and prognostication. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited treatment options. Emerging evidence shows that epigenetic alterations are present in PDAC. The changes are potentially reversible and therefore promising therapeutic targets. Epigenetic aberrations also influence the tumor microenvironment with the potential to modulate and possibly enhance immune-based treatments. Epigenetic marks can also serve as diagnostic screening tools, as epigenetic changes occur at early stages of the disease. Further, epigenetics can be used in prognostication. The field is evolving, and this review seeks to provide an updated overview of the emerging role of epigenetics in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus T. T. Roalsø
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway;
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Øyvind H. Hald
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Marina Alexeeva
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kjetil Søreide
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence:
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