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Consoli V, Sorrenti V, Gulisano M, Spampinato M, Vanella L. Navigating heme pathways: the breach of heme oxygenase and hemin in breast cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-05119-5. [PMID: 39287890 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05119-5] [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: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with diverse subtypes and complex molecular mechanisms underlying its development and progression. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in breast cancer research, with a focus on classification, molecular pathways, and the role of heme oxygenases (HO), heme metabolism implications, and therapeutic innovations. The classification of breast cancer subtypes based on molecular profiling has significantly improved diagnosis and treatment strategies, allowing for tailored approaches to patient care. Molecular studies have elucidated key signaling pathways and biomarkers implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis, shedding light on potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Notably, emerging evidence suggests a critical role for heme oxygenases, particularly HO-1, in breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding heme metabolism in cancer biology. Furthermore, this review highlights recent advances in breast cancer therapy, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and novel drug delivery systems. Understanding the complex interplay between breast cancer subtypes, molecular pathways, and innovative therapeutic approaches is essential for improving patient outcomes and developing more effective treatment strategies in the fight against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Consoli
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- CERNUT - Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- CERNUT - Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Gulisano
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariarita Spampinato
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
- CERNUT - Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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2
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Jang Y, Kang S, Han H, Kang CM, Cho NH, Kim BG. Fibrosis-Encapsulated Tumoroid, A Solid Cancer Assembloid Model for Cancer Research and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2402391. [PMID: 39233539 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202402391] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Peritumoral fibrosis is known to promote cancer progression and confer treatment resistance in various solid tumors. Consequently, developing accurate cancer research and drug screening models that replicate the structure and function of a fibrosis-surrounded tumor mass is imperative. Previous studies have shown that self-assembly three-dimensional (3D) co-cultures primarily produce cancer-encapsulated fibrosis or maintain a fibrosis-encapsulated tumor mass for a short period, which is inadequate to replicate the function of fibrosis, particularly as a physical barrier. To address this limitation, a multi-layer spheroid formation method is developed to create a fibrosis-encapsulated tumoroid (FET) structure that maintains structural stability for up to 14 days. FETs exhibited faster tumor growth, higher expression of immunosuppressive cytokines, and equal or greater resistance to anticancer drugs compared to their parental tumoroids. Additionally, FETs serve as a versatile model for traditional cancer research, enabling the study of exosomal miRNA and gene functions, as well as for mechanobiology research when combined with alginate hydrogel. Our findings suggest that the FET represents an advanced model that more accurately mimics solid cancer tissue with peritumoral fibrosis. It may show potential superiority over self-assembly-based 3D co-cultures for cancer research and drug screening, and holds promise for personalized drug selection in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonsue Jang
- Department of Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Suki Kang
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunho Han
- Department of Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Moo Kang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Hoon Cho
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Baek Gil Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
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3
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Tezcan G, Yakar N, Hasturk H, Van Dyke TE, Kantarci A. Resolution of chronic inflammation and cancer. Periodontol 2000 2024. [PMID: 39177291 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation poses challenges to effective cancer treatment. Although anti-inflammatory therapies have shown short-term benefits, their long-term implications may be unfavorable because they fail to initiate the necessary inflammatory responses. Recent research underscores the promise of specialized pro-resolving mediators, which play a role in modulating the cancer microenvironment by promoting the resolution of initiated inflammatory processes and restoring tissue hemostasis. This review addresses current insights into how inflammation contributes to cancer pathogenesis and explores recent strategies to resolve inflammation associated with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcin Tezcan
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Nil Yakar
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hatice Hasturk
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Infection, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas E Van Dyke
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Infection, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alpdogan Kantarci
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Infection, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zahran AM, Rayan A, Saad K, Rezk K, Soliman A, Rizk MA, Mahros AM, Mahran EEM, Bashir MA, Elmasry HM, Zahran ZAM, Ibrahim AK, Fageeh MM, Gamal DA. A Complex Interplay of Tumor Microenvironment Could Enhance Cholangiocarcinoma Progression Even After Surgery: A Prospective Study. J Clin Med Res 2024; 16:363-374. [PMID: 39206103 PMCID: PMC11349130 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr5201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The current study was conducted to explore the impact of macrophages and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) on treatment outcomes and to define the interaction between these factors and the clinicopathologic features of advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients. Methods Twenty-five patients with metastatic CCA were recruited for the current study from El-Rajhi Hospital and the Clinical Oncology Department of Assiut University. Additionally, 19 healthy controls were included. Before the flow cytometric detection of immune cells, the diagnosis and staging of CCA were performed based on surgical intervention, imaging, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) determinations. This was followed by flow cytometric detection of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+PD-1+, CD8+PD-1+, and CD11b+CD68+ macrophages in the peripheral blood of both patients and controls. Results The current results revealed higher levels of CD4+, CD8+, and CD11b+CD68+ macrophages in controls compared to patients. At the same time, PD-1 expression was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. CD4+ was correlated with improved progression-free survival (PFS), while CD8+PD-1 was associated with shorter PFS. In general, CD4+ and CD8+ levels progressively increased with improved response to treatments, differentiation, single organ site metastasis, and surgical interventions. On the contrary, PD-1 expression and macrophages progressively increased with worsening response, dedifferentiation, multiple organ sites, and surgical interventions. The median PFS was 12 months, and the mean ± standard error (SE) was 13.1 ± 1.3. Conclusions CCA has a desmoplastic microenvironment with complex immunologic topography and tumor-reactive stroma. The immune landscape of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in CCA patients before treatment could reflect the state of systemic immune function and response to treatments. Our results revealed that T-lymphocytes correlated with better prognosis while macrophages and PD-1+ expression were associated with poor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M. Zahran
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amal Rayan
- Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khaled Saad
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, 71516 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khalid Rezk
- Surgical Oncology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Soliman
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ahmed Rizk
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Aya Mohammed Mahros
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Infectious Diseases, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Essam-Eldeen M.O. Mahran
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, New Valley University, New Valley, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ahmed Bashir
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Elmasry
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | | | - Mohsen M. Fageeh
- Director of forensic toxicology services, FMSC, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa A. Gamal
- Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Gu X, Zhu Y, Su J, Wang S, Su X, Ding X, Jiang L, Fei X, Zhang W. Lactate-induced activation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and IL-8-mediated macrophage recruitment promote lung cancer progression. Redox Biol 2024; 74:103209. [PMID: 38861833 PMCID: PMC11215341 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103209] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the tumor microenvironment are closely associated with the metabolic phenotype of tumor cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in tumor growth and metastasis. Existing studies have suggested that lactate produced by tumor cells can activate CAFs, yet the precise underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we initially identified that lactate derived from lung cancer cells can promote nuclear translocation of NUSAP1, subsequently leading to the recruitment of the transcriptional complex JUNB-FRA1-FRA2 near the DESMIN promoter and facilitating DESMIN transcriptional activation, thereby promoting CAFs' activation. Moreover, DESMIN-positive CAFs, in turn, secrete IL-8, which recruits TAMs or promotes M2 polarization of macrophages, further contributing to the alterations in the tumor microenvironment and facilitating lung cancer progression. Furthermore, we observed that the use of IL-8 receptor antagonists, SB225002, or Navarixin, significantly reduced TAM infiltration and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 treatment. This finding indicates that inhibiting IL-8R activity can attenuate the impact of CAFs on the tumor microenvironment, thus restraining the progression of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yifei Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jincheng Su
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiangyu Su
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xu Ding
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xiang Fei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Wentian Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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6
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Du G, Dou C, Sun P, Wang S, Liu J, Ma L. Regulatory T cells and immune escape in HCC: understanding the tumor microenvironment and advancing CAR-T cell therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1431211. [PMID: 39136031 PMCID: PMC11317284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1431211] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, which most commonly manifests as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most common cancer in the world. In HCC, the immune system plays a crucial role in the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. HCC achieve immune escape through the tumor microenvironment, which significantly promotes the development of this cancer. Here, this article introduces and summarizes the functions and effects of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment, highlighting how Tregs inhibit and regulate the functions of immune and tumor cells, cytokines, ligands and receptors, etc, thereby promoting tumor immune escape. In addition, it discusses the mechanism of CAR-T therapy for HCC and elaborate on the relationship between CAR-T and Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangtan Du
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cunmiao Dou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Leina Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
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7
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Lindeman SD, Booth OC, Tudi P, Schleinkofer TC, Moss JN, Kearney NB, Mukkamala R, Thompson LK, Modany MA, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. FAP Radioligand Linker Optimization Improves Tumor Dose and Tumor-to-Healthy Organ Ratios in 4T1 Syngeneic Model. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11827-11840. [PMID: 39013156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has attracted considerable attention as a possible target for the radiotherapy of solid tumors. Unfortunately, initial efforts to treat solid tumors with FAP-targeted radionuclides have yielded only modest clinical responses, suggesting that further improvements in the molecular design of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPT) are warranted. In this study, we report several advances on the previously described FAP6 radioligand that increase tumor retention and accelerate healthy tissue clearance. Seven FAP6 derivatives with different linkers or albumin binders were synthesized, radiolabeled, and investigated for their effects on binding and cellular uptake. The radioligands were then characterized in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice using both single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and ex vivo biodistribution analyses to identify the conjugate with the best tumor retention and tumor-to-healthy organ ratios. The results reveal an optimized FAP6 radioligand that exhibits efficacy and safety properties that potentially justify its translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Owen C Booth
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Pooja Tudi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Taylor C Schleinkofer
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jackson N Moss
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nicholas B Kearney
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Lauren K Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mollie A Modany
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
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Zhu Z, Huang J, Zhang Y, Hou W, Chen F, Mo YY, Zhang Z. Landscape of tumoral ecosystem for enhanced anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by gut Akkermansia muciniphila. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114306. [PMID: 38819989 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) has been implicated in impacting immunotherapy or oncogenesis. This study aims to dissect the Akk-associated tumor immune ecosystem (TIME) by single-cell profiling coupled with T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing. We adopted mouse cancer models under anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, combined with oral administration of three forms of Akk, including live Akk, pasteurized Akk (Akk-past), or its membrane protein Amuc_1100 (Amuc). We show that live Akk is most effective in activation of CD8 T cells by rescuing the exhausted type into cytotoxic subpopulations. Remarkably, only live Akk activates MHC-II-pDC pathways, downregulates CXCL3 in Bgn(+)Dcn(+) cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), blunts crosstalk between Bgn(+)Dcn(+) CAFs and PD-L1(+) neutrophils by a CXCL3-PD-L1 axis, and further suppresses the crosstalk between PD-L1(+) neutrophils and CD8 T cells, leading to the rescue of exhausted CD8 T cells. Together, this comprehensive picture of the tumor ecosystem provides deeper insights into immune mechanisms associated with gut Akk-dependent anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuxian Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jianguo Huang
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a division of Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR 97213, USA
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Weiwei Hou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yin-Yuan Mo
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014 , China.
| | - Ziqiang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Pudong Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201399, China.
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9
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Varveri A, Papadopoulou M, Papadovasilakis Z, Compeer EB, Legaki AI, Delis A, Damaskou V, Boon L, Papadogiorgaki S, Samiotaki M, Foukas PG, Eliopoulos AG, Hatzioannou A, Alissafi T, Dustin ML, Verginis P. Immunological synapse formation between T regulatory cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes tumour development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4988. [PMID: 38862534 PMCID: PMC11167033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49282-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as a dominant non-hematopoietic cell population in the tumour microenvironment, serving diverse functions in tumour progression. However, the mechanisms via which CAFs influence the anti-tumour immunity remain poorly understood. Here, using multiple tumour models and biopsies from cancer patients, we report that α-SMA+ CAFs can form immunological synapses with Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumours. Notably, α-SMA+ CAFs can phagocytose and process tumour antigens and exhibit a tolerogenic phenotype which instructs movement arrest, activation and proliferation in Tregs in an antigen-specific manner. Moreover, α-SMA+ CAFs display double-membrane structures resembling autophagosomes in their cytoplasm. Single-cell transcriptomic data showed an enrichment in autophagy and antigen processing/presentation pathways in α-SMA-expressing CAF clusters. Conditional knockout of Atg5 in α-SMA+ CAFs promoted inflammatory re-programming in CAFs, reduced Treg cell infiltration and attenuated tumour development. Overall, our findings reveal an immunosuppressive mechanism entailing the formation of synapses between α-SMA+ CAFs and Tregs in an autophagy-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Varveri
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Miranta Papadopoulou
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Zacharias Papadovasilakis
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ewoud B Compeer
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aigli-Ioanna Legaki
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Delis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileia Damaskou
- 2nd Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Martina Samiotaki
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre Alexander Fleming, Vari, Athens, 166 72, Greece
| | - Periklis G Foukas
- 2nd Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristides G Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Hatzioannou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Themis Alissafi
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael L Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Panayotis Verginis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Rademaekers M, Johansson EO, Johansson E, Roberg K, Wiechec E. Tumor-matched and unmatched cancer associated fibroblasts exhibit differential effect on proliferation and FMOD and MMP9 gene expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells when cocultured in spheroids. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:190. [PMID: 38822309 PMCID: PMC11143562 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03388-0] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major cellular component of the tumor microenvironment and are known to affect tumor growth and response to various treatments. This study was undertaken to investigate the crosstalk between tumor-matched or unmatched CAFs and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells regarding tumor growth and treatment response. METHODS Three HNSCC cell lines (LK0412, LK0902 and LK0923), were cocultured in 2D or in 3D with their tumor-matched CAFs, site matched CAFs from other tumors or normal oral fibroblasts (NOFs). Cell proliferation was assessed as the amount of Ki67 positive cells/ spheroid area in formalin-fixed- paraffin-embedded 3D spheroids stained with Ki67 antibody. Viability after seven days of cisplatin treatment was measured with CellTiter-Glo 3D Viability Assay. The mRNA expression of CAF-associated markers (ACTA2, COL1A2, FAP, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, PDPN, POSTN and S100A4) in CAFs before and after coculture with tumor cells as well as mRNA expression of CAF-induced genes (MMP1, MMP9 and FMOD) in tumor cells separated from CAFs after co-culture was measured with RT-qPCR. The expression of selected protein biomarkers was validated with immunohistochemistry based on previous mRNA expression results. RESULTS The proliferation of the LK0412 and LK0902 tumor spheroids varied significantly when cocultured with different CAFs and NOFs as shown by Ki-67 positive cells. RT‒qPCR analysis revealed different molecular profile of the analyzed HNSCC-derived CAFs concerning the expression of CAF-associated markers. The interaction between CAFs and HNSCC cells was more pronounced after coculture with unmatched CAFs as shown by changes in mRNA expression pattern of CAF-specific markers. Additionally, the unmatched CAFs significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of MMP1, MMP9 and FMOD in tumor cells compared to tumor-matched CAFs. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that tumor-matched CAFs are unique for each tumor and affect the proliferation and the gene/protein expression of tumor cells in a distinct manner. The interaction between tumor unmatched CAFs and HNSCC cells in the tumor spheroids is associated with significant changes in the mRNA expression of CAF-specific markers and significant increases in FMOD and MMP9 in tumor cells compared to when cocultured with tumor-matched CAFs. Taken together, our results show how important the selection of CAFs is to get a reliable in vitro model that mimics the patients' tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Rademaekers
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Emil Oliver Johansson
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ellen Johansson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Roberg
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Emilia Wiechec
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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11
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Sukocheva OA, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova Y, Burcher JT, Chugunova E, Fan R, Tse E, Sethi G, Bishayee A, Liu J. Signaling controversy and future therapeutical perspectives of targeting sphingolipid network in cancer immune editing and resistance to tumor necrosis factor-α immunotherapy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:251. [PMID: 38698424 PMCID: PMC11064425 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01626-6] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer immune surveillance and immunotherapies trigger activation of cytotoxic cytokine signaling, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathways. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α may be secreted by stromal cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and by cancer cells, indicating a prominent role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, tumors manage to adapt, escape immune surveillance, and ultimately develop resistance to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-α. The mechanisms by which cancer cells evade host immunity is a central topic of current cancer research. Resistance to TNF-α is mediated by diverse molecular mechanisms, such as mutation or downregulation of TNF/TRAIL receptors, as well as activation of anti-apoptotic enzymes and transcription factors. TNF-α signaling is also mediated by sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and SphK2), which are responsible for synthesis of the growth-stimulating phospholipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Multiple studies have demonstrated the crucial role of S1P and its transmembrane receptors (S1PR) in both the regulation of inflammatory responses and progression of cancer. Considering that the SphK/S1P/S1PR axis mediates cancer resistance, this sphingolipid signaling pathway is of mechanistic significance when considering immunotherapy-resistant malignancies. However, the exact mechanism by which sphingolipids contribute to the evasion of immune surveillance and abrogation of TNF-α-induced apoptosis remains largely unclear. This study reviews mechanisms of TNF-α-resistance in cancer cells, with emphasis on the pro-survival and immunomodulatory effects of sphingolipids. Inhibition of SphK/S1P-linked pro-survival branch may facilitate reactivation of the pro-apoptotic TNF superfamily effects, although the role of SphK/S1P inhibitors in the regulation of the TME and lymphocyte trafficking should be thoroughly assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Margarita E Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Yulia Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Jack T Burcher
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Elena Chugunova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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12
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Gilbert TM, Randle L, Quinn M, McGreevy O, O'leary L, Young R, Diaz-Neito R, Jones RP, Greenhalf B, Goldring C, Fenwick S, Malik H, Palmer DH. Molecular biology of cholangiocarcinoma and its implications for targeted therapy in patient management. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024:108352. [PMID: 38653586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains a devastating malignancy and a significant challenge to treat. The majority of CCA patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making the disease incurable in most cases. The advent of high-throughput genetic sequencing has significantly improved our understanding of the molecular biology underpinning cancer. The identification of 'druggable' genetic aberrations and the development of novel targeted therapies against them is opening up new treatment strategies. Currently, 3 targeted therapies are approved for use in CCA; Ivosidenib in patients with IDH1 mutations and Infigratinib/Pemigatinib in those with FGFR2 fusions. As our understanding of the biology underpinning CCA continues to improve it is highly likely that additional targeted therapies will become available in the near future. This is important, as it is thought up to 40 % of CCA patients harbour a potentially actionable mutation. In this review we provide an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of CCA and highlight currently available and potential future targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Gilbert
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems Integrative and Molecular Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - L Randle
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems Integrative and Molecular Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - M Quinn
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK
| | - O McGreevy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems Integrative and Molecular Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - L O'leary
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Young
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems Integrative and Molecular Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Diaz-Neito
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK
| | - R P Jones
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems Integrative and Molecular Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - B Greenhalf
- Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - C Goldring
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems Integrative and Molecular Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - S Fenwick
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK
| | - H Malik
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT, Liverpool, UK
| | - D H Palmer
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Liverpool, UK; Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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13
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Huang Q, Ge Y, He Y, Wu J, Tong Y, Shang H, Liu X, Ba X, Xia D, Peng E, Chen Z, Tang K. The Application of Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3333-3365. [PMID: 38617796 PMCID: PMC11012801 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447350] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially in solid tumors. It has been confirmed that it can not only interact with tumor cells to promote cancer progression and metastasis, but also affect the infiltration and function of immune cells to induce chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. So, targeting CAF has been considered an important method in cancer treatment. The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a good perspective to improve the efficiency of targeting CAF. At present, more and more researches have focused on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting CAF. These studies explored the effects of different types of NPs on CAF and the multifunctional nanomedicines that can eliminate CAF are able to enhance the EPR effect which facilitate the anti-tumor effect of themselves. There also exist amounts of studies focusing on using NPs to inhibit the activation and function of CAF to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The application of NPs targeting CAF needs to be based on an understanding of CAF biology. Therefore, in this review, we first summarized the latest progress of CAF biology, then discussed the types of CAF-targeting NPs and the main strategies in the current. The aim is to elucidate the application of NPs in targeting CAF and provide new insights for engineering nanomedicine to enhance immune response in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Wang Y, Li Y, Jing Y, Yang Y, Wang H, Ismtula D, Guo C. Tubulin alpha-1b chain was identified as a prognosis and immune biomarker in pan-cancer combing with experimental validation in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8201. [PMID: 38589634 PMCID: PMC11001892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58982-z] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The α-tubulin subtype, Tubulin α-1b chain (TUBA1B), has been shown to influence immune cell infiltration, cancer growth, and survival across various malignancies. However, a comprehensive study has not yet been undertaken examining the immunological and predictive effects of TUBA1B in a pan-carcinoma context. Using data from TCGA, GEO, and other databases, we analyzed TUBA1B expression across various carcinoma types using transcriptional profiling, prognostic implications, genetic and epigenetic alterations, methylation patterns, and immunological significance. To validate our findings, we conducted Western blot analysis to assess TUBA1B protein levels in matched breast cancer tissue samples and performed CCK-8 proliferation assay, flow cytometry, transwell invasion, and migration assays to comprehensively examine the functional impact of TUBA1B on breast cancer cells. Our pan-cancer analysis found TUBA1B upregulation across most tumor types, with varying expression patterns in distinct immune and molecular subtypes. High TUBA1B expression was an independent risk factor and associated with poor prognoses in several cancers, including BRCA, KICH, LGG, LUAD, and MESO. TUBA1B also demonstrates moderate to high diagnostic accuracy in most tumor types. Increased m6A methylation levels were observed in the TUBA1B gene, while its promoter region displayed low methylation levels. TUBA1B's expression impacted some cancers by elevating tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, neoantigen formation, immune cell infiltration, and the modulation of immune checkpoints. Functional enrichment analysis highlights TUBA1B's involvement in important cellular processes such as the cell cycle, p53 signaling, cell senescence, programmed cell death, and the regulation of immune-related pathways. Moreover, our study reveals higher TUBA1B protein expression in breast cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues. In vitro experiments confirm that TUBA1B deletion reduces breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration while increasing apoptosis. In conclusion, our study suggests that TUBA1B could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker for predicting cancer immunological profiles and survival outcomes and shed light on the expression and role of TUBA1B in breast cancer, providing a solid foundation for considering it as a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Center of Digestive and Vascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Center of Digestive and Vascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Yubo Jing
- Department of Breast Surgery, Center of Digestive and Vascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Yuqi Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Center of Digestive and Vascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Dilimulati Ismtula
- Department of Breast Surgery, Center of Digestive and Vascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Chenming Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Center of Digestive and Vascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China.
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15
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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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Freag MS, Mohammed MT, Kulkarni A, Emam HE, Maremanda KP, Elzoghby AO. Modulating tumoral exosomes and fibroblast phenotype using nanoliposomes augments cancer immunotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3074. [PMID: 38416824 PMCID: PMC10901379 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells program fibroblasts into cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in a two-step manner. First, cancer cells secrete exosomes to program quiescent fibroblasts into activated CAFs. Second, cancer cells maintain the CAF phenotype via activation of signal transduction pathways. We rationalized that inhibiting this two-step process can normalize CAFs into quiescent fibroblasts and augment the efficacy of immunotherapy. We show that cancer cell-targeted nanoliposomes that inhibit sequential steps of exosome biogenesis and release from lung cancer cells block the differentiation of lung fibroblasts into CAFs. In parallel, we demonstrate that CAF-targeted nanoliposomes that block two distinct nodes in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can reverse activate CAFs into quiescent fibroblasts. Co-administration of both nanoliposomes significantly improves the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and enhances the antitumor efficacy of αPD-L1 in immunocompetent lung cancer-bearing mice. Simultaneously blocking the tumoral exosome-mediated activation of fibroblasts and FGFR-Wnt/β-catenin signaling constitutes a promising approach to augment immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- May S. Freag
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Investigative Toxicology, Drug Safety Research and Evaluation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mostafa T. Mohammed
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Anatomical and Clinical Pathology Department, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arpita Kulkarni
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hagar E. Emam
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krishna P. Maremanda
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed O. Elzoghby
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Wu J, Ji H, Li T, Guo H, Xu H, Zhu J, Tian J, Gao M, Wang X, Zhang A. Targeting the prostate tumor microenvironment by plant-derived natural products. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111011. [PMID: 38104704 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is among the most common malignancies for men, with limited therapy options for last stages of the tumor. There are some different options for treatment and control of prostate tumor growth. However, targeting some specific molecules and cells within tumors has been attracted interests in recent years. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has an important role in the initiation of various malignancies, which can also expand the progression of tumor and facilitate invasion of malignant cells. By regulating immune responses and distinct changes in the metabolism of cells in the tumor, TME has substantial effects in the resistance of cancer cells to therapy. TME in various solid cancers like prostate cancer includes various cells, including cancer cells, supportive stromal cells, immunosuppressive cells, and anticancer inflammatory cells. Natural products including herbal-derived agents and also other natural compounds have been well studied for their anti-tumor potentials. These compounds may modulate various signaling pathways involved in TME, such as immune responses, the metabolism of cells, epigenetics, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM). This paper provides a review of the current knowledge of prostate TME and complex interactions in this environment. Additionally, the potential use of natural products and also nanoparticles loaded with natural products as therapeutic adjuvants on different cells and therapeutic targets within prostate TME will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Haifeng Guo
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - HaiFei Xu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Jiale Tian
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Mingde Gao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China.
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The operating room of Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China.
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18
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Łabędź N, Anisiewicz A, Stachowicz-Suhs M, Banach J, Kłopotowska D, Maciejczyk A, Gazińska P, Piotrowska A, Dzięgiel P, Matkowski R, Wietrzyk J. Dual effect of vitamin D 3 on breast cancer-associated fibroblasts. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:209. [PMID: 38360633 PMCID: PMC10868064 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11961-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Despite the well-known in vitro antitumoral effect of vitamin D3 (VD3), its impact on breast CAFs is almost unknown. In this study, we analyzed the ex vivo effects of calcitriol on CAFs isolated from breast cancer tissues. METHODS CAFs were cultured with 1 and 10 nM calcitriol and their phenotype; gene expression, protein expression, and secretion were assessed. Calcitriol-treated CAFs-conditioned media (CM) were used to analyze the effect of CAFs on the migration and protein expression of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. RESULTS Tumor tissues from VD3-deficient patients exhibited lower levels of β-catenin and TGFβ1, along with higher levels of CYP24A1 compared to VD3-normal patients. In VD3-deficient patients, CAF infiltration was inversely associated with CYP24A1 levels and positively correlated with OPN levels. Calcitriol diminished CAFs' viability, but this effect was weaker in premenopausal and VD3-normal patients. Calcitriol reduced mRNA expression of CCL2, MMP9, TNC, and increased PDPN, SPP1, and TIMP1. It also decreased the secretion of CCL2, TNC, and the activity of MMP-2, while increasing cellular levels of TIMP1 in CAFs from all patient groups. In nonmetastatic and postmenopausal patients, PDPN surface expression increased, and CAFs CM from these groups decreased MCF-7 cell migration after ex vivo calcitriol treatment. In premenopausal and VD3-deficient patients, calcitriol reduced IDO1 expression in CAFs. Calcitriol-treated CAFs CM from these patients decreased OPN expression in MCF-7 and/or MDA-MB-231 cells. However, in premenopausal patients, calcitriol-treated CAFs CM also decreased E-cadherin expression in both cell lines. CONCLUSION The effects of calcitriol on breast CAFs, both at the gene and protein levels, are complex, reflecting the immunosuppressive or procancer properties of CAFs. The anticancer polarization of CAFs following ex vivo calcitriol treatment may result from decreased CCL2, TNC (gene and protein), MMP9, and MMP-2, while the opposite effect may result from increased PDPN, TIMP1 (gene and protein), and SPP1. Despite these multifaceted effects of calcitriol on molecule expression, CAFs' CMs from nonmetastatic and postmenopausal patients treated ex vivo with calcitriol decreased the migration of MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Łabędź
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland.
- Łukasiewicz Research Network-PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Stabłowicka 147, 54-066, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Artur Anisiewicz
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Stachowicz-Suhs
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Banach
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Kłopotowska
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Adam Maciejczyk
- Department of Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Pl. Ludwika Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wroclaw, Poland
- Lower Silesian Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology Center, Pl. Ludwika Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Gazińska
- Łukasiewicz Research Network-PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Stabłowicka 147, 54-066, Wrocław, Poland
- Research Oncology, Division of Cancer Studies, Great Maze Pond, King's College London, London, SE1 3SS, UK
| | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul., Chałubińskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul., Chałubińskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Pl. Ludwika Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wroclaw, Poland
- Lower Silesian Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology Center, Pl. Ludwika Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Wietrzyk
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
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19
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Teisseire M, Giuliano S, Pagès G. Combination of Anti-Angiogenics and Immunotherapies in Renal Cell Carcinoma Show Their Limits: Targeting Fibrosis to Break through the Glass Ceiling? Biomedicines 2024; 12:385. [PMID: 38397987 PMCID: PMC10886484 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020385] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores treating metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) through current therapeutic modalities-anti-angiogenic therapies and immunotherapies. While these approaches represent the forefront, their limitations and variable patient responses highlight the need to comprehend underlying resistance mechanisms. We specifically investigate the role of fibrosis, prevalent in chronic kidney disease, influencing tumour growth and treatment resistance. Our focus extends to unravelling the intricate interplay between fibrosis, immunotherapy resistance, and the tumour microenvironment for effective therapy development. The analysis centres on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), revealing its multifaceted role in ccRCC-promoting fibrosis, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. We discuss the potential of targeting CTGF to address the problem of fibrosis in ccRCC. Emphasising the crucial relationship between fibrosis and the immune system in ccRCC, we propose that targeting CTGF holds promise for overcoming obstacles to cancer treatment. However, we recognise that an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms and potential limitations is imperative and, therefore, advocate for further research. This is an essential prerequisite for the successful integration of CTGF-targeted therapies into the clinical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandy Giuliano
- University Cote d’Azur (UCA), Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France;
| | - Gilles Pagès
- University Cote d’Azur (UCA), Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France;
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20
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Ganier C, Mazin P, Herrera-Oropeza G, Du-Harpur X, Blakeley M, Gabriel J, Predeus AV, Cakir B, Prete M, Harun N, Darrigrand JF, Haiser A, Wyles S, Shaw T, Teichmann SA, Haniffa M, Watt FM, Lynch MD. Multiscale spatial mapping of cell populations across anatomical sites in healthy human skin and basal cell carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313326120. [PMID: 38165934 PMCID: PMC10786309 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313326120] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of how human skin cells differ according to anatomical site and tumour formation is limited. To address this, we have created a multiscale spatial atlas of healthy skin and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), incorporating in vivo optical coherence tomography, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial global transcriptional profiling, and in situ sequencing. Computational spatial deconvolution and projection revealed the localisation of distinct cell populations to specific tissue contexts. Although cell populations were conserved between healthy anatomical sites and in BCC, mesenchymal cell populations including fibroblasts and pericytes retained signatures of developmental origin. Spatial profiling and in silico lineage tracing support a hair follicle origin for BCC and demonstrate that cancer-associated fibroblasts are an expansion of a POSTN+ subpopulation associated with hair follicles in healthy skin. RGS5+ pericytes are also expanded in BCC suggesting a role in vascular remodelling. We propose that the identity of mesenchymal cell populations is regulated by signals emanating from adjacent structures and that these signals are repurposed to promote the expansion of skin cancer stroma. The resource we have created is publicly available in an interactive format for the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Ganier
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Pavel Mazin
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Herrera-Oropeza
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, LondonSE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Xinyi Du-Harpur
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, LondonNW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Blakeley
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Jeyrroy Gabriel
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander V. Predeus
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Batuhan Cakir
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Prete
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Nasrat Harun
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Francois Darrigrand
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Haiser
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Saranya Wyles
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN55905
| | - Tanya Shaw
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, King’s College London, LondonSE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon TyneNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon TyneNE1 4LP, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M. Watt
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- Directors’ Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg69117, Germany
| | - Magnus D. Lynch
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
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21
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Pannunzio S, Di Bello A, Occhipinti D, Scala A, Messina G, Valente G, Quirino M, Di Salvatore M, Tortora G, Cassano A. Multimodality treatment in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: current therapy, challenges, and future perspectives. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1288695. [PMID: 38239635 PMCID: PMC10794486 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1288695] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a complex group of diseases that presents a challenge to the clinician. The prognosis in the recurrent/metastatic disease is particularly dismal, with a median survival of approximately 12 months. Recently, the personalized and multimodal approach has increased prognosis by integrating locoregional strategies (salvage surgery and stereotactic radiotherapy) and systemic treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and target therapy). Malnutrition is a significant clinical problem that interferes with dose intensity, and thus, feeding supplementation is critical not only to increase the quality of life but also to improve overall survival. With this review, we want to emphasize the importance of the multidisciplinary approach, quality of life, and nutritional supportive care and to integrate the latest updates of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy and future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Pannunzio
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Armando Di Bello
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Denis Occhipinti
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scala
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Gloria Messina
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Giustina Valente
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Michela Quirino
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Di Salvatore
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassano
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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22
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Liu Q, Zhu J, Huang Z, Zhang X, Yang J. Identification of Novel Cuproptosis-Related Genes Mediating the Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Cholangiocarcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241239139. [PMID: 38613350 PMCID: PMC11015765 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241239139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cuproptosis is a novel type of mediated cell death strongly associated with the progression of several cancers and has been implicated as a potential therapeutic target. However, the role of cuproptosis in cholangiocarcinoma for prognostic prediction, subgroup classification, and therapeutic strategies remains largely unknown. METHODS A systematic analysis was conducted among 146 cuproptosis-related genes and clinical information based on independent mRNA and protein datasets to elucidate the potential mechanisms and prognostic prediction value of cuproptosis-related genes. A 10-cuproptosis-related gene prediction model was constructed, and its effects on cholangiocarcinoma prognosis were significantly connected to poor patient survival. Additionally, the expression patterns of our model included genes that were validated with several cholangiocarcinoma cancer cell lines and a normal biliary epithelial cell line. RESULTS First, a 10-cuproptosis-related gene signature (ADAM9, ADAM17, ALB, AQP1, CDK1, MT2A, PAM, SOD3, STEAP3, and TMPRSS6) displayed excellent predictive performance for the overall survival of cholangiocarcinoma. The low-cuproptosis group had a significantly better prognosis than the high-cuproptosis group with transcriptome and protein cohorts. Second, compared with the high-risk and low-risk groups, the 2 groups displayed distinct tumor microenvironments, reduced proportions of endothelial cells, and increased levels of cancer-associated fibroblasts based on CIBERSORTx and EPIC analyses. Third, patients' sensitivities to chemotherapeutic drugs and immune checkpoints revealed distinctive differences between the 2 groups. Finally, in replicating the expression patterns of the 10 genes, these results were validated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results validating the abnormal expression pattern of the target genes in cholangiocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we established and verified an effective prognostic model that could separate cholangiocarcinoma patients into 2 heterogeneous cuproptosis subtypes based on the molecular or protein characteristics of 10 cuproptosis-related genes. These findings may provide potential benefits for unveiling molecular characteristics and defining subgroups could improve the early diagnosis and individualized treatment of cholangiocarcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Zhu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Huang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Baghy K, Ladányi A, Reszegi A, Kovalszky I. Insights into the Tumor Microenvironment-Components, Functions and Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17536. [PMID: 38139365 PMCID: PMC10743805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417536] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Similarly to our healthy organs, the tumor tissue also constitutes an ecosystem. This implies that stromal cells acquire an altered phenotype in tandem with tumor cells, thereby promoting tumor survival. Cancer cells are fueled by abnormal blood vessels, allowing them to develop and proliferate. Tumor-associated fibroblasts adapt their cytokine and chemokine production to the needs of tumor cells and alter the peritumoral stroma by generating more collagen, thereby stiffening the matrix; these processes promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor cell invasion. Chronic inflammation and the mobilization of pro-tumorigenic inflammatory cells further facilitate tumor expansion. All of these events can impede the effective administration of tumor treatment; so, the successful inhibition of tumorous matrix remodeling could further enhance the success of antitumor therapy. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made with the introduction of novel immunotherapy that targets the inhibitory mechanisms of T cell activation. However, extensive research is also being conducted on the stromal components and other cell types of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Baghy
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Reszegi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ilona Kovalszky
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
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25
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Abou Khouzam R, Janji B, Thiery J, Zaarour RF, Chamseddine AN, Mayr H, Savagner P, Kieda C, Gad S, Buart S, Lehn JM, Limani P, Chouaib S. Hypoxia as a potential inducer of immune tolerance, tumor plasticity and a driver of tumor mutational burden: Impact on cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:104-123. [PMID: 38029865 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.008] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
In cancer patients, immune cells are often functionally compromised due to the immunosuppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) which contribute to the failures in cancer therapies. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that developing tumors adapt to the immunological environment and create a local microenvironment that impairs immune function by inducing immune tolerance and invasion. In this context, microenvironmental hypoxia, which is an established hallmark of solid tumors, significantly contributes to tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance through the induction of tumor plasticity/heterogeneity and, more importantly, through the differentiation and expansion of immune-suppressive stromal cells. We and others have provided evidence indicating that hypoxia also drives genomic instability in cancer cells and interferes with DNA damage response and repair suggesting that hypoxia could be a potential driver of tumor mutational burden. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on how hypoxic stress in the TME impacts tumor angiogenesis, heterogeneity, plasticity, and immune resistance, with a special interest in tumor immunogenicity and hypoxia targeting. An integrated understanding of the complexity of the effect of hypoxia on the immune and microenvironmental components could lead to the identification of better adapted and more effective combinational strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Clearly, the discovery and validation of therapeutic targets derived from the hypoxic tumor microenvironment is of major importance and the identification of critical hypoxia-associated pathways could generate targets that are undeniably attractive for combined cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Bassam Janji
- Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, 6A, rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg city, Luxembourg.
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ali N Chamseddine
- Gastroenterology Department, Cochin University Hospital, Université de Paris, APHP, Paris, France; Ambroise Paré - Hartmann Private Hospital Group, Oncology Unit, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
| | - Hemma Mayr
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre Savagner
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; Centre for Molecular Biophysics, UPR 4301 CNRS, 45071 Orleans, France; Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sophie Gad
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE), Paris Sciences Lettres University (PSL), 75014 Paris, France; UMR CNRS 9019, Genome Integrity and Cancers, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France.
| | - Stéphanie Buart
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Lehn
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Perparim Limani
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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26
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Kim E. Tumor Immune Microenvironment as a New Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. Dev Reprod 2023; 27:167-174. [PMID: 38292233 PMCID: PMC10824567 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2023.27.4.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is driven by a multistep and long-term process. Because current therapeutic strategies are limited for HCC patients, there are increasing demands for understanding of immunotherapy, which has made technological and conceptual innovations in the treatment of cancer. Here, I discuss HCC immunotherapy in the view of interaction between liver resident cells and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjeong Kim
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life
Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu
41566, Korea
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27
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Hekmatirad S, Moloudizargari M, Fallah M, Rahimi A, Poortahmasebi V, Asghari MH. Cancer-associated immune cells and their modulation by melatonin. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:788-801. [PMID: 37489565 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2239489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rapidly growing evidence suggests that immune cells play a key role in determining tumor progression. Tumor cells are surrounded by a microenvironment composed of different cell populations including immune cells. The cross talk between tumor cells and the neighboring microenvironment is an important factor to take into account while designing tumor therapies. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy strategies, a relatively small proportion of patients have successfully responded to them. Therefore, the search for safe and efficient drugs, which could be used alongside conventional therapies to boost the immune system against tumors, is an ongoing need. In the present work, the modulatory effects of melatonin on different components of tumor immune microenvironment are reviewed. METHODS A thorough literature review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All published papers in English on tumor immune microenvironment and the relevant modulatory effects of melatonin were scrutinized. RESULTS Melatonin modulates macrophage polarization and prevents M2 induction. Moreover, it prevents the conversion of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and prevents cancer cell stemness. In addition, it can affect the payload composition of tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) and their secretion levels to favor a more effective anti-tumor immune response. Melatonin is a safe molecule that affects almost all components of the tumor immune microenvironment and prevents them from being negatively affected by the tumor. CONCLUSION Based on the effects of melatonin on normal cells, tumor cells and microenvironment components, it could be an efficient compound to be used in combination with conventional immune-targeted therapies to increase their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Hekmatirad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marjan Fallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Atena Rahimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Yuan D, Zheng BW, Zheng BY, Niu HQ, Zou MX, Liu SL, Liu FS. Global cluster analysis and network visualization in cancer-associated fibroblast: insights from Web of Science database from 1999 to 2021. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:549. [PMID: 38031121 PMCID: PMC10685623 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01527-3] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A scientific and comprehensive analysis of the current status and trends in the field of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) research is worth investigating. This study aims to investigate and visualize the development, research frontiers, and future trends in CAFs both quantitatively and qualitatively based on a bibliometric approach. METHODS A total of 5518 publications were downloaded from the Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection from 1999 to 2021 and identified for bibliometric analysis. Visualized approaches, OriginPro (version 9.8.0.200) and R (version 4.2.0) software tools were used to perform bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis. RESULTS The number of publications on CAFs increased each year, and the same tendency was observed in the RRI. Apart from China, the countries with the largest number of publications and the most cited frequency were mainly Western developed countries, especially the USA. Cancers was the journal with the largest number of articles published in CAFs, and Oncology was the most popular research orientation. The most productive author was Lisanti MP, and the University of Texas System was ranked first in the institutions. In addition, the topics of CAFs could be divided into five categories, including tumor classification, prognostic study, oncologic therapies, tumor metabolism and tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS This is the first thoroughly scientific bibliometric analysis and visualized study of the global research field on CAFs over the past 20 years. The study may provide benefits for researchers to master CAFs' dynamic evolution and research trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo-Wen Zheng
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Bo-Yv Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Hua-Qing Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Ming-Xiang Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Song-Lin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Fu-Sheng Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Aizaz M, Khan A, Khan F, Khan M, Musad Saleh EA, Nisar M, Baran N. The cross-talk between macrophages and tumor cells as a target for cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1259034. [PMID: 38033495 PMCID: PMC10682792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1259034] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages represent an important component of the innate immune system. Under physiological conditions, macrophages, which are essential phagocytes, maintain a proinflammatory response and repair damaged tissue. However, these processes are often impaired upon tumorigenesis, in which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) protect and support the growth, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells and promote suppression of antitumor immunity. TAM abundance is closely associated with poor outcome of cancer, with impediment of chemotherapy effectiveness and ultimately a dismal therapy response and inferior overall survival. Thus, cross-talk between cancer cells and TAMs is an important target for immune checkpoint therapies and metabolic interventions, spurring interest in it as a therapeutic vulnerability for both hematological cancers and solid tumors. Furthermore, targeting of this cross-talk has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment with the antibody against CD47 protein, a critical macrophage checkpoint recognized as the "don't eat me" signal, as well as other metabolism-focused strategies. Therapies targeting CD47 constitute an important milestone in the advancement of anticancer research and have had promising effects on not only phagocytosis activation but also innate and adaptive immune system activation, effectively counteracting tumor cells' evasion of therapy as shown in the context of myeloid cancers. Targeting of CD47 signaling is only one of several possibilities to reverse the immunosuppressive and tumor-protective tumor environment with the aim of enhancing the antitumor response. Several preclinical studies identified signaling pathways that regulate the recruitment, polarization, or metabolism of TAMs. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of macrophages in cancer progression and the mechanisms by which they communicate with tumor cells. Additionally, we dissect various therapeutic strategies developed to target macrophage-tumor cell cross-talk, including modulation of macrophage polarization, blockade of signaling pathways, and disruption of physical interactions between leukemia cells and macrophages. Finally, we highlight the challenges associated with tumor hypoxia and acidosis as barriers to effective cancer therapy and discuss opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aizaz
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Aakif Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maria Khan
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Science, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryum Nisar
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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31
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Gao D, Fang L, Liu C, Yang M, Yu X, Wang L, Zhang W, Sun C, Zhuang J. Microenvironmental regulation in tumor progression: Interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115622. [PMID: 37783155 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115622] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the "soil" on which tumor cells grow, has an important role in regulating the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells as well as their response to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant stromal cells of the TME, can not only directly alter the immunosuppressive effect of the TME through their own metabolism, but also influence the aggregation and function of immune cells by secreting a large number of cytokines and chemokines, reducing the body's immune surveillance of tumor cells and making them more prone to immune escape. Our study provides a comprehensive review of fibroblast chemotaxis, malignant transformation, metabolic characteristics, and interactions with immune cells. In addition, the current small molecule drugs targeting CAFs have been summarized, including both natural small molecules and targeted drugs for current clinical therapeutic applications. A complete review of the role of fibroblasts in TME from an immune perspective is presented, which has important implications in improving the efficiency of immunotherapy by targeting fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Liguang Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Longyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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32
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Akshaya RL, Saranya I, Selvamurugan N. MicroRNAs mediated interaction of tumor microenvironment cells with breast cancer cells during bone metastasis. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:910-925. [PMID: 37578597 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) bone metastasis is primarily osteolytic and has limited therapeutic options. Metastasized BC cells prime the secondary environment in bone by forming a tumor niche, which favors their homing and colonization. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is primarily generated by the cancer cells. Bone TME is an intricate network of multiple cells, including altered bone, tumor, stromal, and immune cells. Recent findings highlight the significance of small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in influencing TME during tumor metastasis. MiRNAs from TME-resident cells facilitate the interaction between the tumor and its microenvironment, thereby regulating the biological processes of tumors. These miRNAs can serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Hence, both miRNA inhibitors and mimics are extensively utilized in pre-clinical trials for modulating the phenotypes of tumor cells and associated stromal cells. This review briefly summarizes the recent developments on the functional role of miRNAs secreted directly or indirectly from the TME-resident cells in facilitating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. This information would be beneficial in developing novel targeted therapies for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Akshaya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - I Saranya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Selvamurugan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Wu Y, Ren L, Tang Y, Zhu Z, Liu S, Jiang Y, Zhang S, Zhuang X, Chen Y. Immunobiological signatures and the emerging role of SPP1 in predicting tumor heterogeneity, malignancy, and clinical outcomes in stomach adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11588-11610. [PMID: 37889539 PMCID: PMC10637809 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy, as a form of immunobiological therapy, represents a promising approach for enhancing patients' immune responses. This work aims to present innovative ideas and insights for prognostic assessment and clinical treatment of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) by leveraging immunobiological signatures. METHODS We employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and unsupervised clustering analysis to identify hub genes. These hub genes were utilized to construct a prognostic risk model, and their impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and DNA variations was assessed using large-scale STAD patient cohorts. Additionally, we conducted transfection experiments with plasmids to investigate the influence of SPP1 on the malignancy of HGC27 and NCI-N87 cells. RESULTS Unsupervised clustering of 12 immune-related genes (IRGs) revealed three distinct alteration patterns with unique molecular phenotypes, clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis, and TME features. Using LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses, we identified three hub genes (MMP12, SPP1, PLAU) from the IRGs to establish a risk signature. This IRG-related risk model significantly stratified the prognosis risk among STAD patients in the training (n = 522), testing (n = 521), and validation (n = 300) cohorts. Notably, there were discernible differences in therapy responses and TME characteristics, such as tumor purity and lymphocyte infiltration, between the risk model groups. Subsequently, a nomogram that incorporates the IRG signature and clinicopathological factors demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity in predicting outcomes for STAD patients. Furthermore, down-regulation of SPP1, as observed after siRNA transfection, significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration abilities of HGC27 and NCI-N87 cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study highlights the critical role of immune-related signatures in STAD and offers novel insights into prognosis indicators and immunotherapeutic targets for this condition. SPP1 emerges as an independent prognostic factor for STAD and appears to regulate STAD progression by influencing the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rudong People’s Hospital, Rudong Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lingyu Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rudong People’s Hospital, Rudong Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yichun Tang
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Nantong Tumor Hospital and Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Nantong Tumor Hospital and Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shifan Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Engineering Training Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Siming Zhang
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Nantong Tumor Hospital and Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaocan Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rudong People’s Hospital, Rudong Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanbiao Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
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Tajaldini M, Poorkhani A, Amiriani T, Amiriani A, Javid H, Aref P, Ahmadi F, Sadani S, Khori V. Strategy of targeting the tumor microenvironment via inhibition of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling new era to cancer chemo-immunotherapy resistance. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:175991. [PMID: 37619785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The use of repurposing drugs that may have neoplastic and anticancer effects increases the efficiency and decrease resistance to chemotherapy drugs through a biochemical and mechanical transduction mechanisms through modulation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling in tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling plays a vital role in mediating cancer metastasis and drug resistance after immune chemotherapy. The most essential hypothesis for induction of chemo-immunotherapy resistance is via activation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling and preventing the infiltration of T cells after is mainly due to the interference between cytoskeleton, mechanical, biochemical, metabolic, vascular, and remodeling signaling pathways in TME. The structural components of the tumor that can be targeted in the fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling include the depletion of the TME components, targeting the cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor associated macrophages, alleviating the mechanical stress within the ECM, and normalizing the blood vessels. It has also been found that during immune-chemotherapy, TME injury and fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling causes the up-regulation of inhibitory signals and down-regulation of activated signals, which results in immune escape or chemo-resistance of the tumor. In this regard, repurposing or neo-adjuvant drugs with various transduction signaling mechanisms, including anti-fibrotic effects, are used to target the TME and fibroblast/fibrosis signaling pathway such as angiotensin 2, transforming growth factor-beta, physical barriers of the TME, cytokines and metabolic factors which finally led to the reverse of the chemo-resistance. Consistent to many repurposing drugs such as pirfenidone, metformin, losartan, tranilast, dexamethasone and pentoxifylline are used to decrease immune-suppression by abrogation of TME inhibitory signal that stimulates the immune system and increases efficiency and reduces resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To overcome immunosuppression based on fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling, in this review, we focus on inhibitory signal transduction, which is the physical barrier, alleviates mechanical stress and prevents mechano-metabolic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Tajaldini
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhoushang Poorkhani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciencess, Catastega Institue of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parham Aref
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Farahnazsadat Ahmadi
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Sadani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Vahid Khori
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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Salminen A. The role of immunosuppressive myofibroblasts in the aging process and age-related diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1169-1189. [PMID: 37606688 PMCID: PMC10560181 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-resident fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which control the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibroblasts possess a remarkable plasticity to allow them to adapt to the changes in the microenvironment and thus maintain tissue homeostasis. Several stresses, also those associated with the aging process, convert quiescent fibroblasts into myofibroblasts which not only display fibrogenic properties but also act as immune regulators cooperating both with tissue-resident immune cells and those immune cells recruited into affected tissues. TGF-β cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major inducers of myofibroblast differentiation in pathological conditions either from quiescent fibroblasts or via transdifferentiation from certain other cell types, e.g., macrophages, adipocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells. Intriguingly, TGF-β and ROS are also important signaling mediators between immunosuppressive cells, such as MDSCs, Tregs, and M2 macrophages. It seems that in pathological states, myofibroblasts are able to interact with the immunosuppressive network. There is clear evidence that a low-grade chronic inflammatory state in aging tissues is counteracted by activation of compensatory immunosuppression. Interestingly, common enhancers of the aging process, such as oxidative stress, loss of DNA integrity, and inflammatory insults, are inducers of myofibroblasts, whereas anti-aging treatments with metformin and rapamycin suppress the differentiation of myofibroblasts and thus prevent age-related tissue fibrosis. I will examine the reciprocal interactions between myofibroblasts and immunosuppressive cells within aging tissues. It seems that the differentiation of myofibroblasts with age-related harmful stresses enhances the activity of the immunosuppressive network which promotes tissue fibrosis and degeneration in elderly individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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36
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Afify SM, Hassan G, Zahra MH, Nawara HM, Abu Quora HA, Osman A, Mansour H, Kumon K, Seno A, Chen L, Satoh A, Salomon DS, Seno M. Cancer stem cells as the source of tumor associated myoepithelial cells in the tumor microenvironment developing ductal carcinoma in situ. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122249. [PMID: 37506511 PMCID: PMC10530245 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The heterogeneous cell population in the stromal microenvironment is considered to be attributed to the multiple sources from which the cells originate. Tumor associated myoepithelial cells (TAMEs) are one of the most important populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) especially in breast cancer. On the other hand, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have previously been described to be the origin of tumor-associated cellular components in the TME. We prepared a cancer stem cell model converting mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) in the presence of conditioned medium of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 cells. The converted cells developed tumors progressing into invasive carcinoma with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) like structure when transplanted into mouse mammary fat pads. The primary cultured cells from the tumor further exhibited markers of CSC such as Sox2, Oct3/4, - CD133 and EpCAM, and mammary gland-related TAME markers such as α-smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin 8, whey acidic protein, prolactin receptor and progesterone receptor as well. These results indicated that the CSCs could be an origin of TAMEs contributing to mammary gland epithelial cell differentiation and the progression to invasive carcinoma during tumor development. The gene expression profiles confirmed the enhanced signaling pathways of PI3K/AKT and MAPK, which have been demonstrated to be enriched in the CSC models, together with the estrogen receptor signaling which was peculiar to mammary gland-derived character.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said M Afify
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Engineering, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Washington, DC, 20007, USA; Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom Menoufia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Engineering, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Maram H Zahra
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hend M Nawara
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Washington, DC, 20007, USA; Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hagar A Abu Quora
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Cytology, Histology and Histochemistry, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Amira Osman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr Elsheikh, 33511, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Hager Mansour
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kazuki Kumon
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Engineering, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Akimasa Seno
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Nankai University Aliated Maternity Hospital. Tianjin, China
| | - Ayano Satoh
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - David S Salomon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Engineering, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Institute of Academic & Research, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
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Ma L, Zhang S, Liang Q, Huang W, Wang H, Pan E, Xu P, Zhang S, Tao F, Tang J, Qing R. CrMP-Sol database: classification, bioinformatic analyses and comparison of cancer-related membrane proteins and their water-soluble variant designs. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:360. [PMID: 37743473 PMCID: PMC10518928 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05477-9] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins are critical mediators for tumor progression and present enormous therapeutic potentials. Although gene profiling can identify their cancer-specific signatures, systematic correlations between protein functions and tumor-related mechanisms are still unclear. We present here the CrMP-Sol database ( https://bio-gateway.aigene.org.cn/g/CrMP ), which aims to breach the gap between the two. Machine learning was used to extract key functional descriptions for protein visualization in the 3D-space, where spatial distributions provide function-based predictive connections between proteins and cancer types. CrMP-Sol also presents QTY-enabled water-soluble designs to facilitate native membrane protein studies despite natural hydrophobicity. Five examples with varying transmembrane helices in different categories were used to demonstrate the feasibility. Native and redesigned proteins exhibited highly similar characteristics, predicted structures and binding pockets, and slightly different docking poses against known ligands, although task-specific designs are still required for proteins more susceptible to internal hydrogen bond formations. The database can accelerate therapeutic developments and biotechnological applications of cancer-related membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Sitao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Qi Liang
- Zhejiang Lab, Research Center for Intelligent Computing Platforms, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Emily Pan
- The Lawrenceville School, 2500 Main Street, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Fei Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Jin Tang
- Zhejiang Lab, Research Center for Intelligent Computing Platforms, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Rui Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Ramalingam S, Shantha S, Muralitharan S, Sudhakar U, Thamizhchelvan H, Parvathi VD. Role of tissue markers associated with tumor microenvironment in the progression and immune suppression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Med Oncol 2023; 40:303. [PMID: 37731058 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02169-5] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) continues to dominate major cancers contributing to mortality worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma is the major type of HNC. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma grouped under HNC is a malignant tumor occurring in the oral cavity. The primary risk factors of OSCC are tobacco, alcohol consumption, etc. This review focuses on modulations, mechanisms, growth and differentiation of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer cell surrounds itself with a group of elements forming a favorable environment known as tumor microenvironment (TME). It consists of numerous cells which includes immune cells, blood cells and acellular components that are responsible for the progression, immunosuppression, metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer. This review highlights the most important tissue biomarkers (mTOR, CAF, FOXp3, CD163, CD33, CD34) that are associated with TME cells. mTOR remains as the primary regulator responsible in cancer and its importance towards immune-suppression is highlighted. Tumor-associated macrophages associated with cancer development and its relationship with immunomodulatory mechanism and Tregs, which are potential blockers of immune response and its mechanism and aberrations are discussed. Cancer-associated fibroblasts that are a part of TME and their role in evading the immune response and myeloid derived suppressor cells that have slight control over the immune response and their mechanism in the tumor progression is further explained. These markers have been emphasised as therapeutic targets and are currently in different stages of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suganya Ramalingam
- Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India
| | - Sivaramakrishnan Shantha
- Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India
| | - Susruthan Muralitharan
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India
- Susrutha Diagnostics, Chennai, India
| | - Uma Sudhakar
- Department of Periodontics, Department of Dental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Guindy, Chennai, 600032, India
| | - Harikrishnan Thamizhchelvan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India.
| | - Venkatachalam Deepa Parvathi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India.
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Mitchell MI, Loudig O. Communicator Extraordinaire: Extracellular Vesicles in the Tumor Microenvironment Are Essential Local and Long-Distance Mediators of Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2534. [PMID: 37760975 PMCID: PMC10526527 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tumors are increasingly being described as a complex "ecosystem", that includes many different cell types, secreted growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and microvessels, that altogether create the tumor microenvironment (TME). Within the TME, epithelial cancer cells control the function of surrounding stromal cells and the non-cellular ECM components in an intricate orchestra of signaling networks specifically designed for cancer cells to exploit surrounding cells for their own benefit. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) released into the tumor microenvironment are essential mediators in the reprogramming of surrounding stromal cells, which include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and tumor endothelial cells (TECs), which are responsible for the promotion of neo-angiogenesis, immune cell evasion, and invasion which are essential for cancer progression. Perhaps most importantly, tumor-derived EVs play critical roles in the metastatic dissemination of tumor cells through their two-fold role in initiating cancer cell invasion and the establishment of the pre-metastatic niche, both of which are vital for tumor cell migration, homing, and colonization at secondary tumor sites. This review discusses extracellular vesicle trafficking within the tumor microenvironment and pre-metastatic niche formation, focusing on the complex role that EVs play in orchestrating cancer-to-stromal cell communication in order to promote the metastatic dissemination of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Loudig
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
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Huang L, Xie Q, Deng J, Wei WF. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in bladder cancer progression. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19802. [PMID: 37809511 PMCID: PMC10559166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that critically contribute to cancer initiation and progression. In bladder cancer (BCa), there is emerging evidence that BCa CAFs are actively involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. This review outlines the present knowledge of BCa CAFs, with a particular emphasis on their origin and function in BCa progression, and provides further insights into their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Deng
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Su MC, Nethi SK, Dhanyamraju PK, Prabha S. Nanomedicine Strategies for Targeting Tumor Stroma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4145. [PMID: 37627173 PMCID: PMC10452920 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164145] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor stroma, or the microenvironment surrounding solid tumors, can significantly impact the effectiveness of cancer therapies. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by high interstitial pressure, a consequence of leaky vasculature, and dense stroma created by excessive deposition of various macromolecules such as collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid (HA). In addition, non-cancerous cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) itself can promote tumor growth. In recent years, there has been increased interest in combining standard cancer treatments with stromal-targeting strategies or stromal modulators to improve therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, the use of nanomedicine, which can improve the delivery and retention of drugs in the tumor, has been proposed to target the stroma. This review focuses on how different stromal components contribute to tumor progression and impede chemotherapeutic delivery. Additionally, this review highlights recent advancements in nanomedicine-based stromal modulation and discusses potential future directions for developing more effective stroma-targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chi Su
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Susheel Kumar Nethi
- Nanovaccine Institute, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
| | - Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju
- Fels Cancer Institute of Personalized Medicine, Lewis-Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA;
| | - Swayam Prabha
- Fels Cancer Institute of Personalized Medicine, Lewis-Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA;
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
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Mokoala KMG, Lawal IO, Maserumule LC, Bida M, Maes A, Ndlovu H, Reed J, Mahapane J, Davis C, Van de Wiele C, Popoola G, Giesel FL, Vorster M, Sathekge MM. Correlation between [ 68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET Imaging and HIF-1α Immunohistochemical Analysis in Cervical Cancer: Proof-of-Concept. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3953. [PMID: 37568769 PMCID: PMC10417683 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia leads to changes in tumor microenvironment (upregulated CAFs) with resultant aggressiveness. A key factor in the physiological response to hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α). [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET imaging has been demonstrated in various cancer types. We hypothesized that [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET may be used as an indirect tracer for mapping hypoxia by correlating the image findings to pathological analysis of HIF-1α expression. The [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET/CT scans of women with cancer of the cervix were reviewed and the maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean) and FAPI tumor volume (FAPI-TV) were documented. Correlation analysis was performed between PET-derived parameters and immunohistochemical staining as well as between PET-derived parameters and the presence of metastasis. Ten women were included. All patients demonstrated tracer uptake in the primary site or region of the primary. All patients had lymph node metastases while only six patients had distant visceral or skeletal metastases. The mean SUVmax, SUVmean, and FAPI-TV was 18.89, 6.88, and 195.66 cm3, respectively. The average FAPI-TV for patients with additional sites of metastases was higher than those without. Immunohistochemistry revealed varying intensities of HIF-1α expression in all tested samples. There was a positive correlation between the presence of skeletal metastases and staining for HIF-1α (r=0.80;p=0.017). The presence of skeletal metastasis was correlated to the HIF-1⍺ staining (percentage distribution). Furthermore, the FAPI-TV was a better predictor of metastatic disease than the SUVmax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kgomotso M. G. Mokoala
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
| | - Ismaheel O. Lawal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Letjie C. Maserumule
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
| | - Meshack Bida
- National Health Laboratory Services, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Alex Maes
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
- Katholieke University Leuven, 3000 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Honest Ndlovu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
| | - Janet Reed
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
| | - Johncy Mahapane
- Department of Radiography, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Cindy Davis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
| | - Christophe Van de Wiele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, University Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gbenga Popoola
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St George’s, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 1FS, UK;
| | - Frederik L. Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mariza Vorster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa;
| | - Mike M. Sathekge
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (K.M.G.M.); (I.O.L.); (L.C.M.); (A.M.); (H.N.); (J.R.); (C.D.); (C.V.d.W.)
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Patwardhan MV, Mahendran R. The Bladder Tumor Microenvironment Components That Modulate the Tumor and Impact Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12311. [PMID: 37569686 PMCID: PMC10419109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is complex and involves many different cell types that seemingly work together in helping cancer cells evade immune monitoring and survive therapy. The advent of single-cell sequencing has greatly increased our knowledge of the cell types present in the tumor microenvironment and their role in the developing cancer. This, coupled with clinical data showing that cancer development and the response to therapy may be influenced by drugs that indirectly influence the tumor environment, highlights the need to better understand how the cells present in the TME work together. This review looks at the different cell types (cancer cells, cancer stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, adipose cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and neuronal cells) in the bladder tumor microenvironment. Their impact on immune activation and on shaping the microenvironment are discussed as well as the effects of hypertensive drugs and anesthetics on bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ratha Mahendran
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
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Salminen A. The plasticity of fibroblasts: A forgotten player in the aging process. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101995. [PMID: 37391015 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-resident fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which possess an impressive plasticity in their ability to modify their properties according to the requirements of the microenvironment. There are diverse subgroups of fibroblast phenotypes associated with different tissue pathological conditions, e.g., cancers, wound healing, and many fibrotic and inflammatory conditions. The heterogeneous phenotypes can be subdivided into fibrogenic and non-fibrogenic, inflammatory and immunosuppressive subtypes as well as cellular senescent subsets. A major hallmark of activated fibroblasts is that they contain different amounts of stress fibers combined with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein, i.e., commonly this phenotype has been called the myofibroblast. Interestingly, several stresses associated with the aging process are potent inducers of myofibroblast differentiation, e.g., oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses, extracellular matrix (ECM) disorders, inflammatory mediators, and telomere shortening. Accordingly, anti-aging treatments with metformin and rapamycin inhibited the differentiation of myofibroblasts in tissues. There is evidence that the senescent phenotype induced in cultured fibroblasts does not represent the phenotype of fibroblasts in aged tissues. Considering the versatile plasticity of fibroblasts as well as their frequency and structural importance in tissues, it does seem that fibroblasts are overlooked players in the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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Zhang H, Wang Y, Wang K, Ding Y, Li X, Zhao S, Jia X, Sun D. Prognostic analysis of lung adenocarcinoma based on cancer-associated fibroblasts genes using scRNA-sequencing. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6774-6797. [PMID: 37437244 PMCID: PMC10415565 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204838] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs can promote tumor occurrence and metastasis by promoting cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and drug resistance. Nevertheless, how CAFs are related to Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not yet been revealed, especially since the CAFs-related prediction model has yet to be established. We combined Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Bulk-RNA data to develop a predictive model of 8 CAFs-associated genes. Our model predicted LUAD prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. TME, mutation landscape and drug sensitivity differences were also systematically analyzed between the LUAD patients of high- and low-risk. Moreover, the model prognostic performance was validated in four independent validation cohorts in the Gene expression omnibus (GEO) and the IMvigor210 immunotherapy cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Ding
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoteng Jia
- Clinical School of Thoracic, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Daqiang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Lu M, Zou Y, Fu P, Li Y, Wang P, Li G, Luo S, Chen Y, Guan G, Zhang S, Chen L. The tumor-stroma ratio and the immune microenvironment improve the prognostic prediction of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:124. [PMID: 37405518 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00744-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells and fibroblasts are significant components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and they participate in tumor progression as closely as tumor cells. However, the relationship between the features of the TME and patient outcomes and the interactions among TME components are still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the PDAC TME in terms of the quantity and location of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, stromal maturity, and tumor-stroma ratio (TSR), as evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of serial whole-tissue sections from 116 patients with PDAC. The density of T cells and macrophages (mainly activated macrophages) was significantly higher at the invasive margins (IMs) than at the tumor center (TC). CD4+ T cells were significantly association with all the other tumor-associated immune cells (TAIs) including CD8, CD68 and CD206 positive cells. Tumors of the non-mature (intermediate and immature) stroma type harbored significantly more CD8+ T cells at the IMs and more CD68+ macrophages at the IMs and the TC. The density of CD4+, CD8+, and CD206+ cells at the TC; CD206+ cells at the IMs; and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging were independent risk factors for patient outcomes, and the c-index of the risk nomogram for predicting the survival probability based on the TME features and TNM staging was 0.772 (95% confidence interval: 0.713-0.832). PDAC harbored a significantly immunosuppressive TME, of which the IMs were the hot zones for TAIs, while cells at the TC were more predictive of prognosis. Our results indicated that the model based on the features of the TME and TNM staging could predict patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Lu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Fuqing City Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuqing, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Zou
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peiling Fu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Yuyang Li
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Guoping Li
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Sheng Luo
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Guoping Guan
- Fuqing City Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuqing, Fujian, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Linying Chen
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Department of Pathology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Nurodegernerative Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Dayao MT, Trevino A, Kim H, Ruffalo M, D’Angio HB, Preska R, Duvvuri U, Mayer AT, Bar-Joseph Z. Deriving spatial features from in situ proteomics imaging to enhance cancer survival analysis. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:i140-i148. [PMID: 37387167 PMCID: PMC10311350 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Spatial proteomics data have been used to map cell states and improve our understanding of tissue organization. More recently, these methods have been extended to study the impact of such organization on disease progression and patient survival. However, to date, the majority of supervised learning methods utilizing these data types did not take full advantage of the spatial information, impacting their performance and utilization. RESULTS Taking inspiration from ecology and epidemiology, we developed novel spatial feature extraction methods for use with spatial proteomics data. We used these features to learn prediction models for cancer patient survival. As we show, using the spatial features led to consistent improvement over prior methods that used the spatial proteomics data for the same task. In addition, feature importance analysis revealed new insights about the cell interactions that contribute to patient survival. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code for this work can be found at gitlab.com/enable-medicine-public/spatsurv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica T Dayao
- Joint Carnegie Mellon University—University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | | | - Honesty Kim
- Enable Medicine, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Matthew Ruffalo
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | | | - Ryan Preska
- Enable Medicine, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Aaron T Mayer
- Enable Medicine, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Ziv Bar-Joseph
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Machine Learning Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
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Zhihao Z, Cheng J, Xiaoshuang Z, Yangguang M, Tingyu W, Yongyong Y, Zhou Y, Jie Z, Tao Z, Xueyu H, Zhe W. Cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration in osteosarcoma: the discrepancy in subtypes pathways and immunosuppression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1136960. [PMID: 37441535 PMCID: PMC10333483 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1136960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Osteosarcoma (OS), the primary malignant bone tumor, has a low survival rate for recurrent patients. Latest reports indicated that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were the main component of tumor microenvironment, and would generate a variable role in the progression of tumors. However, the role of CAFs is still few known in osteosarcoma. Methods: The processed RNA-seq data and the corresponding clinical and molecular information were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database and processed data of tumor tissue was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Xcell method was used in data processing, and Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was used to calculates enrichment scores. Nomogram was constructed to evaluate prognostic power of the predictive model. And the construction of risk scores and assessment of prognostic predictive were based on the LASSO model. Results: This study classified Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort into high and low CAFs infiltrate phenotype with different CAFs infiltration enrichment scores. Then TOP 9 genes were screened as prognostic signatures among 2,488 differentially expressed genes between the two groups. Key prognostic molecules were CGREF1, CORT and RHBDL2 and the risk score formula is: Risk-score = CGREF1*0.004 + CORT*0.004 + RHBDL2*0.002. The signatures were validated to be independent prognostic factors to predict tumor prognosis with single-factor COX and multi-factor COX regression analyses and Norton chart. The risk score expression of risk score model genes could predict the drug resistance, and significant differences could be found between the high and low scoring groups for 17-AAG, AZD6244, PD-0325901 and Sorafenib. Discussion: To sum up, this article validated the prediction role of CAF infiltration in the prognosis of OS, which might shed light on the treatment of OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Zhihao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ju Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuo Xiaoshuang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ma Yangguang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wu Tingyu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Yongyong
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhou Jie
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhang Tao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Xueyu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wang Zhe
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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50
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Czajka-Francuz P, Prendes MJ, Mankan A, Quintana Á, Pabla S, Ramkissoon S, Jensen TJ, Peiró S, Severson EA, Achyut BR, Vidal L, Poelman M, Saini KS. Mechanisms of immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment and implications for targeted therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1200646. [PMID: 37427115 PMCID: PMC10325690 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1200646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of cancer therapies is limited to a great extent by immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous immune escape mechanisms have been identified. These include not only processes associated with tumor, immune or stromal cells, but also humoral, metabolic, genetic and epigenetic factors within the TME. The identification of immune escape mechanisms has enabled the development of small molecules, nanomedicines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell and epigenetic therapies that can reprogram the TME and shift the host immune response towards promoting an antitumor effect. These approaches have translated into series of breakthroughs in cancer therapies, some of which have already been implemented in clinical practice. In the present article the authors provide an overview of some of the most important mechanisms of immunosuppression within the TME and the implications for targeted therapies against different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ángela Quintana
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Sandra Peiró
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Kamal S. Saini
- Fortrea, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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