Illuminating the immunological landscape: mitochondrial gene defects in pancreatic cancer through a multiomics lens

TSPAN4+ fibroblasts coordinate metastatic niche assembly through migrasome-driven metabolic reprogramming and stromal-immune crosstalk in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive pancreatic malignant tumor with poor prognosis due to its complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and metastatic potential. Fibroblasts play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) and influencing the immune response. This study explored migrasome-associated fibroblasts, especially TSPAN4 and ITGA5, as key regulators of pancreatic cancer metastasis, aiming to provide new ideas for therapeutic strategies targeting TME.

Methods

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics to analyze pancreatic cancer tissues. Data from the GEO and TCGA databases were integrated and processed using batch correction techniques. Single-cell data were analyzed with Seurat and Monocle for dimensionality reduction and pseudotime trajectory analysis. Cell communication was assessed using CellCall and CellChat. Spatial transcriptomic analysis was conducted with RCTD and MISTy tools to investigate cell interactions within the TME. Additionally, gene enrichment, deconvolution, and prognostic analyses were performed, alongside experimental validation through siRNA transfection, qRT-PCR, and various functional assays to investigate the role of TSPAN4 in metastasis.

Results

Our results underscore the critical role of TSPAN4+ fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer. These fibroblasts were predominantly located at the tumor periphery and exhibited elevated migrasome gene expression, which was associated with enhanced ECM remodeling and immune suppression. Intercellular communication analysis revealed that TSPAN4+ fibroblasts engaged in extensive interactions with immune cells, such as macrophages and endothelial cells, facilitating metastasis and immune evasion. Moreover, the high expression of immune checkpoint markers indicated their involvement in modulating the immune response.

Conclusion

TSPAN4+ fibroblasts are key regulators of pancreatic cancer progression, contributing to metastasis, immune suppression, and ECM remodeling. Targeting these fibroblasts represents a promising therapeutic strategy to improve clinical outcomes and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies in pancreatic cancer.

Relevance of proteomics and metabolomics approaches to overview the tumorigenesis and better management of cancer

Proteomics and metabolomics, integral combination of OMICs platform are gaining prominence in cancer research to enhance scientific knowledge of bio-molecular interactions occurs in the cellular processes during cancer progression. This approach designed to identify potential tools for addressing the complexities of this multifaceted disease. This analysis focussed on the intricate interplay between proteins and metabolites within cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment. By reviewing current proteomics and metabolomics studies, we aim to gain invaluable insights into tumour biology, progression, and its implication in therapeutic responses. This study highlights the importance of proteomics and metabolomics in discovering therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for targeted cancer treatment. Proteomics facilitates the analysis of protein expression, modifications and interactions, exemplified by the identification of HER2 mutations leads to development of breast cancer hence targeted therapies like trastuzumab could be initiated. Metabolomics reveals metabolic alternations such as elevated 2-hydroxyglutarate levels in gliomas linked to cancer progression and treatment resistance. The integration of these approaches clarifies complex signalling network driving oncogenesis and paves the way for innovative cancer therapies, including immune cheque point inhibitors. Proteomics and metabolomics have revolutionised cancer biology by revealing intricate signalling networks, metabolic dysregulations, and unique molecular alterations. This information is crucial for early cancer identification and prognosis, and for designing personalized therapeutic strategies. Innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and high-throughput mass spectrometry further enhance the potential of these studies. Fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and data-sharing is essential for maximising the impact of these approaches to cure as well as better management of the cancer.

Reversing NK cell exhaustion: a novel strategy combining immune checkpoint blockade with drug sensitivity enhancement in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common lethal cancers worldwide. Natural killer cells (NK cells) play a key role in liver immunosurveillance, but in the tumor microenvironment, NK cells are readily depleted, as evidenced by down-regulation of activating receptors, reduced cytokine secretion, and attenuated killing function. The up-regulation of inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1, TIM-3, and LAG-3, further exacerbates the depletion of NK cells. Combined blockade strategies targeting these immunosuppressive mechanisms, such as the combination of PD-1 inhibitors with other inhibitory pathways (eg. TIM-3 and LAG-3), have shown potential to reverse NK cell exhaustion in preclinical studies. This article explores the promise of these innovative strategies in HCC immunotherapy, providing new therapeutic directions for optimizing NK cell function and improving drug sensitivity.

Deciphering the role of NcRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer immune evasion and drug resistance: a new perspective for targeted therapy

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a very aggressive digestive system tumor, known for its high mortality rate, low cure rate, low survival rate and poor prognosis. In particular, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PADC), which accounts for more than 90% of PC cases, has an overall 5-year survival rate of only 5%, which is an extremely critical situation. Early detection and effective treatment of PC is extremely difficult, which leads many patients to despair. In the current medical context, targeted therapy, as an important strategy for cancer treatment, is expected. However, the problems of immune escape and drug resistance in PC have become two major obstacles that are difficult to be overcome by targeted therapy. How to break through these two difficulties has become a key issue to be solved in the field of PC therapy. In recent years, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have continued to heat up in the field of cancer research. NcRNAs play a pivotal role in gene regulation, cell differentiation, development, and disease processes, and their important roles in the genesis, development, and therapeutic response of PC have been gradually revealed. More importantly, ncRNAs have many advantages as therapeutic targets, such as high specificity and low side effects, making them a new favorite in the field of PC therapy. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide new ideas and methods for the targeted therapy of PC by reviewing the mechanism of action of four major ncRNAs (circRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, siRNAs) in both immune escape and drug resistance of PC. It is expected that an effective way to overcome immune escape and drug resistance can be found through in-depth study of ncRNA, bringing a ray of hope to PC patients.

A single-cell perspective on immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: from microenvironment analysis to therapeutic strategy innovation

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with conventional treatment options providing limited efficacy. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have offered new hope, yet the unique tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer poses significant challenges to its successful application. This review explores the transformative impact of single-cell technology on the understanding and treatment of pancreatic cancer. By enabling high-resolution analysis of cellular heterogeneity within the TME, single-cell approaches have elucidated the complex interplay between various immune and tumor cell populations. These insights have led to the identification of predictive biomarkers and the development of innovative, personalized immunotherapeutic strategies. The review discusses the role of single-cell technology in dissecting the intricate immune landscape of pancreatic cancer, highlighting the discovery of T cell exhaustion profiles and macrophage polarization states that influence treatment response. Moreover, it outlines the potential of single-cell data in guiding the selection of immunotherapy drugs and optimizing treatment plans. The review also addresses the challenges and prospects of translating these single-cell-based innovations into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research and the integration of artificial intelligence to overcome current limitations. Ultimately, the review underscores the promise of single-cell technology in driving therapeutic strategy innovation and improving patient outcomes in the battle against pancreatic cancer.

Targeting the CSF1/CSF1R signaling pathway: an innovative strategy for ultrasound combined with macrophage exhaustion in pancreatic cancer therapy

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive and lethal malignancy characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunosuppressive features that limit the efficacy of existing treatments. This paper reviews the potential of combining ultrasound with macrophage exhaustion in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Macrophages, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are crucial in pancreatic cancer progression and immune escape. Prolonged exposure to the immunosuppressive TME leads to macrophage exhaustion, reducing their anti-tumor ability and instead promoting tumor growth. The CSF1/CSF1R signaling pathway is key in macrophage recruitment and functional regulation, making it an effective target for combating macrophage exhaustion. Ultrasound technology not only plays a significant role in diagnosis and staging but also enhances therapeutic efficacy by guiding radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and percutaneous alcohol injection (PEI) in combination with immunomodulators. Additionally, ultrasound imaging can monitor the number and functional status of TAMs in real-time, providing a basis for optimizing treatment strategies. Future studies should further investigate the combined use of ultrasound and immunomodulators to refine treatment regimens, address challenges such as individual variability and long-term effects, and offer new hope for pancreatic cancer patients.