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Yang M, Mu Y, Yu X, Gao D, Zhang W, Li Y, Liu J, Sun C, Zhuang J. Survival strategies: How tumor hypoxia microenvironment orchestrates angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116783. [PMID: 38796970 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
During tumor development, the tumor itself must continuously generate new blood vessels to meet their growth needs while also allowing for tumor invasion and metastasis. One of the most common features of tumors is hypoxia, which drives the process of tumor angiogenesis by regulating the tumor microenvironment, thus adversely affecting the prognosis of patients. In addition, to overcome unsuitable environments for growth, such as hypoxia, nutrient deficiency, hyperacidity, and immunosuppression, the tumor microenvironment (TME) coordinates angiogenesis in several ways to restore the supply of oxygen and nutrients and to remove metabolic wastes. A growing body of research suggests that tumor angiogenesis and hypoxia interact through a complex interplay of crosstalk, which is inextricably linked to the TME. Here, we review the TME's positive contribution to angiogenesis from an angiogenesis-centric perspective while considering the objective impact of hypoxic phenotypes and the status and limitations of current angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yufeng Mu
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Ye Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Jingyang Liu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, 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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Riaz F, Zhang J, Pan F. Forces at play: exploring factors affecting the cancer metastasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1274474. [PMID: 38361941 PMCID: PMC10867181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1274474] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic disease, a leading and lethal indication of deaths associated with tumors, results from the dissemination of metastatic tumor cells from the site of primary origin to a distant organ. Dispersion of metastatic cells during the development of tumors at distant organs leads to failure to comply with conventional treatments, ultimately instigating abrupt tissue homeostasis and organ failure. Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial factor in cancer progression and the process of metastatic tumor development at secondary sites. TME comprises several factors contributing to the initiation and progression of the metastatic cascade. Among these, various cell types in TME, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T cells, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are significant players participating in cancer metastasis. Besides, various other factors, such as extracellular matrix (ECM), gut microbiota, circadian rhythm, and hypoxia, also shape the TME and impact the metastatic cascade. A thorough understanding of the functions of TME components in tumor progression and metastasis is necessary to discover new therapeutic strategies targeting the metastatic tumor cells and TME. Therefore, we reviewed these pivotal TME components and highlighted the background knowledge on how these cell types and disrupted components of TME influence the metastatic cascade and establish the premetastatic niche. This review will help researchers identify these altered components' molecular patterns and design an optimized, targeted therapy to treat solid tumors and restrict metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Riaz
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
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Mitha M, Aden D, Zaheer S, Alvi Y, Chintamani. Role of tumor budding and fibrotic cancer stroma in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155052. [PMID: 38176309 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer with an increased frequency of lymph node metastasis at the time of presentation. Tumour budding, characterised by the presence of a single cell or a small grouping of tumour cells (a cluster containing fewer than five malignant cells) at the invasive front and composition of the fibrotic cancer stroma has been demonstrated to have a growing impact on the behaviour of the solid tumour. However exact role played by them is yet to be defined and a standardized scoring system needs to be incorporated. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 45 histopathologically confirmed cases of HNSCC were included in the study. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&E staining), and immunohistochemistry for CK and alpha-SMA were applied to study the tumour budding and fibrotic cancer stroma in all HNSCC cases. The tumour budding was graded as, Grade 1: 0-4 tumour buds, Grade 2: 5-9 buds and Grade 3: ≥ 10 buds and the nature of fibrotic cancer stroma was categorized as mature, intermediate or immature. RESULTS Among 45 cases analyzed, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC; Grade 1) accounted for 42.22% (19 cases), whereas moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC; Grade 2) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC; Grade 3) comprised 48.89% (22 cases) and 8.89% (4 cases) respectively. Tumour budding showed instances of 0-4 buds in 33.3% (Grade 1), 5-9 buds in 48.9% (Grade 2), and ≥ 10 buds in 17.8% of cases. Evaluating tumour stroma, Intermediate stroma led at 51.1%, Mature at 37.8%, and 11.1% displayed Immature stroma. Histologically, < 5 buds were seen in 47.4% of Grade 1 cases, while ≥ 10 buds were in 75.0% of Grade 3 cases, proven statistically significant (p = 0.021). However, an association between T&N Stage and tumour budding lacked significance. WDSCC notably had more mature stroma than MDSCC and PDSCC, whereas MDSCC showed higher rates of intermediate and immature stroma (p < 0.001). Comparatively, no significant correlation existed between fibrotic stroma and tumour budding (p = 0.076). Also, fibrotic stroma was compared with tumour budding, however, no significant correlation was found (p = 0.076) CONCLUSION: This study reveals a significant link between tumour budding, cancer stroma, and WHO tumour grade. Thus, evaluating these factors in HNSCC cases can serve as valuable histological prognostic indicators, aiding in treatment planning and prognosis assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Mitha
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Durre Aden
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
| | - Yasir Alvi
- Department of Community Medicine, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research New Delhi, India
| | - Chintamani
- Department of Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Wang R, Khurram SA, Walsh H, Young LS, Rajpoot N. A Novel Deep Learning Algorithm for Human Papillomavirus Infection Prediction in Head and Neck Cancers Using Routine Histology Images. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100320. [PMID: 37652399 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100320] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) involves multiple carcinogens, such as alcohol, tobacco, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Because HPV infection influences the prognosis, treatment, and survival of patients with HNSCC, it is important to determine the HPV status of these tumors. In this article, we propose a novel deep learning pipeline for HPV infection status prediction with state-of-the-art performance in HPV detection using only whole-slide images of routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained HNSCC sections. We show that our Digital-HPV score generated from hematoxylin and eosin slides produces statistically significant patient stratifications in terms of overall and disease-specific survival. In addition, quantitative profiling of the spatial tumor microenvironment and analysis of the immune profiles show relatively high levels of lymphocytic infiltration in tumor and tumor-associated stroma. High levels of B cells and T cells and low macrophage levels were also identified in HPV-positive patients compared to HPV-negative patients, confirming different immune response patterns elicited by HPV infection in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Tissue Image Analytics Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Ali Khurram
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Walsh
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence S Young
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nasir Rajpoot
- Department of Computer Science, Tissue Image Analytics Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; the Alan Turing Institute, London, United Kingdom.
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Brennan K, Espín-Pérez A, Chang S, Bedi N, Saumyaa S, Shin JH, Plevritis SK, Gevaert O, Sunwoo JB, Gentles AJ. Loss of p53-DREAM-mediated repression of cell cycle genes as a driver of lymph node metastasis in head and neck cancer. Genome Med 2023; 15:98. [PMID: 37978395 PMCID: PMC10656821 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01236-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is poor and has improved little in recent decades, partially due to lack of therapeutic options. To identify effective therapeutic targets, we sought to identify molecular pathways that drive metastasis and HNC progression, through large-scale systematic analyses of transcriptomic data. METHODS We performed meta-analysis across 29 gene expression studies including 2074 primary HNC biopsies to identify genes and transcriptional pathways associated with survival and lymph node metastasis (LNM). To understand the biological roles of these genes in HNC, we identified their associated cancer pathways, as well as the cell types that express them within HNC tumor microenvironments, by integrating single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq from sorted cell populations. RESULTS Patient survival-associated genes were heterogenous and included drivers of diverse tumor biological processes: these included tumor-intrinsic processes such as epithelial dedifferentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, as well as tumor microenvironmental factors such as T cell-mediated immunity and cancer-associated fibroblast activity. Unexpectedly, LNM-associated genes were almost universally associated with epithelial dedifferentiation within malignant cells. Genes negatively associated with LNM consisted of regulators of squamous epithelial differentiation that are expressed within well-differentiated malignant cells, while those positively associated with LNM represented cell cycle regulators that are normally repressed by the p53-DREAM pathway. These pro-LNM genes are overexpressed in proliferating malignant cells of TP53 mutated and HPV + ve HNCs and are strongly associated with stemness, suggesting that they represent markers of pre-metastatic cancer stem-like cells. LNM-associated genes are deregulated in high-grade oral precancerous lesions, and deregulated further in primary HNCs with advancing tumor grade and deregulated further still in lymph node metastases. CONCLUSIONS In HNC, patient survival is affected by multiple biological processes and is strongly influenced by the tumor immune and stromal microenvironments. In contrast, LNM appears to be driven primarily by malignant cell plasticity, characterized by epithelial dedifferentiation coupled with EMT-independent proliferation and stemness. Our findings postulate that LNM is initially caused by loss of p53-DREAM-mediated repression of cell cycle genes during early tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Brennan
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Almudena Espín-Pérez
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serena Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Nikita Bedi
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Saumyaa Saumyaa
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - June Ho Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Sylvia K Plevritis
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivier Gevaert
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John B Sunwoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Andrew J Gentles
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Role of Microenvironmental Components in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1616. [PMID: 38003931 PMCID: PMC10672525 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of the ten most common malignant neoplasms, characterized by an aggressive course, high recurrence rate, poor response to treatment, and low survival rate. This creates the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC consists of stromal and immune cells, blood and lymphatic vessels, and extracellular matrix. It is known that HNSCC is characterized by complex relationships between cancer cells and TME components. TME components and their dynamic interactions with cancer cells enhance tumor adaptation to the environment, which provides the highly aggressive potential of HNSCC and resistance to antitumor therapy. Basic research aimed at studying the role of TME components in HNSCC carcinogenesis may serve as a key to the discovery of both new biomarkers-predictors of prognosis and targets for new antitumor drugs. This review article focuses on the role and interaction with cancer of TME components such as newly formed vessels, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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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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D’Arino A, Caputo S, Eibenschutz L, Piemonte P, Buccini P, Frascione P, Bellei B. Skin Cancer Microenvironment: What We Can Learn from Skin Aging? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14043. [PMID: 37762344 PMCID: PMC10531546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814043] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a natural intrinsic process associated with the loss of fibrous tissue, a slower cell turnover, and a reduction in immune system competence. In the skin, the continuous exposition of environmental factors superimposes extrinsic damage, mainly due to ultraviolet radiation causing photoaging. Although not usually considered a pathogenic event, photoaging affects cutaneous biology, increasing the risk of skin carcinogenesis. At the cellular level, aging is typified by the rise of senescence cells a condition characterized by reduced or absent capacity to proliferate and aberrant hyper-secretory activity. Senescence has a double-edged sword in cancer biology given that senescence prevents the uncontrolled proliferation of damaged cells and favors their clearance by paracrine secretion. Nevertheless, the cumulative insults and the poor clearance of injured cells in the elderly increase cancer incidence. However, there are not conclusive data proving that aged skin represents a permissive milieu for tumor onset. On the other hand, tumor cells are capable of activating resident fibroblasts onto a pro-tumorigenic phenotype resembling those of senescent fibroblasts suggesting that aged fibroblasts might facilitate cancer progression. This review discusses changes that occur during aging that can prime neoplasm or increase the aggressiveness of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D’Arino
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Caputo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Eibenschutz
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Piemonte
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Buccini
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Frascione
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
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9
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Raudenska M, Balvan J, Hanelova K, Bugajova M, Masarik M. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Mediators of head and neck tumor microenvironment remodeling. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188940. [PMID: 37331641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188940] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are involved in critical aspects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) pathogenesis, such as the formation of a tumor-permissive extracellular matrix structure, angiogenesis, or immune and metabolic reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with implications for metastasis and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The pleiotropic effect of CAFs in TME is likely to reflect the heterogeneity and plasticity of their population, with context-dependent effects on carcinogenesis. The specific properties of CAFs provide many targetable molecules that could play an important role in the future therapy of HNSCC. In this review article, we will focus on the role of CAFs in the TME of HNSCC tumors. We will also discuss clinically relevant agents targeting CAFs, their signals, and signaling pathways, which are activated by CAFs in cancer cells, with the potential for repurposing for HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Raudenska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Hanelova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Bugajova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Pathophysiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, / U Nemocnice 5, CZ-128 53 Prague, Czech Republic.
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10
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Zajac KK, Malla S, Babu RJ, Raman D, Tiwari AK. Ethnic disparities in the immune microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer and its role in therapeutic outcomes. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6 Suppl 1:e1779. [PMID: 36632988 PMCID: PMC10440847 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1779] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC) cases surpassed that of lung cancer among women, making it the most common female cancer globally. In spite of recent increases in incidence rates, mortality due to BC has declined since 1989. These declines have been attributed to advancements in treatment modalities as well as increased mammography surveillance. Despite these advances, African American (AA) women are 40% more likely to die from BC than Caucasian women. Multifactorial etiology has been implicated in the disparity of BC mortality rates among AA women. As an example, AA women have a disproportionate incidence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which has a poor prognosis and marginal treatment options. Increasingly, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained relevance as it relates to primary tumor progression, metastasis and treatment possibilities. The treatment outcomes or pathological complete response (pCR) in TNBC among AA women are affected by differences in TME. The TME of AA women exhibit several variances in acellular and cellular components associated with pro-tumorigenic effects. For example, increased levels of the adipocyte-related hormone, resistin, the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6, and the CC chemokine, CCL2, within the TME of AA women gives rise to an increased density of M2 macrophages, also known as tumor-associated macrophages. Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in the TME of AA women increase the vascular density or vascularity, which facilitate aggressive tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, a pro-tumorigenic TME is supported by increased levels of the CXC chemokine, CXCL12 that results in the recruitment of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs ). Due to these and other differences in the TME of AA women, precision oncology can target specific aspects of the TME that may contribute to a poorer prognosis. In addition to the discrepancies in the TME, AA women face socio-economic barriers that limit their ability to access state-of-the-art, novel therapies against metastatic TNBC. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of the tumor immune microenvironment, immune-based treatment options for TNBC and their potential to decrease health disparities due to ethnicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsee K. Zajac
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsThe University of ToledoToledoOhioUSA
| | - Saloni Malla
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsThe University of ToledoToledoOhioUSA
| | - Ramapuram Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Toledo Health Science CampusToledoOhioUSA
| | - Amit K. Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsThe University of ToledoToledoOhioUSA
- Department of Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Toledo Health Science CampusToledoOhioUSA
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11
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Dwivedi N, Shukla N, Prathima KM, Das M, Dhar SK. Novel CAF-identifiers via transcriptomic and protein level analysis in HNSC patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13899. [PMID: 37626157 PMCID: PMC10457345 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40908-w] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a prominent component of the tumor microenvironment, play an important role in tumor development, invasion, and drug resistance. The expression of distinct "CAF-markers" which separates CAFs from normal fibroblasts and epithelial cells, have traditionally been used to identify them. These commonly used CAF-markers have been reported to differ greatly across different CAF subpopulations, even within a cancer type. Using an unbiased -omic approach from public data and in-house RNAseq data from patient derived novel CAF cells, TIMP-1, SPARC, COL1A2, COL3A1 and COL1A1 were identified as potential CAF-markers by differential gene expression analysis using publicly available single cell sequencing data and in-house RNAseq data to distinguish CAF populations from tumor epithelia and normal oral fibroblasts. Experimental validation using qPCR and immunofluorescence revealed CAF-specific higher expression of TIMP-1 and COL1A2 as compared to other markers in 5 novel CAF cells, derived from patients of diverse gender, habits and different locations of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). Upon immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of FFPE blocks however, COL1A2 showed better differential staining between tumor epithelia and tumor stroma. Similar data science driven approach utilizing single cell sequencing and RNAseq data from stabilized CAFs can be employed to identify CAF-markers in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehanjali Dwivedi
- Molecular Immunology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation, Narayana Health City, Bommasandra, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560099, India
- MAHE, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Nidhi Shukla
- Molecular Immunology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation, Narayana Health City, Bommasandra, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560099, India
| | - K M Prathima
- Manipal Hospital, Miller's Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560052, India
| | - Manjula Das
- Molecular Immunology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation, Narayana Health City, Bommasandra, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560099, India
| | - Sujan K Dhar
- Computational Biology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation, Narayana Health City, Bommasandra, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560099, India.
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12
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Tadokoro Y, Takeda D, Murakami A, Yatagai N, Saito I, Arimoto S, Kakei Y, Akashi M, Hasegawa T. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide application suppresses the expression of cancer-associated fibroblasts markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma xenograft mouse model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290357. [PMID: 37594996 PMCID: PMC10437783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As CAFs promote tumor progression and hypoxia in the TME, regulating the conversion of normal fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs is essential for improving the prognosis of patients with OSCC. We have previously reported the antitumor effects of transcutaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) application in OSCC. However, the effects of reducing hypoxia in the TME remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether CO2 administration improves the TME by evaluating CAFs marker expression. Human OSCC cells (HSC-3) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) were coinjected subcutaneously into the dorsal region of mice. CO2 gas was applied twice a week for 3 weeks. The tumors were harvested six times after transcutaneous CO2 application. The expression of CAFs markers (α-SMA, FAP, PDPN, and TGF-β) were evaluated by using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. The expression of α-SMA, FAP, PDPN, and TGF-β was significantly increased over time after co-injection. In the CO2-treated group, tumor growth was significantly suppressed after treatment initiation. In addition, the mRNA expression of these markers was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed a significant decrease in the protein expression of all CAFs markers in the CO2-treated group. We confirmed that transcutaneous CO2 application suppressed CAFs marker expression and tumor growth in OSCC xenograft mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Tadokoro
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Daisuke Takeda
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Aki Murakami
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Nanae Yatagai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Izumi Saito
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Satomi Arimoto
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Yasumasa Kakei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Masaya Akashi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
| | - Takumi Hasegawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
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13
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Arcovito G, Palomba A, Gallo O, Franchi A. The Histological Background of Recurrence in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Insight into the Modifications of Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3259. [PMID: 37370868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent laryngeal carcinoma presents differences from the primary tumor that largely depend on the treatment. In this article, we review the histologic and molecular treatment-induced changes that may affect the diagnosis of recurrent laryngeal carcinoma, the assessment of predictive markers, and the response to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Radiotherapy induces profound modifications that are strictly related to necrosis of different tissue components, fibrosis, and damage of the tumor vessels. Postradiotherapy recurrent/persistent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma typically presents a discohesive growth pattern within a fibrotic background associated with significant changes of the tumor immune microenvironment, with both important immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory effects. Overall, the increase of immunoregulatory cells and immune checkpoints such as CTLA-4, TIM-3, PD-1, and PD-L1 induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy strongly supports the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in recurrent/persistent laryngeal carcinoma. Future studies aiming to identify predictive factors of the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors should consider such treatment-induced modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Arcovito
- Section of Pathology, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annarita Palomba
- Unit of Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostic, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Oreste Gallo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Franchi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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14
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Ai W, Liu T, Lv C, Feng X, Wang Q. Modulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts by nanodelivery system to enhance efficacy of tumor therapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1025-1039. [PMID: 37584613 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0088] [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] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most common cells in the tumor stroma and are essential for tumor development and metastasis. While decreasing the release and infiltration of nanomedicine through nonspecific internalization, CAFs specifically increase solid tumor pressure and interstitial fluid pressure by secreting tumor growth- and migration-promoting cytokines, which increases vascular and organ pressure caused by solid tumor pressure. Nanoparticles have good permeability and can penetrate tumor tissue to reach the lesion area, inhibiting tumor growth. Thus, CAFs are used as modifiable targets. Here, the authors review the biological functions, origins and biomarkers of CAFs and summarize strategies for modulating CAFs in nanodelivery systems. This study provides a prospective guide to modulating CAFs to enhance oncology treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ai
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Tianhui Liu
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Changshun Lv
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Xiangru Feng
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Qingshuang Wang
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
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15
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Wu S, Huang C, Su L, Wong PP, Huang Y, Chen R, Lin P, Ye Y, Song P, Han P, Huang X. Cancer associated fibroblast derived gene signature determines cancer subtypes and prognostic model construction in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer Med 2023; 12:6388-6400. [PMID: 36404634 PMCID: PMC10028128 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5383] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the most common type of head and neck cancer with an unimproved prognosis over the past decades. Although the role of cancer-associated-fibroblast (CAF) has been demonstrated in HNSCC, the correlation between CAF-derived gene expression and patient prognosis remains unknown. METHODS A total of 528 patients from TCGA database and 270 patients from GSE65858 database were contained in this study. After extracting 66 CAF-related gene expression data from TCGA database, consensus clustering was performed to identify different HNSCC subtypes. Limma package was used to distinguish the differentially expression genes (DEGs) between these subtypes, followed by Lasso regression analysis to construct a prognostic model. The model was validated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival, ROC and risk curve, univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis. GO, KEGG, GSEA, ESTIMATE and ssGSEA analyses was performed to explort the potential mechanism leading to different prognosis. RESULTS Based on the 66 CAF-related gene expression pattern we stratitied HNSCC patients into two previously unreported subtypes with different clinical outcomes. A prognostic model composed of 15 DEGs was constructed and validated. In addition, bioinformatics analysis showed that the prognostic risk of HNSCC patients was also negatively correlated to immune infiltration, implying the role of tumor immune escape in HNSCC prognosis and treatment option. CONCLUSIONS The study develops a reliable prognostic prediction tool and provides a theoretical treatment guidance for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangqing Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongsheng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- The Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renhui Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiliang Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchu Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pang Song
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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17
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Lee YE, Go GY, Koh EY, Yoon HN, Seo M, Hong SM, Jeong JH, Kim JC, Cho D, Kim TS, Kim SC, Jun E, Jang M. Synergistic therapeutic combination with a CAF inhibitor enhances CAR-NK-mediated cytotoxicity via reduction of CAF-released IL-6. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006130. [PMID: 36849201 PMCID: PMC9972461 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to an impaired functionality of natural killer (NK) cells that have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality. The interaction between CAFs and NK cells within the TME exerts major inhibitory effects on immune responses, indicating CAF-targeted therapies as potential targets for effective NK-mediated cancer killing. METHODS To overcome CAF-induced NK dysfunction, we selected an antifibrotic drug, nintedanib, for synergistic therapeutic combination. To evaluate synergistic therapeutic efficacy, we established an in vitro 3D Capan2/patient-derived CAF spheroid model or in vivo mixed Capan2/CAF tumor xenograft model. The molecular mechanism of NK-mediated synergistic therapeutic combination with nintedanib was revealed through in vitro experiments. In vivo therapeutic combination efficacy was subsequently evaluated. Additionally, the expression score of target proteins was measured in patient-derived tumor sections by the immunohistochemical method. RESULTS Nintedanib blocked the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) signaling pathway and diminished the activation and growth of CAFs, markedly reducing CAF-secreted IL-6. Moreover, coadministration of nintedanib improved the mesothelin (MSLN) targeting chimeric antigen receptor-NK-mediated tumor killing abilities in CAF/tumor spheroids or a xenograft model. The synergistic combination resulted in intense NK infiltration in vivo. Nintedanib alone exerted no effects, whereas blockade of IL-6 trans-signaling ameliorated the function of NK cells. The combination of the expression of MSLN and the PDGFRβ+-CAF population area, a potential prognostic/therapeutic marker, was associated with inferior clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION Our strategy against PDGFRβ+-CAF-containing pancreatic cancer allows improvements in the therapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Eun Lee
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Ga-Yeon Go
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eun-Young Koh
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Han-Na Yoon
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Minkoo Seo
- Corporate Research & Development Center, UCI therapeutics, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Ji Hye Jeong
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jin-Chul Kim
- Natural Product Research Center, Institute of Natural Products, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Duck Cho
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Tae Sung Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Song Cheol Kim
- Division of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eunsung Jun
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of) .,Division of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Mihue Jang
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of) .,KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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18
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Chen Z, Fang Y, Jiang W. Important Cells and Factors from Tumor Microenvironment Participated in Perineural Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1360. [PMID: 36900158 PMCID: PMC10000249 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) as the fourth way for solid tumors metastasis and invasion has attracted a lot of attention, recent research reported a new point that PNI starts to include axon growth and possible nerve "invasion" to tumors as the component. More and more tumor-nerve crosstalk has been explored to explain the internal mechanism for tumor microenvironment (TME) of some types of tumors tends to observe nerve infiltration. As is well known, the interaction of tumor cells, peripheral blood vessels, extracellular matrix, other non-malignant cells, and signal molecules in TME plays a key role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of cancer, as to the occurrence and development of PNI. We aim to summarize the current theories on the molecular mediators and pathogenesis of PNI, add the latest scientific research progress, and explore the use of single-cell spatial transcriptomics in this invasion way. A better understanding of PNI may help to understand tumor metastasis and recurrence and will be beneficial for improving staging strategies, new treatment methods, and even paradigm shifts in our treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirong Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Anatomy Laboratory of Division of Nose and Cranial Base, Clinical Anatomy Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yan Fang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Anatomy Laboratory of Division of Nose and Cranial Base, Clinical Anatomy Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Weihong Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Anatomy Laboratory of Division of Nose and Cranial Base, Clinical Anatomy Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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19
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Asl ER, Rostamzadeh D, Duijf PHG, Mafi S, Mansoori B, Barati S, Cho WC, Mansoori B. Mutant P53 in the formation and progression of the tumor microenvironment: Friend or foe. Life Sci 2023; 315:121361. [PMID: 36608871 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121361] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer. It encodes the tumor suppressor protein p53, which suppresses tumorigenesis by acting as a critical transcription factor that can induce the expression of many genes controlling a plethora of fundamental cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, survival, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Missense mutations are the most frequent type of mutations in the TP53 gene. While these can have variable effects, they typically impair p53 function in a dominant-negative manner, thereby altering intra-cellular signaling pathways and promoting cancer development. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly apparent that p53 mutations also have non-cell autonomous effects that influence the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is a complex and heterogeneous milieu composed of both malignant and non-malignant cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), adipocytes, pericytes, different immune cell types, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and T and B lymphocytes, as well as lymphatic and blood vessels and extracellular matrix (ECM). Recently, a large body of evidence has demonstrated that various types of p53 mutations directly affect TME. They fine-tune the inflammatory TME and cell fate reprogramming, which affect cancer progression. Notably, re-educating the p53 signaling pathway in the TME may be an effective therapeutic strategy in combating cancer. Therefore, it is timely to here review the recent advances in our understanding of how TP53 mutations impact the fate of cancer cells by reshaping the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Roshani Asl
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Davoud Rostamzadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Pascal H G Duijf
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Cancer and Aging Research Program, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sahar Mafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Behnaz Mansoori
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Barati
- Department of Anatomy, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- The Wistar Institute, Molecular & Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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20
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Prieto-Fernandez L, Villaronga MDLA, Hermida-Prado F, Hijazi M, Montoro-Jimenez I, Pevida M, Llames S, Rodrigo JP, Cutillas P, Calvo F, Garcia-Pedrero JM, Alvarez-Teijeiro S. Driving role of head and neck cancer cell secretome on the invasion of stromal fibroblasts: Mechanistic insights by phosphoproteomics. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114176. [PMID: 36916400 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114176] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major players in tumor-stroma communication, and participate in several cancer hallmarks to drive tumor progression and metastatic dissemination. This study investigates the driving effects of tumor-secreted factors on CAF biology, with the ultimate goal of identifying effective therapeutic targets/strategies for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS Functionally, conditioned media (CM) from different HNSCC-derived cell lines and normal keratinocytes (Kc) were tested on the growth and invasion of populations of primary CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) using 3D invasion assays in collagen matrices. The changes in MMPs expression were evaluated by RT-qPCR and kinase enrichment was analyzed using mass spectrometry phosphoproteomics. RESULTS Our results consistently demonstrate that HNSCC-secreted factors (but not Kc CM) specifically and robustly promoted pro-invasive properties in both CAFs and NFs, thereby reflecting the plasticity of fibroblast subtypes. Concomitantly, HNSCC-secreted factors massively increased metalloproteinases levels in CAFs and NFs. By contrast, HNSCC CM and Kc CM exhibited comparable growth-promoting effects on stromal fibroblasts. Mechanistically, phosphoproteomic analysis predominantly revealed phosphorylation changes in fibroblasts upon treatment with HNSCC CM, and various promising kinases were identified: MKK7, MKK4, ASK1, RAF1, BRAF, ARAF, COT, PDK1, RSK2 and AKT1. Interestingly, pharmacologic inhibition of RAF1/BRAF using sorafenib emerged as the most effective drug to block tumor-promoted fibroblast invasion without affecting fibroblast viability CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that HNSCC-secreted factors specifically fine tune the invasive potential of stromal fibroblasts, thereby generating tumor-driven pro-invasive niches, which in turn to ultimately facilitate cancer cell dissemination. Furthermore, the RAF/BRAF inhibitor sorafenib was identified as a promising candidate to effectively target the onset of pro-invasive clusters of stromal fibroblasts in the HNSCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llara Prieto-Fernandez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria de Los Angeles Villaronga
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Hermida-Prado
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maruan Hijazi
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Montoro-Jimenez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Pevida
- Tissue engineering unit, Centro Comunitario Sangre y Tejidos de Asturias (CCST), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sara Llames
- Tissue engineering unit, Centro Comunitario Sangre y Tejidos de Asturias (CCST), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Cutillas
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Juana Maria Garcia-Pedrero
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Saul Alvarez-Teijeiro
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Eid RA, Eldeen MA, Soltan MA, Al-Shraim M, Aldehri M, Alqahtani LS, Alsharif G, Albogami S, Jafri I, Fayad E, Park MN, Bibi S, Behairy MY, Kim B, Zaki MSA. Integrative analysis of WDR12 as a potential prognostic and immunological biomarker in multiple human tumors. Front Genet 2023; 13:1008502. [PMID: 36726716 PMCID: PMC9885372 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1008502] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Mammalian WD-repeat protein 12 (WDR12), a family member of proteins containing repeats of tryptophan-aspartic acid (WD), is a potential homolog of yeast Ytm1p and consists of seven repeats of WD. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the potential oncogenic effects of WDR12 in various human malignancies throughout a pan-cancer analysis that has been carried out to examine the various patterns in which this gene is expressed and behaves in tumor tissues. Methods: Herein, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and various computational tools to explore expression profiles, prognostic relevance, genetic mutations, immune cell infiltration, as well as the functional characteristics of WDR12 in multiple human cancers. Results: We found that WDR12 was inconsistently expressed in various cancers and that variations in WDR12 expression predicted survival consequences for cancer patients. Furthermore, we observed a significant correlation between WDR12 gene mutation levels and the prognosis of some tumors. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between WDR12 expression patterns and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) infiltration, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability and immunoregulators. Ultimately, pathway enrichment analysis revealed that WDR12-related pathways are involved in carcinogenesis. Conclusions: The findings of our study are stisfactory, demonstrating that WDR12 could serve as a promising reliable prognostic biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target for novel cancer therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refaat A. Eid
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Alaa Eldeen
- Cell Biology, Histology & Genetics Division, Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt,*Correspondence: Muhammad Alaa Eldeen, ; Bonglee Kim,
| | - Mohamed A. Soltan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mubarak Al-Shraim
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Aldehri
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena S. Alqahtani
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadi Alsharif
- College of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Albogami
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Jafri
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Fayad
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moon Nyeo Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shabana Bibi
- Department of Biosciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan,Yunnan Herbal Laboratory, College of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Mohammed Y. Behairy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea,*Correspondence: Muhammad Alaa Eldeen, ; Bonglee Kim,
| | - Mohamed Samir A. Zaki
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia,Department of Histology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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22
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Tumor-derived exosomes elicit cancer-associated fibroblasts shaping inflammatory tumor microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 136:106270. [PMID: 36462328 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exosome-mediated reciprocal crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression. This study investigated whether exosomes released from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor cells can convert normal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-like cells and further analyzed the functional characterization of fibroblasts educated by tumor-derived exosomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Exosomes secreted from HNSCC cell lines were isolated and normal fibroblasts were established from normal oropharyngeal mucosa. The effects of the exosomes on fibroblasts were examined by proliferation and migration assays, and exosome-educated fibroblasts were analyzed for the expression of eight genes (IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, TGFB1, ACTA2, FAP, CD274, and PDCD1LG2) by RT-qPCR. Moreover, T cells or CD14-positive cells were co-cultured with culture supernatants from exosome-educated fibroblasts. T-cell proliferation and macrophage polarization were examined using flow cytometry. Then, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of exosome-educated fibroblasts and the corresponding control fibroblasts was performed. RESULTS Tumor-derived exosomes enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration. Moreover, gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoregulatory genes, and activated fibroblast marker genes. The culture supernatants of tumor-derived exosome-educated fibroblasts suppressed T cell proliferation and the induction of protumoral macrophages compared with those of control fibroblasts. Next, comprehensive RNA-seq analysis data revealed the activation of 11 signaling pathways, including IL-6- and IL-17-related signaling. CONCLUSION These results indicate that HNSCC tumor cells induce and/or differentiate into CAFs through exosome-based cell-to-cell communication to create an inflammatory tumor microenvironment.
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23
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Wei J, Wang M, Li G. Cancer-associated fibroblasts, and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1048922. [PMID: 36874089 PMCID: PMC9981791 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1048922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To systematically evaluate the relationship between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer, so as to provide new directions and clinical evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library to identify studies on the correlation between tumor-associated fibroblasts and the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. Two researchers screened the literature independently to extract data, evaluated the quality of the included studies, and used the Review Manager 5.4 software to perform a meta-analysis. Results A total of 14 studies involving a total of 2,703 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that high expression of CAFs was associated with stage III-IV gastric cancer (relative risk ratio [RR]=1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.24-2.04]; P=0.0003), lymph node metastasis (RR=1.51; 95% CI: [1.23-1.87]; P=0.0001), serosal infiltration (RR=1.56, 95% CI: [1.24-1.95]; P=0.0001), diffuse and mixed types in Lauren classification (RR=1.43; 95% CI: [1.18-1.74]; P=0.0003), vascular invasion (RR=1.99; 95% CI: [1.26-3.14]; P=0.003), and overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]=1.38; 95% CI: [1.22-1.56]; P<0.00001). However, the high expression of CAFs was not significantly correlated with poorly differentiated gastric cancer (RR=1.03; 95% CI: [0.96-1.10]; P=0.45) and gastric cancer with tumor diameter >5 cm (RR=1.34; 95% CI: [0.98-1.83]; P=0.07). Conclusion The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrated that high expression of CAFs is closely associated with the traditional pathological indicators related to poor prognosis in gastric cancer, and is a valuable prognostic factor in this setting. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022358165.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwu Wei
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Mingxia Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Guixiang Li
- Cancer Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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24
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Mehdi AM, Zhou C, Turrell G, Walpole E, Porceddu S, Frazer IH, Chandra J. HPV status represents dominant trait driving delineation of survival-associated gene co-expression networks in head and neck cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 30:629-640. [PMID: 36575316 PMCID: PMC10104777 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00577-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Integration of high-dimensional tumor gene expression data with clinicopathological data can increase our understanding of disease diversity, enable retrospective patient stratification, and identify new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Using a systems biology approach, we provide a holistic overview of gene co-expression networks in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of HNSCC RNA sequencing data from 519 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to determine correlates of 5-year survival, using regression tree-based optimal threshold calculations. Survival-associated gene sets were transformed to gene set scores that were assessed for correlation with clinicopathological data. We identified 8 gene co-expression modules for HNSCC tumors, each of which contained co-expressed genes associated significantly with 5-year survival. Survival-associated co-expression gene signatures correlated dominantly with tumor HPV and p16 status. Network analysis identified that survival was associated with signaling networks of infection, immunity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), hypoxia, glycolysis, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix, MYC signaling, autophagy and transcriptional regulation. EMT-associated gene signatures were expressed dominantly in fibroblasts, and cancer-associated fibroblasts were inversely correlated with immune activity. Interestingly, a high Immune Suppression Score based on expression of 21 genes associated with immune inhibition and including immune checkpoints, cytokines and regulatory T cell factors, was also associated with increased survival probability, and was significantly higher in HPV+ HNSCC. Networks associated with HNSCC survival were further associated with survival in cervical cancer, melanoma and lung cancer. This study defines 5129 genes associated with HNSCC survival, organized into co-expressed networks, their correlation with clinicopathological data, and with gene expression data from other malignant diseases, and provides a source for the discovery of biomarkers and novel therapies for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Mehdi
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation Ltd, Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Chenhao Zhou
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Gavin Turrell
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Euan Walpole
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Sandro Porceddu
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Radiation Oncology, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Ian H Frazer
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Janin Chandra
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
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25
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Zhou J, Schwenk-Zieger S, Kranz G, Walz C, Klauschen F, Dhawan S, Canis M, Gires O, Haubner F, Baumeister P, Kohlbauer V. Isolation and characterization of head and neck cancer-derived peritumoral and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Front Oncol 2022; 12:984138. [PMID: 36544698 PMCID: PMC9760815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.984138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are characterized by strong cellular and molecular heterogeneity and treatment resistance entailing poor survival. Besides cell-intrinsic properties, carcinoma cells receive important cues from non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the TME that impact on the molecular make-up of malignant cells and have a decisive function in tumor progression. However, the potential functionality of fibroblasts within tumor-adjacent, macroscopically normal tissue remains poorly explored. Methods Here, we isolated primary peritumoral fibroblasts (PtFs) from macroscopically normal tissue in vicinity of primary human papillomavirus-negative and -positive oropharyngeal HNSCC and compared their phenotype and functionality with matched CAFs (n = 5 pairs) and with human oral fibroblasts (hOFs). Results Expression patterns of CD90, CD73, CD105, smooth muscle actin, Vimentin, and S100A4 were comparable in PtFs, CAFs, and hOFs. Cell proliferation and doubling times of CAFs and PtFs were heterogeneous across patients (n =2 PtF>CAF; n = 1 CAF>PtF; n = 2 CAF=PtF) and reflected inferior growth than hOFs. Furthermore, PtFs displayed an reduced heterogeneity in cell size compared to matched CAFs, which were characterized by the presence of single large cells. Overall, conditioned supernatants from CAFs had more frequently growth-promoting effects on a panel of carcinoma cell lines of the upper aerodigestive tract carcinoma cell lines (Cal27, Cal33, FaDu, and Kyse30), whereas significant differences in migration-inducing effects demonstrated a higher potential of PtFs. Except for Kyse30, CAFs were significantly superior to hOFs in promoting proliferation, while PtFs induced stronger migration than hOFs in all carcinoma lines tested. Analysis of soluble factors demonstrated significantly increased VEGF-A production in CAFs (except in pat.8), and significantly increased PDGF-BB production in PtFs of two patients. Tube formation assays confirmed a significantly enhanced angiogenic potential of conditioned supernatants from CAFs compared to hOFs on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Discussion Hence, matched CAFs and PtFs present in HNSCC patients are heterogeneous in their proliferation-, migration-, and angiogenesis-promoting capacity. Despite this heterogeneity, CAFs induced stronger carcinoma cell proliferation and HUVEC tube formation overall, whereas PtFs promoted migration of tumor cells more strongly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiefu Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frederik Klauschen
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sharduli Dhawan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer”, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer”, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Frank Haubner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer”, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Vera Kohlbauer,
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26
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Xu M, Zhang T, Xia R, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting the tumor stroma for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:208. [PMID: 36324128 PMCID: PMC9628074 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are comprised of both cancer cells and surrounding stromal components. As an essential part of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor stroma is highly dynamic, heterogeneous and commonly tumor-type specific, and it mainly includes noncellular compositions such as the extracellular matrix and the unique cancer-associated vascular system as well as a wide variety of cellular components including activated cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells, pericytes. All these elements operate with each other in a coordinated fashion and collectively promote cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to study the interaction and crosstalk between stromal components and neoplastic cells. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of tumor stroma in solid tumors. A series of clinical trials targeting the tumor stroma have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce and discuss current advances in the understanding of various stromal elements and their roles in cancers. We also elaborate on potential novel approaches for tumor-stroma-based therapeutic targeting, with the aim to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosen Xu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruolan Xia
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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27
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Eskandari-Malayeri F, Rezaei M. Immune checkpoint inhibitors as mediators for immunosuppression by cancer-associated fibroblasts: A comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:996145. [PMID: 36275750 PMCID: PMC9581325 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.996145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a significant contributor to cancer progression containing complex connections between cellular and chemical components and provides a suitable substrate for tumor growth and development. Growing evidence shows targeting tumor cells while ignoring the surrounding TME is not effective enough to overcome the cancer disease. Fibroblasts are essential sentinels of the stroma that due to certain conditions in TME, such as oxidative stress and local hypoxia, become activated, and play the prominent role in the physical support of tumor cells and the enhancement of tumorigenesis. Activated fibroblasts in TME, defined as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play a crucial role in regulating the biological behavior of tumors, such as tumor metastasis and drug resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous populations that have different origins and, in addition to their role in supporting stromal cells, have multiple immunosuppressive functions via a membrane and secretory patterns. The secretion of different cytokines/chemokines, interactions that mediate the recruitment of regulatory immune cells and the reprogramming of an immunosuppressive function in immature myeloid cells are just a few examples of how CAFs contribute to the immune escape of tumors through various direct and indirect mechanisms on specific immune cell populations. Moreover, CAFs directly abolish the role of cytotoxic lymphocytes. The activation and overexpression of inhibitory immune checkpoints (iICPs) or their ligands in TME compartments are one of the main regulatory mechanisms that inactivate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in cancer lesions. CAFs are also essential players in the induction or expression of iICPs and the suppression of immune response in TME. Based on available studies, CAF subsets could modulate immune cell function in TME through iICPs in two ways; direct expression of iICPs by activated CAFs and indirect induction by production soluble and then upregulation of iICPs in TME. With a focus on CAFs’ direct and indirect roles in the induction of iICPs in TME as well as their use in immunotherapy and diagnostics, we present the evolving understanding of the immunosuppressive mechanism of CAFs in TME in this review. Understanding the complete picture of CAFs will help develop new strategies to improve precision cancer therapy.
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González-Moles MÁ, Warnakulasuriya S, López-Ansio M, Ramos-García P. Hallmarks of Cancer Applied to Oral and Oropharyngeal Carcinogenesis: A Scoping Review of the Evidence Gaps Found in Published Systematic Reviews. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153834. [PMID: 35954497 PMCID: PMC9367256 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This scoping review of systematic reviews aims to accurately assess the degree of existing scientific evidence on the cancer hallmarks proposed in 2011 by Hanahan and Weinberg, in the form of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, applied to oral potentially malignant disorders, oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, in order to point out gaps in evidence and lines of research that should be implemented in the future to improve the malignant transformation prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of these diseases. Abstract In 2000 and 2011, Hanahan and Weinberg published two papers in which they defined the characteristics that cells must fulfil in order to be considered neoplastic cells in all types of tumours that affect humans, which the authors called “hallmarks of cancer”. These papers have represented a milestone in our understanding of the biology of many types of cancers and have made it possible to reach high levels of scientific evidence in relation to the prognostic impact that these hallmarks have on different tumour types. However, to date, there is no study that globally analyses evidence-based knowledge on the importance of these hallmarks in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. For this reason, we set out to conduct this scoping review of systematic reviews with the aim of detecting evidence gaps in relation to the relevance of the cancer hallmarks proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg in oral and oropharyngeal cancer, and oral potentially malignant disorders, and to point out future lines of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel González-Moles
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Saman Warnakulasuriya
- Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
- WHO Collaborating for Oral Cancer, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - María López-Ansio
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramos-García
- School of Dentistry, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
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Arora L, Kalia M, Dasgupta S, Singh N, Verma AK, Pal D. Development of a Multicellular 3D Tumor Model to Study Cellular Heterogeneity and Plasticity in NSCLC Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:881207. [PMID: 35837091 PMCID: PMC9273950 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.881207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity is a characteristic feature of solid tumors. Intra-tumor heterogeneity includes phenotypic diversity, epigenetic abnormalities, cell proliferation, and plasticity that eventually drives disease progression. Studying tumor heterogeneity in 2D culture is challenging as it cannot simulate the microenvironmental features, such as hypoxia, nutrient unavailability, and cell-ECM interactions. We propose the development of multicellular (tri-culture) 3D spheroids using a hanging drop method to study the non-tumorigenic (BEAS-2B) vs. tumorigenic NSCLC (A549/NCI-H460)cells’ interaction with lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and monocytes (THP-1). Unlike the non-tumorigenic model, the tumorigenic 3D spheroids show significant induction of cell proliferation, hypoxia, pluripotency markers, notable activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor-associated macrophages. CD68+ macrophages isolated from tumorigenic spheroids exhibited profound induction of phenotypic endothelial characteristics. The results are zebrafish tumor xenograft model and by using human patient samples. This multicellular 3D tumor model is a promising tool to study tumor-stroma interaction and cellular plasticity, targeting tumor heterogeneity, and facilitating cancer therapy success against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Arora
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, India
| | - Moyna Kalia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, India
| | - Suman Dasgupta
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, India
| | - Navneet Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Anita K. Verma
- Department of Zoology, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Durba Pal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, India
- *Correspondence: Durba Pal, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-7672-3529
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Domingo-Vidal M, Whitaker-Menezes D, Mollaee M, Lin Z, Tuluc M, Philp N, Johnson JM, Zhan T, Curry J, Martinez-Outschoorn U. Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Is a Driver of Aggressiveness in Aerodigestive Tract Cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:906494. [PMID: 35814364 PMCID: PMC9259095 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.906494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common cancers of the aerodigestive tract (ADT) are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The tumor stroma plays an important role in ADT cancer development and progression, and contributes to the metabolic heterogeneity of tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant cell type in the tumor stroma of ADT cancers and exert pro-tumorigenic functions. Metabolically, glycolytic CAFs support the energy needs of oxidative (OXPHOS) carcinoma cells. Upregulation of the monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) and downregulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3α (IDH3α) are markers of glycolysis in CAFs, and upregulation of the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20) are markers of OXPHOS in carcinoma cells. It is unknown if glycolytic metabolism in CAFs is a driver of ADT cancer aggressiveness. In this study, co-cultures in vitro and co-injections in mice of ADT carcinoma cells with fibroblasts were used as experimental models to study the effects of fibroblasts on metabolic compartmentalization, oxidative stress, carcinoma cell proliferation and apoptosis, and overall tumor growth. Glycolytic metabolism in fibroblasts was modulated using the HIF-1α inhibitor BAY 87-2243, the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine, and genetic depletion of MCT4. We found that ADT human tumors express markers of metabolic compartmentalization and that co-culture models of ADT cancers recapitulate human metabolic compartmentalization, have high levels of oxidative stress, and promote carcinoma cell proliferation and survival. In these models, BAY 87-2243 rescues IDH3α expression and NAC reduces MCT4 expression in fibroblasts, and these treatments decrease ADT carcinoma cell proliferation and increase cell death. Genetic depletion of fibroblast MCT4 decreases proliferation and survival of ADT carcinoma cells in co-culture. Moreover, co-injection of ADT carcinoma cells with fibroblasts lacking MCT4 reduces tumor growth and decreases the expression of markers of metabolic compartmentalization in tumors. In conclusion, metabolic compartmentalization with high expression of MCT4 in CAFs drives aggressiveness in ADT cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Domingo-Vidal
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Diana Whitaker-Menezes
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mehri Mollaee
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhao Lin
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Madalina Tuluc
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nancy Philp
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Johnson
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tingting Zhan
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joseph Curry
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ubaldo Martinez-Outschoorn
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Ubaldo Martinez-Outschoorn,
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Li Y, Gao S, Hu Q, Wu F. Functional Properties of Cancer Epithelium and Stroma-Derived Exosomes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050757. [PMID: 35629423 PMCID: PMC9145061 DOI: 10.3390/life12050757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroma–cancer cell crosstalk involves a complex signaling network that contributes to tumor progression, including carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and therapy resistance in cancers. Exosomes, as extracellular membranous nanovesicles released by almost all types of cells, including tumor cells and stromal cells, play a critical role in signal delivery and material communication, in which the characteristics of their parent cells are reflected. The tumor or stroma-derived exosomes mediate cell–cell communication in the tumor microenvironment by transporting DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and metabolites. Recent studies on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have demonstrated that tumor-derived exosomes support various tumor biological behaviors, whereas the functional roles of stroma-derived exosomes remain largely unknown. Although these exosomes are emerging as promising targets in early diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and pharmaceutical carriers for antitumor therapy, there are still multiple hurdles to be overcome before they can be used in clinical applications. Herein, we systematically summarize the promotive roles of the epithelium and stroma-derived exosomes in HNSCC and highlight the potential clinical applications of exosomes in the treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Stomatology, Ningxia Medical University, South Sheng Li Street 804, Yinchuan 750004, China;
- Key Laboratory of Stomatology of Fujian Province, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Yang Qiao Middle Road 246, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Shengtao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, South Renmin Road, Sec. 3, No. 14, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Qi Hu
- College of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, South Sheng Li Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, China;
| | - Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, South Renmin Road, Sec. 3, No. 14, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence:
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Ermakov MS, Nushtaeva AA, Richter VA, Koval OA. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and their role in tumor progression. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:14-21. [PMID: 35342854 PMCID: PMC8894099 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The stromal elements of a malignant tumor can promote cancer progression and metastasis. The structure of the tumor stroma includes connective tissue elements, blood vessels, nerves, and extracellular matrix (ECM). Some of the cellular elements of the tumor stroma are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The origin and function of CAFs have been actively studied over the past thirty years. CAFs produce collagen, the main scaffold protein of the extracellular matrix. Collagen in the tumor stroma stimulates fibrosis, enhances the rigidity of tumor tissue, and disrupts the transmission of proliferation and differentiation signaling pathways. CAFs control tumor angiogenesis, cell motility, tumor immunogenic properties, and the development of resistance to chemo- and immunotherapy. As a result of metabolic adaptation of rapidly growing tumor tissue to the nutrients and oxygen deprivation, the main type of energy production in cells changes from oxidative phosphorylation to anaerobic glycolysis. These changes lead to sequential molecular alterations, including the induction of specified transcriptional factors that result in the CAFs activation. The molecular phenotype of activated CAFs is similar to fibroblasts activated during inflammation. In activated CAFs, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is synthetized de novo and various proteases and fibronectin are produced. Since CAFs are found in all types of carcinomas, these cells are potential targets for the development of new approaches for anticancer therapy. Some CAFs originate from resident fibroblasts of the organs invaded by the tumor, while others originate from epithelial tumor cells, which are undergoing an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To date, many molecular and metabolic inducers of the EMT have been discovered including the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), hypoxia, and inflammation. This review classifies modern concepts of molecular markers of CAFs, their functional features, and discusses the stages of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the potential of CAFs as a target for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Ermakov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. A. Nushtaeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - V. A. Richter
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - O. A. Koval
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Novosibirsk State University
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Irradiated fibroblasts increase interleukin-6 expression and induce migration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262549. [PMID: 35089951 PMCID: PMC8797190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytotoxic effects of radiation play an important role in the treatment of head and neck cancer. However, irradiation is known to lead to the migration of various cancer cells, including those of head and neck cancer. Recently, fibroblasts in the cancer microenvironment have been reported to be involved in this mechanism. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying migration of head and neck cancer cells remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate this migration mechanism induced by irradiation in terms of the interaction of head and neck cancer cells with fibroblasts. Methods We used the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines SAS and FaDu as well as fibroblast cell lines. These cells were irradiated and their viability was compared. In fibroblasts, changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion caused by irradiation were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cell migration ability of cancer cells was evaluated via a migration assay using a semipermeable membrane. HNSCC cells were cocultured with irradiated and nonirradiated fibroblasts, and their migration ability under each condition was compared. We also examined the effect of IL-6 on the migration of HNSCC cells. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of fibroblast-derived IL-6 on the migration ability of HNSCC cells, we conducted a coculture study using IL-6 neutralizing antibody. Results Irradiation reduced the survival of HNSCC cells, whereas fibroblasts were resistant to irradiation. Irradiation also increased IL-6 secretion by fibroblasts. Migration of HNSCC cells was enhanced by coculture with fibroblasts and further enhanced by coculture with irradiated fibroblasts. We also confirmed that the migration of HNSCC cells was induced by IL-6. The enhanced migration of cancer cells caused by coculturing with fibroblasts was canceled by the IL-6 neutralizing antibody. Conclusion These results show that fibroblasts survive irradiation and induce the migration ability of HNSCC cells through increased secretion of IL-6.
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3D microgels to quantify tumor cell properties and therapy response dynamics. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Datar UV, Kale AD, Angadi PV, Hallikerimath S, Deepa M, Desai KM. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinomas, surgical margins, and verrucous carcinomas: An immunohistochemical study. J Clin Transl Res 2022; 8:80-85. [PMID: 35261929 PMCID: PMC8898639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are among the key tumor microenvironment components that determine tumor invasion, progression, and resistance to cancer therapeutics. Histologically normal mucosa adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been shown to harbor CAFs which aid in the loco-regional recurrence of the lesion. Verrucous carcinoma (VC), a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma, has a better clinical outcome. However, few VCs show an aggressive biological course and necessitate wide excision with strict follow-up. Scarce literature is available regarding the role of CAFs in VCs. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the frequency of CAFs in OSCC, normal mucosa adjacent to OSCC, and VC. Methods Thirty cases of squamous cell carcinoma, normal mucosa adjacent to OSCC, and VC each were included in the study. The sections were stained with an antibody against alpha-smooth muscle actin protein and CAF frequency was evaluated. Results The CAF frequency was highest in squamous cell carcinoma, followed by VC, and least in normal mucosa adjacent to OSCC (P<0.001). Conclusion CAF frequency progressively increases with an increase in the grade or biological behavior of the lesion. Thus, screening CAF frequency in these benign and malignant oral lesions is necessary for better treatment outcomes. Relevance for Patients The immunohistochemical screening for CAFs in OSCC and VC can serve as an integrated approach for the development of a directed treatment plan that leads to a better patient prognosis. Routine assessment of CAF frequency in surgical margins can serve as an adjunct in determining clear margins and possible locoregional recurrence. Furthermore, target therapy for CAFs can be used to minimize possible recurrence and distant metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Vasant Datar
- 1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India,Corresponding author: Uma Vasant Datar Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Sangli - 416 414, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Alka Dinesh Kale
- 2Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KLE Deemed to be University), Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Punnya V. Angadi
- 2Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KLE Deemed to be University), Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Seema Hallikerimath
- 2Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KLE Deemed to be University), Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Mane Deepa
- 2Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KLE Deemed to be University), Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Karishma Madhusudan Desai
- 3Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharastra, India
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den bossche VV, Zaryouh H, Vara-Messler M, Vignau J, Machiels JP, Wouters A, Schmitz S, Corbet C. Microenvironment-driven intratumoral heterogeneity in head and neck cancers: clinical challenges and opportunities for precision medicine. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 60:100806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Karpińska K, Gielata M, Gwiazdowska A, Boryń Ł, Kobielak A. Catulin Based Reporter System to Track and Characterize the Population of Invasive Cancer Cells in the Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010140. [PMID: 35008571 PMCID: PMC8745103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and loco-regional metastasis. Partial or more complete epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in tumor progression; however, it remains a challenge to observe the EMT in vivo, due to its transient nature. Here, we developed a novel catulin promoter-based reporter system that allows us to isolate and characterize in vivo a small fraction of invasive cancer cells. The analyses of tumors revealed that Catulin-green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cells were enriched in clusters of cells at the tumor invasion front. A functional genomic study unveiled genes involved in cellular movement and invasion providing a molecular profile of HNSCC invasive cells. This profile overlapped partially with the expression of signature genes related to the partial EMT available from the single cell analysis of human HNSCC specimens, highlighting the relevance of our data to the clinical disease progression state. Interestingly, we also observed upregulations of genes involved in axonal guidance-L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), neuropilin-1, semaphorins, and ephrins, indicating potential interactions of cancer cells and neuronal components of the stroma. Taken together, our data indicated that the catulin reporter system marked a population of invasive HNSCC cells with a molecular profile associated with cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Karpińska
- Laboratory of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (M.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Mateusz Gielata
- Laboratory of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (M.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Aleksandra Gwiazdowska
- Laboratory of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (M.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Łukasz Boryń
- Laboratory of Stem Cells, Tissue Development and Regeneration, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Kobielak
- Laboratory of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (M.G.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-55-43-735
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De Marco M, Del Papa N, Reppucci F, Iorio V, Basile A, Falco A, Iaccarino R, Brongo S, De Caro F, Capunzo M, Turco MC, Rosati A, Marzullo L. BAG3 induces α-SMA expression in human fibroblasts and its over-expression correlates with poorer survival in fibrotic cancer patients. J Cell Biochem 2021; 123:91-101. [PMID: 34741483 PMCID: PMC9297854 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia and angiogenesis in solid tumors are often strictly linked to the development of fibrotic tissues, a detrimental event that compromises the antitumor immunity. As a consequence, tumor aggressiveness and poor patient prognosis relate to higher incidence of tissue fibrosis and stromal stiffness. The molecular pathways through which normal fibroblasts are converted in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have a central role in the onset of fibrosis in tumor stroma, thus emerging as a strategic target of novel therapeutic approaches for cancer disease. Several studies addressed the role of BAG3 in sustaining growth and survival of cancer cell and also shed light on the different mechanisms in which the intracellular protein is involved. More recently, new pieces of evidence revealed a pivotal role of extracellular BAG3 in pro-tumor cell signaling in the tumor microenvironment, as well as its involvement in the development of fibrosis in tumor tissues. Here we report further data showing the presence of the BAG3 receptor (Interferon-induced transmembrane protein [IFITM]-2) on the plasma membrane of normal dermal fibroblasts and the activity of BAG3 as a factor able to induce the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and the phosphorylation of AKT and focal adhesion kinase, that sustain CAF functions in tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, in agreement with these findings, bag3 gene expression has been analyzed by high throughput RNA sequencing databases from patients-derived xenografts. A strong correlation between bag3 gene expression and patients' survival was found in several types of fibrotic tumors. The results obtained provide encouraging data that identify BAG3 as a promising therapeutic target to counteract fibrosis in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot De Marco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,R&D Division, BIOUNIVERSA s.r.l., Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Del Papa
- Rheumatology Department, Scleroderma Unit, G. Pini Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Reppucci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vittoria Iorio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Basile
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,R&D Division, BIOUNIVERSA s.r.l., Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonia Falco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,R&D Division, BIOUNIVERSA s.r.l., Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberta Iaccarino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Sergio Brongo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco De Caro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Capunzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Turco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,R&D Division, BIOUNIVERSA s.r.l., Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rosati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,R&D Division, BIOUNIVERSA s.r.l., Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Liberato Marzullo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Schola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,R&D Division, BIOUNIVERSA s.r.l., Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
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Yoon CI, Ahn SG, Cha YJ, Kim D, Bae SJ, Lee JH, Ooshima A, Yang KM, Park SH, Kim SJ, Jeong J. Metastasis Risk Assessment Using BAG2 Expression by Cancer-Associated Fibroblast and Tumor Cells in Patients with Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184654. [PMID: 34572878 PMCID: PMC8470501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor progression and play an important role in evading immune surveillance. The previous study showed that BAG2 could be elevated in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Here, we evaluated BAG2 expression of CAF and tumor cells and assessed metastasis risk in patients with breast cancer. We found that patients with either BAG2-high or BAG2(+) CAF had significantly worse distant metastasis-free survival than those with BAG2-double negative. Evaluation of BAG2 expression on both CAFs and tumor cells could be helpful to estimate the risk of metastasis in breast cancer. Abstract Few studies have examined the role of BAG2 in malignancies. We investigated the prognostic value of BAG2-expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells in predicting metastasis-free survival in patients with breast cancer. Tissue-microarray was constructed using human breast cancer tissues obtained by surgical resection between 1992 and 2015. BAG2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in CAFs or the tumor cells. BAG2 expression in the CAFs and cytoplasm of tumor cells was classified as positive and negative, and low and high, respectively. BAG2-CAF was evaluated in 310 patients and was positive in 67 (21.6%) patients. Kaplan–Meier plots showed that distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) was lesser in patients with BAG2(+) CAF than in patients with BAG2(−) CAF (p = 0.039). Additionally, we classified the 310 patients into two groups: 109 in either BAG2-high or BAG2(+) CAF and 201 in BAG2-low and BAG2(−) CAF. DMFS was significantly reduced in patients with either BAG2-high or BAG2(+) CAF than in the patients of the other group (p = 0.005). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that DMFS was prolonged in patients with BAG2(−) CAF or BAG2-low. Evaluation of BAG2 expression on both CAFs and tumor cells could help in determining the risk of metastasis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ik Yoon
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seoul St Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (C.-I.Y.); (D.K.)
| | - Sung-Gwe Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (S.-G.A.); (S.-J.B.)
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea;
| | - Yoon-Jin Cha
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea;
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Dooreh Kim
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seoul St Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (C.-I.Y.); (D.K.)
| | - Soong-June Bae
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (S.-G.A.); (S.-J.B.)
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea;
| | - Ji-Hyung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (S.-H.P.)
| | - Akira Ooshima
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul 06668, Korea; (A.O.); (K.-M.Y.); (S.-J.K.)
- Medpacto Inc., Seocho-gu, Seoul 06668, Korea
| | - Kyung-Min Yang
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul 06668, Korea; (A.O.); (K.-M.Y.); (S.-J.K.)
- Medpacto Inc., Seocho-gu, Seoul 06668, Korea
| | - Seok-Hee Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (S.-H.P.)
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul 06668, Korea; (A.O.); (K.-M.Y.); (S.-J.K.)
- Medpacto Inc., Seocho-gu, Seoul 06668, Korea
| | - Joon Jeong
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea; (S.-G.A.); (S.-J.B.)
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2019-3379
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Saint A, Van Obberghen-Schilling E. The role of the tumor matrix environment in progression of head and neck cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2021; 33:168-174. [PMID: 33720067 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissue is composed of multiple cell types embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) that actively participates in disease progression, spread and treatment response. In this review, we provide an update of our current knowledge about the ECM landscape of HNSCC, its functions, methods of analysis, and nonimmunological stromal targeting strategies that modify the tumor ECM to improve conventional and emerging therapies. RECENT FINDINGS The tumor ECM differs significantly from that of normal tissue in abundance, composition, organization and mechanical properties. In HNSCC, signaling between malignant epithelial cells and stromal cells prompts the upregulation of a set of ECM components that serve as substrates for carcinoma cell migration, modulate the cytokine environment and promote immune evasion in these tumors. Advanced imaging techniques and molecular profiling at the single-cell level have provided valuable insights into our understanding of the tumor ECM and its role in malignancy, and opened new avenues for predictive and potentially actionable biomarker discovery for more effective management of the disease. SUMMARY ECM components upregulated in HNSCC can impact several cancer hallmarks by sustaining proliferative signaling, promoting angiogenesis, facilitating invasion and metastasis, modulating growth suppressor activity, and suppressing antitumoral immunity. The tumor ECM is also involved in treatment resistance, making it a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélique Saint
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV.,Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
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Maia A, Wiemann S. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3526. [PMID: 34298736 PMCID: PMC8307167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cells do not exist as an isolated entity. Instead, they are surrounded by and closely interact with cells of the environment they are emerged in. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is not static and several factors, including cancer cells and therapies, have been described to modulate several of its components. Fibroblasts are key elements of the TME with the capacity to influence tumour progression, invasion and response to therapy, which makes them attractive targets in cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on fibroblasts and their numerous roles in the TME with a special attention to recent findings describing their heterogeneity and role in therapy response. Furthermore, we explore how different therapies can impact these cells and their communication with cancer cells. Finally, we highlight potential strategies targeting this cell type that can be employed for improving patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maia
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Ruiz-Iglesias A, Mañes S. The Importance of Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier in Cancer Cell Metabolism and Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071488. [PMID: 33804985 PMCID: PMC8037430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The characteristic metabolic hallmark of cancer cells is the massive catabolism of glucose by glycolysis, even under aerobic conditions—the so-called Warburg effect. Although energetically unfavorable, glycolysis provides “building blocks” to sustain the unlimited growth of malignant cells. Aberrant glycolysis is also responsible for lactate accumulation and acidosis in the tumor milieu, which fosters hypoxia and immunosuppression. One of the mechanisms used by cancer cells to increase glycolytic flow is the negative regulation of the proteins that conform the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) complex, which transports pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix to be metabolized in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Evidence suggests that MPC downregulation in tumor cells impacts many aspects of tumorigenesis, including cancer cell-intrinsic (proliferation, invasiveness, stemness, resistance to therapy) and -extrinsic (angiogenesis, anti-tumor immune activity) properties. In many cancers, but not in all, MPC downregulation is associated with poor survival. MPC regulation is therefore central to tackling glycolysis in tumors. Abstract Pyruvate is a key molecule in the metabolic fate of mammalian cells; it is the crossroads from where metabolism proceeds either oxidatively or ends with the production of lactic acid. Pyruvate metabolism is regulated by many enzymes that together control carbon flux. Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) is responsible for importing pyruvate from the cytosol to the mitochondrial matrix, where it is oxidatively phosphorylated to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and to generate intermediates used in multiple biosynthetic pathways. MPC activity has an important role in glucose homeostasis, and its alteration is associated with diabetes, heart failure, and neurodegeneration. In cancer, however, controversy surrounds MPC function. In some cancers, MPC upregulation appears to be associated with a poor prognosis. However, most transformed cells undergo a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism, the so-called Warburg effect, which, amongst other possibilities, is induced by MPC malfunction or downregulation. Consequently, impaired MPC function might induce tumors with strong proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities. Moreover, glycolytic cancer cells secrete lactate, acidifying the microenvironment, which in turn induces angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and the expansion of stromal cell populations supporting tumor growth. This review examines the latest findings regarding the tumorigenic processes affected by MPC.
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