Ectopic Tumor VCAM-1 Expression in Cancer Metastasis and Therapy Resistance

Clinical Outcomes and Genomic Alterations in Gleason Score 10 Prostate Cancer

Background: Gleason score (GS) 10 prostate cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive localized disease. Despite advances in treating high-risk PC, the clinical outcomes and molecular underpinnings of GS 10 remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether GS 10 PC has distinct clinical outcomes from other "high-risk" cancers (i.e., Gleason 8-9) and identify genomic alterations driving its aggressive phenotype. Methods: A retrospective review of The Cancer Genome Atlas database identified patients with GS 8-10 PC who underwent radical prostatectomy. Clinical factors were compared between GS 10 and GS 8-9 cohorts. Time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. RNA sequencing identified differentially expressed genes, and protein-protein interaction networks identified hub genes. Results: Of 192 patients, 13 (6.8%) had GS 10 PC. After median follow-up of 37.87 months, GS 10 status was associated with significantly lower time to BCR (AHR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.18-6.02; p = 0.018) compared to GS 8-9. Multiple genes (e.g., RAD54L, FAAH, AATK, MAST2) showed higher alteration frequencies, and high expression of RAD54L, MAST2, and CCHCR1 correlated with shorter disease-free survival. Six overlapping hub genes (CD8A, CDC20, E2F1, IL10, TNF, VCAM1) were overexpressed in GS 10 tumors, reflecting key pathways in tumor progression. Conclusions: GS 10 PC confers inferior time to BCR and displays a distinct genomic landscape compared to GS 8-9 disease, highlighting the need for biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies. Further studies are needed to validate these genomic targets and improve management for this very high-risk population.

VCAM-1 as a common biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer: unveiling the dual anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer capacities of anti-VCAM-1 therapies

Vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 has garnered significant research attention due to its potential as a disease biomarker and drug target across several inflammatory pathologies-including atherosclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The VCAM-1 protein has also been noted for its functional involvement in cancer metastasis and drug resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics. Although the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer facets of VCAM-1 antagonisation have been examined separately, there is yet to be a review that explicitly addresses the functional interrelationship between these mechanisms. Furthermore, the pleiotropic mechanisms of anti-VCAM-1 therapies may present a useful paradigm for designing drug candidates with synergistic anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effects. The pathological overlap between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) serves as the quintessential disease model to observe this therapeutic duality. This review thereby details the adhesive mechanisms of VCAM-1 in colorectal disease-specifically, driving immune cell infiltration during IBD and tumour cell metastasis in CRC-and posits the potential of this receptor as a common drug target for both diseases. To explore this hypothesis, the current progress of novel VCAM-1-directed drug candidates in experimental models of IBD and CRC is also discussed.

Prognostic risk modeling of endometrial cancer using programmed cell death-related genes: a comprehensive machine learning approach

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer represents a significant health challenge, with rising incidence and complex prognostic challenges. This study aimed to develop a robust predictive model integrating programmed cell death-related genes and advanced machine learning techniques.

METHODS

Utilizing transcriptomic data from TCGA-UCEC and GSE119041 datasets, we employed a comprehensive approach involving 117 machine learning algorithms. Key methodologies included differential gene expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, functional enrichment studies, immune landscape evaluation, and multi-dimensional risk stratification.

RESULTS

We identified 10 critical genes (PTGIS, TIMP3, SRPX, SNCA, HIC1, BAK1, STXBP2, TRIB3, RTKN2, E2F1) and constructed a prognostic model with superior predictive performance. The StepCox[forward] + plsRcox algorithm combination demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy (AUC > 0.8). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significant survival differences between high- and low-risk groups in both training (HR = 3.37, p < 0.001) and validation cohorts (HR = 2.05, p = 0.021). The model showed strong correlations with clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration patterns, and potential therapeutic responses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a novel, comprehensive approach to endometrial cancer prognosis, integrating machine learning and molecular insights to provide a more precise risk stratification tool with potential clinical translation.

Proinflammatory Biomarkers and Clinical Factors Associated with Long-Term Mortality in People with HIV

People with HIV (PWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), despite a similar life expectancy, have a higher incidence of comorbidities than the general population. This study assessed the influence of proinflammatory biomarkers and clinical factors on mortality of PWH. We included PWH hospitalized from 2009 to 2014 who continued ART until 2023. The baseline lipid profile, CD4+ cell count, platelets, CRP, PCT, TNF-α, VCAM-1, and HCV and HBV coinfection were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with mortality. Among 72 PWH, 19 were lost to a follow-up and 13 died before 2023. The mean follow-up was 12.07 years, while the mean time to death was 4.32 years. The main causes of death were cancer (n = 7) and drug-related death (n = 4). In the multivariate analysis, HCV coinfection, CRP ≥ 5 mg/L, PCT ≥ 0.05 ng/mL, and VCAM-1 ≥ 922 ng/mL were associated with higher odds of death. Although people who died had lower total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, these parameters were not associated with mortality. Determining HCV coinfections and CRP, PCT, and VCAM-1 levels may help identify PWH at increased risk of death for intensified monitoring. Care should also be taken of PWH with normal lipid parameters.

Comparison of a Series of 68Ga-Labeled DOTA-LLP2A Conjugates for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Very Late Antigen-4 in Melanoma

Melanoma, with its steadily rising global incidence, is characterized by high invasiveness, leading to poor prognosis in advanced stages. There remains an unmet clinical need for the development of radiolabeled PET imaging probes for the early diagnosis of melanoma. Integrin VLA-4, a key factor in melanoma metastasis, presents a promising protein target to address the specificity shortcomings of existing probes in melanoma imaging. This study evaluates 68Ga-labeled DOTA-LLP2A PET probes for melanoma imaging by modifying different carboxyl sites and employing various polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers based on the structure of the high-affinity ligand LLP2A for VLA-4. The ligand intermediates LLP2A-NH2 and LLP2A(tBu)-OH, as well as their conjugates (probe precursors), were synthesized via solid-phase synthesis. The specificity and cytotoxicity of the probes were assessed in VLA-4-positive B16F10 cells and VLA-4-negative A375 cells. Targeting efficacy of the probes in B16F10 and A375 xenograft models was compared through PET imaging and biodistribution studies. VLA-4 expression in tissues was evaluated via immunofluorescence, while H&E staining was employed to assess the safety profile of the probes. The probe ([68Ga]Ga-T-CH) modified at the Aminocyclohexane carboxylic acid (Ach) exhibited greater signal accumulation in B16F10 melanoma (3.90 ± 0.43%ID/g at 1 h) compared to the 2-aminoadipic acid (Aad) side-chain-modified probe ([68Ga]Ga-T-AD) (1.43 ± 0.23%ID/g at 1 h). PET images of the three PEG conjugates derived from the Ach demonstrated bright tumor signals and low background noise, showing a progressive increase in tumor signal intensity from [68Ga]Ga-T6 to [68Ga]Ga-T4 and [68Ga]Ga-T2. Tumor uptake, tumor-to-muscle ratio, and tumor-to-blood ratio from biodistribution were significantly higher for [68Ga]Ga-T2 than for [68Ga]Ga-T4 and [68Ga]Ga-T6 (tumor: 3.58 ± 0.28 vs 2.90 ± 0.16 vs 1.87 ± 0.22%ID/g at 1 h; tumor/muscle: 13.38 ± 0.43 vs 10.62 ± 0.70 vs 7.19 ± 1.15 at 1 h; tumor/blood: 8.64 ± 1.12 vs 5.32 ± 0.91 vs 4.36 ± 0.59 at 1 h; P < 0.05). These data suggest that the series of PEG derivatives [68Ga]Ga-T2, [68Ga]Ga-T4, and [68Ga]Ga-T6, linked at the Ach site, are excellent 68Ga-labeled probes for melanoma and other potential VLA-4-positive tumors. Among them, [68Ga]Ga-T2 shows the highest tumor-to-background contrast for melanoma, positioning it as the most promising candidate for clinical translation.

Bioengineered NanoAid synergistically targets inflammatory pro-tumor processes to advance glioblastoma chemotherapy

Through transcriptomic analysis of patient-derived glioblastoma tissues, we identify an overactivation of inflammatory pathways that contribute to the development of a tumor-promoting microenvironment and therapeutic resistance. To address this critical mechanism, we present NanoAid, a biomimetic nanoplatform designed to target inflammatory pro-tumor processes to advance glioblastoma chemotherapy. NanoAid employs macrophage-membrane-liposome hybrids to optimize the delivery of COX-2 inhibitor parecoxib and paclitaxel. By inheriting macrophage characteristics, NanoAid not only efficiently traverses the blood-brain barrier and precisely accumulates within tumors but also enhances cancer cell uptake, thereby improving overall anticancer efficacy. Notably, the combination of parecoxib and paclitaxel effectively disrupts inflammatory pro-tumor processes while inducing a synergistic effect that inhibits tumor growth, overcomes therapeutic resistance, and minimizes adverse effects. This results in substantial tumor growth inhibition and extends the median survival of tumor-bearing mice. Thus, our study bridges clinical insights with fundamental research, potentially revolutionizing tumor therapy paradigms.

Subverting Attachment to Prevent Attacking: Alteration of Effector Immune Cell Migration and Adhesion as a Key Mechanism of Tumor Immune Evasion

Cell adhesion regulates specific migratory patterns, location, communication with other cells, physical interactions with the extracellular matrix, and the establishment of effector programs. Proper immune control of cancer strongly depends on all these events occurring in a highly accurate spatiotemporal sequence. In response to cancer-associated inflammatory signals, effector immune cells navigating the bloodstream shift from their patrolling exploratory migration mode to establish adhesive interactions with vascular endothelial cells. This interaction enables them to extravasate through the blood vessel walls and access the cancer site. Further adhesive interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial for coordinating their distribution in situ and for mounting an effective anti-tumor immune response. In this review, we examine how alterations of adhesion cues in the tumor context favor tumor escape by affecting effector immune cell infiltration and trafficking within the TME. We discuss the mechanisms by which tumors directly modulate immune cell adhesion and migration patterns to affect anti-tumor immunity and favor tumor evasion. We also explore indirect immune escape mechanisms that involve modifications of TME characteristics, such as vascularization, immunogenicity, and structural topography. Finally, we highlight the significance of these aspects in designing more effective drug treatments and cellular immunotherapies.

Immune Cell Migration to Cancer

Immune cell migration is required for the development of an effective and robust immune response. This elegant process is regulated by both cellular and environmental factors, with variables such as immune cell state, anatomical location, and disease state that govern differences in migration patterns. In all cases, a major factor is the expression of cell surface receptors and their cognate ligands. Rapid adaptation to environmental conditions partly depends on intrinsic cellular immune factors that affect a cell's ability to adjust to new environment. In this review, we discuss both myeloid and lymphoid cells and outline key determinants that govern immune cell migration, including molecules required for immune cell adhesion, modes of migration, chemotaxis, and specific chemokine signaling. Furthermore, we summarize tumor-specific elements that contribute to immune cell trafficking to cancer, while also exploring microenvironment factors that can alter these cellular dynamics within the tumor in both a pro and antitumor fashion. Specifically, we highlight the importance of the secretome in these later aspects. This review considers a myriad of factors that impact immune cell trajectory in cancer. We aim to highlight the immunotherapeutic targets that can be harnessed to achieve controlled immune trafficking to and within tumors.

Unveiling heterogeneity in MSCs: exploring marker-based strategies for defining MSC subpopulations

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) represent a heterogeneous cell population distributed throughout various tissues, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to microenvironmental cues and holding immense promise for disease treatment. However, the inherent diversity within MSCs often leads to variability in therapeutic outcomes, posing challenges for clinical applications. To address this heterogeneity, purification of MSC subpopulations through marker-based isolation has emerged as a promising approach to ensure consistent therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discussed the reported markers of MSCs, encompassing those developed through candidate marker strategies and high-throughput approaches, with the aim of explore viable strategies for addressing the heterogeneity of MSCs and illuminate prospective research directions in this field.

VCAM-1-targeted nanoparticles to diagnose, monitor and treat atherosclerosis

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was identified over 2 decades ago as an endothelial adhesion receptor involved in leukocyte recruitment and cell-based immune responses. In atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the blood vessels that is the leading cause of death in the USA, endothelial VCAM-1 is robustly expressed beginning in the early stages of the disease. The interactions of circulating immune cells with VCAM-1 on the activated endothelial cell surface promote the uptake of monocytes and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in susceptible vessels. Herein, we review the role of VCAM-1 in atherosclerosis and the use of VCAM-1 binding peptides, antibodies and aptamers as targeting agents for nanoplatforms for early detection and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.

Toward Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes: Targets, Strategies, and Challenges

Diabetes vasculopathy is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and early identification and timely intervention can effectively slow the progression. Accumulating studies have shown that diabetes causes vascular complications directly or indirectly through a variety of mechanisms. Direct imaging of the endothelial molecular changes not only identifies the early stage of diabetes vasculopathy but also sheds light on the precise treatment. Targeted ultrasound contrast agent (UCA)-based ultrasound molecular imaging (UMI) can noninvasively detect the expression status of molecular biomarkers overexpressed in the vasculature, thereby being a potential strategy for the diagnosis and treatment response evaluation of DM. Amounts of efforts have been focused on identification of the molecular targets expressed in the vasculature, manufacturing strategies of the targeted UCA, and the clinical translation for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in both micro- and macrovasculopathy in DM. This review summarizes the latest research progress on endothelium-targeted UCA and discusses their promising future and challenges in diabetes vasculopathy theranostics.

Photodynamic therapy of cervical cancer: a scoping review on the efficacy of various molecules

Background

Cervical cancer poses a considerable worldwide health issue, where infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a vital role as a risk factor. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment for HPV-related cervical lesions, which uses photosensitizers and light to selectively destroy abnormal cells.

Objectives

Our objective is to present a comprehensive overview of the different types of molecules employed in PDT to reduce the occurrence and fatality rates associated with cervical cancer.

Design

Scoping review and bibliometric analysis.

Methods

The article explores clinical trials investigating the efficacy of PDT in treating low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, as well as preclinical approaches utilizing various molecules for PDT in cervical cancer. Furthermore, the article sheds light on potential molecules for PDT enhancement, examining their properties through computer modeling simulations, molecular docking, and assessing their advantages and disadvantages.

Results

Our findings demonstrate that PDT holds promise as a therapeutic approach for treating cervical lesions associated with HPV and cervical cancer. Additionally, we observe that the utilization of diverse dye classes enhances the anticancer effects of PDT.

Conclusion

Among the various molecules employed in PDT, functionalized fullerene exhibits a notable inclination toward overexpressed receptors in cervical cancer cells, making it a potential candidate for intensified use in PDT. However, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety.

TMEM215 Prevents Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Vessel Regression by Blunting BIK-Regulated ER-to-Mitochondrial Ca Influx

BACKGROUND

In developmental and pathological tissues, nascent vessel networks generated by angiogenesis require further pruning/regression to delete nonfunctional endothelial cells (ECs) by apoptosis and migration. Mechanisms underlying EC apoptosis during vessel pruning remain elusive. TMEM215 (transmembrane protein 215) is an endoplasmic reticulum-located, 2-pass transmembrane protein. We have previously demonstrated that TMEM215 knockdown in ECs leads to cell death, but its physiological function and mechanism are unclear.

METHODS

We characterized the role and mechanism of TMEM215 in EC apoptosis using human umbilical vein endothelial cells by identifying its interacting proteins with immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry. The physiological function of TMEM215 in ECs was assessed by establishing a conditional knockout mouse strain. The role of TMEM215 in pathological angiogenesis was evaluated by tumor and choroidal neovascularization models. We also tried to evaluate its translational value by delivering a Tmem215 small interfering RNA (siRNA) using nanoparticles in vivo.

RESULTS

TMEM215 knockdown in ECs induced apoptotic cell death. We identified the chaperone BiP as a binding partner of TMEM215, and TMEM215 forms a complex with and facilitates the interaction of BiP (binding immunoglobin protein) with the BH (BCL-2 [B-cell lymphoma 2] homology) 3-only proapoptotic protein BIK (BCL-2 interacting killer). TMEM215 knockdown triggered apoptosis in a BIK-dependent way and was abrogated by BCL-2. Notably, TMEM215 knockdown increased the number and diminished the distance of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes and increased mitochondrial calcium influx. Inhibiting mitochondrial calcium influx by blocking the IP3R (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor) or MCU (mitochondrial calcium uniporter) abrogated TMEM215 knockdown-induced apoptosis. TMEM215 expression in ECs was induced by physiological laminar shear stress via EZH2 downregulation. In EC-specific Tmem215 knockout mice, induced Tmem215 depletion impaired the regression of retinal vasculature characterized by reduced vessel density, increased empty basement membrane sleeves, and increased EC apoptosis. Moreover, EC-specific Tmem215 ablation inhibited tumor growth with disrupted vasculature. However, Tmem215 ablation in adult mice attenuated lung metastasis, consistent with reduced Vcam1 expression. Administration of nanoparticles carrying Tmem215 siRNA also inhibited tumor growth and choroidal neovascularization injury.

CONCLUSIONS

TMEM215, which is induced by blood flow-derived shear stress via downregulating EZH2, protects ECs from BIK-triggered mitochondrial apoptosis mediated by calcium influx through mitochondria-associated ER membranes during vessel pruning, thus providing a novel target for antiangiogenic therapy.

Identification of a novel combination treatment strategy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma stem cells with shikonin and ipilimumab

Background

Management of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has changed rapidly in recent years with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, only a limited number of patients can sustainably respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors and many patients develop resistance to therapy, creating an additional need for therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of systemic therapies.

Methods

Binding probability and target genes prediction using online databases, invasion, migration, and apoptosis assays as well as the inhibition of cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers in ccRCC cell lines were used to select the most promising phytochemicals (PTCs). Mixed lymphocyte tumor cell culture (MLTC) system and flow cytometry were performed to confirm the potential combination strategy. The potential immunotherapeutic targets and novel CSC markers were identified via the NanoString analysis. The mRNA and protein expression, immune signatures as well as survival characteristics of the marker in ccRCC were analyzed via bioinformation analysis.

Results

Shikonin was selected as the most promising beneficial combination partner among 11 PTCs for ipilimumab for the treatment of ccRCC patients due to its strong inhibitory effect on CSCs, the significant reduction of FoxP3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients and activation of the endogenous effector CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD4+ T cells in response to the recognition of tumor specific antigens. Based on NanoString analysis VCAM1, CXCL1 and IL8 were explored as potential immunotherapeutic targets and novel CSC markers in ccRCC. The expression of VCAM1 was higher in the tumor tissue both at mRNA and protein levels in ccRCC compared with normal tissue, and was significantly positively correlated with immune signatures and survival characteristics in ccRCC patients.

Conclusion

We propose that a combination of shikonin and ipilimumab could be a promising treatment strategy and VCAM1 a novel immunotherapeutic target for the treatment of ccRCC.

Targeting VCAM-1: a therapeutic opportunity for vascular damage

INTRODUCTION

The vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) is a transmembrane sialoglycoprotein detected in activated endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells involved in the adhesion and transmigration of inflammatory cells into damaged tissue. Widely used as a pro-inflammatory marker, its potential role as a targeting molecule has not been thoroughly explored.

AREAS COVERED

We discuss the current evidence supporting the potential targeting of VCAM-1 in atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension and ischemia/reperfusion injury.

EXPERT OPINION

There is emerging evidence that VCAM-1 is more than a biomarker and may be a promising therapeutic target for vascular diseases. While there are neutralizing antibodies that allow preclinical research, the development of pharmacological tools to activate or inhibit this protein are required to thoroughly assess its therapeutic potential.

PLGA Nanoparticles Containing VCAM-1 Inhibitor Succinobucol and Chemotherapeutic Doxorubicin as Therapy against Primary Tumors and Their Lung Metastases

The treatment of malignant tumors is usually accompanied by poor prognosis due to metastasis of tumor cells. Hence, it is crucial to enhance anti-metastasis efficacy when anti-tumor treatments are conducted. It has been reported that the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is highly expressed on the surface of tumor cells and plays an essential role in the metastasis of tumor cells. Thus, reducing VCAM-1 expression offers hope for inhibiting the metastasis of tumor cells. Evidence has shown that succinobucol (Suc) can selectively and efficiently inhibit VCAM-1 expression. Inspired by these, we designed dual drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (Co-NPs) to co-deliver VCAM-1 inhibitor Suc and the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (Dox) which could both effectively suppress primary melanoma and its lung metastases. Co-NPs were composed of PLGA encapsulated Suc and Dox as hydrophobic cores and DSPE-mPEG₂₀₀₀ as surface modification materials. With an appropriate particle size (122.4 nm) and a negatively charged surface (-6.77 mV) we could achieve prolonged blood circulation. The in vitro experiments showed that Co-NPs had potent cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells and could significantly inhibit VCAM-1 expression and migration of B16F10 cells. Additionally, the in vivo experiments showed that Co-NPs could efficiently suppress not only primary melanoma but also its lung metastases. In conclusion, PLGA nanoparticles containing VCAM-1 inhibitor Suc and chemotherapeutic Dox as therapy against primary tumors and their lung metastases provides a promising drug delivery strategy for the treatment of metastatic malignant tumors.