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Xiang X, He Y, Zhang Z, Yang X. Interrogations of single-cell RNA splicing landscapes with SCASL define new cell identities with physiological relevance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2164. [PMID: 38461306 PMCID: PMC10925056 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing shapes the gene regulatory programs that underlie various physiological and disease processes. Here, we present the SCASL (single-cell clustering based on alternative splicing landscapes) method for interrogating the heterogeneity of RNA splicing with single-cell RNA-seq data. SCASL resolves the issue of biased and sparse data coverage on single-cell RNA splicing and provides a new scheme for classifications of cell identities. With previously published datasets as examples, SCASL identifies new cell clusters indicating potentially precancerous and early-tumor stages in triple-negative breast cancer, illustrates cell lineages of embryonic liver development, and provides fine clusters of highly heterogeneous tumor-associated CD4 and CD8 T cells with functional and physiological relevance. Most of these findings are not readily available via conventional cell clustering based on single-cell gene expression data. Our study shows the potential of SCASL in revealing the intrinsic RNA splicing heterogeneity and generating biological insights into the dynamic and functional cell landscapes in complex tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianke Xiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yao He
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center and School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zemin Zhang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center and School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Shenzhen Bay Lab, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Xuerui Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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2
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Anajafi S, Paryan M, Khoshnazar A, Soleimani M, Mohammadi-Yeganeh S. miRNAs Delivery for Cancer-associated Fibroblasts' Activation and Drug Resistance in Cancer Microenvironment. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:333-347. [PMID: 37612874 DOI: 10.2174/1871530323666230823094556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as a major component of cancer stroma contribute to diverse procedures of most solid tumors and might be a targeted cancer therapy approach. Their specified features, related signaling pathways, distinct biomarkers, and sub-populations need to be deciphered. There is a need for CAF extraction or induction for in vitro investigations. Some miRNAs could activate CAF-like phenotype and they also interfere in CAF-mediated drug resistance, aggressiveness, and metastatic behaviors of several cancer cell types. Due to the complex relevance of miRNA and CAFs, these non-coding oligonucleotides may serve as attractive scope for anti-cancer targeted therapies, but the lack of an efficient delivery system is still a major hurdle. Here, we have summarized the investigated information on CAF features, isolation, and induction procedures, and highlighted the miRNA-CAF communications, providing special insight into nano-delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Anajafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Paryan
- Department of Research and Development, Production and Research Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amineh Khoshnazar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Mohammadi-Yeganeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Bailey TW, do Nascimento NC, Santos AP, Cox A, Sivasankar MP. Impact of Rehydration Following Systemic Dehydration on Vocal Fold Gene Expression. Laryngoscope 2023; 133:3499-3505. [PMID: 37345579 PMCID: PMC10739564 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biological data on the beneficial effects of vocal fold rehydration are lacking. This study aimed to examine the effects of acute systemic dehydration on vocal fold gene expression and determine whether rehydration would reverse these changes. METHODS Male New Zealand White rabbits (N = 24, n = 8/group) provided the animal model. Systemic dehydration was induced by 5 days of water volume restriction. Rehydration was provided by ad-lib water for 3 days following dehydration. Euhydrated rabbits were used as the control group. Vocal fold tissue was dissected. Seventeen genes were selected based on physiological function and role in supporting vocal fold structure, oxidative stress, hemodynamics, and extracellular matrix turnover. Relative gene expression was assessed by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Rehydration following systemic dehydration can modulate gene expression, with expression patterns suggesting that rehydration reverses dehydration-induced changes in over half of the tested genes. CLIC5 (chloride intracellular channel 5) and EFEMP1 (EGF containing fibulin extracellular matrix protein 1) genes were significantly upregulated in the dehydration group compared with the euhydrated control. A1BG (alpha-1B-glycoprotein) and IL1RAP (interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein) were downregulated by rehydration compared with the dehydration group. CONCLUSION This study provides molecular evidence for a transcriptional response to rehydration following acute systemic dehydration in the vocal folds. These data are the first to study gene expression following realistic dehydration and rehydration paradigms and provide biological data to support clinical recommendations to increase water intake after acute dehydration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 133:3499-3505, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor W Bailey
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Andrea P Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Abigail Cox
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - M Preeti Sivasankar
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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4
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Li Y, Wang C, Huang T, Yu X, Tian B. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer metastasis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1194835. [PMID: 37496657 PMCID: PMC10367093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1194835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer deaths are primarily caused by metastasis. There are several treatment options that can be used to treat breast cancer. There are, however, a limited number of treatments that can either prevent or inhibit the spread of breast tumor metastases. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies are needed. Studies have increasingly focused on the importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in metastasis of breast cancer. As the most abundant cells in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer pathogenesis. They can remodel the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and engage in crosstalk with cancer cells or other stroma cells by secreting growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, as well as components of the ECM, which assist the tumor cells to invade through the TME and cause distant metastasis. Clinically, CAFs not only foster the initiation, growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer but also serve as biomarkers for diagnosis, therapy, and prediction of prognosis. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics and subtypes of CAFs and their functions in breast cancer metastasis, focusing on their important roles in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Recent studies suggest that CAFs are vital partners of breast cancer cells that assist metastasis and may represent ideal targets for prevention and treatment of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department II, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xijie Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bole Tian
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Sarkar M, Nguyen T, Gundre E, Ogunlusi O, El-Sobky M, Giri B, Sarkar TR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: The chief architect in the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1089068. [PMID: 36793444 PMCID: PMC9923123 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1089068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major players in tumor stroma. The heterogeneous sources of origin and subsequent impacts of crosstalk with breast cancer cells flaunt serious challenges before current therapies to cure triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and other cancers. The positive and reciprocal feedback of CAFs to induce cancer cells dictates their mutual synergy in establishing malignancy. Their substantial role in creating a tumor-promoting niche has reduced the efficacy of several anti-cancer treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Over the years, there has been an emphasis on understanding CAF-induced therapeutic resistance in order to enhance cancer therapy results. CAFs, in the majority of cases, employ crosstalk, stromal management, and other strategies to generate resilience in surrounding tumor cells. This emphasizes the significance of developing novel strategies that target particular tumor-promoting CAF subpopulations, which will improve treatment sensitivity and impede tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the origin and heterogeneity of CAFs, their role in tumor progression, and altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents in breast cancer. In addition, we also discuss the potential and possible approaches for CAF-mediated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Tristan Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Esheksha Gundre
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Olajumoke Ogunlusi
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohanad El-Sobky
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Biplab Giri
- Department of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, English Bazar, India,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
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Proteins Found in the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Secretome and Their Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032100. [PMID: 36768435 PMCID: PMC9916912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer secretome comprises factors secreted by tumors, including cytokines, growth factors, proteins from the extracellular matrix (ECM), proteases and protease inhibitors, membrane and extracellular vesicle proteins, peptide hormones, and metabolic proteins. Secreted proteins provide an avenue for communication with other tumor cells and stromal cells, and these in turn promote tumor growth and progression. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the US and worldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by its aggressiveness and its lack of expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2, making it unable to be treated with therapies targeting these protein markers, and leaving patients to rely on standard chemotherapy. In order to develop more effective therapies against TNBC, researchers are searching for targetable molecules specific to TNBC. Proteins in the TNBC secretome are involved in wide-ranging cancer-promoting processes, including tumor growth, angiogenesis, inflammation, the EMT, drug resistance, invasion, and development of the premetastatic niche. In this review, we catalog the currently known proteins in the secretome of TNBC tumors and correlate these secreted molecules with potential therapeutic opportunities to facilitate translational research.
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Meng Q, Deng Y, Lu Y, Wu C, Tang S. Tumor-derived miRNAs as tumor microenvironment regulators for synergistic therapeutic options. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:423-439. [PMID: 36378341 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04432-0] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that perform post-transcriptional gene regulation. This review focuses on the role of tumor cell-derived miRNAs in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) via receptor cell recoding, including angiogenesis, expression of immunosuppressive molecules, formation of radiation resistance, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of these molecules as adjuvant therapies in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy, as well as their advantages as efficacy predictors for personalized therapy. MiRNA-based therapeutic agents for tumors are currently in clinical trials, and while challenges remain, additional research on tumor-derived miRNAs is warranted, which may provide significant clinical benefits to cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxing Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, China.,Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Liu Zhou, China
| | - Yaoming Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, China.,Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Liu Zhou, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, China.,Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Liu Zhou, China
| | - Chunfeng Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, China.,Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Liu Zhou, China
| | - Shifu Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, China. .,Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Liu Zhou, China.
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Di Agostino S, Vahabi M, Turco C, Fontemaggi G. Secreted Non-Coding RNAs: Functional Impact on the Tumor Microenvironment and Clinical Relevance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8010005. [PMID: 35076579 PMCID: PMC8788502 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast carcinoma characterized by poor prognosis and high rate of metastasis. Current treatment is based on chemo- and/or radiotherapy and surgery. TNBC is devoid of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Although precision medicine has come a long way to ameliorate breast cancer disease management, targeted therapies for the treatment of TNBC patients are still limited. Mounting evidence has shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) drive many oncogenic processes at the basis of increased proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in TNBC, strongly contributing to tumor progression and resistance to treatments. Many of these ncRNAs are secreted in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and impinge on the activity of the diverse immune and stromal cell types infiltrating the TME. Importantly, secreted ncRNAs may be detected as circulating molecules in serum/plasma from cancer patients and are emerging a promising diagnostic/therapeutic tools in TNBC. This review aims to discuss novel insights about the role of secreted circulating ncRNAs in the intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment and their potential clinical use as diagnostic and prognostic non-invasive biomarkers in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Di Agostino
- Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.A.); (G.F.); Tel.: +39-06-5266-2878 (G.F.)
| | - Mahrou Vahabi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.)
| | - Chiara Turco
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.)
| | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.A.); (G.F.); Tel.: +39-06-5266-2878 (G.F.)
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Hu Y, Bai J, Zhou D, Zhang L, Chen X, Chen L, Liu Y, Zhang B, Li H, Yin C. The miR-4732-5p/XPR1 axis suppresses invasion, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lung adenocarcinoma by PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/Snail pathway. Mol Omics 2022; 18:417-429. [DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00245g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
With the development in research, the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the occurrence, metastasis, and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) had received extensive attention. The aim of this study was...
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Breast Cancer Drug Resistance: Overcoming the Challenge by Capitalizing on MicroRNA and Tumor Microenvironment Interplay. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153691. [PMID: 34359591 PMCID: PMC8345203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical management of breast cancer reaches new frontiers every day. However, the number of drug resistant cases is still high, and, currently, this constitutes one of the major challenges that cancer research has to face. For instance, 50% of women affected with HER2 positive breast cancer presents or acquires resistance to trastuzumab. Moreover, for patients affected with triple negative breast cancer, standard chemotherapy is still the fist-line therapy, and often patients become resistant to treatments. Tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in this context. Indeed, cancer-associated stromal cells deliver oncogenic cues to the tumor and vice versa to escape exogenous insults. It is well known that microRNAs are among the molecules exploited in this aberrant crosstalk. Indeed, microRNAs play a crucial function both in the induction of pro-tumoral traits in stromal cells and in the stroma-mediated fueling of tumor aggressiveness. Here, we summarize the most recent literature regarding the involvement of miRNAs in the crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells and their capability to modulate tumor microenvironment characteristics. All up-to-date findings suggest that microRNAs in the TME could serve both to reverse malignant phenotype of stromal cells, modulating response to therapy, and as predictive/prognostic biomarkers.
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12
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Noncoding RNAs in the Interplay between Tumor Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Signals to Catch and Targets to Hit. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040709. [PMID: 33572359 PMCID: PMC7916113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040709] [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: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer aggressiveness is the result of a proficient bidirectional interaction between tumor and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment, among which a major role is played by the so-called cancer-associated fibroblasts. Upon such interplay, both cancer cells and fibroblasts are reprogrammed to sustain malignancy, with changes in the repertoire of noncoding RNAs, mainly microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Such molecules are also exchanged between the two cell types through extracellular vesicles. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs that act intracellularly or extracellularly to sustain tumor-stroma interplay. We also provide our view regarding the possible clinical utility of such noncoding RNAs as therapeutic target/tools or biomarkers to predict patient outcome or response to specific treatments. Abstract Cancer development and progression are not solely cell-autonomous and genetically driven processes. Dynamic interaction of cancer cells with the surrounding microenvironment, intended as the chemical/physical conditions as well as the mixture of non-neoplastic cells of the tumor niche, drive epigenetic changes that are pivotal for the acquisition of malignant traits. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), namely fibroblasts that, corrupted by cancer cells, acquire a myofibroblast-like reactive phenotype, are able to sustain tumor features by the secretion of soluble paracrine signals and the delivery extracellular vesicles. In such diabolic liaison, a major role has been ascribed to noncoding RNAs. Defined as RNAs that are functional though not being translated into proteins, noncoding RNAs predominantly act as regulators of gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs that act intracellularly in either CAFs or cancer cells to sustain tumor-stroma interplay. We also report on the major role of extracellular noncoding RNAs that are bidirectionally transferred between either cell type. Upon presenting a comprehensive view of the existing literature, we provide our critical opinion regarding the possible clinical utility of tumor-stroma related noncoding RNAs as therapeutic target/tools or prognostic/predictive biomarkers.
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Special Issue: Micro- and Macro-Environmental Factors in Solid Cancers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020247. [PMID: 33514006 PMCID: PMC7911398 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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