Role of Extracellular Matrix in Gastrointestinal Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis

Nanotherapeutic Formulations for the Delivery of Cancer Antiangiogenics

Antiangiogenic medications for cancer treatment have generally failed in showing substantial benefits in terms of prolonging life on their own; their effects are noticeable only when combined with chemotherapy. Moreover, treatments based on prolonged antiangiogenics administration have demonstrated to be ineffective in stopping tumor progression. In this scenario, nanotherapeutics can address certain issues linked to existing antiangiogenic treatments. More specifically, they can provide the ability to target the tumor's blood vessels to enhance drug accumulation and manage release, ultimately decreasing undesired side effects. Additionally, they enable the administration of multiple angiogenesis inhibitors at the same time as chemotherapy. Key reports in this field include the design of polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, vesicles, and hydrogels for loading antiangiogenic substances like endostatin and interleukin-12. Furthermore, nanoformulations have been proposed to efficiently control relevant pro-angiogenic pathways such as VEGF, Tie2/Angiopoietin-1, HIF-1α/HIF-2α, and TGF-β, providing powerful approaches to block tumor growth and metastasis. In this article, we outline a selection of nanoformulations for antiangiogenic treatments for cancer that have been developed in the past ten years.

Association of pre-diagnosis plasma proteomic contexture with overall survival of early- and late-stage colon cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The pre-diagnosis plasma proteomic contexture of colon cancer patients may reflect host immune and biological conditions and potentially associate with survival outcomes. We aimed to characterize pre-diagnosis proteomic contextures in colon cancer patients and determine potential association with overall survival of the patients.

METHODS

Baseline plasma samples collected at an average of 7.90 years before diagnosis from colon cancer patients in the UK Biobank cohort were analyzed using Olink proteomics technology. Cox-regression analysis was applied to identify distinct pre-diagnosis proteomic contextures and determine their association with survival outcomes.

RESULTS

In early-stage colon cancer, a 10-protein pre-diagnosis profile was identified, involving biological processes of extracellular matrix remodeling and immune evasion through deregulation of innate immune activation. Increased activity in these pathways before diagnosis was associated with poor survival outcomes. In late-stage cases, an 8-protein pre-diagnosis profile was linked to pathways involving in cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and pro-inflammatory response. Similarly, heightened activity in these pathways prior to diagnosis correlated with worse survival. When combined with two demographic factors age and sex, these proteomic profiles demonstrated strong predictive associations with survival outcomes at multiple time points post-diagnosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values were 0.85, 0.82, and 0.89 for early-stage cancer at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively, and 0.71, 0.72, and 0.79 for late-stage cancer over the same periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Biological processes like extracellular matrix remodeling and pro-inflammatory response are active well before diagnosis and may play a critical role in shaping colon cancer progression.

Extracellular matrix and pregnancy: functions and opportunities caught in the net

The extracellular matrix is a complex network of macromolecules that support the growth and homeostatic development of organisms. By conveying multiple signaling cascades, it impacts on several biological processes and influences the behaviour of numerous cell types. During the endometrial cycle and the key events necessary for a correct embryo implantation and placentation, this bioactive meshwork is substantially modified to favour endometrial receptivity and vascular adaptation, trophoblast cell migration, and immune activation as well. A correct extracellular remodeling is fundamental for the establishment of a physiological pregnancy; indeed, the occurrence of altered matrix modifications associates with gestational disorders such as preeclampsia. In the present review, we will critically evaluate the role of pivotal matrix constituents in regulating the key steps of embryo implantation and placentation, provide up-to-date information concerning their primary mechanisms of action and discuss on their potential as a novel source of biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Multi-omics perspective: mechanisms of gastrointestinal injury repair

In this review, we examine the significance of multi-omics technologies in understanding the plethora of intricate processes that activate gastrointestinal (GI) injury repair. Multi-omics, which includes genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, allows intricate mapping of cellular responses and molecular pathways involved in GI repair. We highlight the potential of multi-omics to discover previously unknown therapeutic targets or elucidate the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of GI. Furthermore, we explore the possibilities of integrating omics data to improve prediction models, and summarize the state-of-the-art technological developments and persisting obstacles that hinder the translation of multi-omics into clinical practice. Finally, innovative multi-omics approaches that can improve patient outcomes and advance therapeutic strategies in GI medicine are discussed.

Role and value of the tumor microenvironment in the progression and treatment resistance of gastric cancer (Review)

Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by a complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) that significantly influences disease progression and treatment outcomes. The tumor stroma, which is composed of a variety of cell types such as cancer‑associated fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular components, displays significant spatial and temporal diversity. These stromal elements engage in dynamic crosstalk with cancer cells, shaping their proliferative, invasive and metastatic potential. Furthermore, the TME is instrumental in facilitating resistance to traditional chemotherapy, specific treatments and immunotherapy strategies. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which the GC microenvironment evolves and supports tumor growth and therapeutic resistance is critical for developing effective treatment strategies. The present review explores the latest progress in understanding the intricate interactions between cancer cells and their immediate environment in GC, highlighting the implications for disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.

Targeting extracellular matrix interaction in gastrointestinal cancer: Immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and therapeutic strategies

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major constituent of the tumor microenvironment, acting as a mediator that supports the progression of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, particularly in mesenchymal subtypes. Beyond providing structural support, the ECM actively shapes the tumor microenvironment (TME) through complex biochemical and biomechanical remodeling. Dysregulation of ECM composition and signaling is closely linked to increased cancer aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and resistance to therapy. ECM components, such as collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and periostin, influence tumor growth, metastasis, immune modulation, and metabolic reprogramming by interacting with tumor cells, immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts. In this review, we highlight the heterogeneous nature of the ECM and the dualistic roles of its components across GI cancers, with a focus on their contributions to immune evasion and metabolic remodeling via intercellular interactions. Additionally, we explore therapeutic strategies targeting ECM remodeling and ECM-centered interactions, emphasizing their potential in enhancing existing anti-tumor therapies.

Oncomatrix: Molecular Composition and Biomechanical Properties of the Extracellular Matrix in Human Tumors

The extracellular matrix is an organized three-dimensional network of protein-based molecules and other macromolecules that provide structural and biochemical support to tissues. Depending on its biochemical and structural properties, the extracellular matrix influences cell adhesion and signal transduction and, in general, can influence cell differentiation and proliferation through specific mechanisms of chemical and mechanical sensing. The development of body tissues during ontogenesis is accompanied by changes not only in cells but also in the composition and properties of the extracellular matrix. Similarly, tumor development in carcinogenesis is accompanied by a continuous change in the properties of the extracellular matrix of tumor cells, called ‘oncomatrix’, as the tumor matures, from the development of the primary focus to the stage of metastasis. In this paper, the characteristics of the composition and properties of the extracellular matrix of tumor tissues are considered, as well as changes to the composition and properties of the matrix during the evolution of the tumor and metastasis. The extracellular matrix patterns of tumor tissues can be used as biomarkers of oncological diseases as well as potential targets for promising anti-tumor therapies.

Identification of angiogenesis-related subtypes and risk models for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and is characterized by significant heterogeneity, highlighting the need for further studies aimed at personalized treatment strategies. Tumor angiogenesis is critical for tumor development and metastasis, yet its role in molecular subtyping and prognosis prediction remains underexplored. This study aims to identify angiogenesis-related subtypes and develop a prognostic model for GC patients. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we performed consensus cluster analysis on differentially expressed angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs), identifying two patient subtypes with distinct survival outcomes. Differentially expressed genes between the subtypes were analyzed via Cox and LASSO regression, leading to the establishment of a subtype-based prognostic model using a machine learning algorithm. Patients were classified into high- and low-risk groups based on the risk score. Validation was performed using independent datasets (ICGC and GSE15459). We utilized a deconvolution algorithm to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment in different risk groups and conducted analyses on genetic profiling, sensitivity and combination of anti-tumor drug. Our study identified ten prognostic signature genes, enabling the calculation of a risk score to predict prognosis and overall survival. This provides critical data for stratified diagnosis and treatment upon patient admission, monitoring disease progression throughout the entire course, evaluating immunotherapy efficacy, and selecting personalized medications for GC patients.

The extracellular matrix protein EMILIN-1 impacts on the microenvironment by hampering gastric cancer development and progression

BACKGROUND

The contribution of the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix to the aggressive biology of Gastric Cancer (GC) has been recently characterized; however, the role of EMILIN-1 in this context is unknown. EMILIN-1 is an essential structural element for the maintenance of lymphatic vessel (LV) integrity and displays anti-proliferative properties as demonstrated in skin and colon cancer. Given the key role of LVs in GC progression, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of EMILIN-1 in GC mouse models.

METHODS

We used the syngeneic YTN16 cells which were injected subcutaneously and intraperitoneally in genetically modified EMILIN-1 mice. In alternative, carcinogenesis was induced using N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Mouse-derived samples and human biopsies were analyzed by IHC and IF to the possible correlation between EMILIN-1 expression and LV pattern.

RESULTS

Transgenic mice developed tumors earlier compared to WT animals. 20 days post-injection tumors developed in EMILIN-1 mutant mice were larger and displayed a significant increase of lymphangiogenesis. Treatment of transgenic mice with MNU associated with an increased number of tumors, exacerbated aggressive lesions and higher levels of LV abnormalities. A significant correlation between the levels of EMILIN-1 and podoplanin was detected also in human samples, confirming the results obtained with the pre-clinical models.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates for the first time that loss of EMILIN-1 in GC leads to lymphatic dysfunction and proliferative advantages that sustain tumorigenesis, and assess the use of our animal model as a valuable tool to verify the fate of GC upon loss of EMILIN-1.

Analysis of SIKVAV's receptor affinity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological characteristics: a matrikine with potent biological function

Matrikines are biologically active peptides generated from fragments fragmentation of extracellular matrix components (ECM) that are functionally distinct from the original full-length molecule. The active matricryptic sites can be unmasked by ECM components enzymatic degradation or multimerization, heterotypic binding, adsorption to other molecules, cell-mediated mechanical forces, exposure to reactive oxygen species, ECM denaturation, and others. Laminin α1-derived peptide (SIKVAV) is a bioactive peptide derived from laminin-111 that participates in tumor development, cell proliferation, angiogenesis in various cell types. SIKVAV has also a potential pharmaceutical activity that may be used for tissue regeneration and bioengineering in Alzheimer's disease and muscular dystrophies. In this work, we made computational analyzes of SIKVAV regarding the ADMET panel, that stands for Administration, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity. Docking analyzes using the α3β1 and α6β1 integrin receptors were performed to fill in the gaps in the SIKVAV's signaling pathway and coupling tests showed that SIKVAV can interact with both receptors. Moreover, there is no indication of cytotoxicity, mutagenic or carcinogenic activity, skin or oral sensitivity. Our analysis suggests that SIKVAV has a high probability of interacting with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (NR-PPAR-γ), which has anti-inflammatory activity. The results of bioinformatics can help understand the participation of SIKVAV in homeostasis and influence the understanding of how this peptide can act as a biological asset in the control of dystrophies, neurodegenerative diseases, and tissue engineering.

Role of TGF-β3 in modulating inflammatory responses and wound healing processes in ischemic ulcers in atherosclerotic patients

Ischemic ulcers pose a multifaceted clinical dilemma for patients with atherosclerosis, frequently compounded by suboptimal wound healing mechanisms. The dual function of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 3 (TGF-β3) in ischemic ulcer healing is not fully comprehended, despite its involvement in modulating inflammatory responses and tissue regeneration. The main aim of this investigation was to clarify the functions and mechanisms by which TGF-β3 regulates inflammatory responses and promotes wound healing in patients with ischemic ulcers who have atherosclerosis. Between August 2022 and November 2023, this cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 428 patients diagnosed with atherosclerotic ischemic ulcers in Haikou, China. The expression and function of TGF-β3 were examined throughout the different stages of wound healing, including inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. In addition to documenting patient demographics and ulcer characteristics, an analysis was conducted on biopsy samples to determine the expression of TGF-β3, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers. A subset of patients were administered topical TGF-β3 in order to evaluate its therapeutic effects. The expression pattern of TGF-β3 was found to be stage-dependent and significant, exhibiting increased levels during the phase of inflammation and reduced activity in subsequent phases. TGF-β3 levels were found to be greater in ulcers that were larger and deeper, especially in inflammatory phase. TGF-β3 applied topically induced discernible enhancement in ulcer healing parameters, such as reduction in ulcer depth and size. The therapeutic significance of TGF-β3 was emphasised due to its twofold function of regulating the inflammatory environment and facilitating the regeneration of damaged tissues. Ischemic ulcer lesion healing is significantly influenced by TGF-β3, which functions as an anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediator. Its correlation with ulcer characteristics and stages of healing suggests that it may have utility as a targeted therapeutic agent.

The entanglement of extracellular matrix molecules and immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer: a systematic review of the literature

Introduction

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a core pillar of cancer therapy as single agents or in combination regimens both in adults and children. Unfortunately, ICIs provide a long-lasting therapeutic effect in only one third of the patients. Thus, the search for predictive biomarkers of responsiveness to ICIs remains an urgent clinical need. The efficacy of ICIs treatments is strongly affected not only by the specific characteristics of cancer cells and the levels of immune checkpoint ligands, but also by other components of the tumor microenvironment, among which the extracellular matrix (ECM) is emerging as key player. With the aim to comprehensively describe the relation between ECM and ICIs' efficacy in cancer patients, the present review systematically evaluated the current literature regarding ECM remodeling in association with immunotherapeutic approaches.

Methods

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42022351180). PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched from inception to January 2023. Titles, abstracts and full text screening was performed to exclude non eligible articles. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results

After employing relevant MeSH and key terms, we identified a total of 5070 studies. Among them, 2540 duplicates, 1521 reviews or commentaries were found and excluded. Following title and abstract screening, the full text was analyzed, and 47 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were retained. The studies included in this systematic review comprehensively recapitulate the latest observations associating changes of the ECM composition following remodeling with the traits of the tumor immune cell infiltration. The present study provides for the first time a broad view of the tight association between ECM molecules and ICIs efficacy in different tumor types, highlighting the importance of ECM-derived proteolytic products as promising liquid biopsy-based biomarkers to predict the efficacy of ICIs.

Conclusion

ECM remodeling has an important impact on the immune traits of different tumor types. Increasing evidence pinpoint at ECM-derived molecules as putative biomarkers to identify the patients that would most likely benefit from ICIs treatments.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022351180, identifier CRD42022351180.

NGS Data Repurposing Allows Detection of tRNA Fragments as Gastric Cancer Biomarkers in Patient-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) have gene silencing effects similarly to miRNAs, can be sorted into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are emerging as potential circulating biomarkers for cancer diagnoses. We aimed at analyzing the expression of tRFs in gastric cancer (GC) and understanding their potential as biomarkers. We explored miRNA datasets from gastric tumors and normal adjacent tissues (NATs) from TCGA repository, as well as proprietary 3D-cultured GC cell lines and corresponding EVs, in order to identify differentially represented tRFs using MINTmap and R/Bioconductor packages. Selected tRFs were validated in patient-derived EVs. We found 613 Differentially Expressed (DE)-tRFs in the TCGA dataset, of which 19 were concomitantly upregulated in TCGA gastric tumors and present in 3D cells and EVs, but barely expressed in NATs. Moreover, 20 tRFs were expressed in 3D cells and EVs and downregulated in TCGA gastric tumors. Of these 39 DE-tRFs, 9 tRFs were also detected in patient-derived EVs. Interestingly, the targets of these 9 tRFs affect neutrophil activation and degranulation, cadherin binding, focal adhesion and the cell-substrate junction, highlighting these pathways as major targets of EV-mediated crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, as they are present in four distinct GC datasets and can be detected even in low quality patient-derived EV samples, they hold promise as GC biomarkers. By repurposing already available NGS data, we could identify and cross-validate a set of tRFs holding potential as GC diagnosis biomarkers.

Local Delivery of Immunomodulatory Antibodies for Gastrointestinal Tumors

Cancer therapy has experienced a breakthrough with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are able to unleash immune responses against tumors refractory to other therapies. Despite the great advancement that ICIs represent, most patients with gastrointestinal tumors have not benefited from this therapy. In addition, ICIs often induce adverse effects that are related to their systemic use. Local administration of ICIs in tumors could concentrate their effect in the malignant tissue and provide a higher safety profile. A new and attractive approach for local delivery of ICIs is the use of gene therapy vectors to express these blocking antibodies in tumor cells. Several vectors have been evaluated in preclinical models of gastrointestinal tumors to express ICIs against PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, among other immune checkpoints, with promising results. Vectors used in these settings include oncolytic viruses, self-replicating RNA vectors, and non-replicative viral and non-viral vectors. The use of viral vectors, especially when they have replication capacity, provides an additional adjuvant effect that has been shown to enhance antitumor responses. This review covers the most recent studies involving the use of gene therapy vectors to deliver ICIs to gastrointestinal tumors.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors as potential extracellular matrix modulators for targeting EMT subtype gastric tumors

Targeting the extracellular matrix (ECM) is considered as a promising strategy in cancer therapeutics. This study was designed to identify the potential ECM modulators for gastric cancer therapeutics. Exploration of the expression profiles of gastric tumors revealed the elevated expression of ECM genes in gastric tumor tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues with increased expression in diffuse subtype gastric tumors and specifically in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) molecular subtype tumors. Consensus ECM gene set was derived from the expression profiles of gastric tumors. The correlative analysis was performed between the expression pattern of the ECM gene set and the drug sensitivity pattern of a panel of drugs across gastric cancer cell lines. Negative correlation between the expression of ECM genes and sensitivity of a number of drugs targeting PI3K/mTOR signaling, chromatin histone acetylation and ABL signaling was observed. These pathways are known for their role in cell-mediated adhesion, differentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The current results reveal the possibility of using PI3K/AKT/mTOR modulators for targeted gastric cancer therapy in patients with dysregulated ECM.

Downregulation of CYRI-B promotes migration, invasion and EMT by activating the Rac1-STAT3 pathway in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

CYRI-B plays key roles in regulating cell motility in nontumor cells. However, the role and function of CYRI-B have rarely been studied in cancer cells, including gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance, biological function and underlying molecular mechanism of CYRI-B in gastric cancer.

METHOD

CYRI-B protein levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting (WB). Gastric cancer cells and organoid models were evaluated to explore the correlation of CYRI-B with collagen type I. The function of CYRI-B in proliferation, migration, invasion in gastric cancer was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

RESULT

CYRI-B protein levels were downregulated in gastric cancer. Low expression of CYRI-B was related to later tumor stage and poorer prognosis. CYRI-B expression was reduced when cells were cultured in collagen type I, which was mediated by collagen receptor DDR1. Knockdown of CYRI-B promoted migration, invasion and EMT in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, knockdown of CYRI-B activated the Rac1-STAT3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that CYRI-B plays an important role in the tumor microenvironment, and is associated with malignant characteristics acquired by gastric cancer. This study may provide new targets for future therapeutic interventions for tumor metastasis.

Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach, Colon, and Rectum

Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are one of the world's deadliest cancers. Cancer stem cells and the tissue microenvironment are highly regulated by cell and molecular mechanisms. Cancer stem cells are essential for maintenance and progression and are associated with resistance to conventional treatments. This article reviews the current knowledge of the role of the microenvironment during the primary establishment of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in the stomach, colon, and rectum and its relationship with cancer stem cells. We also describe novel developments in cancer therapeutics, such as targeted therapy, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments for improving gastrointestinal cancer prognosis.

THBS2 is Closely Related to the Poor Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration of Gastric Cancer

Background: The potential functions of Thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) in the progression and immune infiltration of gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of THBS2 in GC prognosis and the relationship between THBS2 and GC immune cell infiltration.

Material and Methods: The differential expression levels of THBS2 in the GC and cancer-adjacent tissues were identified using the TCGA databases and verified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemical staining and two datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). THBS2 related differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and used for further functional enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Furthermore, a THBS2-related immune infiltration analysis was also performed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were utilized to illustrate the effects of THBS2 on the prognosis and clinical variables of GC. Finally, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival probability of patients with GC.

Results: The THBS2 expression in GC was significantly higher than that in cancer-adjacent tissues (p < 0.001), which was verified using real-time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and datasets from GEO. The 599 identified DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways related to tumorigenesis and tumor progression, including the focal adhesion pathway, signaling by vascular endothelial growth factor, and Wnt signaling. THBS2 expression was positively correlated with the enrichment of the macrophages (r = 0.590, p < 0.001), which was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry; however, negatively correlated with the enrichment of Th17 cells (r = 0.260, p < 0.001). The high expression of THBS2 was significantly correlated with the pathological grade (p < 0.01), histological grade (p < 0.05), histological type (p < 0.05), T stage (p < 0.001), and poor overall survival (OS) (P = 0.003) of GC. The constructed nomogram can well predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS probability of patients with GC (C-index [95% confidence interval] = 0.725 [0.701–0.750]).

Conclusion: THBS2 is closely related to the poor prognosis and immune infiltration of gastric cancer.

Decellularized Colorectal Cancer Matrices as Bioactive Scaffolds for Studying Tumor-Stroma Interactions

More than a physical structure providing support to tissues, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic network of macromolecules that modulates the behavior of both cancer cells and associated stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Over the last few years, several efforts have been made to develop new models that accurately mimic the interconnections within the TME and specifically the biomechanical and biomolecular complexity of the tumor ECM. Particularly in colorectal cancer, the ECM is highly remodeled and disorganized and constitutes a key component that affects cancer hallmarks, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Therefore, several scaffolds produced from natural and/or synthetic polymers and ceramics have been used in 3D biomimetic strategies for colorectal cancer research. Nevertheless, decellularized ECM from colorectal tumors is a unique model that offers the maintenance of native ECM architecture and molecular composition. This review will focus on innovative and advanced 3D-based models of decellularized ECM as high-throughput strategies in colorectal cancer research that potentially fill some of the gaps between in vitro 2D and in vivo models. Our aim is to highlight the need for strategies that accurately mimic the TME for precision medicine and for studying the pathophysiology of the disease.

TMUB1 Correlated with Immune Infiltration Is a Prognostic Marker for Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Transmembrane and ubiquitin-like domain-containing protein 1 (TMUB1) is overexpressed in a large number of liver and esophageal tumors. However, only a few reports on the clinical significance of TMUB1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) exist.

METHODS

Here, we evaluated the clinical significance and potential biological role of TMUB1 using bioinformatics analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship of TMUB1 with clinicopathological features. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the biological function of TMUB1, while any associations between the expression of TMUB1 and the infiltration of 24 immune cells were analyzed using simple-sample GSEA.

RESULTS

TMUB1 was significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues compared with normal controls. The high expression of TMUB1 in CRC was associated with T stage, neotype, and residual tumor. Moreover, TMUB1 was identified as an independent factor of poor disease-free survival (DFS) and short overall survival (OS). GSEA demonstrated that TMUB1 was related to hypoxia, angiogenesis, adipogenesis, inflammatory response, IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, apoptosis, mitotic spindle, and IL2-STAT5 signaling. The expression of TMUB1 negatively correlated with the abundance of T helper cells, Tcm cells, macrophages, and Th2 cells, whereas it positively correlated with the abundance of several immune cell types, including CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The high expression of TMUB1 is closely related to a poor prognosis in patients with CRC. TMUB1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and be used for therapeutic approaches in CRC.

Issues of origin, morphology and clinical significance of tumor microvessels in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a serious oncological problem, ranking third in the structure of mortality from malignant neoplasms. Improving treatment outcomes for this pathology largely depends on understanding the pathogenesis and biological characteristics of GC, including the identification and characterization of diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic biomarkers. It is known that the main cause of death from malignant neoplasms and GC, in particular, is tumor metastasis. Given that angiogenesis is a critical process for tumor growth and metastasis, it is now considered an important marker of disease prognosis and sensitivity to anticancer therapy. In the presented review, modern concepts of the mechanisms of tumor vessel formation and the peculiarities of their morphology are considered; data on numerous factors influencing the formation of tumor microvessels and their role in GC progression are summarized; and various approaches to the classification of tumor vessels, as well as the methods for assessing angiogenesis activity in a tumor, are highlighted. Here, results from studies on the prognostic and predictive significance of tumor microvessels in GC are also discussed, and a new classification of tumor microvessels in GC, based on their morphology and clinical significance, is proposed for consideration.

ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.

ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers

Simple Summary

Local and distant metastasis of patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract predicts poor prognosis. In the latest years, the introduction of new therapeutic approaches, including targeted and immune therapies, has improved the overall survival. However, a large number of these patients do not benefit from these treatments. Thus, the identification of suitable prognostic and predictive biomarkers, as well as the discovery of new therapeutic targets have emerged as a crucial clinical need. In this context, the extracellular matrix represents a suitable target for the development of such therapeutic tools. In fact, the extracellular matrix is composed by complex molecules able to interact with a plethora of receptors and growth factors, thus modulating the dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of the extracellular matrix in affecting squamous cell carcinoma growth and dissemination. Despite extracellular matrix is known to affect the development of many cancer types, only a restricted number of these molecules have been recognized to impact on squamous cell carcinoma progression. Thus, we consider that a thorough analysis of these molecules may be key to develop new potential therapeutic targets/biomarkers.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.

Colon Fibroblasts and Inflammation: Sparring Partners in Colorectal Cancer Initiation?

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Patients suffering inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of CRC. It is admitted that CRC found its origin within crypts of the colon mucosa, which host the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) responsible of the tissue renewal. ISC behavior is controlled by the fibroblasts that surround the crypt. During inflammation, the signals delivered by fibroblasts are altered, leading to stem cells’ dysregulation, possibly turning them into cancer-initiating cells. Here, we reviewed the interplays between the fibroblast and the ISCs, possibly leading to the initiation of CRC due to chronic inflammation.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Significant improvements in CRC treatment have been made for the last 20 years, on one hand thanks to a better detection, allowing surgical resection of the incriminated area, and on the other hand, thanks to a better knowledge of CRC’s development allowing the improvement of drug strategies. Despite this crucial progress, CRC remains a public health issue. The current model for CRC initiation and progression is based on accumulation of sequential known genetic mutations in the colon epithelial cells’ genome leading to a loss of control over proliferation and survival. However, increasing evidence reveals that CRC initiation is more complex. Indeed, chronic inflammatory contexts, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, have been shown to increase the risk for CRC development in mice and humans. In this manuscript, we review whether colon fibroblasts can go from the main regulators of the ISC homeostasis, regulating not only the renewal process but also the epithelial cells’ differentiation occurring along the colon crypt, to the main player in the initiation of the colorectal cancer process due to chronic inflammation.

Identification of Core Prognosis-Related Candidate Genes in Chinese Gastric Cancer Population Based on Integrated Bioinformatics

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. There are great geographical differences in the incidence of GC, and somatic mutation rates of driver genes are also different. The present study is aimed at screening core prognosis-related candidate genes in Chinese gastric cancer population based on integrated bioinformatics for the early diagnosis and prognosis of GC.

Methods

In the present study, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GC were identified using four microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The samples of these datasets were all from China. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was conducted to evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in GC. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and cytoHubba were performed to determine hub genes associated with GC. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) were performed to validate the hub genes.

Results

A total of 240 DEGs were obtained through the RRA method, including 80 upregulated genes and 160 downregulated genes. Upregulated genes were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization, extracellular matrix, and extracellular matrix structural constituent. The downregulated genes were mainly enriched in digestion, extracellular space, and oxidoreductase activity. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated genes were mainly associated with ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. And downregulated genes were mainly associated with the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, metabolic pathways, and gastric acid secretion. The transcriptional and translational expression levels of the genes including COL1A1, COL5A2, COL12A1, and VCAN were higher in GC tissues than normal tissues.

Conclusion

A total of four genes including COL1A1, COL5A2, COL12A1, and VCAN were considered potential GC biomarkers in the Chinese population. And ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were revealed to be important mechanisms of GC. Our findings provide novel insights into the occurrence and progression of GC in the Chinese population.

Angiogenesis-Related Gene Expression Signatures Predicting Prognosis in Gastric Cancer Patients

Simple Summary

To elucidate the role of angiogenesis as a prognostic signature in gastric cancer, we analyzed the expression level of 36 angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) from Stomach Adenocarcinoma (STAD) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Consensus clustering analysis showed two major angiogenesis-related types: one related to more aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and worse survival, and the other related to lower tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) stage and better outcomes. Our analysis of TCGA with a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model identified 10 genes associated with overall survival in gastric cancer patients. With this gene signature, we computed angiogenesis-related gene signature risk scores for individual cancer patients that predicted overall and disease-free survival, which were further validated in the independent dataset Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG). Moreover, an overall survival (OS)-related nomogram was established and had better performance in prognosis prediction than TNM stage. Our analysis provides a comprehensive map of ARGs that can be serve as useful biomarkers for gastric cancer.

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that angiogenesis is crucial in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to develop a prognostic relevant angiogenesis-related gene (ARG) signature and a nomogram. The expression profile of the 36 ARGs and clinical information of 372 GC patients were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Consensus clustering was applied to divide patients into clusters 1 and 2. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were used to identify the survival related ARGs and establish prognostic gene signatures, respectively. The Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) (n = 300) was used for external validation. Risk score of ARG signatures was calculated, and a prognostic nomogram was developed. Gene set enrichment analysis of the ARG model risk score was performed. Cluster 2 patients had more advanced clinical stage and shorter survival rates. ARG signatures carried prognostic relevance in both cohorts. Moreover, ARG-risk score was proved as an independent prognostic factor. The predictive value of the nomogram incorporating the risk score and clinicopathological features was superior to tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) staging. The high-risk score group was associated with several cancer and metastasis-related pathways. The present study suggests that ARG-based nomogram could serve as effective prognostic biomarkers and allow a more precise risk stratification.

Roles of Proteoglycans and Glycosaminoglycans in Cancer Development and Progression

The extracellular matrix (ECM) spatiotemporally controls cell fate; however, dysregulation of ECM remodeling can lead to tumorigenesis and cancer development by providing favorable conditions for tumor cells. Proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are the major macromolecules composing ECM. They influence both cell behavior and matrix properties through direct and indirect interactions with various cytokines, growth factors, cell surface receptors, adhesion molecules, enzymes, and glycoproteins within the ECM. The classical features of PGs/GAGs play well-known roles in cancer angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Several lines of evidence suggest that PGs/GAGs critically affect broader aspects in cancer initiation and the progression process, including regulation of cell metabolism, serving as a sensor of ECM's mechanical properties, affecting immune supervision, and participating in therapeutic resistance to various forms of treatment. These functions may be implemented through the characteristics of PGs/GAGs as molecular bridges linking ECM and cells in cell-specific and context-specific manners within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we intend to present a comprehensive illustration of the ways in which PGs/GAGs participate in and regulate several aspects of tumorigenesis; we put forward a perspective regarding their effects as biomarkers or targets for diagnoses and therapeutic interventions.