1
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Ohara Y, Liu H, Craig AJ, Yang S, Moreno P, Dorsey TH, Cawley H, Azizian A, Gaedcke J, Ghadimi M, Hanna N, Ambs S, Hussain SP. ELAPOR1 induces the classical/progenitor subtype and contributes to reduced disease aggressiveness through metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:569-581. [PMID: 38630934 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34960] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a heterogeneous disease with distinct molecular subtypes described as classical/progenitor and basal-like/squamous PDAC. We hypothesized that integrative transcriptome and metabolome approaches can identify candidate genes whose inactivation contributes to the development of the aggressive basal-like/squamous subtype. Using our integrated approach, we identified endosome-lysosome associated apoptosis and autophagy regulator 1 (ELAPOR1/KIAA1324) as a candidate tumor suppressor in both our NCI-UMD-German cohort and additional validation cohorts. Diminished ELAPOR1 expression was linked to high histological grade, advanced disease stage, the basal-like/squamous subtype, and reduced patient survival in PDAC. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ELAPOR1 transgene expression not only inhibited the migration and invasion of PDAC cells but also induced gene expression characteristics associated with the classical/progenitor subtype. Metabolome analysis of patient tumors and PDAC cells revealed a metabolic program associated with both upregulated ELAPOR1 and the classical/progenitor subtype, encompassing upregulated lipogenesis and downregulated amino acid metabolism. 1-Methylnicotinamide, a known oncometabolite derived from S-adenosylmethionine, was inversely associated with ELAPOR1 expression and promoted migration and invasion of PDAC cells in vitro. Taken together, our data suggest that enhanced ELAPOR1 expression promotes transcriptome and metabolome characteristics that are indicative of the classical/progenitor subtype, whereas its reduction associates with basal-like/squamous tumors with increased disease aggressiveness in PDAC patients. These findings position ELAPOR1 as a promising candidate for diagnostic and therapeutic targeting in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Ohara
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Huaitian Liu
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda J Craig
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shouhui Yang
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paloma Moreno
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tiffany H Dorsey
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Helen Cawley
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nader Hanna
- Division of General & Oncologic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stefan Ambs
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - S Perwez Hussain
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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2
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Deiana C, Agostini M, Brandi G, Giovannetti E. The trend toward more target therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024:1-41. [PMID: 38768098 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2357802] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the considerable progress made in cancer treatment through the development of target therapies, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to exhibit resistance to this category of drugs. As a result, chemotherapy combination regimens remain the primary treatment approach for this aggressive cancer. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of past and ongoing trials on both well-known and novel targets that are being explored in PDAC, including PARP, EGFR, HER2, KRAS, and its downstream and upstream pathways (such as RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR), JAK/STAT pathway, angiogenesis, metabolisms, epigenetic targets, claudin, and novel targets (such as P53 and plectin). We also provide a comprehensive overview of the significant trials for each target, allowing a thorough glimpse into the past and future of target therapy. EXPERT OPINION The path toward implementing a target therapy capable of improving the overall survival of PDAC is still long, and it is unlikely that a monotherapy target drug will fulfill a meaningful role in addressing the complexity of this cancer. Thus, we discuss the future direction of target therapies in PDAC, trying to identify the more promising target and combination treatments, with a special focus on the more eagerly awaited ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Agostini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, San Giuliano, Italy
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3
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Mancini V, Raffa S, Fiorio Pla A, French D, Torrisi MR, Ranieri D, Belleudi F. TRPA1 Contributes to FGFR2c Signaling and to Its Oncogenic Outcomes in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma-Derived Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:609. [PMID: 38339360 PMCID: PMC10854535 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling is a key modulator of cellular processes dysregulated in cancer. We recently found that the high expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c variant in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-derived cells triggers the PKCε-mediated improvement of EMT and of MCL-1/SRC-dependent cell invasion. Since other membrane proteins can affect the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, including transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), in this work, we investigated the role of TRPs in the FGFR2c/PKCε oncogenic axis. Our results highlighted that either the FGFR2c/PKCε axis shut-off obtained by shRNA or its sustained activation via ligand stimulation induces TRPA1 downregulation, suggesting a channel/receptor dependence. Indeed, biochemical molecular and immunofluorescence approaches demonstrated that the transient depletion of TRPA1 by siRNA was sufficient to attenuate FGFR2c downstream signaling pathways, as well as the consequent enhancement of EMT. Moreover, the biochemical check of MCL1/SRC signaling and the in vitro assay of cellular motility suggested that TRPA1 also contributes to the FGFR2c-induced enhancement of PDAC cell invasiveness. Finally, the use of a selective channel antagonist indicated that the contribution of TRPA1 to the FGFR2c oncogenic potential is independent of its pore function. Thus, TRPA1 could represent a putative candidate for future target therapies in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (S.R.); (D.F.); (M.R.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Salvatore Raffa
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (S.R.); (D.F.); (M.R.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessandra Fiorio Pla
- Turin Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Deborah French
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (S.R.); (D.F.); (M.R.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (S.R.); (D.F.); (M.R.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Danilo Ranieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (S.R.); (D.F.); (M.R.T.); (F.B.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, della Salute e delle Professioni Sanitarie, Università degli Studi “Link Campus University”, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Belleudi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (S.R.); (D.F.); (M.R.T.); (F.B.)
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Oh K, Yoo YJ, Torre-Healy LA, Rao M, Fassler D, Wang P, Caponegro M, Gao M, Kim J, Sasson A, Georgakis G, Powers S, Moffitt RA. Coordinated single-cell tumor microenvironment dynamics reinforce pancreatic cancer subtype. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5226. [PMID: 37633924 PMCID: PMC10460409 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40895-6] [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: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bulk analyses of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) samples are complicated by the tumor microenvironment (TME), i.e. signals from fibroblasts, endocrine, exocrine, and immune cells. Despite this, we and others have established tumor and stroma subtypes with prognostic significance. However, understanding of underlying signals driving distinct immune and stromal landscapes is still incomplete. Here we integrate 92 single cell RNA-seq samples from seven independent studies to build a reproducible PDAC atlas with a focus on tumor-TME interdependence. Patients with activated stroma are synonymous with higher myofibroblastic and immunogenic fibroblasts, and furthermore show increased M2-like macrophages and regulatory T-cells. Contrastingly, patients with 'normal' stroma show M1-like recruitment, elevated effector and exhausted T-cells. To aid interoperability of future studies, we provide a pretrained cell type classifier and an atlas of subtype-based signaling factors that we also validate in mouse data. Ultimately, this work leverages the heterogeneity among single-cell studies to create a comprehensive view of the orchestra of signaling interactions governing PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Oh
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Yun Jae Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Luke A Torre-Healy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Manisha Rao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Fassler
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael Caponegro
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Mei Gao
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky and Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Joseph Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky and Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Aaron Sasson
- Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Georgios Georgakis
- Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Scott Powers
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Richard A Moffitt
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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5
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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6
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Werba G, Weissinger D, Kawaler EA, Zhao E, Kalfakakou D, Dhara S, Wang L, Lim HB, Oh G, Jing X, Beri N, Khanna L, Gonda T, Oberstein P, Hajdu C, Loomis C, Heguy A, Sherman MH, Lund AW, Welling TH, Dolgalev I, Tsirigos A, Simeone DM. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the effects of chemotherapy on human pancreatic adenocarcinoma and its tumor microenvironment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:797. [PMID: 36781852 PMCID: PMC9925748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a complex ecosystem that drives tumor progression; however, in-depth single cell characterization of the PDAC TME and its role in response to therapy is lacking. Here, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing on freshly collected human PDAC samples either before or after chemotherapy. Overall, we find a heterogeneous mixture of basal and classical cancer cell subtypes, along with distinct cancer-associated fibroblast and macrophage subpopulations. Strikingly, classical and basal-like cancer cells exhibit similar transcriptional responses to chemotherapy and do not demonstrate a shift towards a basal-like transcriptional program among treated samples. We observe decreased ligand-receptor interactions in treated samples, particularly between TIGIT on CD8 + T cells and its receptor on cancer cells, and identify TIGIT as the major inhibitory checkpoint molecule of CD8 + T cells. Our results suggest that chemotherapy profoundly impacts the PDAC TME and may promote resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Werba
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Daniel Weissinger
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Emily A Kawaler
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Ende Zhao
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Despoina Kalfakakou
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Surajit Dhara
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Lidong Wang
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Heather B Lim
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Grace Oh
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Xiaohong Jing
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Nina Beri
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA.,Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Lauren Khanna
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Tamas Gonda
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Paul Oberstein
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA.,Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Cristina Hajdu
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Cynthia Loomis
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Amanda W Lund
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA.,Department of Dermatology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Theodore H Welling
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA. .,Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA.
| | - Diane M Simeone
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA. .,Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA. .,Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, 10016, USA.
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7
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Padinharayil H, Rai V, George A. Mitochondrial Metabolism in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: From Mechanism-Based Perspectives to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041070. [PMID: 36831413 PMCID: PMC9954550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the fourteenth most common malignancy, is a major contributor to cancer-related death with the utmost case fatality rate among all malignancies. Functional mitochondria, regardless of their complex ecosystem relative to normal cells, are essential in PDAC progression. Tumor cells' potential to produce ATP as energy, despite retaining the redox potential optimum, and allocating materials for biosynthetic activities that are crucial for cell growth, survival, and proliferation, are assisted by mitochondria. The polyclonal tumor cells with different metabolic profiles may add to carcinogenesis through inter-metabolic coupling. Cancer cells frequently possess alterations in the mitochondrial genome, although they do not hinder metabolism; alternatively, they change bioenergetics. This can further impart retrograde signaling, educate cell signaling, epigenetic modifications, chromatin structures, and transcription machinery, and ultimately satisfy cancer cellular and nuclear demands. To maximize the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells remodel nearby stromal cells and extracellular matrix. These changes initiate polyclonality, which is crucial for growth, stress response, and metastasis. Here, we evaluate all the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways drawn by mitochondria in carcinogenesis, emphasizing the perspectives of mitochondrial metabolism in PDAC progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiza Padinharayil
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India
| | - Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA
| | - Alex George
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India
- Correspondence:
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8
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Zhang L, Wang H, Guo J, Xu H, Qian Y, Sun M. High level of ANO1 promotes pancreatic cancer growth in concert with oncogenic KRAS. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:3297-3307. [PMID: 36715788 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08293-9] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anoctamin-1 (ANO1) was identified as an unfavorable prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. However, the exact implication of ANO1 in pancreatic cancer is still poorly understood. Here we investigated the effect of ANO1 in pancreatic cancer progression under the context of oncogenic KRAS, aiming at finding a new therapeutic target. METHODS Knockdown and overexpression of oncogenic KRAS as well as ANO1 in PDAC cell lines were performed by lentivirus infection. Cell proliferation and migration assay, RNA seq analysis were performed in PDAC cells bearing different status of ANO1 and KRAS. In vivo mice model was used to investigate the xenograft tumor growth with different status of KRAS and ANO1. RESULTS Our results showed that ANO1 expression level is elevated in poorly differentiated cancer cells. Overexpression of ANO1 in PDAC cancer cells was found to promote cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, which synergized with the introduction of oncogenic KRAS. Consistently, knockdown of ANO1 expression was found to suppress cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. RNA seq analysis revealed that the observed synergistic cancer-promoting effect from ANO1 and oncogenic KRAS is likely due to concurrent activating key genes involved in lipid metabolism including HMGCS1. CONCLUSION The outcome from our study suggests that ANO1 plays an important role in promoting pancreatic cancer development, especially at the presence of oncogenic KRAS. Considering the prevalence of KRAS mutation in pancreatic cancer patients, suppression ANO1 may represent a potential effective therapeutic measure in pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology-Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Huijing Xu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Yihua Qian
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology-Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013, China.
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9
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Liu Z, Hayashi H, Matsumura K, Uemura N, Shiraishi Y, Sato H, Baba H. Biological and Clinical Impacts of Glucose Metabolism in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020498. [PMID: 36672448 PMCID: PMC9856866 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer type as it is prone to metastases and is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Despite advances in molecular detection, its clinical prognosis remains poor and it is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 85% of patients develop glucose metabolism disorders, most commonly diabetes mellitus, within three years prior to their pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Diabetes, or glucose metabolism disorders related to PDAC, are typically associated with insulin resistance, and beta cell damage, among other factors. From the perspective of molecular regulatory mechanisms, glucose metabolism disorders are closely related to PDAC initiation and development and to late invasion and metastasis. In particular, abnormal glucose metabolism impacts the nutritional status and prognosis of patients with PDAC. Meanwhile, preliminary research has shown that metformin and statins are effective for the prevention or treatment of malignancies; however, no such effect has been shown in clinical trials. Hence, the causes underlying these conflicting results require further exploration. This review focuses on the clinical significance of glucose metabolism disorders in PDAC and the mechanisms behind this relationship, while also summarizing therapeutic approaches that target glycolysis.
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10
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Ohara Y, Valenzuela P, Hussain SP. The interactive role of inflammatory mediators and metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:556-569. [PMID: 35525794 PMCID: PMC9233125 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.004] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by its highly reactive inflammatory desmoplastic stroma with evidence of an extensive tumor stromal interaction largely mediated by inflammatory factors. KRAS mutation and inflammatory signaling promote protumorigenic events, including metabolic reprogramming with several inter-regulatory crosstalks to fulfill the high demand of energy and regulate oxidative stress for tumor growth and progression. Notably, the more aggressive molecular subtype of PDAC enhances influx of glycolytic intermediates. This review focuses on the interactive role of inflammatory signaling and metabolic reprogramming with emerging evidence of crosstalk, which supports the development, progression, and therapeutic resistance of PDAC. Understanding the emerging crosstalk between inflammation and metabolic adaptations may identify potential targets and develop novel therapeutic approaches for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Ohara
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paloma Valenzuela
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - S Perwez Hussain
- Pancreatic Cancer Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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11
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Tan C, Wang X, Wang X, Weng W, Ni SJ, Zhang M, Jiang H, Wang L, Huang D, Sheng W, Xu MD. Molecular signatures of tumor progression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma identified by energy metabolism characteristics. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:404. [PMID: 35418066 PMCID: PMC9006543 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we performed a molecular evaluation of primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) based on the comprehensive analysis of energy metabolism-related gene (EMRG) expression profiles. METHODS Molecular subtypes were identified by nonnegative matrix clustering of 565 EMRGs. An overall survival (OS) predictive gene signature was developed and internally and externally validated based on three online PAAD datasets. Hub genes were identified in molecular subtypes by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) coexpression algorithm analysis and considered as prognostic genes. LASSO cox regression was conducted to establish a robust prognostic gene model, a four-gene signature, which performed better in survival prediction than four previously reported models. In addition, a novel nomogram constructed by combining clinical features and the 4-gene signature showed high-confidence clinical utility. According to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene sets related to the high-risk group participate in the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction pathway. CONCLUSIONS In summary, EMRG-based molecular subtypes and prognostic gene models may provide a novel research direction for patient stratification and trials of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Tan
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weiwei Weng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shu-Juan Ni
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hesheng Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Mi-Die Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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12
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Wang L, Liu Z, Zhu R, Liang R, Wang W, Li J, Zhang Y, Guo C, Han X, Sun Y. Multi-omics landscape and clinical significance of a SMAD4-driven immune signature: implications for risk stratification and frontline therapies in pancreatic cancer. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1154-1167. [PMID: 35317237 PMCID: PMC8908051 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD4 mutation affect the oncogenesis, progression and immunity of pancreatic cancer. Combined with immune subtypes, a SMAD4-driven immune signature (SDIS) was established. SDIS could robustly predict prognosis and efficacy in six independent cohorts. SDIS might serve as an attractive platform to further tailor decision-making.
SMAD4 mutation was recently implicated in promoting invasion and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PACA) by regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. However, SMAD4-driven immune landscape and clinical significance remain elusive. In this study, we applied the consensus clustering and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to identify two heterogeneous immune subtypes and immune genes. Combined with SMAD4-driven genes determined by SMAD4 mutation status, a SMAD4-driven immune signature (SDIS) was developed in ICGC-AU2 (microarray data) via machine learning algorithm, and then was validated by RNA-seq data (TCGA, ICGC-AU and ICGC-CA) and microarray data (GSE62452 and GSE85916). The high-risk group displayed a worse prognosis, and multivariate Cox regression indicated that SDIS was an independent prognostic factor. In six cohorts, SDIS also displayed excellent accuracy in predicting prognosis. Moreover, the high-risk group was characterized by higher frequencies of TP53/CDKN2A mutations and SMAD4 deletion, superior immune checkpoint molecules expression and more sensitive to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Meanwhile, the low-risk group was significantly enriched in metabolism-related pathways and suggested the potential to target tumor metabolism to develop specific drugs. Overall, SDIS could robustly predict prognosis in PACA, which might serve as an attractive platform to further tailor decision-making in chemotherapy and immunotherapy in clinical settings.
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13
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Fang Y, Pei S, Huang K, Xu F, Xiang G, Lan L, Zheng X. Single-Cell Transcriptome Reveals the Metabolic and Clinical Features of a Highly Malignant Cell Subpopulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:798165. [PMID: 35252177 PMCID: PMC8894596 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.798165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. PDAC exhibits significant heterogeneity as well as alterations in metabolic pathways that are associated with its malignant progression. In this study, we explored the metabolic and clinical features of a highly malignant subgroup of PDAC based on single-cell transcriptome technology.Methods: A highly malignant cell subpopulation was identified at single-cell resolution based on the expression of malignant genes. The metabolic landscape of different cell types was analyzed based on metabolic pathway gene sets. In vitro experiments to verify the biological functions of the marker genes were performed. PDAC patient subgroups with highly malignant cell subpopulations were distinguished according to five glycolytic marker genes. Five glycolytic highly malignant-related gene signatures were used to construct the glycolytic highly malignant-related genes signature (GHS) scores.Results: This study identified a highly malignant tumor cell subpopulation from the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. The analysis of the metabolic pathway revealed that highly malignant cells had an abnormally active metabolism, and enhanced glycolysis was a major metabolic feature. Five glycolytic marker genes that accounted for the highly malignant cell subpopulations were identified, namely, EN O 1, LDHA, PKM, PGK1, and PGM1. An in vitro cell experiment showed that proliferation rates of PANC-1 and CFPAC-1 cell lines decreased after knockdown of these five genes. Patients with metabolic profiles of highly malignant cell subpopulations exhibit clinical features of higher mortality, higher mutational burden, and immune deserts. The GHS score evaluated using the five marker genes was an independent prognostic factor for patients with PDAC.Conclusion: We revealed a subpopulation of highly malignant cells in PDAC with enhanced glycolysis as the main metabolic feature. We obtained five glycolytic marker gene signatures, which could be used to identify PDAC patient subgroups with highly malignant cell subpopulations, and proposed a GHS prognostic score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shunjie Pei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kaizhao Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Feng Xu
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guangxin Xiang
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Linhua Lan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Linhua Lan, ; Xiaoqun Zheng,
| | - Xiaoqun Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medical and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Linhua Lan, ; Xiaoqun Zheng,
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14
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Chen H, Zu F, Zeng T, Chen Z, Wei J, Liu P, Li Z, Zhou L, Wang H, Tan H, Tan X. Prognostic Value and Correlation With Tumor Immune Infiltration of a Novel Metabolism-Related Gene Signature in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 11:757791. [PMID: 35127473 PMCID: PMC8807690 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.757791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Energy metabolism has been considered as one of the novel features of neoplasms. This study aimed to establish the prognostic signature for pancreatic cancer (PC) based on metabolism-related genes (MRGs). Methods We obtained MRGs from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and gene sequence data in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Then, differentially expressed MRGs (DE-MRGs) were identified utilizing the R software. We built the prognostic model via multivariate Cox regression. Moreover, external validation of the prognostic signature was also performed. Nomogram was created to predict the overall survival (OS). Next, this study analyzed the prognostic value, clinical relationship, and metabolism-related signaling pathways of the prognostic signature. The role in tumor infiltration was further evaluated. Eventually, the expression level of the three MRGs along with the function of NT5E was validated. Results Twenty-two MRGs were chosen, eight of which were identified to be most significantly correlated with the prognosis of PC. Meanwhile, a 3-MRG prognostic signature was established, and we verified this prognostic model in two separate external cohorts. What is more, the nomogram was used to predict 1-/2-/3-year OS of PC patients. In addition, the immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint were significantly influenced by the risk score. Finally, three MRGs were highly expressed in PC cell lines, and NT5E was associated with the proliferation and migration ability of PC. Conclusion To sum up, the study established and validated a 3-MRG prognostic signature for PC, and the signature could be utilized to predict the prognosis and assist the individualized clinical management of patients with PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Thyroid Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fuqiang Zu
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Thyroid Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Taofei Zeng
- General Surgery, Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ziang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jinhong Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Peng Liu
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Thyroid Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zeyu Li
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Thyroid Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Thyroid Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huaitao Wang
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Thyroid Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Tan
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Endocrine Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodong Tan
- General Surgery, Department of Pancreatic and Thyroid Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Tan,
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15
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Zhuang H, Wang S, Chen B, Zhang Z, Ma Z, Li Z, Liu C, Zhou Z, Gong Y, Huang S, Hou B, Chen Y, Zhang C. Prognostic Stratification Based on HIF-1 Signaling for Evaluating Hypoxic Status and Immune Infiltration in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas. Front Immunol 2021; 12:790661. [PMID: 34925373 PMCID: PMC8677693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.790661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a hypoxic and desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to treatment failure. We aimed to develop a prognostic classifier to evaluate hypoxia status and hypoxia-related molecular characteristics of PDAC. In this study, we classified PDAC into three clusters based on 16 known hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)-related genes. Nine differentially expressed genes were identified to construct an HIF-1 score system, whose predictive efficacy was evaluated. Furthermore, we investigated oncogenic pathways and immune-cell infiltration status of PDAC with different scores. The C-index of the HIF-1score system for OS prediction in the meta-PDAC cohort and the other two validation cohorts were 0.67, 0.63, and 0.65, respectively, indicating that it had a good predictive value for patient survival. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the HIF-1α score system for predicting 1-, 3-, and 4-year OS indicated the HIF-1α score system had an optimal discrimination of prognostic prediction for PDAC. Importantly, our model showed superior predictive ability compared to previous hypoxia signatures. We also classified PDAC into HIF-1 scores of low, medium, and high groups. Then, we found high enrichment of glycolysis, mTORC1 signaling, and MYC signaling in the HIF-1 score high group, whereas the cGMP metabolic process was activated in the low score group. Of note, analysis of public datasets and our own dataset showed a high HIF-1 score was associated with high immunosuppressive TME, evidenced by fewer infiltrated CD8+ T cells, B cells, and type 1 T-helper cells and reduced cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells. In summary, we established a specific HIF-1 score system to discriminate PDAC with various hypoxia statuses and immune microenvironments. For highly hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumors, a combination treatment strategy should be considered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkai Zhuang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujie Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zedan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zuyi Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenchong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zixuan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanfeng Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanzhou Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baohua Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanzhao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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PRMT5: An Emerging Target for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205136. [PMID: 34680285 PMCID: PMC8534199 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205136] [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: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The burden of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) increases with rising incidence, yet 5-year overall survival remains poor at 17%. Routine comprehensive genomic profiling of PDAC only finds 2.5% of patients who may benefit and receive matched targeted therapy. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as an anti-cancer target has gained significant interest in recent years and high levels of PRMT5 protein are associated with worse survival outcomes across multiple cancer types. Inhibition of PRMT5 in pre-clinical models can lead to cancer growth inhibition. However, PRMT5 is involved in multiple cellular processes, thus determining its mechanism of action is challenging. While past reviews on PRMT5 have focused on its role in diverse cellular processes and past research studies have focused mainly on haematological malignancies and glioblastoma, this review provides an overview of the possible biological mechanisms of action of PRMT5 inhibition and its potential as a treatment in pancreatic cancer. Abstract The overall survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poor and its incidence is rising. Targetable mutations in PDAC are rare, thus novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) overexpression is associated with worse survival and inhibition of PRMT5 results in decreased cancer growth across multiple cancers, including PDAC. Emerging evidence also suggests that altered RNA processing is a driver in PDAC tumorigenesis and creates a partial dependency on this process. PRMT5 inhibition induces altered splicing and this vulnerability can be exploited as a novel therapeutic approach. Three possible biological pathways underpinning the action of PRMT5 inhibitors are discussed; c-Myc regulation appears central to its action in the PDAC setting. Whilst homozygous MTAP deletion and symmetrical dimethylation levels are associated with increased sensitivity to PRMT5 inhibition, neither measure robustly predicts its growth inhibitory response. The immunomodulatory effect of PRMT5 inhibitors on the tumour microenvironment will also be discussed, based on emerging evidence that PDAC stroma has a significant bearing on disease behaviour and response to therapy. Lastly, with the above caveats in mind, current knowledge gaps and the implications and rationales for PRMT5 inhibitor development in PDAC will be explored.
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Chisari A, Golán I, Campisano S, Gélabert C, Moustakas A, Sancho P, Caja L. Glucose and Amino Acid Metabolic Dependencies Linked to Stemness and Metastasis in Different Aggressive Cancer Types. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:723798. [PMID: 34588983 PMCID: PMC8473699 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.723798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells are commonly characterised by being capable of invading tissue, growing self-sufficiently and uncontrollably, being insensitive to apoptosis induction and controlling their environment, for example inducing angiogenesis. Amongst them, a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs) shows sustained replicative potential, tumor-initiating properties and chemoresistance. These characteristics make CSCs responsible for therapy resistance, tumor relapse and growth in distant organs, causing metastatic dissemination. For these reasons, eliminating CSCs is necessary in order to achieve long-term survival of cancer patients. New insights in cancer metabolism have revealed that cellular metabolism in tumors is highly heterogeneous and that CSCs show specific metabolic traits supporting their unique functionality. Indeed, CSCs adapt differently to the deprivation of specific nutrients that represent potentially targetable vulnerabilities. This review focuses on three of the most aggressive tumor types: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and glioblastoma (GBM). The aim is to prove whether CSCs from different tumour types share common metabolic requirements and responses to nutrient starvation, by outlining the diverse roles of glucose and amino acids within tumour cells and in the tumour microenvironment, as well as the consequences of their deprivation. Beyond their role in biosynthesis, they serve as energy sources and help maintain redox balance. In addition, glucose and amino acid derivatives contribute to immune responses linked to tumourigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, potential metabolic liabilities are identified and discussed as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chisari
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Irene Golán
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Campisano
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Caroline Gélabert
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Translational Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Royo-García A, Courtois S, Parejo-Alonso B, Espiau-Romera P, Sancho P. Lipid droplets as metabolic determinants for stemness and chemoresistance in cancer. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1307-1317. [PMID: 34630864 PMCID: PMC8474722 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i9.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously regarded as simple fat storage particles, new evidence suggests that lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic and functional organelles involved in key cellular processes such as membrane biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, cell signalling and inflammation. Indeed, an increased LD content is one of the most apparent features resulting from lipid metabolism reprogramming necessary to support the basic functions of cancer cells. LDs have been associated to different cellular processes involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, such as tumorigenicity, invasion and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Interestingly, all of these processes are controlled by a subpopulation of highly aggressive tumoral cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs), suggesting that LDs may be fundamental elements for stemness in cancer. Considering the key role of CSCs on chemoresistance and disease relapse, main factors of therapy failure, the design of novel therapeutic approaches targeting these cells may be the only chance for long-term survival in cancer patients. In this sense, their biology and functional properties render LDs excellent candidates for target discovery and design of combined therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge identifying LDs and CSCs as main contributors to cancer aggressiveness, metastasis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Royo-García
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Sarah Courtois
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | | | | | - Patricia Sancho
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
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Song W, He X, Gong P, Yang Y, Huang S, Zeng Y, Wei L, Zhang J. Glycolysis-Related Gene Expression Profiling Screen for Prognostic Risk Signature of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:639246. [PMID: 34249078 PMCID: PMC8261051 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.639246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly lethal. Although progress has been made in the treatment of PDAC, its prognosis remains unsatisfactory. This study aimed to develop novel prognostic genes related to glycolysis in PDAC and to apply these genes to new risk stratification. Methods: In this study, based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) PAAD cohort, the expression level of glycolysis-related gene at mRNA level in PAAD and its relationship with prognosis were analyzed. Non-negative matrix decomposition (NMF) clustering was used to cluster PDAC patients according to glycolytic genes. Prognostic glycolytic genes, screened by univariate Cox analysis and LASSO regression analysis were established to calculate risk scores. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the high-risk group and the low-risk group were analyzed, and the signal pathway was further enriched to analyze the correlation between glycolysis genes. In addition, based on RNA-seq data, CIBERSORT was used to evaluate the infiltration degree of immune cells in PDAC samples, and ESTIMATE was used to calculate the immune score of the samples. Results: A total of 319 glycolysis-related genes were retrieved, and all PDAC samples were divided into two clusters by NMF cluster analysis. Survival analysis showed that PDAC patients in cluster 1 had shorter survival time and worse prognosis compared with cluster 2 samples (P < 0.001). A risk prediction model based on 11 glycolysis genes was constructed, according to which patients were divided into two groups, with significantly poorer prognosis in high-risk group than in low-risk group (P < 0.001). Both internal validation and external dataset validation demonstrate good predictive ability of the model (AUC = 0.805, P < 0.001; AUC = 0.763, P < 0.001). Gene aggregation analysis showed that DEGs highly expressed in high-risk group were mainly concentrated in the glycolysis level, immune status, and tumor cell proliferation, etc. In addition, the samples in high-risk group showed immunosuppressed status and infiltrated by relatively more macrophages and less CD8+T cell. Conclusions: These findings suggested that the gene signature based on glycolysis-related genes had potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic value for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Song
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengju Gong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sirui Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Zeng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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