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Santos L, Moreira JN, Abrunhosa A, Gomes C. Brain metastasis: An insight into novel molecular targets for theranostic approaches. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 198:104377. [PMID: 38710296 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases (BrM) are common malignant lesions in the central nervous system, and pose a significant threat in advanced-stage malignancies due to delayed diagnosis and limited therapeutic options. Their distinct genomic profiles underscore the need for molecular profiling to tailor effective treatments. Recent advances in cancer biology have uncovered molecular drivers underlying tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. This, coupled with the advances in molecular imaging technology and radiotracer synthesis, has paved the way for the development of innovative radiopharmaceuticals with enhanced specificity and affinity for BrM specific targets. Despite the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier to effective drug delivery, several radiolabeled compounds have shown promise in detecting and targeting BrM. This manuscript provides an overview of the recent advances in molecular biomarkers used in nuclear imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy in both clinical and preclinical settings. Additionally, it explores potential theranostic applications addressing the unique challenges posed by BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Santos
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS) and Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
| | - João Nuno Moreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Antero Abrunhosa
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS) and Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Célia Gomes
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal.
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Cai H, Lin Y, Wu Y, Wang Y, Li S, Zhang Y, Zhuang J, Liu X, Guan G. The prognostic model and immune landscape based on cancer-associated fibroblast features for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28673. [PMID: 38590874 PMCID: PMC11000021 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to construct a nomogram based on CAF features to predict the cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. Methods The EPIC algorithm was employed to calculate the proportion of CAFs. based on the differentially expressed genes between the high and low CAF proportion subgroups, prognostic genes were identified via LASSO and Cox regression analyses. They were then used to construct a prognostic risk signature. Moreover, the GSE39582 and GGSE38832 datasets were used for external validation. Lastly, the level of immune infiltration was evaluated using ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORTx, and TIMER. Results A higher level of CAF infiltration was associated with a worse prognosis. Additionally, the number of metastasized lymph nodes and distant metastases, as well as the level of immune infiltration were higher in the high CAF proportion subgroup. Five prognostic genes (SMOC2, TUBAL3, C2CD4A, MAP1B, BMP8A) were identified and subsequently incorporated into the prognostic risk signature to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS rates in the training and validation sets. Differences in survival rates were also determined in the external validation cohort. Furthermore, independent prognostic factors, including TNM stage and risk score, were combined to established a nomogram. Notably, our results revealed that the proportions of macrophages and neutrophils and the levels of cytokines secreted by M2 macrophages were higher in the high-risk subgroup. Finally, the prognostic genes were significantly associated with the level of immune cell infiltration. Conclusion Herein, a nomogram based on CAF features was developed to predict the CSS rate of LARC patients. The risk model was capable of reflecting differences in the level of immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Cai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yijuan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shoufeng Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiyi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinfu Zhuang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoxian Guan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Yang N, Hellevik T, Berzaghi R, Martinez‐Zubiaurre I. Radiation-induced effects on TGF-β and PDGF receptor signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2018. [PMID: 38488488 PMCID: PMC10941573 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) consist of heterogeneous connective tissue cells and are often constituting the most abundant cell type in the tumor stroma. Radiation effects on tumor stromal components like CAFs in the context of radiation treatment is not well-described. AIM This study explores potential changes induced by ionizing radiation (IR) on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/PDGFRs and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/TGFβRs signaling systems in CAFs. METHODS AND RESULTS Experiments were carried out by employing primary cultures of human CAFs isolated from freshly resected non-small cell lung carcinoma tumor tissues. CAF cultures from nine donors were treated with one high (1 × 18 Gy) or three fractionated (3 × 6 Gy) radiation doses. Alterations in expression levels of TGFβRII and PDGFRα/β induced by IR were analyzed by western blots and flow cytometry. In the presence or absence of cognate ligands, receptor activation was studied in nonirradiated and irradiated CAFs. Radiation exposure did not exert changes in expression of PDGF or TGF-β receptors in CAFs. Additionally, IR alone was unable to trigger activation of either receptor. The radiation regimens tested did not affect PDGFRβ signaling in the presence of PDGF-BB. In contrast, signaling via pSmad2/3 and pSmad1/5/8 appeared to be down-regulated in irradiated CAFs after stimulation with TGF-β, as compared with controls. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that IR by itself is insufficient to induce measurable changes in PDGF or TGF-β receptor expression levels or to induce receptor activation in CAFs. However, in the presence of their respective ligands, exposure to radiation at certain doses appear to interfere with TGF-β receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Yang
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUiT The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity Hospital of North NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUiT The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Inigo Martinez‐Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUiT The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
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Licaj M, Mhaidly R, Kieffer Y, Croizer H, Bonneau C, Meng A, Djerroudi L, Mujangi-Ebeka K, Hocine HR, Bourachot B, Magagna I, Leclere R, Guyonnet L, Bohec M, Guérin C, Baulande S, Kamal M, Le Tourneau C, Lecuru F, Becette V, Rouzier R, Vincent-Salomon A, Gentric G, Mechta-Grigoriou F. Residual ANTXR1+ myofibroblasts after chemotherapy inhibit anti-tumor immunity via YAP1 signaling pathway. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1312. [PMID: 38346978 PMCID: PMC10861537 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45595-3] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Although cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) heterogeneity is well-established, the impact of chemotherapy on CAF populations remains poorly understood. Here we address this question in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), in which we previously identified 4 CAF populations. While the global content in stroma increases in HGSOC after chemotherapy, the proportion of FAP+ CAF (also called CAF-S1) decreases. Still, maintenance of high residual CAF-S1 content after chemotherapy is associated with reduced CD8+ T lymphocyte density and poor patient prognosis, emphasizing the importance of CAF-S1 reduction upon treatment. Single cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry reveal that the content in the ECM-producing ANTXR1+ CAF-S1 cluster (ECM-myCAF) is the most affected by chemotherapy. Moreover, functional assays demonstrate that ECM-myCAF isolated from HGSOC reduce CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity through a Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1)-dependent mechanism. Thus, efficient inhibition after treatment of YAP1-signaling pathway in the ECM-myCAF cluster could enhance CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity. Altogether, these data pave the way for therapy targeting YAP1 in ECM-myCAF in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Licaj
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Rana Mhaidly
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Yann Kieffer
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Hugo Croizer
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Claire Bonneau
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
- Department of Surgery, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 35 rue Dailly, 92210, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Arnaud Meng
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Lounes Djerroudi
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Mujangi-Ebeka
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Hocine R Hocine
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Brigitte Bourachot
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Ilaria Magagna
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Renaud Leclere
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Lea Guyonnet
- Cytometry platform, PSL University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Mylene Bohec
- ICGex Next-Generation Sequencing Platform, PSL University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Coralie Guérin
- Cytometry platform, PSL University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baulande
- ICGex Next-Generation Sequencing Platform, PSL University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Maud Kamal
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, Paris-Saclay University, Institut Curie, 35 rue Dailly, 92210, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Fabrice Lecuru
- Breast, gynecology and reconstructive surgery Department, Institut Curie Hospital Group, Paris Cité University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Becette
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 35 rue Dailly, 92210, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Roman Rouzier
- Department of Surgery, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 35 rue Dailly, 92210, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Department of Diagnostic and Theragnostic Medicine, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France
| | - Geraldine Gentric
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France.
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France.
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248, Paris, France.
- Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005, France.
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Asai Y, Yanagawa N, Osakabe M, Yamada N, Sugimoto R, Sato A, Ito K, Koike Y, Tanji T, Sakuraba M, Sato T, Sugai T. The clinicopathological impact of tumor-associated macrophages in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma. J Surg Oncol 2024; 129:381-391. [PMID: 37916518 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an immune component of the cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) microenvironment and affect tumor growth. TAMs can polarize into different phenotypes, that is, proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. However, the role of the macrophage phenotype in CMM remains unclear. METHODS We examined 88 patients with CMM. Tissue microarrays were constructed, and the density of M1 and M2 macrophages was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Immune cells coexpressing CD68 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (pSTAT1) were considered M1 macrophages, whereas those coexpressing CD68 and c-macrophage activating factor (c-Maf) were defined as M2 macrophages. These TAMs were counted, and the relationships between the density of M1 and M2 macrophages and clinicopathological factors including prognosis were investigated. RESULTS The CD68/c-Maf score ranged from 0 to 34 (median: 5.5). The patients were divided based on the median score into the CD68/c-Maf high (≥5.5) and low (<5.5) expression groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that CD68/c-Maf expression was an independent predictive factor for progression-free survival and an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. CD68/pSTAT1 expression was found in only two patients. CONCLUSION We suggest that CD68/pSTAT1 coexpression is rarely observed in patients with CMM, and high CD68/c-Maf expression is a predictor of worse prognosis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinari Asai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
- Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Naoki Yanagawa
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Osakabe
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Yamada
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Ryo Sugimoto
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Ayaka Sato
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ito
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Koike
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Takayuki Tanji
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Minoru Sakuraba
- Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Takashi Sato
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Japan
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Zhao Y, Ren J. 18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT parameters predict PD-L1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1266843. [PMID: 38035081 PMCID: PMC10684668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1266843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This prospective study examined whether metabolism parameters obtained using the tracer 18F-AlFNOTA-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-04 (denoted as 18F-FAPI-04) in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can predict programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC). Patients and methods The 24 enrolled LA-ESCC patients underwent an 18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT scan. The maximum, mean, peak and standard deviation standard uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak and SUVsd), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion FAP (TLF) expression of the primary tumor were collected. Additionally, we evaluated PD-L1 expression on cancer cells by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods. Patients were divided into negative and positive expressions according to the expression of PD-L1 (CPS < 10 and CPS ≥ 10), and the variables were compared between the two groups. Results The SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak and SUVsd were significantly higher in patients with positive expression than in negative expression (all p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified SUVmean (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.882, p = 0.004), SUVsd (AUC = 0.874, p = 0.005), SUVpeak (AUC = 0.840, p = 0.010) and SUVmax (AUC = 0.765, p = 0.045) as significant predictors of the PD-L1 positive expression, with cutoff values of 9.67, 1.90, 9.67 and 13.71, respectively. On univariate logistic regression analysis, SUVmean (p = 0.045), SUVsd (p = 0.024), and SUVpeak (p = 0.031) were significantly correlated with the PD-L1 positive expression. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, SUVsd (p = 0.035) was an optimum predictor factor for PD-L1 positive expression. Conclusion 18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT parameters, including SUVmean, SUVpeak, and SUVsd, correlated with PD-L1 expression in patients with LA-ESCC, and thus SUVsd was an optimum predictor for PD-L1 positive expression, which could help to explore the existence of immune checkpoints and select ESCC candidates for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqing Zhao
- Department of General Affairs Section, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiazhong Ren
- Department of Medical Imaging, PET-CT Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Zubaľ M, Výmolová B, Matrasová I, Výmola P, Vepřková J, Syrůček M, Tomáš R, Vaníčková Z, Křepela E, Konečná D, Bušek P, Šedo A. Fibroblast activation protein as a potential theranostic target in brain metastases of diverse solid tumours. Pathology 2023; 55:806-817. [PMID: 37419841 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastases are a very common and serious complication of oncological diseases. Despite the vast progress in multimodality treatment, brain metastases significantly decrease the quality of life and prognosis of patients. Therefore, identifying new targets in the microenvironment of brain metastases is desirable. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a transmembrane serine protease typically expressed in tumour-associated stromal cells. Due to its characteristic presence in the tumour microenvironment, FAP represents an attractive theranostic target in oncology. However, there is little information on FAP expression in brain metastases. In this study, we quantified FAP expression in samples of brain metastases of various primary origin and characterised FAP-expressing cells. We have shown that FAP expression is significantly higher in brain metastases in comparison to non-tumorous brain tissues, both at the protein and enzymatic activity levels. FAP immunopositivity was localised in regions rich in collagen and containing blood vessels. We have further shown that FAP is predominantly confined to stromal cells expressing markers typical of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We have also observed FAP immunopositivity on tumour cells in a portion of brain metastases, mainly originating from melanoma, lung, breast, and renal cancer, and sarcoma. There were no significant differences in the quantity of FAP protein, enzymatic activity, and FAP+ stromal cells among brain metastasis samples of various origins, suggesting that there is no association of FAP expression and/or presence of FAP+ stromal cells with the histological type of brain metastases. In summary, we are the first to establish the expression of FAP and characterise FAP-expressing cells in the microenvironment of brain metastases. The frequent upregulation of FAP and its presence on both stromal and tumour cells support the use of FAP as a promising theranostic target in brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zubaľ
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Výmolová
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Matrasová
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Výmola
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Vepřková
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Syrůček
- Department of Pathology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Tomáš
- Department of Neurosurgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdislava Vaníčková
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Evžen Křepela
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dora Konečná
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurooncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bušek
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Aleksi Šedo
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Kalaei Z, Manafi-Farid R, Rashidi B, Kiani FK, Zarei A, Fathi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The Prognostic and therapeutic value and clinical implications of fibroblast activation protein-α as a novel biomarker in colorectal cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:139. [PMID: 37316886 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of contributing factors leading to the development of Colorectal Cancer (CRC), as the third fatal malignancy, is crucial. Today, the tumor microenvironment has been shown to play a key role in CRC progression. Fibroblast-Activation Protein-α (FAP) is a type II transmembrane cell surface proteinase expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor stroma. As an enzyme, FAP has di- and endoprolylpeptidase, endoprotease, and gelatinase/collagenase activities in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). According to recent reports, FAP overexpression in CRC contributes to adverse clinical outcomes such as increased lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence, and angiogenesis, as well as decreased overall survival. In this review, studies about the expression level of FAP and its associations with CRC patients' prognosis are reviewed. High expression levels of FAP and its association with clinicopathological factors have made as a potential target. In many studies, FAP has been evaluated as a therapeutic target and diagnostic factor into which the current review tries to provide a comprehensive insight. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kalaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Manafi-Farid
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bentolhoda Rashidi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Karoon Kiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asieh Zarei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Fathi
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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9
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Martinez-Zubiaurre I, Hellevik T. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in radiotherapy: Bystanders or protagonists? Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:108. [PMID: 37170098 PMCID: PMC10173661 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary goal of radiotherapy (RT) is to induce cellular damage on malignant cells; however, it is becoming increasingly recognized the important role played by the tumor microenvironment (TME) in therapy outcomes. Therapeutic irradiation of tumor lesions provokes profound cellular and biological reconfigurations within the TME that ultimately may influence the fate of the therapy. MAIN CONTENT Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to participate in all stages of cancer progression and are increasingly acknowledged to contribute to therapy resistance. Accumulated evidence suggests that, upon radiation, fibroblasts/CAFs avoid cell death but instead enter a permanent senescent state, which in turn may influence the behavior of tumor cells and other components of the TME. Despite the proposed participation of senescent fibroblasts on tumor radioprotection, it is still incompletely understood the impact that RT has on CAFs and the ultimate role that irradiated CAFs have on therapy outcomes. Some of the current controversies may emerge from generalizing observations obtained using normal fibroblasts and CAFs, which are different cell entities that may respond differently to radiation exposure. CONCLUSION In this review we present current knowledge on the field of CAFs role in radiotherapy; we discuss the potential tumorigenic functions of radiation-induced senescent fibroblasts and CAFs and we make an effort to integrate the knowledge emerging from preclinical experimentation with observations from the clinics. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inigo Martinez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Postbox 6050, 9037, Langnes, Tromsö, Norway.
| | - Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Postbox 100, 9038, Tromsö, Norway
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10
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Peltier A, Seban RD, Buvat I, Bidard FC, Mechta-Grigoriou F. Fibroblast heterogeneity in solid tumors: From single cell analysis to whole-body imaging. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:262-272. [PMID: 35489628 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the most prominent component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies demonstrated that CAF are heterogeneous and composed of different subpopulations exerting distinct functions in cancer. CAF populations differentially modulate various aspects of tumor growth, including cancer cell proliferation, extra-cellular matrix remodeling, metastatic dissemination, immunosuppression and resistance to treatment. Among other markers, the Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) led to the identification of a specific CAF subpopulation involved in metastatic spread and immunosuppression. Expression of FAP at the surface of CAF is detected in many different cancer types of poor prognosis. Thus, FAP recently appears as an appealing target for therapeutic and molecular imaging applications. In that context, 68Ga-labeled radiopharmaceutical-FAP-inhibitors (FAPI) have been recently developed and validated for quantitatively mapping FAP expression over the whole-body using Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT). In this review, we describe the main current knowledge on CAF subpopulations and their distinct functions in solid tumors, as well as the promising diagnostic and therapeutic implications of radionuclides targeting FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Peltier
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248 Paris, France; Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005 France
| | - Romain-David Seban
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 35 rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France; Laboratoire d'Imagerie Translationnelle en Oncologie (LITO), U1288 Inserm, Institut Curie, Orsay, France
| | - Irène Buvat
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Translationnelle en Oncologie (LITO), U1288 Inserm, Institut Curie, Orsay, France.
| | - François-Clément Bidard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inserm CIC-BT 1428, Institut Curie, UVSQ/Paris Saclay University, Saint-Cloud, France.
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248 Paris, France; Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005 France.
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11
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Fotsitzoudis C, Koulouridi A, Messaritakis I, Konstantinidis T, Gouvas N, Tsiaoussis J, Souglakos J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184394. [PMID: 36139552 PMCID: PMC9497276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment. Abstract The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Fotsitzoudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Asimina Koulouridi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394926
| | | | | | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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12
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Yanagawa N, Sugai M, Shikanai S, Sugimoto R, Osakabe M, Uesugi N, Saito H, Maemondo M, Sugai T. High expression of fibroblast-activating protein is a prognostic marker in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Thorac Cancer 2022; 13:2377-2384. [PMID: 35818720 PMCID: PMC9376177 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fibroblast‐activating protein (FAP) is expressed in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in many human carcinomas and in some types of carcinoma cells. Here, we examined the proportion of FAP protein expression in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and investigated the correlation of FAP expression with clinicopathological background. Methods In total, 344 NSCLC tissues were examined. Tissue microarrays were constructed, and FAP expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The status of FAP expression in tumor cells and CAFs was correlated with clinicopathological background, molecular features, and patient outcomes. Results A total of 280 patients (81.4%) had low FAP expression, and 64 patients (18.6%) had high FAP expression in tumor cells. In CAFs, 230 patients (66.9%) had low FAP expression, and 114 patients (33.1%) had high FAP expression. In multivariate analyses, high FAP expression in tumor cells was an independent predictive factor of both overall survival (OS; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–4.42, p < 0.001) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS; HR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.38–3.29, p < 0.001). Based on combinations of FAP expression in tumor cells and CAFs, patients with LowT/LowCAFs had better OS and RFS than did those in the other subgroups. By contrast, patients with HighT/HighCAFs had poor OS and RFS compared with those in the other subgroups. Conclusions Overall, FAP expression in tumor cells and the combination FAP expression in tumor cells and CAFs were strongly associated with patient survival and may be useful predictive biomarkers for patient outcomes in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Yanagawa
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Mayu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Shikanai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Ryo Sugimoto
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Osakabe
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Uesugi
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Hajime Saito
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Makoto Maemondo
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa-gun, Japan
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13
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Wu Z, Hua Y, Shen Q, Yu C. Research progress on the role of fibroblast activation protein in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Nucl Med Commun 2022; 43:746-755. [PMID: 35506275 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a type II transmembrane protein, which is over-expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are tumor stromal cells that constitute a major component of cancer volume and are reportedly related to tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, metastasis, promotion of drug resistance and induction of tumor immunity. FAP is widely acknowledged as the signature protein of CAFs. At present, FAP inhibitors (FAPI) have achieved ideal results in tumor PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging. Theoretically, FAP-targeted drugs can inhibit tumor progression. Nonetheless, no satisfactory therapeutic effect has been observed so far, which has impeded their implementation in clinical practice. In this review, we describe the characteristics of FAP and its role in the occurrence and development of cancer. We also highlight the potential value of targeting FAP to improve current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoye Wu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuqi Hua
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qiaoling Shen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chunjing Yu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University
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14
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Chen Z, Jiang W, Li Z, Zong Y, Deng G. Immune-and Metabolism-Associated Molecular Classification of Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:877369. [PMID: 35646692 PMCID: PMC9133421 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.877369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OV) is a complex gynecological disease, and its molecular characteristics are not clear. In this study, the molecular characteristics of OV subtypes based on metabolic genes were explored through the comprehensive analysis of genomic data. A set of transcriptome data of 2752 known metabolic genes was used as a seed for performing non negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering. Three subtypes of OV (C1, C2 and C3) were found in analysis. The proportion of various immune cells in C1 was higher than that in C2 and C3 subtypes. The expression level of immune checkpoint genes TNFRSF9 in C1 was higher than that of other subtypes. The activation scores of cell cycle, RTK-RAS, Wnt and angiogenesis pathway and ESTIMATE immune scores in C1 group were higher than those in C2 and C3 groups. In the validation set, grade was significantly correlated with OV subtype C1. Functional analysis showed that the extracellular matrix related items in C1 subtype were significantly different from other subtypes. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that C2 subtype was more sensitive to immunotherapy. Survival analysis of differential genes showed that the expression of PXDN and CXCL11 was significantly correlated with survival. The results of tissue microarray immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of PXDN was significantly correlated with tumor size and pathological grade. Based on the genomics of metabolic genes, a new OV typing method was developed, which improved our understanding of the molecular characteristics of human OV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyue Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyi Jiang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Zong
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaopi Deng
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Hashimoto M, Uesugi N, Sugai M, Ito K, Yanagawa N, Otsuka K, Kajiwara Y, Ueno H, Sasaki A, Sugai T. Desmoplastic reactions and epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins in stages II and III colorectal cancer: association with and prognostic value for disease-free survival. Virchows Arch 2022; 480:793-805. [PMID: 35149891 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03266-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent study has shown that there is a close association of desmoplastic reactions (DRs) with the survival of patient with colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we examined the correlation of DR classification with disease-free survival and overall survival of CRC. Moreover, we also investigated the association of the histological transition of the DR with the expression of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins in CRC in stages II and III. We examined 157 cases of stage II CRC and 163 cases in stage III. We classified DRs into mature, intermediate, and immature types and examined the correlation of the DR patterns with patient survival. Next, the expression of CAF- and EMT-related markers was examined in CRC samples using immunohistochemistry. In stage II CRC, we found a significant correlation of disease-free survival with DR subtype (immature vs mature) in univariate and multivariate analyses. In stage III CRC, however, such association was not identified. Finally, the DR was closely associated with two EMT-related markers in stages II and III CRC. Our findings suggest that classification of the DR may help to predict patient prognosis in CRC. Furthermore, classification of the DR is correlated with the expression of EMT-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan.,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Uesugi
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan
| | - Mayu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ito
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan
| | - Naoki Yanagawa
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan
| | - Koki Otsuka
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kajiwara
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa City, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Hideki Ueno
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa City, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Akira Sasaki
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Shiwagun'yahabachou, 028-3695, Japan.
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16
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Larionova I, Rakina M, Ivanyuk E, Trushchuk Y, Chernyshova A, Denisov E. Radiotherapy resistance: identifying universal biomarkers for various human cancers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:1015-1031. [PMID: 35113235 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-03923-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is considered as a standard in the treatment of most solid cancers, including glioblastoma, lung, breast, rectal, prostate, colorectal, cervical, esophageal, and head and neck cancers. The main challenge in RT is tumor cell radioresistance associated with a high risk of locoregional relapse and distant metastasis. Despite significant progress in understanding mechanisms of radioresistance, its prediction and overcoming remain unresolved. This review presents the state-of-the-art for the potential universal biomarkers correlated to the radioresistance and poor outcome in different cancers. We describe radioresistance biomarkers functionally attributed to DNA repair, signal transduction, hypoxia, and angiogenesis. We also focus on high throughput genetic and proteomic studies, which revealed a set of molecular biomarkers related to radioresistance. In conclusion, we discuss biomarkers which are overlapped in most several cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Larionova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634009, Tomsk, Russia.
| | - Militsa Rakina
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Elena Ivanyuk
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634009, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Yulia Trushchuk
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634009, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Alena Chernyshova
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634009, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgeny Denisov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634009, Tomsk, Russia
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17
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Hsiao Y, Chi J, Li C, Chen L, Chen Y, Liang H, Lo Y, Hong J, Chuu C, Hung L, Du J, Chang W, Wang J. Disruption of the pentraxin 3/CD44 interaction as an efficient therapy for triple-negative breast cancers. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e724. [PMID: 35090088 PMCID: PMC8797470 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the heterogeneity and high frequency of genome mutations in cancer cells, targeting vital protumour factors found in stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment may represent an ideal strategy in cancer therapy. However, the regulation and mechanisms of potential targetable therapeutic candidates need to be investigated. An in vivo study demonstrated that loss of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in stromal cells significantly decreased the metastasis and growth of cancer cells. Clinically, our results indicate that stromal PTX3 expression correlates with adverse prognostic features and is associated with worse survival outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We also found that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) induces PTX3 expression by activating the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta (CEBPD) in stromal fibroblasts. Following PTX3 stimulation, CD44, a PTX3 receptor, activates the downstream ERK1/2, AKT and NF-κB pathways to specifically contribute to the metastasis/invasion and stemness of TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. Two types of PTX3 inhibitors were developed to disrupt the PTX3/CD44 interaction and they showed a significant effect on attenuating growth and restricting the metastasis/invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that targeting the PTX3/CD44 interaction could be a new strategy for future TNBC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐Wei Hsiao
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Jhih‐Ying Chi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Chien‐Feng Li
- Department of PathologyChi‐Mei Medical CenterTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Lei‐Yi Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Yi‐Ting Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Hsin‐Yin Liang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Yu‐Chih Lo
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Jhen‐Yi Hong
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Chin‐Pin Chuu
- Institute of Cellular and System MedicineNational Health Research InstitutesMiaoli CountyTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Liang‐Yi Hung
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Jyun‐Yi Du
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Wen‐Chang Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of MedicineTaipei Medical UniversityTaipeiTaiwan R. O. C.
| | - Ju‐Ming Wang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and BiotechnologyNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of MedicineTaipei Medical UniversityTaipeiTaiwan R. O. C.
- International Research Center for Wound Repair and RegenerationNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
- Department of Physiology, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan R. O. C.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan R. O. C.
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18
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Kessel K, Seifert R, Weckesser M, Boegemann M, Huss S, Kratochwil C, Haberkorn U, Giesel F, Rahbar K. Prostate-specific membrane antigen and fibroblast activation protein distribution in prostate cancer: preliminary data on immunohistochemistry and PET imaging. Ann Nucl Med 2021; 36:293-301. [PMID: 34854061 PMCID: PMC8897381 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-021-01702-8] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been recently presented as new imaging target for malignant diseases and offers high contrast to surrounding normal tissue. FAP tracer uptake has been reported in various tumor entities. The aim of this study was to compare FAP and Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression in primary prostate cancer employing histological analyses and PET imaging in two small patient collectives.
Methods Two independent small patient collectives were included in this study. For cohort A, data of 5 prostate cancer patients and 3 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia were included. Patients with prostate cancer were initially referred for PSMA PET staging. Radical prostatectomy was performed in all patients and prostate specimen of patients and biopsies of healthy controls were available for further evaluation. Histological workup included HE and immunohistochemistry using PSMA Ab, FAP Ab. Cohort B consists of 6 Patients with diagnosed mCRPC and available PSMA as well as FAP PET. Results Patients with proven prostate cancer infiltration exhibited strong positivity for PSMA in both primary tumors and lymph node metastases while stainings for FAP were found positive in some cases, but not all (2/5). Controls with BPH presented moderate PSMA staining and in one case also with a positive FAP staining (1/3). PET imaging with FAP seemed to result in more precise results in case of low PSMA expression than PSMA-PET. Conclusions While PSMA staining intensity is a valid indicator of prostate cancer in both primary tumor and lymph node metastases, the expression of FAP seems to be heterogeneous but not necessarily linked to cancer-associated fibroblasts. It is also present in inflammation-associated myofibroblasts. Therefore, its ultimate role in prostate cancer diagnosis remains a subject of discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kessel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Seifert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Weckesser
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Boegemann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Huss
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40210, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederik Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40210, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kambiz Rahbar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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19
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Li H, Liu W, Zhang X, Wang Y. Cancer-associated fibroblast-secreted collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 promotes breast cancer cell migration, invasiveness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:814. [PMID: 34671428 PMCID: PMC8503808 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are continuously activated and are one of the most important cellular components of the tumor matrix. The role of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment has been widely recognized. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which CAFs promote tumor characteristics in breast cancer (BC) remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential mechanisms and the possible pathways of collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BC cells. The level of CTHRC1 in BC tissues was found to be higher than that in adjacent-normal tissues. CAFs isolated from BC tissues secreted significantly greater amounts of CTHRC1 than normal fibroblasts. Furthermore, CAFs promoted the migration, invasiveness and EMT of BC cells by secreting CTHRC1, which activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, the use of neutralizing antibodies towards CTHRC1, or the specific inhibitor Dickkopf-1, to inhibit the Wnt/β catenin pathway significantly alleviated the CAF-induced malignant phenotypes of BC cells. Collectively, the data indicate that CAFs in the tumor microenvironment promote BC cell malignant behaviors via the CTHRC1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, weakening CAF-BC cell communication by suppressing CTHRC1 expression may be a novel strategy for treating BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Li
- Department III of Thyroid and Breast, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department III of Thyroid and Breast, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department III of Thyroid and Breast, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, P.R. China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
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20
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Kreppel B, Gonzalez-Carmona MA, Feldmann G, Küppers J, Moon ES, Marinova M, Bundschuh RA, Kristiansen G, Essler M, Roesch F, Gaertner FC. Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPi) positive tumour fraction on PET/CT correlates with Ki-67 in liver metastases of neuroendocrine tumours. Nuklearmedizin 2021; 60:344-354. [PMID: 34256394 DOI: 10.1055/a-1521-8604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Gallium-68-labelled inhibitors of the fibroblast activation protein (FAPi) enable positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of fibroblast activation. We evaluated if [68Ga]Ga-DATA5 m.SA.FAPi PET/CT is related to Ki-67 as a marker of tumour aggressiveness in patients with liver metastases of NET. METHODS Thirteen patients with liver metastases of a histologically confirmed NET who underwent PET/CT with [68Ga]Ga-DATA5 m.SA.FAPi, [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC were retrospectively analyzed. PET-positive liver tumour volumes were segmented for calculation of volume, SUVmax and PET-positive tumour fraction (TF). PET parameters were correlated with Ki-67. RESULTS FDGSUVmax correlated positively (rho = 0.543, p < 0.05) and DOTATOCSUVmax correlated negatively (rho = -0.618, p < 0.05) with Ki-67, the correlation coefficients were in the moderate range. There was no significant correlation between FAPiSUVmax and Ki-67 (rho = 0.382, p > 0.05). FAPiTF correlated positively (rho = 0.770, p < 0.01) and DOTATOCTF correlated negatively (rho = -0.828, p < 0.01) with Ki-67, both significantly with high correlation coefficients. FDGTF also correlated significantly with Ki-67, with a moderate correlation coefficient (rho = 0.524, p < 0.05). The ratio FAPiVOL:DOTATOCVOL showed a significant and strong correlation with Ki-67 (rho = 0.808, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The ratio FAPiVOL:DOTATOCVOL might serve as a clinical parameter for the assessment of dedifferentiation and aggressiveness of liver metastases in patients with NET. [68Ga]Ga-DATA5 m.SA.FAPi might hold potential for identification of high-risk patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its prognostic significance in comparison to [18F]FDG in patients with NET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Kreppel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Georg Feldmann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jim Küppers
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Euy Sung Moon
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Milka Marinova
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Markus Essler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Roesch
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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21
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Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor emerges as a novel and highly promising agent for diagnostic and possibly theranostic application in various malignant and non-malignant diseases. FAPI impresses with its selective expression in several pathologies, ligand induced internalization, and presence in a large variety of malignancies. Current studies indicate that FAPI is equal or even superior to the current standard oncological tracer fluorodeoxyglucose in several oncological diseases. It seems to present lower background activity, stronger uptake in tumorous lesions and thus sharper contrasts. For improved comprehension of fibroblast activation, protein expression and clinicopathologic conditions, further studies are of essence.
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22
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Zheng Y, Zeng J, Lin D, Xia H, Wang X, Chen L, Chen H, Huang L, Zeng C. Extracellular vesicles derived from cancer-associated fibroblast carries miR-224-5p targeting SLC4A4 to promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:1143-1153. [PMID: 34170291 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
More and more studies indicated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying miRNAs have been potential biomarkers of various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to explore the function of miR-224-5p carried by EVs derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in CRC. Here, we found that miR-224-5p was highly expressed while SLC4A4 was lowly expressed in CRC cells. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay testified that miR-224-5p targeted SLC4A4. The expression of miR-224-5p in CAFs-derived EVs was found to be elevated. It was also testified that CAFs-derived EVs could transfer miR-224-5p into CRC cells. miR-224-5p in CAFs-derived EVs facilitated the proliferation, migration, invasion and anti-apoptosis of CRC cells. Overexpressing miR-224-5p increased the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of CRC cells and inhibit CRC cell apoptosis, while overexpressing SLC4A4 caused the opposite result. Research in vitro and in vivo further indicated that miR-224-5p promoted CRC cell progression via binding to its downstream target gene SLC4A4. Rescue assay also demonstrated that overexpressing miR-224-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of overexpressed SLC4A4 on cancer cell growth. In addition, in vivo assay identified that high level of miR-224-5p promoted the growth of cancer cells in mice in vivo. In conclusion, we explored the effect of miR-224-5p in CRC, which helps for further exploration of new methods for CRC targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jintao Zeng
- Basic Medical College, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Dajia Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Haoyun Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liqi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liangxiang Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Changqing Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
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23
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Tumor microenvironment and radioresistance. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1029-1035. [PMID: 34135469 PMCID: PMC8257724 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00640-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is not the result of a random event, as cancer cells can sustain and proliferate actively only in a suitable tissue microenvironment and then form metastases. Since Dr. Stephen Paget in the United Kingdom proposed the seed and soil hypothesis of cancer metastasis based on the analogy that plant seeds germinate and grow only in appropriate soil, considerable attention has focused on both extracellular environmental factors that affect the growth of cancer cells and the tissue structure that influences the microenvironment. Malignant tumor tissues consist of not only cancer cells but also a wide variety of other cells responsible for the inflammatory response, formation of blood vessels, immune response, and support of the tumor tissue architecture, forming a complex cellular society. It is also known that the amounts of oxygen and nutrients supplied to each cell differ depending on the distance from tumor blood vessels in tumor tissue. Here, we provide an overview of the tumor microenvironment and characteristics of tumor tissues, both of which affect the malignant phenotypes and radioresistance of cancer cells, focusing on the following keywords: diversity of oxygen and nutrient microenvironment in tumor tissue, inflammation, immunity, and tumor vasculature.
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24
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Ham IH, Lee D, Hur H. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Induced Resistance to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1172. [PMID: 33803229 PMCID: PMC7963167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in resistance to therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers has emerged. Clinical studies focusing on GI cancers have revealed that the high expression of CAF-related molecules within tumors is significantly correlated with unfavorable therapeutic outcomes; however, the exact mechanisms whereby CAFs enhance resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in GI cancers remain unclear. The cells of origin of CAFs in GI cancers include normal resident fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and even epithelial cells. CAFs accumulated within GI cancers produce cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors involved in resistance to therapies. CAF-derived exosomes can be engaged in stroma-related resistance to treatments, and several non-coding RNAs, such as miR-92a, miR-106b, CCAL, and H19, are present in CAF-derived exosomes and transferred to GI cancer cells. The CAF-induced desmoplastic reaction interferes with drug delivery to GI cancer cells, evoking resistance to chemotherapy. However, due to the heterogeneity of CAFs in GI cancers, identifying the exact mechanism underlying CAF-induced resistance may be difficult. Recent advancements in single-cell "omics" technologies could offer clues for revealing the specific subtypes and biomarkers related to resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Hye Ham
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea; (I.-H.H.); (D.L.)
- Infamm-aging Translational Research Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Dagyeong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea; (I.-H.H.); (D.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Hoon Hur
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea; (I.-H.H.); (D.L.)
- Infamm-aging Translational Research Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
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25
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Li M, Li G, Kiyokawa J, Tirmizi Z, Richardson LG, Ning J, Das S, Martuza RL, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Rabkin SD, Wakimoto H. Characterization and oncolytic virus targeting of FAP-expressing tumor-associated pericytes in glioblastoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:221. [PMID: 33308315 PMCID: PMC7730751 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01096-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts constituting the major stromal components in many types of cancer. CAFs contribute to hallmarks of cancer such as proliferation, invasion and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and are associated with poor prognosis of patients with cancer. However, in glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, our knowledge about CAFs or CAF-like stromal cells is limited. Here, using commonly accepted CAF markers, we characterized CAF-like cell populations in clinical glioma specimens and datasets along with mouse models of GBM. We found that tumor-associated pericytes marked by co-expression of fibroblast activation protein α (FAP) and PDGFRβ represent major stromal cell subsets in both human GBM and mouse GBM models, while a fraction of mesenchymal neoplastic cells also express FAP in patient tumors. Since oncolytic viruses can kill cancer cells and simultaneously modulate the tumor microenvironment by impacting non-neoplastic populations such as immune cells and tumor vasculature, we further investigated the ability of oncolytic viruses to target GBM-associated stromal cells. An oncolytic adenovirus, ICOVIR15, carrying ∆24-E1A and an RGD-fiber, infects and depletes FAP+ pericytes as well as GBM cells in murine GBM. Our study thus identifies FAP+/PDGFRβ+ pericytes as a major CAF-like stromal cell population in GBM, and highlights the unique property of this oncolytic adenovirus to target both GBM cells and GBM-associated stromal FAP+ cells.
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26
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Le Compte M, Komen N, Joye I, Peeters M, Prenen H, Smits E, Deben C, de Maat M. Patient-derived organoids as individual patient models for chemoradiation response prediction in gastrointestinal malignancies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 157:103190. [PMID: 33310278 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is an important treatment modality for specific gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, as it has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Recent developments in the neoadjuvant setting such as wait-and-see strategies for rectal as well as for esophageal cancers have even proven that CRT might be an effective organ-sparing treatment. However, due to molecular heterogeneity, only a subset of patients will show a complete response to CRT, which addresses the need for an individualized treatment approach. In recent years, the demand for more physiologically relevant predictive in vitro models has fostered the development of patient-derived tumor organoids. In this review, we describe the current treatment options for patients with GI cancers who are treated with (neo)adjuvant CRT. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth discussion of the organoid technology in the context of predicting CRT response for GI cancers as well as possible challenges for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Le Compte
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Niels Komen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTRAC), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines Joye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Iridium Kankernetwerk, Oosterveldlaan 22, Wilrijk, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy and Oncology (MIPRO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building S, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Hans Prenen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Deben
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Michiel de Maat
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTRAC), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
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27
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Coto-Llerena M, Ercan C, Kancherla V, Taha-Mehlitz S, Eppenberger-Castori S, Soysal SD, Ng CKY, Bolli M, von Flüe M, Nicolas GP, Terracciano LM, Fani M, Piscuoglio S. High Expression of FAP in Colorectal Cancer Is Associated With Angiogenesis and Immunoregulation Processes. Front Oncol 2020; 10:979. [PMID: 32733792 PMCID: PMC7362758 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein α (FAP) plays an important role in tissue remodeling and helps tumor cells invade surrounding tissue. We sought to investigate FAP as a prognostic molecular marker in colorectal cancer (CRC) using immunohistochemical and transcriptomic data. FAP expression and clinicopathological information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas data set. The association of FAP expression and tissue cellular heterogeneity landscape was explored using the xCell method. We evaluated FAP protein expression in a cohort of 92 CRCs and 19 non-tumoral tissues. We observed that FAP was upregulated in tumors both at the mRNA and protein levels, and its expression was associated with advanced stages, poor survival, and consensus molecular subtype 4. FAP expression was also associated with angiogenesis and collagen degradation. We observed an enrichment in immune-cell process-related genes associated with FAP overexpression. Colorectal cancers with high FAP expression display an inflamed phenotype enriched for macrophages and monocytes. Those tumors showed enrichment for regulatory T cell populations and depletion of TH1 and natural killer T cells, pointing to an immunosuppressive environment. Colorectal cancers with high levels of stromal FAP are associated with aggressive disease progression and survival. Our results suggest that FAP plays additional roles in tumor progression such as modulation of angiogenesis and immunoregulation in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairene Coto-Llerena
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Caner Ercan
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Venkatesh Kancherla
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Taha-Mehlitz
- Visceral Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis University Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Savas D. Soysal
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis University Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte K. Y. Ng
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Bolli
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis University Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus von Flüe
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis University Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Luigi M. Terracciano
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melpomeni Fani
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Piscuoglio
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Visceral Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis University Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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28
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Dean T, Li NT, Cadavid JL, Ailles L, McGuigan AP. A TRACER culture invasion assay to probe the impact of cancer associated fibroblasts on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell invasiveness. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:3078-3094. [PMID: 32347842 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm02017a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major cellular component of the tumour stroma and have been shown to promote tumour cell invasion and disease progression. CAF-cancer cell interactions are bi-directional and occur via both soluble factor dependent and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling mechanisms, which are incompletely understood. Previously we developed the Tissue Roll for Analysis of Cellular Environment and Response (TRACER), a novel stacked paper tumour model in which cells embedded in a hydrogel are infiltrated into a porous cellulose scaffold that is then rolled around an aluminum core to generate a multi-layered 3D tissue. Here, we use the TRACER platform to explore the impact of CAFs derived from three different patients on the invasion of two head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines (CAL33 and FaDu). We find that co-culture with CAFs enhances HNSCC tumour cell invasion into an acellular collagen layer in TRACER and this enhanced migration occurs independently of proliferation. We show that CAF-enhanced invasion of CAL33 cells is driven by a soluble factor independent mechanism, likely involving CAF mediated ECM remodelling via matrix metalloprotenases (MMPs). Furthermore, we find that CAF-enhanced tumour cell invasion is dependent on the spatial pattern of collagen density within the culture. Our results highlight the utility of the co-culture TRACER platform to explore soluble factor independent interactions between CAFs and tumour cells that drive increased tumour cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Dean
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
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29
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Mhaidly R, Mechta-Grigoriou F. Fibroblast heterogeneity in tumor micro-environment: Role in immunosuppression and new therapies. Semin Immunol 2020; 48:101417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Putative Role for the EBV-Encoded Oncoprotein, LMP1. Pathogens 2019; 9:pathogens9010008. [PMID: 31861782 PMCID: PMC7168608 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is 100% associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, and biopsies display variable levels of expression of the viral oncoprotein, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). Emerging evidence suggests an important role for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the NPC tumour microenvironment, yet the interaction between the virus, its latent gene products and the recruitment and activation of CAFs in the NPC tumour stroma remains unclear. This short review will discuss the current evidence for the importance of CAFs in NPC pathogenesis and outline a putative role for the EBV-encoded oncoprotein, LMP1, in governing tumour–stromal interactions.
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31
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Mu L, Yu W, Su H, Lin Y, Sui W, Yu X, Qin C. Relationship between the expressions of PD-L1 and tumour-associated fibroblasts in gastric cancer. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 47:1036-1042. [PMID: 30983436 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1573741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have focused on the changes of tumour cells in immune escape, and less is known about the effect of tumour microenvironment (TME) on immune escape. Tumour-associated fibroblasts (TAF) is an important part of the TME and has special physiological and biochemical characteristics, but the specific mechanism has not been clarified. In order to investigate the effect of TAF on the expression of PD-L1 in gastric cancer cells, gastric cancer cell lines MNK45, SGC7901 were non-contact co-culturing with TAF 1, 3 and 7 d via transwell. PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression were detected using qRT-PCR and FCM. Then, 95 cases of gastric cancer tissues were selected and evaluated PD-L1 and TAF expressions by immunohistochemical examination. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of PD-L1 in the experiment group were significantly higher than that in the control group. PD-L1 expression was associated with massive lymphocyte infiltration, diffuse/mixed histology and intratumoral TAFs in gastric cancers. In conclusion, TAFs promoted the growth in gastric cancer cell lines by increased the PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsong Mu
- a Department of General Surgery , Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , 250021 , China.,b Department of General Surgery , The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University , Yantai , 264000 , China
| | - Wentao Yu
- b Department of General Surgery , The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University , Yantai , 264000 , China
| | - Hailong Su
- b Department of General Surgery , The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University , Yantai , 264000 , China
| | - Yang Lin
- b Department of General Surgery , The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University , Yantai , 264000 , China
| | - Wu Sui
- b Department of General Surgery , The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University , Yantai , 264000 , China
| | - Xiang Yu
- b Department of General Surgery , The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University , Yantai , 264000 , China
| | - Chengkun Qin
- c Department of Hepatological Surgery , Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , 250021 , China
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Sun LP, Xu K, Cui J, Yuan DY, Zou B, Li J, Liu JL, Li KY, Meng Z, Zhang B. Cancer‑associated fibroblast‑derived exosomal miR‑382‑5p promotes the migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:1319-1328. [PMID: 31364748 PMCID: PMC6718099 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with high potential for metastasis, is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main stromal cells in the microenvironment and aggravate tumor progression. However, whether CAFs are associated with the progression of OSCC remains unknown and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, the role of CAFs in mediating OSCC cell migration and invasion was investigated, and the participation of exosomal miR‑382‑5p in this process was elucidated. In this study, according to the α‑SMA staining with immunohistochemistry, 47 OSCC patients were divided into CAFs‑rich and CAFs poor groups, and association of CAF density and clinicopathologic features of the OSCC patients were analyzed with Pearson χ2 test. Transwell assay was used for evaluating cell migration and invasion ability of OSCC cells after being co‑cultured with NFs or CAFs, or after added exosomes. qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR‑382‑5p. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of migration and invasion‑associated proteins. In the present study, the CAF density in tumor tissues was found to be relevant to OSCC lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Furthermore, we revealed that miR‑382‑5p was overexpressed in CAFs compared with that in fibroblasts of adjacent normal tissue and miR‑382‑5p overexpression was responsible for OSCC cell migration and invasion. Finally, we demonstrated that CAF‑derived exosomes transported miR‑382‑5p to OSCC cells. The present study confirmed a new mechanism of CAF‑facilitated OSCC progression and may be beneficial for identifying new cancer therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Sun
- School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Kai Xu
- Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Medical School of Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Dao-Ying Yuan
- Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Medical School of Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zou
- School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Lin Liu
- School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Yi Li
- Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Medical School of Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Meng
- Department of Stomatology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Medical School of Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
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Wang Z, Tang Y, Tan Y, Wei Q, Yu W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in radiotherapy: challenges and new opportunities. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:47. [PMID: 31101063 PMCID: PMC6525365 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0362-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy is one of the most important therapeutic strategies for treating cancer. For decades, studies concerning the outcomes of radiotherapy mainly focused on the biological effects of radiation on tumor cells. Recently, we have increasingly recognized that the complex cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are closely related to treatment outcomes. Main content As a critical component of the TME, fibroblasts participate in all stages of cancer progression. Fibroblasts are able to tolerate harsh extracellular environments, which are usually fatal to all other cells. They play pivotal roles in determining the treatment response to chemoradiotherapy. Radiotherapy activates the TME networks by inducing cycling hypoxia, modulating immune reaction, and promoting vascular regeneration, inflammation and fibrosis. While a number of studies claim that radiotherapy affects fibroblasts negatively through growth arrest and cell senescence, others argue that exposure to radiation can induce an activated phenotype in fibroblasts. These cells take an active part in constructing the tumor microenvironment by secreting cytokines and degradative enzymes. Current strategies that aim to inhibit activated fibroblasts mainly focus on four aspects: elimination, normalization, paracrine signaling blockade and extracellular matrix inhibition. This review will describe the direct cellular effects of radiotherapy on fibroblasts and the underlying genetic changes. We will also discuss the impact of fibroblasts on cancer cells during radiotherapy and the potential value of targeting fibroblasts to enhance the clinical outcome of radiotherapy. Conclusion This review provides good preliminary data to elucidate the biological roles of CAFs in radiotherapy and the clinical value of targeting CAFs as a supplementary treatment to conventional radiotherapy. Further studies to validate this strategy in more physiological models may be required before clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhuai Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Yinuo Tan
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
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Avery D, Govindaraju P, Jacob M, Todd L, Monslow J, Puré E. Extracellular matrix directs phenotypic heterogeneity of activated fibroblasts. Matrix Biol 2018; 67:90-106. [PMID: 29248556 PMCID: PMC5910258 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts are key players in the injury response, tumorigenesis, fibrosis, and inflammation. Dichotomous outcomes in response to varied stroma-targeted therapies in cancer emphasize the need to disentangle the roles of heterogeneous fibroblast subsets in physiological and pathophysiological settings. In wound healing, fibrosis, and myriad tumor types, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) identify distinct, yet overlapping, activated fibroblast subsets. Prior studies established that FAPHi reactive fibroblasts and αSMAHi myofibroblasts can exert opposing influences in tumorigenesis. However, the factors that drive this phenotypic heterogeneity and the unique functional roles of these subsets have not been defined. We demonstrate that a convergence of ECM composition, elasticity, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling governs activated fibroblast phenotypic heterogeneity. Furthermore, FAPHi reactive fibroblasts and αSMAHi myofibroblasts exhibited distinct gene expression signatures and functionality in vitro, illuminating potentially unique roles of activated fibroblast subsets in tissue remodeling. These insights into activated fibroblast heterogeneity will inform the rational design of stroma-targeted therapies for cancer and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Avery
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Pharmacology Graduate Group of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Priya Govindaraju
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Pharmacology Graduate Group of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michele Jacob
- Envision Pharma Group, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Leslie Todd
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James Monslow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Pharmacology Graduate Group of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Chen L, Chen M, Han Z, Jiang F, Xu C, Qin Y, Ding N, Liu Y, Zhang T, An Z, Guo C. Clinical significance of FAP-α on microvessel and lymphatic vessel density in lung squamous cell carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2018; 71:721-728. [PMID: 29559517 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2017-204872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to determine whether cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are associated with microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in lung squamous cell carcinoma, as well as their clinical significance in predicting survival. METHODS 122 patients were enrolled in the study. Samples were obtained on resection at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Qingdao Municipal Hospital between January 2011 and December 2014. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine vessel and lymphatic vessel density, and CAF abundance (fibroblast activation protein α (FAP-α) positivity). Statistical analyses were performed on 85 patients to test for correlation of CAF density and other clinicopathological variables with 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS High stromal CAF abundance significantly correlated with increased MVD and LVD in lung squamous cell carcinoma (p<0.05). χ2 test revealed a significant association of CAF density with lymph node metastasis. Cox proportional hazards model showed that both higher CAF density and lymph node metastasis negatively correlate with survival. CAF density or lymph node status can be used as an independent prognostic factor to predict 3-year OS and DFS. CONCLUSIONS CAF density, identified by FAP-α staining pattern, should be considered as a novel biomarker for disease prognosis in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Meihui Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Zenglei Han
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengxing Jiang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunyuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Qin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Tenglong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhijie An
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengye Guo
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
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36
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Song ZY, Wang F, Cui SX, Qu XJ. Knockdown of CXCR4 Inhibits CXCL12-Induced Angiogenesis in HUVECs through Downregulation of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT and the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways. Cancer Invest 2018; 36:10-18. [PMID: 29381400 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2017.1422512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
CXCL12 is an extracellular chemokine binding to cell surface receptor CXCR4. We found that activation of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis stimulated angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Knockdown of CXCR4 in endothelial cells prevented the branch points of angiogenesis. Endothelial cells exposed to CXCL12 presented high level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2, but not in CXCR4 knockdown cells. Further studies revealed that activation of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in vascular endothelial cells stimulates the angiogenesis through upregulation of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Conclusion, downregulation of CXCR4 could inhibit angiogenesis in cancer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yu Song
- a Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Feng Wang
- b Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Shu-Xiang Cui
- b Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Xian-Jun Qu
- a Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
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37
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Webber JP, Spary LK, Mason MD, Tabi Z, Brewis IA, Clayton A. Prostate stromal cell proteomics analysis discriminates normal from tumour reactive stromal phenotypes. Oncotarget 2018; 7:20124-39. [PMID: 26934553 PMCID: PMC4991442 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes within interstitial stromal compartments often accompany carcinogenesis, and this is true of prostate cancer. Typically, the tissue becomes populated by myofibroblasts that can promote progression. Not all myofibroblasts exhibit the same negative influence, however, and identifying the aggressive form of myofibroblast may provide useful information at diagnosis. A means of molecularly defining such myofibroblasts is unknown. We compared protein profiles of normal and diseased stroma isolated from prostate cancer patients to identify discriminating hallmarks of disease-associated stroma. We included the stimulation of normal stromal cells with known myofibroblast inducers namely soluble TGFβ and exosome-associated-TGFβ and compared the function and protein profiles arising. In all 6-patients examined, diseased stroma exhibited a pro-angiogenic influence on endothelial cells, generating large multicellular vessel-like structures. Identical structures were apparent following stimulation of normal stroma with exosomes (5/6 patients), but TGFβ-stimulation generated a non-angiogenic stroma. Proteomics highlighted disease-related cytoskeleton alterations such as elevated Transgelin (TAGLN). Many of these were also changed following TGFβ or exosome stimulation and did not well discriminate the nature of the stimulus. Soluble TGFβ, however triggered differential expression of proteins related to mitochondrial function including voltage dependent ion channels VDAC1 and 2, and this was not found in the other stromal types studied. Surprisingly, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1), a stem-cell associated protein was detected in normal stromal cells and found to decrease in disease. In summary, we have discovered a set of proteins that contribute to defining disease-associated myofibroblasts, and emphasise the similarity between exosome-generated myofibroblasts and those naturally arising in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Webber
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Lisa K Spary
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Malcolm D Mason
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Zsuzsanna Tabi
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ian A Brewis
- Institute of Translation, Innovation, Methodology and Engagement (TIME), Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Aled Clayton
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
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Yazbeck R, Jaenisch SE, Abbott CA. Potential disease biomarkers: dipeptidyl peptidase 4 and fibroblast activation protein. PROTOPLASMA 2018; 255:375-386. [PMID: 28620698 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-017-1129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The importance of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) gene family in regulating critical biochemical pathways continues to emerge. The two most well-studied members of the family, DPP4 and fibroblast activation protein (FAP), have been investigated both as therapeutic targets for disease and as diagnostic biomarkers. The interest in DPP4 and FAP as potential disease biomarkers has been driven primarily by observations of altered expression profiles in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Furthermore, the stability and persistence of soluble DPP4 and FAP in the serum make them attractive candidate serology markers. This review summarises investigations into DPP4 and FAP as biomarkers of autoimmune disease, gut inflammation, psychosomatic disorders and malignancy and discusses their potential likelihood as clinically useful tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Yazbeck
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Simone E Jaenisch
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine A Abbott
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
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Jiang GM, Xu W, Du J, Zhang KS, Zhang QG, Wang XW, Liu ZG, Liu SQ, Xie WY, Liu HF, Liu JS, Wu BP. The application of the fibroblast activation protein α-targeted immunotherapy strategy. Oncotarget 2017; 7:33472-82. [PMID: 26985769 PMCID: PMC5078111 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has primarily been focused on attacking tumor cells. However, given the close interaction between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), CAF-targeted strategies could also contribute to an integrated cancer immunotherapy. Fibroblast activation protein α (FAP α) is not detectible in normal tissues, but is overexpressed by CAFs and is the predominant component of the stroma in most types of cancer. FAP α has both dipeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase activities, cleaving substrates at a post-proline bond. When all FAP α-expressing cells (stromal and cancerous) are destroyed, tumors rapidly die. Furthermore, a FAP α antibody, FAP α vaccine, and modified vaccine all inhibit tumor growth and prolong survival in mouse models, suggesting FAP α is an adaptive tumor-associated antigen. This review highlights the role of FAP α in tumor development, explores the relationship between FAP α and immune suppression in the TME, and discusses FAP α as a potential immunotherapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Min Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun-Shui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiu-Gui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang-Quan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Wan-Ying Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jing-Shi Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bai-Ping Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Jia J, Martin TA, Ye L, Meng L, Xia N, Jiang WG, Zhang X. Fibroblast activation protein-α promotes the growth and migration of lung cancer cells via the PI3K and sonic hedgehog pathways. Int J Mol Med 2017; 41:275-283. [PMID: 29115573 PMCID: PMC5746330 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A characteristic of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells is the upregulation of mesenchymal markers. Fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) is predominantly expressed by stromal fibroblasts. Previous studies have demonstrated that FAPα is also expressed by certain epithelium-derived cancer cells and is involved in the regulation of certain signaling pathways. One of our previous studies showed that FAPα promoted the proliferation of breast cancer cells via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. In the present study, the A549 adenocarcinoma (AC) and SK-MES-1 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lung cancer cell lines were transfected with FAPα. The FAPα-expressing SK-MES-1 cells exhibited an increased growth rate, whereas the FAPα-expressing A549 cells exhibited a similar growth rate, compared with respective empty vector-transfected control cells. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS)-based attachment and wound-healing assays showed that the overexpression of FAPα markedly increased the adhesive and migratory properties of the SK-MES-1 cells but not those of the A549 cells. Additionally, inhibitors of focal adhesion kinase, agonist-induced phospholipase C, neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Rho-associated protein kinase, PI3K, and sonic hedgehog (SHH) were used to evaluate the interaction between FAPα and signaling pathways. Only the inhibitors of SHH and PI3K inhibited the increased motility of the FAPα-expressing SK-MES-1 cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the activation of PI3K/AKT and SHH/GLI family zinc finger 1 signaling in the FAPα-expressing SK-MES-1 cells. These results revealed that FAPα promoted the growth, adhesion and migration of lung SCC cells. In addition, FAPα regulated lung cancer cell function, potentially via the PI3K and SHH pathways. Further investigations are required to examine the role of FAPα in lung AC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jia
- VIP-II Division of Medical Department, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Tracey A Martin
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Lin Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Nan Xia
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- VIP-II Division of Medical Department, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
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Chen J, Yang P, Xiao Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Xie D, Cai M, Zhang X. Overexpression of α-sma-positive fibroblasts (CAFs) in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Predicts Poor Prognosis. J Cancer 2017; 8:3897-3902. [PMID: 29151978 PMCID: PMC5688944 DOI: 10.7150/jca.20324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the differential expression of α-sma-positive fibroblasts (CAFs) in nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs), nasopharyngitis, metastatic tissues of NPCs and its prognostic value in NPCs. Methods: The expression of α-sma-labeled CAFs in 85 NPCs, 32 nasopharyngitis and 12 metastatic tissues of NPCs was detected by immunohistochemical method. The relationship between CAFs and clinicopathological parameters of NPCs was analyzed. Results: The high density of CAFs in the NPCs, nasopharyngitis and metastatic tissues of NPCs group were 41.2% (35/85), 6.2% (2/32) and 83.3% (10/12), and a significant difference was showed among these three groups (P<0.05). Chi-square test showed that there was no significant correlation between the density of CAFs and gender, age, N stage, treatment (P>0.05), but closely correlated with T stage and relapse (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the mean overall survival of high-density and low-density CAFs was 86.8 months and 127.0 months, respectively. Correspondingly, the 5-year survival rates were 57.1% (20/35) and 90.0% (45/50), and there were inversely statistical differences between two groups (P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that the density of CAFs could be used as an independent prognostic factor for the survival of NPC patients (P<0.05). Conclusions: The density of CAFs could be closely related to the metastasis of NPCs, and also is an efficient prediction factor of poor survival in patients with NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewei Chen
- Department of pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 510060 Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine
| | - Pengfei Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yongbo Xiao
- Department of pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Department of pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Xie
- Department of pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 510060 Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine
| | - Muyan Cai
- Department of pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 510060 Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Department of pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 510060 Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine
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Ji X, Zhu X, Lu X. Effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts on radiosensitivity of cancer cells. Future Oncol 2017; 13:1537-1550. [PMID: 28685611 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are composed of tumor epithelial cells and the stroma, which are seemingly separate but actually related through cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. These interactions can promote tumor evolution. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant non-neoplastic cells in the stroma and also among the most important cell types interacting with cancer cells. Particularly, cancer cells promote the formation and maintenance of CAFs by secreting various cytokines. The activated CAFs then synthesize a series of growth factors to promote tumor cell growth, invasion and metastasis. More importantly, the presence of CAFs also interferes with therapeutic efficacy, bringing severe challenges to radiotherapy. This review summarizes the effect of CAFs on the radiosensitivity of tumor cells and underscores the need for further studies on CAFs in order to improve the efficacy of antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Ji
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xixu Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xueguan Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
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Shi Y, Du L, Lin L, Wang Y. Tumour-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: emerging therapeutic targets. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 16:35-52. [PMID: 27811929 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2016.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells, also known as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), exist in many tissues and are known to actively migrate to sites of tissue injury, where they participate in wound repair. Tumours can be considered "wounds that never heal" and, in response to cues from a tumour, MSCs are continuously recruited to and become integral components of the tumour microenvironment. Recently, it has become apparent that such tumour-associated MSCs (TA-MSCs) have an active role in tumour initiation, promotion, progression and metastasis. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenic role of TA-MSCs in regulating the survival, proliferation, migration and drug resistance of tumour cells, as well as the influence of MSCs on the immune status of the tumour microenvironment. Moreover, we discuss therapeutic approaches that target TA-MSC upstream or downstream modulators or use MSCs as vehicles for the delivery of tumoricidal agents. It is anticipated that new insights into the functions of TA-MSCs will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies against tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Institutes for Translational Medicine and Suzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Pathology, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.,Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Liming Du
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Liangyu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
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S Franco S, Szczesna K, Iliou MS, Al-Qahtani M, Mobasheri A, Kobolák J, Dinnyés A. In vitro models of cancer stem cells and clinical applications. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:738. [PMID: 27766946 PMCID: PMC5073996 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2774-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells, stem cells and cancer stem cells have for a long time played a significant role in the biomedical sciences. Though cancer therapy is more effective than it was a few years ago, the truth is that still none of the current non-surgical treatments can cure cancer effectively. The reason could be due to the subpopulation called “cancer stem cells” (CSCs), being defined as those cells within a tumour that have properties of stem cells: self-renewal and the ability for differentiation into multiple cell types that occur in tumours. The phenomenon of CSCs is based on their resistance to many of the current cancer therapies, which results in tumour relapse. Although further investigation regarding CSCs is still needed, there is already evidence that these cells may play an important role in the prognosis of cancer, progression and therapeutic strategy. Therefore, long-term patient survival may depend on the elimination of CSCs. Consequently, isolation of pure CSC populations or reprogramming of cancer cells into CSCs, from cancer cell lines or primary tumours, would be a useful tool to gain an in-depth knowledge about heterogeneity and plasticity of CSC phenotypes and therefore carcinogenesis. Herein, we will discuss current CSC models, methods used to characterize CSCs, candidate markers, characteristic signalling pathways and clinical applications of CSCs. Some examples of CSC-specific treatments that are currently in early clinical phases will also be presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Franco
- Szent István University, Gödöllö, Hungary.,Biotalentum Ltd., Gödöllö, Hungary
| | | | - Maria S Iliou
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammed Al-Qahtani
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | | | - András Dinnyés
- Szent István University, Gödöllö, Hungary. .,Biotalentum Ltd., Gödöllö, Hungary. .,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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45
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Izar B, Joyce CE, Goff S, Cho NL, Shah PM, Sharma G, Li J, Ibrahim N, Gold J, Hodi FS, Garraway LA, Novina CD, Bertagnolli MM, Yoon CH. Bidirectional cross talk between patient-derived melanoma and cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes invasion and proliferation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 29:656-668. [PMID: 27482935 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-stroma interactions are critical for epithelial-derived tumors, and among the stromal cell types, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibit multiple functions that fuel growth, dissemination, and drug resistance. However, these interactions remain insufficiently characterized in non-epithelial tumors such as malignant melanoma. We generated monocultures of melanoma cells and matching CAFs from patients' metastatic lesions, distinguished by oncogenic drivers and immunoblotting of characteristic markers. RNA sequencing of CAFs revealed a homogenous epigenetic program that strongly resembled the signatures from epithelial cancers, including enrichment for an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Melanoma CAFs in monoculture displayed robust invasive behavior while patient-derived melanoma monocultures showed very little invasiveness. Instead, melanoma cells showed increased invasion when co-cultured with CAFs. In turn, CAFs showed increased proliferation when exposed to melanoma conditioned media (CM), mediated in part by melanoma-secreted transforming growth factor-alpha that acted on CAFs via the epidermal growth factor receptor. This study provides evidence that bidirectional interactions between melanoma and CAFs regulate progression of metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Izar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cailin E Joyce
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Goff
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy L Cho
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Parin M Shah
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nageatte Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason Gold
- Department of Surgery, VA Boston Health Care Service, Surgical Service, West Roxbury, MA, USA
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Levi A Garraway
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carl D Novina
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monica M Bertagnolli
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles H Yoon
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Mukaida N, Sasaki S. Fibroblasts, an inconspicuous but essential player in colon cancer development and progression. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:5301-5316. [PMID: 27340347 PMCID: PMC4910652 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i23.5301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironments have a crucial role in cancer initiation and progression, and share many molecular and pathological features with wound healing process. Unless treated, tumors, however, do not heal in contrast to wounds that heal within a limited time framework. Wounds heal in coordination of a myriad of types of cells, particularly endothelial cells, leukocytes, and fibroblasts. Similar sets of cells also contribute to cancer initiation and progression, and as a consequence, anti-cancer treatment strategies have been proposed and tested by targeting endothelial cells and/or leukocytes. Compared with endothelial cells and leukocytes, less attention has been paid to the roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), fibroblasts present in tumor tissues, because their heterogeneity hinders the elucidation on them at cellular and molecular levels. Here, we will discuss the origin of CAFs and their crucial roles in cancer initiation and progression, and the possibility to develop a novel type of anti-cancer treatment by manipulating the migration and functions of CAFs.
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47
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Ting H, Deep G, Kumar S, Jain AK, Agarwal C, Agarwal R. Beneficial effects of the naturally occurring flavonoid silibinin on the prostate cancer microenvironment: role of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and immune cell recruitment. Carcinogenesis 2016; 37:589-599. [PMID: 27207648 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment plays an essential role in prostate carcinogenesis and offers novel opportunities to prevent and treat prostate cancer (PCA). Here, we investigated the ability of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to promote PCA progression, and silibinin efficacy to target this response. We collected conditioned media from CAFs treated with vehicle or silibinin, and labeled as control conditioned media (CCM) or silibinin-treatment conditioned media (SBCM), respectively. Next, we characterized the effect of CCM and SBCM treatment in several PCA cell lines (RWPE-1, WPE-1 NA-22, WPE-1 NB-14 and PC3). Result showed that compared with SBCM, CCM significantly reduces E-cadherin expression and increases invasiveness and clonogenicity in PCA cells. Further molecular studies identified monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) as the key component of CCM that promotes PCA invasiveness, whereas silibinin treatment strongly reduced MCP-1 expression in CAFs by inhibiting the DNA-binding activity of MCP-1 transcriptional regulators-nuclear factor-kappaB and AP-1. In vivo, silibinin feeding (200mg/kg body weight) strongly reduced TRAMPC1 allografts growth (by 68%) in syngeneic C57Bl/6 mice. TRAMPC1 tumor analysis showed that silibinin reduced MCP-1 and CAFs' biomarkers (fibroblast activation protein, α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor beta 2, vimentin etc.) and significantly modulated the recruitment of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Similar inhibitory effects of silibinin on MCP-1 and immune cells recruitment were also observed in TRAMP PCA tissues with reported silibinin efficacy. Overall, our data suggest that silibinin can target CAF-mediated invasiveness in PCA by inhibiting MCP-1 secretion. This, in turn, was associated with a reduction in immune cell recruitment in vivo along with a marked reduction in tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Ting
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Gagan Deep
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Blvd, V20-2118, Box C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Anil K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Blvd, V20-2118, Box C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Blvd, V20-2118, Box C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Tato-Costa J, Casimiro S, Pacheco T, Pires R, Fernandes A, Alho I, Pereira P, Costa P, Castelo HB, Ferreira J, Costa L. Therapy-Induced Cellular Senescence Induces Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Increases Invasiveness in Rectal Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2015; 15:170-178.e3. [PMID: 26603055 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DNA damaging agents and ionizing radiation used in the therapy of human cancers can induce senescence of cancer cells. Senescent cells exhibit a secretory phenotype (senescence-associated secretome [SAS]) that can affect cancer cell behavior and, eventually, clinical prognosis. We assessed the effects of the SAS on the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in clinical samples from patients with rectal cancer who had undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Colorectal cancer cells (HCT 116) were induced into senescence by exposure to either 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or doxorubicin. The senescent state was confirmed by staining for senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal). The paracrine effects of SASs were assessed on proliferating HCT 116 cells. The quantified parameters were cell proliferation, invasive capacity, and induction of EMT. Senescence and EMT in clinical samples were assessed by the expression levels (reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction) of genes related to senescence and EMT after laser-assisted microdissection of cancer cell clusters that stained either positive or negative for SA-β-Gal. RESULTS We have shown that cultured colon cancer cells induced into senescence by exposure to 5-FU exhibit a SAS capable of paracrine induction of EMT in colon and rectal cancer cell lines and increased cell invasion in vitro. Using laser-assisted microdissection, we found that in rectal cancer samples from patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT, tumor cell niches enriched for senescent cells bookmark regions of increased mRNA expression levels of EMT-related proteins (Slug, Snail, vimentin) compared with the nearby senescent-null tumor cell niches. CONCLUSION We have provided, first-hand, strongly suggestive evidence that senescent cancer cells emerging in the context of neoadjuvant CRT for rectal cancer influenced the tumor microenvironment by promoting EMT by way of short-range interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Tato-Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Casimiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pacheco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Pires
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Afonso Fernandes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Irina Alho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Costa
- Surgery Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Henrique Bicha Castelo
- Surgery Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Ferreira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Strong AL, Burow ME, Gimble JM, Bunnell BA. Concise review: The obesity cancer paradigm: exploration of the interactions and crosstalk with adipose stem cells. Stem Cells 2015; 33:318-26. [PMID: 25267443 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
With the recognition of obesity as a global health crisis, researchers have devoted greater effort to defining and understanding the pathophysiological molecular pathways regulating the biology of adipose tissue and obesity. Obesity, the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy, has been linked to an increased incidence and aggressiveness of colon, hematological, prostate, and postmenopausal breast cancers. The increased morbidity and mortality of obesity-associated cancers have been attributed to higher levels of hormones, adipokines, and cytokines secreted by the adipose tissue. The increased amount of adipose tissue also results in higher numbers of adipose stromal/stem cells (ASCs). These ASCs have been shown to impact cancer progression directly through several mechanisms, including the increased recruitment of ASCs to the tumor site and increased production of cytokines and growth factors by ASCs and other cells within the tumor stroma. Emerging evidence indicates that obesity induces alterations in the biologic properties of ASCs, subsequently leading to enhanced tumorigenesis and metastasis of cancer cells. This review will discuss the links between obesity and cancer tumor progression, including obesity-associated changes in adipose tissue, inflammation, adipokines, and chemokines. Novel topics will include a discussion of the contribution of ASCs to this complex system with an emphasis on their role in the tumor stroma. The reciprocal and circular feedback loop between obesity and ASCs as well as the mechanisms by which ASCs from obese patients alter the biology of cancer cells and enhance tumorigenesis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Strong
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine
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50
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Prognostic relevance of stromal CD26 expression in rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy. Int J Clin Oncol 2015; 21:350-358. [PMID: 26370256 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-015-0902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD26 is a transmembrane glycoprotein whose role in various types of malignancies, along with the potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets, has been evaluated. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is an effective tool for local control of rectal cancer, but the rate of disease recurrence remains high. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between CD26 expression and rectal cancer after preoperative CRT. METHODS A total of 85 patients with rectal cancer who had undergone preoperative CRT were enrolled in this study. We investigated CD26 expression in residual tumors and the surrounding stromal tissue using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, stromal CD26 gene expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Patients with high CD26 expression in cancer tissue more frequently had serosal invasion, vascular invasion, and a poor pathological response. High expression of CD26 in the tumor stroma was significantly correlated with histology and tumor recurrence. High CD26 expression in the stroma, but not the tumor itself, was significantly correlated with a poor prognosis. Patients expressing CD26 in the tumor stroma, based on transcriptional analysis, also had a significantly poorer prognosis than those without the expression. In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis and high stromal CD26 expression were identified as independent prognostic factors in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT. CONCLUSION Stromal CD26 expression after preoperative CRT was significantly associated with tumor recurrence and prognosis in rectal cancer patients. Our data suggest that stromal CD26 plays an important role and is a potential therapeutic target in tumor relapse.
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