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Kou Z, Liu C, Zhang W, Sun C, Liu L, Zhang Q. Heterogeneity of primary and metastatic CAFs: From differential treatment outcomes to treatment opportunities (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:54. [PMID: 38577950 PMCID: PMC11015919 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with primary tumor sites, metastatic sites appear more resistant to treatments and respond differently to the treatment regimen. It may be due to the heterogeneity in the microenvironment between metastatic sites and primary tumors. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are widely present in the tumor stroma as key components of the tumor microenvironment. Primary tumor CAFs (pCAFs) and metastatic CAFs (mCAFs) are heterogeneous in terms of source, activation mode, markers and functional phenotypes. They can shape the tumor microenvironment according to organ, showing heterogeneity between primary tumors and metastases, which may affect the sensitivity of these sites to treatment. It was hypothesized that understanding the heterogeneity between pCAFs and mCAFs can provide a glimpse into the difference in treatment outcomes, providing new ideas for improving the rate of metastasis control in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Kou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa Island 999078, Macau SAR, P.R. China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
- Department of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100007, P.R. China
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Trnkova L, Buocikova V, Mego M, Cumova A, Burikova M, Bohac M, Miklikova S, Cihova M, Smolkova B. Epigenetic deregulation in breast cancer microenvironment: Implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116559. [PMID: 38603889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a substantial proportion of cancer diagnoses in women and is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality. While hormone-responsive cases generally have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer presents challenges, with intrinsic resistance to established treatments being a persistent issue. The complexity intensifies with the emergence of acquired resistance, further complicating the management of breast cancer. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone and RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are acknowledged as crucial contributors to the heterogeneity of breast cancer. The unique epigenetic landscape harbored by each cellular component within the tumor microenvironment (TME) adds great diversity to the intricate regulations which influence therapeutic responses. The TME, a sophisticated ecosystem of cellular and non-cellular elements interacting with tumor cells, establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and fuels processes such as tumor growth, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These factors contribute to challenging conditions in cancer treatment by fostering a hypoxic environment, inducing metabolic stress, and creating physical barriers to drug delivery. This article delves into the complex connections between breast cancer treatment response, underlying epigenetic changes, and vital interactions within the TME. To restore sensitivity to treatment, it emphasizes the need for combination therapies considering epigenetic changes specific to individual members of the TME. Recognizing the pivotal role of epigenetics in drug resistance and comprehending the specificities of breast TME is essential for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. The development of reliable biomarkers for patient stratification will facilitate tailored and precise treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Trnkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia; 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Cumova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia; Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia; Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia.
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Liu X, Li J, Huang Q, Jin M, Huang G. Ginsenoside Rh2 shifts tumor metabolism from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation through regulating the HIF1-α/PDK4 axis in non-small cell lung cancer. Mol Med 2024; 30:56. [PMID: 38671369 PMCID: PMC11055298 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00813-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2), a steroidal compound extracted from roots of ginseng, has been extensively studied in tumor therapy. However, its specific regulatory mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not well understood. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), a central regulator of cellular energy metabolism, is highly expressed in various malignant tumors. We investigated the impact of G-Rh2 on the malignant progression of NSCLC and how it regulated PDK4 to influence tumor aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial function. METHOD We examined the inhibitory effect of G-Rh2 on NSCLC through I proliferation assay, migration assay and flow cytometry in vitro. Subsequently, we verified the ability of G-Rh2 to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by constructing subcutaneous tumor and metastasis models in nude mice. Proteomics analysis was conducted to analyze the action pathways of G-Rh2. Additionally, we assessed glycolysis and mitochondrial function using seahorse, PET-CT, Western blot, and RT-qPCR. RESULT Treatment with G-Rh2 significantly inhibited tumor proliferation and migration ability both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, G-Rh2 inhibited the tumor's aerobic glycolytic capacity, including glucose uptake and lactate production, through the HIF1-α/PDK4 pathway. Overexpression of PDK4 demonstrated that G-Rh2 targeted the inhibition of PDK4 expression, thereby restoring mitochondrial function, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and inducing apoptosis. When combined with sodium dichloroacetate, a PDK inhibitor, it complemented the inhibitory capacity of PDKs, acting synergistically as a detoxifier. CONCLUSION G-Rh2 could target and down-regulate the expression of HIF-1α, resulting in decreased expression of glycolytic enzymes and inhibition of aerobic glycolysis in tumors. Additionally, by directly targeting mitochondrial PDK, it elevated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced ROS accumulation, thereby promoting tumor cells to undergo normal apoptotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Liu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingming Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Wang J, Ding HK, Xu HJ, Hu DK, Hankey W, Chen L, Xiao J, Liang CZ, Zhao B, Xu LF. Single-cell analysis revealing the metabolic landscape of prostate cancer. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00179. [PMID: 38657119 DOI: 10.4103/aja20243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer development, and targeting metabolic vulnerabilities has been proven to be an effective approach for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treatment. Nevertheless, treatment failure inevitably occurs, largely due to cellular heterogeneity, which cannot be deciphered by traditional bulk sequencing techniques. By employing computational pipelines for single-cell RNA sequencing, we demonstrated that epithelial cells within the prostate are more metabolically active and plastic than stromal cells. Moreover, we identified that neuroendocrine (NE) cells tend to have high metabolic rates, which might explain the high demand for nutrients and energy exhibited by neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), one of the most lethal variants of prostate cancer (PCa). Additionally, we demonstrated through computational and experimental approaches that variation in mitochondrial activity is the greatest contributor to metabolic heterogeneity among both tumor cells and nontumor cells. These results establish a detailed metabolic landscape of PCa, highlight a potential mechanism of disease progression, and emphasize the importance of future studies on tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment from a metabolic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Urologic Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, China
| | - He-Kang Ding
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Han-Jiang Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - De-Kai Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - William Hankey
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Chao-Zhao Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Ling-Fan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
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5
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Li L, Qin Y, Chen Y. The enzymes of serine synthesis pathway in cancer metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2024; 1871:119697. [PMID: 38382845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis, the major cause of cancer mortality, requires cancer cells to reprogram their metabolism to adapt to and thrive in different environments, thereby leaving metastatic cells metabolic characteristics different from their parental cells. Mounting research has revealed that the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP), a glycolytic branching pathway that consumes glucose carbons for serine makeup and α-ketoglutarate generation and thus supports the proliferation, survival, and motility of cancer cells, is one such reprogrammed metabolic pathway. During different metastatic cascades, the SSP enzyme proteins or their enzymatic activity are both dynamically altered; manipulating their expression or catalytic activity could effectively prevent the progression of cancer metastasis; and the SSP enzymatic proteins could even conduce to metastasis via their nonenzymatic functions. In this article we overview the SSP dynamics during cancer metastasis and put the focuses on the regulatory role of the SSP in metastasis and the underlying mechanisms that mainly involve cellular anabolism/catabolism, redox balance, and epigenetics, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for targeting metastatic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuting Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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6
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Zhang P, Wang Q, Lu W, Zhang F, Wu D, Sun J. NNT-AS1 in CAFs-derived exosomes promotes progression and glucose metabolism through miR-889-3p/HIF-1α in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6979. [PMID: 38521881 PMCID: PMC10960871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57769-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
It is metabolic and signaling crosstalk between stromal cells and tumors in the tumor microenvironment, which influences several aspects of tumor formation and drug resistance, including metabolic reprogramming. Despite considerable findings linking lncRNAs in HIF-1-related regulatory networks to cancer cell, little emphasis has been given to the role in communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells. Previously, we observed that NNT-AS1 was substantially expressed in CAFs cells and CAFs exosomes, and subsequently investigated the influence of CAFs exosomal NNT-AS1 on glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine exosomes secreted by PDAC patient-derived CAFs. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. The role of CAFs-derived exosomal NNT-AS1 in PDAC cell progression and metabolism have been identified. Dual luciferase reporter assays examined the binding between NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. After PDAC cells co-culture exosomes secreted by CAFs, we found that they alter glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis. In PDAC cells, CAF-derived exosomal lncRNA NNT-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-889-3p. Furthermore, HIF-1 could be targeted by miR-889-3p and was controlled by NNT-AS1. This study explores the mechanism by which NNT-AS1 influences the interaction of CAFs on glycolytic remodeling, proliferation, and metastasis of tumor cells through regulating miR-889-3p/HIF-1α, which also helps discover new clinical treatment targets for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weijun Lu
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongde Wu
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junwei Sun
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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7
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Kleimann P, Irschfeld LM, Grandoch M, Flögel U, Temme S. Trained Innate Immunity in Animal Models of Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2312. [PMID: 38396989 PMCID: PMC10889825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of immunological memory is an important evolutionary strategy that evolved to protect the host from repetitive challenges from infectious agents. It was believed for a long time that memory formation exclusively occurs in the adaptive part of the immune system with the formation of highly specific memory T cells and B cells. In the past 10-15 years, it has become clear that innate immune cells, such as monocytes, natural killer cells, or neutrophil granulocytes, also have the ability to generate some kind of memory. After the exposure of innate immune cells to certain stimuli, these cells develop an enhanced secondary response with increased cytokine secretion even after an encounter with an unrelated stimulus. This phenomenon has been termed trained innate immunity (TI) and is associated with epigenetic modifications (histone methylation, acetylation) and metabolic alterations (elevated glycolysis, lactate production). TI has been observed in tissue-resident or circulating immune cells but also in bone marrow progenitors. Risk-factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which are associated with low-grade inflammation, such as hyperglycemia, obesity, or high salt, can also induce TI with a profound impact on the development and progression of CVDs. In this review, we briefly describe basic mechanisms of TI and summarize animal studies which specifically focus on TI in the context of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kleimann
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (P.K.); (U.F.)
| | - Lisa-Marie Irschfeld
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Maria Grandoch
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (P.K.); (U.F.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Temme
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), University Hospital, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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9
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Zhang X, Zhang M, Sun H, Wang X, Wang X, Sheng W, Xu M. The role of transcription factors in the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00046-8. [PMID: 38309692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factors (TFs) fulfill a critical role in the formation and maintenance of different cell types during the developmental process as well as disease. It is believed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activation status of tissue-resident fibroblasts or derived from form other cell types via transdifferentiation or dedifferentiation. Despite a subgroup of CAFs exhibit anti-cancer effects, most of them are reported to exert effects on tumor progression, further indicating their heterogeneous origin. AIM OF REVIEW This review aimed to summarize and review the roles of TFs in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, discuss the emerging mechanisms, and their roles in cell-fate decision, cellular reprogramming and advancing our understanding of the gene regulatory networks over the period of cancer initiation and progression. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This manuscript delves into the key contributory factors of TFs that are involved in activating CAFs and maintaining their unique states. Additionally, it explores how TFs play a pivotal and multifaceted role in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. This includes their involvement in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, as well as metabolic reprogramming. TFs also have a role in constructing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, inducing resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, facilitating angiogenesis, and even 'educating' CAFs to support the malignancies of tumor cells. Furthermore, this manuscript delves into the current status of TF-targeted therapy and considers the future directions of TFs in conjunction with anti-CAFs therapies to address the challenges in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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10
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Kim LC, Lesner NP, Simon MC. Cancer Metabolism under Limiting Oxygen Conditions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041542. [PMID: 37848248 PMCID: PMC10835619 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Molecular oxygen (O2) is essential for cellular bioenergetics and numerous biochemical reactions necessary for life. Solid tumors outgrow the native blood supply and diffusion limits of O2, and therefore must engage hypoxia response pathways that evolved to withstand acute periods of low O2 Hypoxia activates coordinated gene expression programs, primarily through hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs), to support survival. Many of these changes involve metabolic rewiring such as increasing glycolysis to support ATP generation while suppressing mitochondrial metabolism. Since low O2 is often coupled with nutrient stress in the tumor microenvironment, other responses to hypoxia include activation of nutrient uptake pathways, metabolite scavenging, and regulation of stress and growth signaling cascades. Continued development of models that better recapitulate tumors and their microenvironments will lead to greater understanding of oxygen-dependent metabolic reprogramming and lead to more effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Kim
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas P Lesner
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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11
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Bigos KJA, Quiles CG, Lunj S, Smith DJ, Krause M, Troost EGC, West CM, Hoskin P, Choudhury A. Tumour response to hypoxia: understanding the hypoxic tumour microenvironment to improve treatment outcome in solid tumours. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331355. [PMID: 38352889 PMCID: PMC10861654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumours affecting their biology and response to therapy. One of the main transcription factors activated by hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which regulates the expression of genes involved in various aspects of tumourigenesis including proliferative capacity, angiogenesis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, and cell migration. This can negatively impact patient outcomes by inducing therapeutic resistance. The importance of hypoxia is clearly demonstrated by continued research into finding clinically relevant hypoxia biomarkers, and hypoxia-targeting therapies. One of the problems is the lack of clinically applicable methods of hypoxia detection, and lack of standardisation. Additionally, a lot of the methods of detecting hypoxia do not take into consideration the complexity of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME). Therefore, this needs further elucidation as approximately 50% of solid tumours are hypoxic. The ECM is important component of the hypoxic TME, and is developed by both cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour cells. However, it is important to distinguish the different roles to develop both biomarkers and novel compounds. Fibronectin (FN), collagen (COL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are important components of the ECM that create ECM fibres. These fibres are crosslinked by specific enzymes including lysyl oxidase (LOX) which regulates the stiffness of tumours and induces fibrosis. This is partially regulated by HIFs. The review highlights the importance of understanding the role of matrix stiffness in different solid tumours as current data shows contradictory results on the impact on therapeutic resistance. The review also indicates that further research is needed into identifying different CAF subtypes and their exact roles; with some showing pro-tumorigenic capacity and others having anti-tumorigenic roles. This has made it difficult to fully elucidate the role of CAFs within the TME. However, it is clear that this is an important area of research that requires unravelling as current strategies to target CAFs have resulted in worsened prognosis. The role of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment is also discussed as hypoxia has been associated with modulating immune cells to create an anti-tumorigenic environment. Which has led to the development of immunotherapies including PD-L1. These hypoxia-induced changes can confer resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of hypoxia on the TME and its implications for therapy resistance. It also discusses the potential of hypoxia biomarkers as prognostic and predictive indictors of treatment response, as well as the challenges and opportunities of targeting hypoxia in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla JA. Bigos
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Conrado G. Quiles
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sapna Lunj
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle J. Smith
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild Krause
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther GC. Troost
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Catharine M. West
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Germany
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12
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Ghosh A, Mitra AK. Metastasis and cancer associated fibroblasts: taking it up a NOTCH. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1277076. [PMID: 38269089 PMCID: PMC10806909 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1277076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the least understood aspect of cancer biology. 90% of cancer related deaths occur due extensive metastatic burden in patients. Apart from metastasizing cancer cells, the pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic role of the tumor stroma plays a crucial part in this complex process often leading to disease relapse and therapy resistance. Cellular signaling processes play a crucial role in the process of tumorigenesis and metastasis when aberrantly turned on, not just in the cancer cells, but also in the cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). One of the most conserved pathways includes the Notch signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in the development and progression of many cancers. In addition to its well documented role in cancer cells, recent evidence suggests crucial involvement of Notch signaling in the stroma as well. This review aims to highlight the current findings focusing on the oncogenic role of notch signaling in cancer cells and the TME, with a specific focus on cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which constitute a major part of the tumor stroma and are important for tumor progression. Recent efforts have focused on the development of anti-cancer and anti-metastatic therapies targeting TME. Understanding the importance of Notch signaling in the TME would help identify important drivers for stromal reprogramming, metastasis and importantly, drive future research in the effort to develop TME-targeted therapies utilizing Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argha Ghosh
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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13
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Curvello R, Berndt N, Hauser S, Loessner D. Recreating metabolic interactions of the tumour microenvironment. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(23)00250-3. [PMID: 38212233 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Tumours are heterogeneous tissues containing diverse populations of cells and an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). This tumour microenvironment prompts cancer cells to adapt their metabolism to survive and grow. Besides epigenetic factors, the metabolism of cancer cells is shaped by crosstalk with stromal cells and extracellular components. To date, most experimental models neglect the complexity of the tumour microenvironment and its relevance in regulating the dynamics of the metabolism in cancer. We discuss emerging strategies to model cellular and extracellular aspects of cancer metabolism. We highlight cancer models based on bioengineering, animal, and mathematical approaches to recreate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and patient-specific metabolism. Combining these approaches will improve our understanding of cancer metabolism and support the development of metabolism-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Curvello
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nikolaus Berndt
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany; Institute of Computer-assisted Cardiovascular Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Dresden, Germany; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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14
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Sari D, Gozuacik D, Akkoc Y. Role of autophagy in cancer-associated fibroblast activation, signaling and metabolic reprograming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1274682. [PMID: 38234683 PMCID: PMC10791779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors not only consist of cancerous cells, but they also harbor several normal-like cell types and non-cellular components. cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of these cellular components that are found predominantly in the tumor stroma. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and quality control mechanism, and recent studies provided evidence that autophagy played a critical role in CAF formation, metabolic reprograming and tumor-stroma crosstalk. Therefore, shedding light on the autophagy and its role in CAF biology might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the exploitation of more efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, we provide an overview about the involvement of autophagy in CAF-related pathways, including transdifferentiation and activation of CAFs, and further discuss the implications of targeting tumor stroma as a treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyana Sari
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Devrim Gozuacik
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Biotechnology, SUNUM Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yunus Akkoc
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
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15
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Borzone FR, Giorello MB, Sanmartin MC, Yannarelli G, Martinez LM, Chasseing NA. Mesenchymal stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:238-256. [PMID: 35485850 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have an essential role in cancer progression, invasion and therapy resistance. Therefore, they are considered as highly promising future therapeutic targets against breast cancer. The intrinsic tumour tropism and immunomodulatory capacities of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells are of special relevance for developing mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-based anti-tumour therapies that suppress primary tumour growth and metastasis. In addition, the utilization of therapies that target the stromal components of the tumour microenvironment in combination with standard drugs is an innovative tool that could improve patients' response to therapies and their survival. In this review, we discuss the currently available information regarding the possible use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-derived anti-tumour therapies, as well as the utilization of therapies that target CAFs in breast cancer microenvironment. Finally, these data can serve as a guide map for future research in this field, ultimately aiding the effective transition of these results into the clinic. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Raúl Borzone
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Giorello
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Cecilia Sanmartin
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Yannarelli
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Marcelo Martinez
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Norma Alejandra Chasseing
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Nikolaev VV, Kistenev YV, Kröger M, Zuhayri H, Darvin ME. Review of optical methods for noninvasive imaging of skin fibroblasts-From in vitro to ex vivo and in vivo visualization. J Biophotonics 2024; 17:e202300223. [PMID: 38018868 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are among the most common cell types in the stroma responsible for creating and maintaining the structural organization of the extracellular matrix in the dermis, skin regeneration, and a range of immune responses. Until now, the processes of fibroblast adaptation and functioning in a varying environment have not been fully understood. Modern laser microscopes are capable of studying fibroblasts in vitro and ex vivo. One-photon- and two-photon-excited fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy/microspectroscopy are well-suited noninvasive optical methods for fibroblast imaging in vitro and ex vivo. In vivo staining-free fibroblast imaging is not still implemented. The exception is fibroblast imaging in tattooed skin. Although in vivo noninvasive staining-free imaging of fibroblasts in the skin has not yet been implemented, it is expected in the future. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art in fibroblast visualization using optical methods and discusses the advantages, limitations, and prospects for future noninvasive imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor V Nikolaev
- Tomsk State University, Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Machine Learning, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Yury V Kistenev
- Tomsk State University, Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Machine Learning, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Marius Kröger
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hala Zuhayri
- Tomsk State University, Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Machine Learning, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Maxim E Darvin
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Melchionna R, Trono P, Di Carlo A, Di Modugno F, Nisticò P. Transcription factors in fibroblast plasticity and CAF heterogeneity. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:347. [PMID: 38124183 PMCID: PMC10731891 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research focused on the multifaceted landscape and functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) aimed to reveal their heterogeneity and identify commonalities across diverse tumors for more effective therapeutic targeting of pro-tumoral stromal microenvironment. However, a unified functional categorization of CAF subsets remains elusive, posing challenges for the development of targeted CAF therapies in clinical settings.The CAF phenotype arises from a complex interplay of signals within the tumor microenvironment, where transcription factors serve as central mediators of various cellular pathways. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing technology have emphasized the role of transcription factors in the conversion of normal fibroblasts to distinct CAF subtypes across various cancer types.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the specific roles of transcription factor networks in shaping CAF heterogeneity, plasticity, and functionality. Beginning with their influence on fibroblast homeostasis and reprogramming during wound healing and fibrosis, it delves into the emerging insights into transcription factor regulatory networks. Understanding these mechanisms not only enables a more precise characterization of CAF subsets but also sheds light on the early regulatory processes governing CAF heterogeneity and functionality. Ultimately, this knowledge may unveil novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, addressing the existing challenges of stromal-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Melchionna
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Trono
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Di Carlo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Modugno
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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18
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Abou Khouzam R, Janji B, Thiery J, Zaarour RF, Chamseddine AN, Mayr H, Savagner P, Kieda C, Gad S, Buart S, Lehn JM, Limani P, Chouaib S. Hypoxia as a potential inducer of immune tolerance, tumor plasticity and a driver of tumor mutational burden: Impact on cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:104-123. [PMID: 38029865 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
In cancer patients, immune cells are often functionally compromised due to the immunosuppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) which contribute to the failures in cancer therapies. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that developing tumors adapt to the immunological environment and create a local microenvironment that impairs immune function by inducing immune tolerance and invasion. In this context, microenvironmental hypoxia, which is an established hallmark of solid tumors, significantly contributes to tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance through the induction of tumor plasticity/heterogeneity and, more importantly, through the differentiation and expansion of immune-suppressive stromal cells. We and others have provided evidence indicating that hypoxia also drives genomic instability in cancer cells and interferes with DNA damage response and repair suggesting that hypoxia could be a potential driver of tumor mutational burden. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on how hypoxic stress in the TME impacts tumor angiogenesis, heterogeneity, plasticity, and immune resistance, with a special interest in tumor immunogenicity and hypoxia targeting. An integrated understanding of the complexity of the effect of hypoxia on the immune and microenvironmental components could lead to the identification of better adapted and more effective combinational strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Clearly, the discovery and validation of therapeutic targets derived from the hypoxic tumor microenvironment is of major importance and the identification of critical hypoxia-associated pathways could generate targets that are undeniably attractive for combined cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Bassam Janji
- Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, 6A, rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg city, Luxembourg.
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ali N Chamseddine
- Gastroenterology Department, Cochin University Hospital, Université de Paris, APHP, Paris, France; Ambroise Paré - Hartmann Private Hospital Group, Oncology Unit, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
| | - Hemma Mayr
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre Savagner
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; Centre for Molecular Biophysics, UPR 4301 CNRS, 45071 Orleans, France; Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sophie Gad
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE), Paris Sciences Lettres University (PSL), 75014 Paris, France; UMR CNRS 9019, Genome Integrity and Cancers, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France.
| | - Stéphanie Buart
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Lehn
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Perparim Limani
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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19
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Bantug GR, Hess C. The immunometabolic ecosystem in cancer. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:2008-2020. [PMID: 38012409 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01675-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Our increased understanding of how key metabolic pathways are activated and regulated in malignant cells has identified metabolic vulnerabilities of cancers. Translating this insight to the clinics, however, has proved challenging. Roadblocks limiting efficacy of drugs targeting cancer metabolism may lie in the nature of the metabolic ecosystem of tumors. The exchange of metabolites and growth factors between cancer cells and nonmalignant tumor-resident cells is essential for tumor growth and evolution, as well as the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this Review, we will examine the metabolic interplay between tumor-resident cells and how targeted inhibition of specific metabolic enzymes in malignant cells could elicit pro-tumorigenic effects in non-transformed tumor-resident cells and inhibit the function of tumor-specific T cells. To improve the efficacy of metabolism-targeted anticancer strategies, a holistic approach that considers the effect of metabolic inhibitors on major tumor-resident cell populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn R Bantug
- Department of Biomedicine, Immunobiology, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph Hess
- Department of Biomedicine, Immunobiology, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Medicine, CITIID, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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20
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Rao H, Liu C, Wang A, Ma C, Xu Y, Ye T, Su W, Zhou P, Gao WQ, Li L, Ding X. SETD2 deficiency accelerates sphingomyelin accumulation and promotes the development of renal cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7572. [PMID: 37989747 PMCID: PMC10663509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43378-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) encounter a high risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a malignant tumor with dysregulated lipid metabolism. SET domain-containing 2 (SETD2) has been identified as an important tumor suppressor and an immunosuppressor in ccRCC. However, the role of SETD2 in ccRCC generation in PKD remains largely unexplored. Herein, we perform metabolomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics and proteomics within SETD2 loss induced PKD-ccRCC transition mouse model. Our analyses show that SETD2 loss causes extensive metabolic reprogramming events that eventually results in enhanced sphingomyelin biosynthesis and tumorigenesis. Clinical ccRCC patient specimens further confirm the abnormal metabolic reprogramming and sphingomyelin accumulation. Tumor symptom caused by Setd2 knockout is relieved by myriocin, a selective inhibitor of serine-palmitoyl-transferase and sphingomyelin biosynthesis. Our results reveal that SETD2 deficiency promotes large-scale metabolic reprogramming and sphingomyelin biosynthesis during PKD-ccRCC transition. This study introduces high-quality multi-omics resources and uncovers a regulatory mechanism of SETD2 on lipid metabolism during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tianbao Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqiong Su
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peijun Zhou
- Division of Kidney Transplant, Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Xianting Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Nakahara R, Aki S, Sugaya M, Hirose H, Kato M, Maeda K, Sakamoto DM, Kojima Y, Nishida M, Ando R, Muramatsu M, Pan M, Tsuchida R, Matsumura Y, Yanai H, Takano H, Yao R, Sando S, Shibuya M, Sakai J, Kodama T, Kidoya H, Shimamura T, Osawa T. Hypoxia activates SREBP2 through Golgi disassembly in bone marrow-derived monocytes for enhanced tumor growth. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114032. [PMID: 37781951 PMCID: PMC10646561 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) infiltrate hypoxic tumors at a pre-angiogenic state and differentiate into mature macrophages, thereby inducing pro-tumorigenic immunity. A critical factor regulating this differentiation is activation of SREBP2-a well-known transcription factor participating in tumorigenesis progression-through unknown cellular mechanisms. Here, we show that hypoxia-induced Golgi disassembly and Golgi-ER fusion in monocytic myeloid cells result in nuclear translocation and activation of SREBP2 in a SCAP-independent manner. Notably, hypoxia-induced SREBP2 activation was only observed in an immature lineage of bone marrow-derived cells. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that SREBP2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis was upregulated in HSCs and monocytes but not in macrophages in the hypoxic bone marrow niche. Moreover, inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis impaired tumor growth through suppression of pro-tumorigenic immunity and angiogenesis. Thus, our findings indicate that Golgi-ER fusion regulates SREBP2-mediated metabolic alteration in lineage-specific BMDCs under hypoxia for tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Nakahara
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Sho Aki
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Maki Sugaya
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Haruka Hirose
- Department of Systems Biology, Graduate School of MedicineNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
- Present address:
Department of Computational and Systems Biology, Medical Research InstituteTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Miki Kato
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Keisuke Maeda
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Daichi M Sakamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Kojima
- Department of Systems Biology, Graduate School of MedicineNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Miyuki Nishida
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Ritsuko Ando
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Masashi Muramatsu
- Division of Molecular and Vascular Biology, IRDAKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Melvin Pan
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Rika Tsuchida
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | | | - Hideyuki Yanai
- Department of Inflammology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroshi Takano
- Department of Cell BiologyJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Ryoji Yao
- Department of Cell BiologyJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Shinsuke Sando
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Masabumi Shibuya
- Institute of Physiology and MedicineJobu UniversityTakasakiJapan
| | - Juro Sakai
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Graduate School of MedicineTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Tatsuhiko Kodama
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroyasu Kidoya
- Department of Signal Transduction, RIMDOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
- Department of Integrative Vascular Biology, Faculty of Medical SciencesUniversity of FukuiFukuiJapan
| | - Teppei Shimamura
- Department of Systems Biology, Graduate School of MedicineNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
- Present address:
Department of Computational and Systems Biology, Medical Research InstituteTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Tsuyoshi Osawa
- Division of Nutriomics and Oncology, RCASTThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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22
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Gao D, Fang L, Liu C, Yang M, Yu X, Wang L, Zhang W, Sun C, Zhuang J. Microenvironmental regulation in tumor progression: Interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115622. [PMID: 37783155 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the "soil" on which tumor cells grow, has an important role in regulating the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells as well as their response to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant stromal cells of the TME, can not only directly alter the immunosuppressive effect of the TME through their own metabolism, but also influence the aggregation and function of immune cells by secreting a large number of cytokines and chemokines, reducing the body's immune surveillance of tumor cells and making them more prone to immune escape. Our study provides a comprehensive review of fibroblast chemotaxis, malignant transformation, metabolic characteristics, and interactions with immune cells. In addition, the current small molecule drugs targeting CAFs have been summarized, including both natural small molecules and targeted drugs for current clinical therapeutic applications. A complete review of the role of fibroblasts in TME from an immune perspective is presented, which has important implications in improving the efficiency of immunotherapy by targeting fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Liguang Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Longyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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23
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Liu L, Bai J, Hu L, Jiang D. Hypoxia-mediated activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in triple-negative breast cancer: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35493. [PMID: 37904441 PMCID: PMC10615493 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer (BC) that is highly aggressive and hypoxic compared with other subtypes. The role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) as a key hypoxic transcription factor in oncogenic processes has been extensively studied. Recently, it has been shown that HIF-1α regulates the complex biological processes of TNBC, such as glycolysis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, BC stem cells enrichment, and immune escape, to promote TNBC survival and development through the activation of downstream target genes. This article discusses the expression of the HIF-1α transcription factor in TNBC and the Hypoxia-mediated activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in triple-negative BC. It offers a fresh approach to clinical research and treatment for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Liu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Lanxin Hu
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Daqing Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
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24
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Kitamura F, Semba T, Yasuda-Yoshihara N, Yamada K, Nishimura A, Yamasaki J, Nagano O, Yasuda T, Yonemura A, Tong Y, Wang H, Akiyama T, Matsumura K, Uemura N, Itoyama R, Bu L, Fu L, Hu X, Wei F, Mima K, Imai K, Hayashi H, Yamashita YI, Miyamoto Y, Baba H, Ishimoto T. Cancer-associated fibroblasts reuse cancer-derived lactate to maintain a fibrotic and immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e163022. [PMID: 37733442 PMCID: PMC10619496 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.163022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycolysis is highly enhanced in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells; thus, glucose restrictions are imposed on nontumor cells in the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). However, little is known about how such glucose competition alters metabolism and confers phenotypic changes in stromal cells in the TME. Here, we report that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with restricted glucose availability utilize lactate from glycolysis-enhanced cancer cells as a fuel and exert immunosuppressive activity in the PDAC TME. The expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), which regulates lactate production, was a poor prognostic factor for patients with PDAC, and LDHA depletion suppressed tumor growth in a CAF-rich murine PDAC model. Coculture of CAFs with PDAC cells revealed that most of the glucose was taken up by the tumor cells and that CAFs consumed lactate via monocarboxylate transporter 1 to enhance proliferation through the TCA cycle. Moreover, lactate-stimulated CAFs upregulated IL-6 expression and suppressed cytotoxic immune cell activity synergistically with lactate. Finally, the LDHA inhibitor FX11 reduced tumor growth and improved antitumor immunity in CAF-rich PDAC tumors. Our study provides insight regarding the crosstalk among tumor cells, CAFs, and immune cells mediated by lactate and offers therapeutic strategies for targeting LDHA enzymatic activity in PDAC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumimasa Kitamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Semba
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Yasuda-Yoshihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akiho Nishimura
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Juntaro Yamasaki
- Cancer Center, Promotion Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Osamu Nagano
- Cancer Center, Promotion Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tadahito Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yonemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yilin Tong
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Huaitao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiko Akiyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuki Matsumura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Norio Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Rumi Itoyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Luke Bu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Lingfeng Fu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xichen Hu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kosuke Mima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Katsunori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Hiromitsu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Yo-ichi Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Cohn DE, Forder A, Marshall EA, Vucic EA, Stewart GL, Noureddine K, Lockwood WW, MacAulay CE, Guillaud M, Lam WL. Delineating spatial cell-cell interactions in the solid tumour microenvironment through the lens of highly multiplexed imaging. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275890. [PMID: 37936700 PMCID: PMC10627006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth and metastasis of solid tumours is known to be facilitated by the tumour microenvironment (TME), which is composed of a highly diverse collection of cell types that interact and communicate with one another extensively. Many of these interactions involve the immune cell population within the TME, referred to as the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME). These non-cell autonomous interactions exert substantial influence over cell behaviour and contribute to the reprogramming of immune and stromal cells into numerous pro-tumourigenic phenotypes. The study of some of these interactions, such as the PD-1/PD-L1 axis that induces CD8+ T cell exhaustion, has led to the development of breakthrough therapeutic advances. Yet many common analyses of the TME either do not retain the spatial data necessary to assess cell-cell interactions, or interrogate few (<10) markers, limiting the capacity for cell phenotyping. Recently developed digital pathology technologies, together with sophisticated bioimage analysis programs, now enable the high-resolution, highly-multiplexed analysis of diverse immune and stromal cell markers within the TME of clinical specimens. In this article, we review the tumour-promoting non-cell autonomous interactions in the TME and their impact on tumour behaviour. We additionally survey commonly used image analysis programs and highly-multiplexed spatial imaging technologies, and we discuss their relative advantages and limitations. The spatial organization of the TME varies enormously between patients, and so leveraging these technologies in future studies to further characterize how non-cell autonomous interactions impact tumour behaviour may inform the personalization of cancer treatment..
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Cohn
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aisling Forder
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erin A. Marshall
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emily A. Vucic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Greg L. Stewart
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kouther Noureddine
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William W. Lockwood
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Calum E. MacAulay
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martial Guillaud
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wan L. Lam
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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26
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Zhao C, Zhou X, Cao Z, Ye L, Cao Y, Pan J. Curcumin and analogues against head and neck cancer: From drug delivery to molecular mechanisms. Phytomedicine 2023; 119:154986. [PMID: 37506572 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most life-threatening diseases which also causes economic burden worldwide. To overcome the limitations of traditional therapies, investigation into alternative adjuvant treatments is crucial. PURPOSE Curcumin, a turmeric-derived compound, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in diverse diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, research focuses on curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems, offering approaches for improved efficacy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of curcumin's current findings, emphasizing its mechanisms of anti-HNSCC effects and potential for clinical application. METHOD An electronic search of Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Embase was conducted to identify literature about the application of curcumin or analogues in HNSCC. Titles and abstracts were screened to identify potentially eligible studies. Full-text articles will be obtained and independently evaluated by two authors to make the decision of inclusion in the review. RESULTS Curcumin's clinical application is hindered by poor bioavailability, prompting the exploration of methods to enhance it, such as curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems. Curcumin could exhibit anti-cancer effects by targeting cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC. Mechanisms of action include cell cycle arrest, apoptosis promotion, reactive oxygen species induction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, attenuation of extracellular matrix degradation, and modulation of tumor metabolism in HNSCC cells. Curcumin also targets various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts, innate and adaptive immunity, and lymphovascular niches. Furthermore, curcumin enhances the anti-cancer effects of other drugs as adjunctive therapy. Two clinical trials report its potential clinical applications in treating HNSCC. CONCLUSION Curcumin has demonstrated therapeutic potential in HNSCC through in vitro and in vivo studies. Its effectiveness is attributed to its ability to modulate cancer cells and interact with the intricate tumor microenvironment. The development of curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems has shown promise in improving its bioavailability, thereby expanding its clinical applications. Further research and exploration in this area hold great potential for harnessing the full therapeutic benefits of curcumin in HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 1 Section 3rd, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xueer Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 1 Section 3rd, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 1 Section 3rd, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Li Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 1 Section 3rd, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yubin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 1 Section 3rd, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
| | - Jian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 1 Section 3rd, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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27
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Sankofi BM, Valencia-Rincón E, Sekhri M, Ponton-Almodovar AL, Bernard JJ, Wellberg EA. The impact of poor metabolic health on aggressive breast cancer: adipose tissue and tumor metabolism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217875. [PMID: 37800138 PMCID: PMC10548218 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are chronic metabolic diseases that impact tens to hundreds of millions of adults, especially in developed countries. Each condition is associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer and with a poor prognosis after treatment. The mechanisms connecting poor metabolic health to breast cancer are numerous and include hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, excess nutrient availability, and adipose tissue dysfunction. Here, we focus on adipose tissue, highlighting important roles for both adipocytes and fibroblasts in breast cancer progression. One potentially important mediator of adipose tissue effects on breast cancer is the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling network. Among the many roles of FGFR signaling, we postulate that key mechanisms driving aggressive breast cancer include epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cellular metabolic reprogramming. We also pose existing questions that may help better understand breast cancer biology in people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mensah Sankofi
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Estefania Valencia-Rincón
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Malika Sekhri
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Adriana L. Ponton-Almodovar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Nicolas V. Perricone Division of Dermatology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jamie J. Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Nicolas V. Perricone Division of Dermatology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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29
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Zhan CH, Liu GJ. Diagnostic Value of a Combined Serum α-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase, Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Glycoantigen 125 Test for Early-Stage Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer (Dove Med Press) 2023; 15:617-623. [PMID: 37600671 PMCID: PMC10439733 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s410500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of the combined detection of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) in early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 169 patients with ESBC, 138 patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and 200 normal healthy controls (NHCs). The levels of serum α-HBDH, CEA and CA125 in the two groups were detected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyse the diagnostic value of the above indicators alone and in combination for ESBC. Results The levels of α-HBDH, CEA and CA125 in the ESBC group were significantly higher than those in the BBD and NHC groups ([118.18 ± 11.19 vs 91.24 ± 9.17 vs 89.38 ± 9.01, F = 6.189, p = 0.004], [2.39 ± 1.12 vs 1.48 ± 0.76 vs 1.58 ± 0.58, F = 5.362, p = 0.017] and [14.44 ± 6.78 vs 11.19 ± 3.17 vs 7.18 ± 4.71, F = 8.912, p = 0.001], respectively). In the ESBC group, the positive rate of combined detection was higher than that of single detection (96.12% vs 72.64% vs 53.67% vs 42.41%, X2 = 27.174, p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that serum α-HBDH, CEA, CA125 alone and combined detection in the diagnosis of ESBC. The sensitivity was 48.1%, 63.6%, 44.2% and 54.5%, the specificity was 75.4%, 75.4%, 86.0% and 91.2% and the AUC was 0.654, 0.715, 0.636 and 0.772, respectively. The diagnostic value of combined detection was the highest. Conclusion The levels of serum α-HBDH, CEA and CA125 in ESBC are high, and the combined detection of the three has a high diagnostic value for ESBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Hua Zhan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-Jun Liu
- Department of Breast Cancer Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, People’s Republic of China
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Martino F, Lupi M, Giraudo E, Lanzetti L. Breast cancers as ecosystems: a metabolic perspective. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:244. [PMID: 37561190 PMCID: PMC10415483 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and one of the major causes of cancer death. Despite enormous progress in its management, both from the therapeutic and early diagnosis viewpoints, still around 700,000 patients succumb to the disease each year, worldwide. Late recurrency is the major problem in BC, with many patients developing distant metastases several years after the successful eradication of the primary tumor. This is linked to the phenomenon of metastatic dormancy, a still mysterious trait of the natural history of BC, and of several other types of cancer, by which metastatic cells remain dormant for long periods of time before becoming reactivated to initiate the clinical metastatic disease. In recent years, it has become clear that cancers are best understood if studied as ecosystems in which the impact of non-cancer-cell-autonomous events-dependent on complex interaction between the cancer and its environment, both local and systemic-plays a paramount role, probably as significant as the cell-autonomous alterations occurring in the cancer cell. In adopting this perspective, a metabolic vision of the cancer ecosystem is bound to improve our understanding of the natural history of cancer, across space and time. In BC, many metabolic pathways are coopted into the cancer ecosystem, to serve the anabolic and energy demands of the cancer. Their study is shedding new light on the most critical aspect of BC management, of metastatic dissemination, and that of the related phenomenon of dormancy and fostering the application of the knowledge to the development of metabolic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Martino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Mariadomenica Lupi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Giraudo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Letizia Lanzetti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
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Nasiraee MR, Shahrivari S, Sayad S, Mahdavi H, Saraygord‐Afshari N, Bagheri Z. An agarose-alginate microfluidic device for the study of spheroid invasion, ATRA inhibits CAFs-mediated matrix remodeling. Cytotechnology 2023; 75:309-323. [PMID: 37389131 PMCID: PMC10299977 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-023-00578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are responsible for tumor genesis, growth, metastasis, and treatment response. Therefore, targeting these cells may contribute to tumor control. It has been proposed that targeting key molecules and pathways of proliferative functions can be more effective than killing CAFs. In this regard, multicellular aggregates, like spheroids, can be used as human tumor models. Spheroids closely resemble human tumors and mimic many of their features. Microfluidic systems are ideal for cultivation and study of spheroids. These systems can be designed with different biological and synthetic matrices in order to have a more realistic simulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigated the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on 3D spheroid invasion of MDA-MB cells exposed to hydrogel matrix derived from CAFs. The number of invasive cells significantly decreased in CAF-ECM hydrogel treated with ATRA (p < 0.05), which indicates that ATRA could be effective for CAFs normalization. This experiment was done using an agarose-alginate microfluidic chip. As compared with common methods, such hydrogel casting is an easier method for chip fabrication and can even reduce costs. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-023-00578-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Nasiraee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Shabnam Shahrivari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Soheila Sayad
- Department of Surgery, Firoozgar Clinical Research Development Center (FCRDC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Mahdavi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Saraygord‐Afshari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Zeinab Bagheri
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C, Tehran, 19839-69411 Iran
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32
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Yang D, Liu J, Qian H, Zhuang Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: from basic science to anticancer therapy. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-01013-0. [PMID: 37394578 PMCID: PMC10394065 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as a central component of the tumor microenvironment in primary and metastatic tumors, profoundly influence the behavior of cancer cells and are involved in cancer progression through extensive interactions with cancer cells and other stromal cells. Furthermore, the innate versatility and plasticity of CAFs allow their education by cancer cells, resulting in dynamic alterations in stromal fibroblast populations in a context-dependent manner, which highlights the importance of precise assessment of CAF phenotypical and functional heterogeneity. In this review, we summarize the proposed origins and heterogeneity of CAFs as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating the diversity of CAF subpopulations. We also discuss current strategies to selectively target tumor-promoting CAFs, providing insights and perspectives for future research and clinical studies involving stromal targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakai Yang
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Microbiology and Immunity Department, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicines, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Qian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qin Zhuang
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
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33
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Lei P, Wang W, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Yao F, Ma L. Role of Glucose Metabolic Reprogramming in Breast Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3390. [PMID: 37444501 PMCID: PMC10341343 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of glucose metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance has been increasingly appreciated. Studies in recent years have revealed molecular mechanisms by which glucose metabolic reprogramming regulates breast cancer. To date, despite a few metabolism-based drugs being tested in or en route to clinical trials, no drugs targeting glucose metabolism pathways have yet been approved to treat breast cancer. Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of action of glucose metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer progression and drug resistance. In addition, we summarize the currently available metabolic inhibitors targeting glucose metabolism and discuss the challenges and opportunities in targeting this pathway for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Lei
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.L.); (W.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Wenzhou Wang
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.L.); (W.W.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Fan Yao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.L.); (W.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston TX 77030, USA
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Mou T, Zhu H, Jiang Y, Xu X, Cai L, Zhong Y, Luo J, Zhang Z. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2023; 35:101717. [PMID: 37320872 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) consist of heterogeneous cellular populations that contribute critical roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A series of computer-aided analyses were performed to determine various aspects of CAFs in HNSCC, including their cellular heterogeneity, prognostic value, relationship with immune suppression and immunotherapeutic response, intercellular communication, and metabolic activity. The prognostic significance of CKS2+ CAFs was verified using immunohistochemistry. Our findings revealed that fibroblasts group demonstrated prognostic significance, with the CKS2+ subset of inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) exhibiting a significant correlation with unfavorable prognosis and being localized in close proximity to cancer cells. Patients with a high infiltration of CKS2+ CAFs had a poor overall survival rate. There is a negative correlation between CKS2+ iCAFs and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, while a positive correlation was found with exhausted CD8+ T cells. Additionally, patients in Cluster 3, characterized by a high proportion of CKS2+ iCAFs, and patients in Cluster 2, characterized by a high proportion of CKS2- iCAFs and CENPF-/MYLPF- myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), did not exhibit significant immunotherapeutic responses. Moreover, close interactions was confirmed to exist between cancer cells and CKS2+ iCAFs/ CENPF+ myCAFs. Furthermore, CKS2+ iCAFs demonstrated the highest level of metabolic activity. In summary, our study enhances the understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs and provided insights into improving the efficacy of immunotherapies and prognostic accuracy for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingchen Mou
- Department of stomatology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haoran Zhu
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yanbo Jiang
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Liuzhou People's Hospital (Liuzhou People's Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University), Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Xuhui Xu
- Department of stomatology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lina Cai
- Department of stomatology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Department of stomatology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of stomatology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhang
- Department of stomatology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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35
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Ai W, Liu T, Lv C, Feng X, Wang Q. Modulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts by nanodelivery system to enhance efficacy of tumor therapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1025-1039. [PMID: 37584613 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most common cells in the tumor stroma and are essential for tumor development and metastasis. While decreasing the release and infiltration of nanomedicine through nonspecific internalization, CAFs specifically increase solid tumor pressure and interstitial fluid pressure by secreting tumor growth- and migration-promoting cytokines, which increases vascular and organ pressure caused by solid tumor pressure. Nanoparticles have good permeability and can penetrate tumor tissue to reach the lesion area, inhibiting tumor growth. Thus, CAFs are used as modifiable targets. Here, the authors review the biological functions, origins and biomarkers of CAFs and summarize strategies for modulating CAFs in nanodelivery systems. This study provides a prospective guide to modulating CAFs to enhance oncology treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ai
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Tianhui Liu
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Changshun Lv
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Xiangru Feng
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Qingshuang Wang
- College of Life Science & Technology, Changchun University of Science & Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
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36
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Kehrberg RJ, Bhyravbhatla N, Batra SK, Kumar S. Epigenetic regulation of cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188901. [PMID: 37120098 PMCID: PMC10375465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a significant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), contribute to cancer progression through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, and metabolites. It is now well recognized that CAFs are a heterogenous population with ablation experiments leading to reduced tumor growth and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrating CAF subgroups. CAFs lack genetic mutations yet substantially differ from their normal stromal precursors. Here, we review epigenetic changes in CAF maturation, focusing on DNA methylation and histone modifications. DNA methylation changes in CAFs have been demonstrated globally, while roles of methylation at specific genes affect tumor growth. Further, loss of CAF histone methylation and gain of histone acetylation has been shown to promote CAF activation and tumor promotion. Many CAF activating factors, such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), lead to these epigenetic changes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as targets and orchestrators of epigenetic modifications that influence gene expression. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET), an epigenetic reader, recognizes histone acetylation and activates the transcription of genes leading to the pro-tumor phenotype of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Kehrberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Namita Bhyravbhatla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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37
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Singh M, Afonso J, Sharma D, Gupta R, Kumar V, Rani R, Baltazar F, Kumar V. Targeting monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in cancer: How close are we to the clinics? Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:1-14. [PMID: 36706846 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
As a result of metabolic reprogramming, cancer cells display high rates of glycolysis, causing an excess production of lactate along with an increase in extracellular acidity. Proton-linked monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are crucial in the maintenance of this metabolic phenotype, by mediating the proton-coupled lactate flux across cell membranes, also contributing to cancer cell pH regulation. Among the proteins codified by the SLC16 gene family, MCT1 and MCT4 isoforms are the most explored in cancers, being overexpressed in many cancer types, from solid tumours to haematological malignancies. Similarly to what occurs in particular physiological settings, MCT1 and MCT4 are able to mediate lactate shuttles among cancer cells, and also between cancer and stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment. This form of metabolic cooperation is responsible for important cancer aggressiveness features, such as cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, metastasis, immune tolerance and therapy resistance. The growing understanding of MCT functions and regulation is offering a new path to the design of novel inhibitors that can be foreseen in clinical practices. This review provides an overview of the role of MCT isoforms in cancer and summarizes the recent advances in their pharmacological targeting, highlighting the potential of new potent and selective MCT1 and/or MCT4 inhibitors in cancer therapeutics, and anticipating its inclusion in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Singh
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research Amity, University UP, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Julieta Afonso
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Dolly Sharma
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research Amity, University UP, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India; Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University UP, Sector-125, Noida, India-201313
| | - Rajat Gupta
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research Amity, University UP, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, DBG College, Sector-18, Panipat, Haryana, India
| | - Reshma Rani
- Drug Discovery, Jubilant Biosys, Greater Noida 201306, UP, India.
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Vinit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research Amity, University UP, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India.
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Clusan L, Ferrière F, Flouriot G, Pakdel F. A Basic Review on Estrogen Receptor Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076834. [PMID: 37047814 PMCID: PMC10095386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the deadliest among women worldwide. Estrogen signaling is closely associated with hormone-dependent breast cancer (estrogen and progesterone receptor positive), which accounts for two-thirds of tumors. Hormone therapy using antiestrogens is the gold standard, but resistance to these treatments invariably occurs through various biological mechanisms, such as changes in estrogen receptor activity, mutations in the ESR1 gene, aberrant activation of the PI3K pathway or cell cycle dysregulations. All these factors have led to the development of new therapies, such as selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), or combination therapies with cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 or PI3K inhibitors. Therefore, understanding the estrogen pathway is essential for the treatment and new drug development of hormone-dependent cancers. This mini-review summarizes current literature on the signalization, mechanisms of action and clinical implications of estrogen receptors in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Clusan
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - François Ferrière
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Gilles Flouriot
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Farzad Pakdel
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
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Gao S, Zhang W, Ma J, Ni X. PHF6 recruits BPTF to promote HIF-dependent pathway and progression in YAP-high breast cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:220. [PMID: 36967443 PMCID: PMC10040131 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant epigenetic remodeling events contribute to progression and metastasis of breast cancer (Bca). The specific mechanims that epigenetic factors rely on to mediate tumor aggressiveness remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the roles of epigenetic protein PHF6 in breast tumorigenesis. Methods Published datasets and tissue samples with PHF6 staining were used to investigate the clinical relevance of PHF6 in Bca. CCK-8, clony formation assays were used to assess cell growth capacity. Cell migration and invasion abilities were measured by Transwell assay. The gene mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR assays were used to investigate transcriptional relationships among genes. The Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was used to validate interactions between proteins. The CRISPR/Cas9 editing technology was used to construct double HIF knockout (HIF-DKO) cells. The subcutaneous xenograft model and orthotopic implantation tumor model were used to asess in vivo tumor growth. Results In this study, we utilized MTT assay to screen that PHF6 is required for Bca growth. PHF6 promotes Bca proliferation and migration. By analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer (TCGA-Bca) cohort, we found that PHF6 was significantly higher in tumor versus normal tissues. Mechanistically, PHF6 physically interacts with HIF-1α and HIF-2α to potentiate HIF-driven transcriptional events to initiate breast tumorigenesis. HIF-DKO abolished PHF6-mediated breast tumor growth, and PHF6 deficiency in turn impaired HIF transcriptional effects. Besides, hypoxia could also rely on YAP activation, but not HIF, to sustain PHF6 expressions in Bca cells. In addition, PHF6 recuits BPTF to mediate epigenetic remodeling to augment HIF transcriptional activity. Targeting PHF6 or BPTF inhibitor (AU1) is effective in mice models. Lastly, PHF6 correlated with HIF target gene expression in human breast tumors, which is an independent prognostic regulator. Conclusions Collectively, this study identified PHF6 as a prognostic epigenetic regulator for Bca, functioning as a HIF coactivator. The fundamental mechanisms underlying YAP/PHF6/HIF axis in breast tumors endowed novel epigenegtic targets for Bca treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-023-04031-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Gao
- grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Breast, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004 China
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jingjing Ma
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210004 China
| | - Xiaojian Ni
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Cancer Center, ZhongShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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Yuan Q, Chu Y, Li X, Shi Y, Chen Y, Zhao J, Lu J, Liu K, Guo Y. CAFrgDB: a database for cancer-associated fibroblasts related genes and their functions in cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41417-023-00603-4. [PMID: 36922546 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) interact extensively with cancer cells and other stromal cells to remodel TME and participate in the pathogenesis of cancer, which earmarked themselves as new promising targets for cancer therapy. Numerous studies have highlighted the heterogeneity and versatility of CAFs in most cancer types. Thus, the identification and appropriate use of CAF-related genes (CAFGenes) in the context of specific cancer types will provide critical insights into disease mechanisms and CAF-related therapeutic targets. In this study, we collected and curated 5421 CAFGenes identified from small- or large-scale experiments, encompassing 4982 responsors that directly or indirectly participate in cancer malignant behaviors managed by CAFs, 1069 secretions that are secreted by CAFs and 281 regulators that contribute in modulating CAFs in human and mouse, which covered 24 cancer types. For these human CAFGenes, we performed gene expression and prognostic marker-based analyses across 24 cancer types using TCGA data. Furthermore, we provided annotations for CAF-associated proteins by integrating the knowledge of protein-protein interaction(s), drug-target relations and basic annotations, from 9 public databases. CAFrgDB (CAF related Gene DataBase) is free for academic research at http://caf.zbiolab.cn and we anticipate CAFrgDB can be a useful resource for further study of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yuan
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yi Chu
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yunshu Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
| | - Yaping Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Zhang J, Huang L, Ge G, Hu K. Emerging Epigenetic-Based Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy: Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2206169. [PMID: 36599655 PMCID: PMC9982594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic modifications dynamically drive the abnormal transcription process to affect the tumor microenvironment; thus, promoting cancer progression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Nowadays, therapies targeting epigenetic dysregulation of tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment appear to be promising adjuncts to other cancer therapies. However, the clinical results of combination therapies containing epigenetic agents are disappointing due to systemic toxicities and limited curative effects. Here, the role of epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, and noncoding RNAs is discussed, followed by detailed descriptions of epigenetic regulation of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the application of epigenetic modulators in antitumor therapy, with an emphasis on the epigenetic-based advanced drug delivery system in targeting the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular PharmaceuticsEshelman School of PharmacyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Kaili Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
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Skorupa A, Ciszek M, Turska-d'Amico M, Stobiecka E, Chmielik E, Szumniak R, d'Amico A, Boguszewicz Ł, Sokół M. The Relationship between Histological Composition and Metabolic Profile in Breast Tumors and Peritumoral Tissue Determined with (1)H HR-MAS NMR Spectroscopy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36831625 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast tumors constitute the complex entities composed of cancer cells and stromal components. The compositional heterogeneity should be taken into account in bulk tissue metabolomics studies. The aim of this work was to find the relation between the histological content and 1H HR-MAS (high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) metabolic profiles of the tissue samples excised from the breast tumors and the peritumoral areas in 39 patients diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma. The total number of the histologically verified specimens was 140. The classification accuracy of the OPLS-DA (Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) model differentiating the cancerous from non-involved samples was 87% (sensitivity of 72.2%, specificity of 92.3%). The metabolic contents of the epithelial and stromal compartments were determined from a linear regression analysis of the levels of the evaluated compounds against the cancer cell fraction in 39 samples composed mainly of cancer cells and intratumoral fibrosis. The correlation coefficients between the levels of several metabolites and a tumor purity were found to be dependent on the tumor grade (I vs II/III). The comparison of the levels of the metabolites in the intratumoral fibrosis (obtained from the extrapolation of the regression lines to 0% cancer content) to those levels in the fibrous connective tissue beyond the tumors revealed a profound metabolic reprogramming in the former tissue. The joint analysis of the metabolic profiles of the stromal and epithelial compartments in the breast tumors contributes to the increased understanding of breast cancer biology.
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Abstract
Tumor development is influenced by circulating metabolites and most tumors are exposed to substantially elevated levels of lactic acid and low levels of nutrients, such as glucose and glutamine. Tumor-derived lactic acid, the major circulating carbon metabolite, regulates energy metabolism and cancer cell signaling pathways, while also acting as an energy source and signaling molecule. Recent studies have yielded new insights into the pro-tumorigenic action of lactic acid and its metabolism. These insights suggest an anti-tumor therapeutic strategy targeting the oncometabolite lactic acid, with the aim of improving the efficacy and clinical safety of tumor metabolism inhibitors. This review describes the current understanding of the multifunctional roles of tumor lactic acid, as well as therapeutic approaches targeting lactic acid metabolism, including lactate dehydrogenase and monocarboxylate transporters, for anti-cancer therapy.
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Sarkar M, Nguyen T, Gundre E, Ogunlusi O, El-Sobky M, Giri B, Sarkar TR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: The chief architect in the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1089068. [PMID: 36793444 PMCID: PMC9923123 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1089068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major players in tumor stroma. The heterogeneous sources of origin and subsequent impacts of crosstalk with breast cancer cells flaunt serious challenges before current therapies to cure triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and other cancers. The positive and reciprocal feedback of CAFs to induce cancer cells dictates their mutual synergy in establishing malignancy. Their substantial role in creating a tumor-promoting niche has reduced the efficacy of several anti-cancer treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Over the years, there has been an emphasis on understanding CAF-induced therapeutic resistance in order to enhance cancer therapy results. CAFs, in the majority of cases, employ crosstalk, stromal management, and other strategies to generate resilience in surrounding tumor cells. This emphasizes the significance of developing novel strategies that target particular tumor-promoting CAF subpopulations, which will improve treatment sensitivity and impede tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the origin and heterogeneity of CAFs, their role in tumor progression, and altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents in breast cancer. In addition, we also discuss the potential and possible approaches for CAF-mediated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Tristan Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Esheksha Gundre
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Olajumoke Ogunlusi
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohanad El-Sobky
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Biplab Giri
- Department of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, English Bazar, India,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
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Liu S, Li Y, Yuan M, Song Q, Liu M. Correlation between the Warburg effect and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1060495. [PMID: 36776368 PMCID: PMC9913723 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is ineligible for hormonal therapy and Her-2-targeted therapy due to the negative expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been shown to attenuate the aggressiveness of TNBC partially, few patients have benefited from them. The conventional treatment for TNBC remains chemotherapy. Chemoresistance, however, impedes therapeutic progress over time, and chemotherapy toxicity increases the burden of cancer on patients. Therefore, introducing more advantageous TNBC treatment options is a necessity. Metabolic reprogramming centered on glucose metabolism is considered a hallmark of tumors. It is described as tumor cells tend to convert glucose to lactate even under normoxic conditions, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Similar to Darwinian evolution, its emergence is attributed to the selective pressures formed by the hypoxic microenvironment of pre-malignant lesions. Of note, the Warburg effect does not disappear with changes in the microenvironment after the formation of malignant tumor phenotypes. Instead, it forms a constitutive expression mediated by mutations or epigenetic modifications, providing a robust selective survival advantage for primary and metastatic lesions. Expanding evidence has demonstrated that the Warburg effect mediates multiple invasive behaviors in TNBC, including proliferation, metastasis, recurrence, immune escape, and multidrug resistance. Moreover, the Warburg effect-targeted therapy has been testified to be feasible in inhibiting TNBC progression. However, not all TNBCs are sensitive to glycolysis inhibitors because TNBC cells flexibly switch their metabolic patterns to cope with different survival pressures, namely metabolic plasticity. Between the Warburg effect-targeted medicines and the actual curative effect, metabolic plasticity creates a divide that must be continuously researched and bridged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qing Song
- *Correspondence: Min Liu, ; Qing Song,
| | - Min Liu
- *Correspondence: Min Liu, ; Qing Song,
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Nushtaeva A, Ermakov M, Abdurakhmanova M, Troitskaya O, Belovezhets T, Varlamov M, Gayner T, Richter V, Koval O. "Pulsed Hypoxia" Gradually Reprograms Breast Cancer Fibroblasts into Pro-Tumorigenic Cells via Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36768815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia arises in most growing solid tumors and can lead to pleotropic effects that potentially increase tumor aggressiveness and resistance to therapy through regulation of the expression of genes associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). The main goal of the current work was to obtain and investigate the intermediate phenotype of tumor cells undergoing the hypoxia-dependent transition from fibroblast to epithelial morphology. Primary breast cancer fibroblasts BrC4f, being cancer-associated fibroblasts, were subjected to one or two rounds of "pulsed hypoxia" (PH). PH induced transformation of fibroblast-shaped cells to semi-epithelial cells. Western blot analysis, fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry of transformed cells demonstrated the decrease in the mesenchymal markers vimentin and N-cad and an increase in the epithelial marker E-cad. These cells kept mesenchymal markers αSMA and S100A4 and high ALDH activity. Real-time PCR data of the cells after one (BrC4f_Hyp1) and two (BrC4f_Hyp2) rounds of PH showed consistent up-regulation of TWIST1 gene as an early response and ZEB1/2 and SLUG transcriptional activity as a subsequent response. Reversion of BrC4f_Hyp2 cells to normoxia conditions converted them to epithelial-like cells (BrC4e) with decreased expression of EMT genes and up-regulation of MET-related OVOL2 and c-MYC genes. Transplantation of BrC4f and BrC4f_Hyp2 cells into SCID mice showed the acceleration of tumor growth up to 61.6% for BrC4f_Hyp2 cells. To summarize, rounds of PH imitate the MET process of tumorigenesis in which cancer-associated fibroblasts pass through intermediate stages and become more aggressive epithelial-like tumor cells.
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Guan Y, Yao W, Yu H, Feng Y, Zhao Y, Zhan X, Wang Y. Chronic stress promotes colorectal cancer progression by enhancing glycolysis through β2-AR/CREB1 signal pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2006-2019. [PMID: 37151872 PMCID: PMC10158030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.79583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide, and chronic stress has been considered as a significant risk factor for CRC. However, the role of chronic stress in CRC progression is unclear. The present study showed that pre-exposure to chronic stress facilitated CRC tumor growth in mice, and epinephrine promoted CRC cell proliferation in vitro. Metabolomics analysis revealed that chronic stress reshaped metabolic pathways to enhance glycolysis. Additional studies have shown that stress enhanced the expression levels of glycolytic-associated enzymes, including GLUT1, HK2 and PFKP. Mechanistically, chronic stress activated the β2-AR/PKA/CREB1 pathway, as a result, phosphorylated CREB1 transcriptional induced glycolytic enzymes expression. Furthermore, stress-induced cell proliferation and tumor growth could be reversed by administration of glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) and β2-AR antagonist ICI118,551, respectively. Altogether, these findings define novel insights into the stress-induced epinephrine-mediated CRC progression from the point of view of tumor energy metabolism reprogramming and provide a perspective on targeting glycolysis as a potential approach in stress-associated CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Yao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhan
- Center of Urology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- ✉ Corresponding author: Yan Wang ()
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Cai M, Wan J, Cai K, Song H, Wang Y, Sun W, Hu J. Understanding the Contribution of Lactate Metabolism in Cancer Progress: A Perspective from Isomers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15. [PMID: 36612084 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactate mediates multiple cell-intrinsic effects in cancer metabolism in terms of development, maintenance, and metastasis and is often correlated with poor prognosis. Its functions are undertaken as an energy source for neighboring carcinoma cells and serve as a lactormone for oncogenic signaling pathways. Indeed, two isomers of lactate are produced in the Warburg effect: L-lactate and D-lactate. L-lactate is the main end-production of glycolytic fermentation which catalyzes glucose, and tiny D-lactate is fabricated through the glyoxalase system. Their production inevitably affects cancer development and therapy. Here, we systematically review the mechanisms of lactate isomers production, and highlight emerging evidence of the carcinogenic biological effects of lactate and its isomers in cancer. Accordingly, therapy that targets lactate and its metabolism is a promising approach for anticancer treatment.
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Pal S, Sharma A, Mathew SP, Jaganathan BG. Targeting cancer-specific metabolic pathways for developing novel cancer therapeutics. Front Immunol 2022; 13:955476. [PMID: 36618350 PMCID: PMC9815821 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.955476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by various genetic and phenotypic aberrations. Cancer cells undergo genetic modifications that promote their proliferation, survival, and dissemination as the disease progresses. The unabated proliferation of cancer cells incurs an enormous energy demand that is supplied by metabolic reprogramming. Cancer cells undergo metabolic alterations to provide for increased energy and metabolite requirement; these alterations also help drive the tumor progression. Dysregulation in glucose uptake and increased lactate production via "aerobic glycolysis" were described more than 100 years ago, and since then, the metabolic signature of various cancers has been extensively studied. However, the extensive research in this field has failed to translate into significant therapeutic intervention, except for treating childhood-ALL with amino acid metabolism inhibitor L-asparaginase. Despite the growing understanding of novel metabolic alterations in tumors, the therapeutic targeting of these tumor-specific dysregulations has largely been ineffective in clinical trials. This chapter discusses the major pathways involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and lipids and highlights the inter-twined nature of metabolic aberrations that promote tumorigenesis in different types of cancer. Finally, we summarise the therapeutic interventions which can be used as a combinational therapy to target metabolic dysregulations that are unique or common in blood, breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Pal
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Sam Padalumavunkal Mathew
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India,Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India,*Correspondence: Bithiah Grace Jaganathan,
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Hyroššová P, Milošević M, Škoda J, Vachtenheim Jr J, Rohlena J, Rohlenová K. Effects of metabolic cancer therapy on tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1046630. [PMID: 36582801 PMCID: PMC9793001 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1046630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor metabolism for cancer therapy is an old strategy. In fact, historically the first effective cancer therapeutics were directed at nucleotide metabolism. The spectrum of metabolic drugs considered in cancer increases rapidly - clinical trials are in progress for agents directed at glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, glutaminolysis and several others. These pathways are essential for cancer cell proliferation and redox homeostasis, but are also required, to various degrees, in other cell types present in the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. How metabolism-targeted treatments impact these tumor-associated cell types is not fully understood, even though their response may co-determine the overall effectivity of therapy. Indeed, the metabolic dependencies of stromal cells have been overlooked for a long time. Therefore, it is important that metabolic therapy is considered in the context of tumor microenvironment, as understanding the metabolic vulnerabilities of both cancer and stromal cells can guide new treatment concepts and help better understand treatment resistance. In this review we discuss recent findings covering the impact of metabolic interventions on cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and their implications for metabolic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Hyroššová
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Mirko Milošević
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia,Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Josef Škoda
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Vachtenheim Jr
- 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jakub Rohlena
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia,*Correspondence: Kateřina Rohlenová, ; Jakub Rohlena,
| | - Kateřina Rohlenová
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia,*Correspondence: Kateřina Rohlenová, ; Jakub Rohlena,
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