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Chen Y, Liang Z, Lai M. Targeting the devil: Strategies against cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Transl Res 2024; 270:81-93. [PMID: 38614213 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.04.003] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as significant constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a pivotal role in the progression of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this comprehensive review, we presented the origins and activation mechanisms of CAFs in CRC, elaborating on how CAFs drive tumor progression through their interactions with CRC cells, immune cells, vascular endothelial cells, and the extracellular matrix within the TME. We systematically outline the intricate web of interactions among CAFs, tumor cells, and other TME components, and based on this complex interplay, we summarize various therapeutic strategies designed to target CAFs in CRC. It is also essential to recognize that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group, encompassing various subtypes such as myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF), antigen-presenting CAF (apCAF), vessel-associated CAF (vCAF). Herein, we provide a summary of studies investigating the heterogeneity of CAFs in CRC and the characteristic expression patterns of each subtype. While the majority of CAFs contribute to the exacerbation of CRC malignancy, recent findings have revealed specific subtypes that exert inhibitory effects on CRC progression. Nevertheless, the comprehensive landscape of CAF heterogeneity still awaits exploration. We also highlight pivotal unanswered questions that need to be addressed before CAFs can be recognized as feasible targets for cancer treatment. In conclusion, the aim of our review is to elucidate the significance and challenges of advancing in-depth research on CAFs, while outlining the pathway to uncover the complex roles of CAFs in CRC and underscore their significant potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Chen
- Department of Pathology, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU042), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Disease, Molecular Pathology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China; Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zhiyong Liang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Disease, Molecular Pathology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Maode Lai
- Department of Pathology, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU042), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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2
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Ten A, Kumeiko V, Farniev V, Gao H, Shevtsov M. Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2024; 13:682. [PMID: 38667297 PMCID: PMC11049026 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080682] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the process of tumorigenesis, regulating the growth, metabolism, proliferation, and invasion of cancer cells, as well as contributing to tumor resistance to the conventional chemoradiotherapies. Several types of cells with relatively stable phenotypes have been identified within the TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells, which have been shown to modulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and interaction with the immune system, thus promoting tumor heterogeneity. Growing evidence suggests that tumor-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), via the transfer of various molecules (e.g., RNA, proteins, peptides, and lipids), play a pivotal role in the transformation of normal cells in the TME into their tumor-associated protumorigenic counterparts. This review article focuses on the functions of EVs in the modulation of the TME with a view to how exosomes contribute to the transformation of normal cells, as well as their importance for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Ten
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Vadim Kumeiko
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Vladislav Farniev
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China;
| | - Maxim Shevtsov
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Nanotechnologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave., 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Personalized Medicine Centre, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova Str., 2, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technishe Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str., 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Yang S, Yang X, Hou Z, Zhu L, Yao Z, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Teng J, Fang C, Chen S, Jia M, Liu Z, Kang S, Chen Y, Li G, Niu Y, Cai Q. Rationale for immune checkpoint inhibitors plus targeted therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29215. [PMID: 38623200 PMCID: PMC11016731 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29215] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a frequent urological malignancy characterized by a high rate of metastasis and lethality. The treatment strategy for advanced RCC has moved through multiple iterations over the past three decades. Initially, cytokine treatment was the only systemic treatment option for patients with RCC. With the development of medicine, antiangiogenic agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin and immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged and received several achievements in the therapeutics of advanced RCC. However, ICIs have still not brought completely satisfactory results due to drug resistance and undesirable side effects. For the past years, the interests form researchers have been attracted by the combination of ICIs and targeted therapy for advanced RCC and the angiogenesis and immunogenic tumor microenvironmental variations in RCC. Therefore, we emphasize the potential principle and the clinical progress of ICIs combined with targeted treatment of advanced RCC, and summarize the future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Yang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianrui Yang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zekai Hou
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhili Yao
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Yanzhuo Chen
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Teng
- Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Taihe County People's Hospital, Anhui, China
| | - Songmao Chen
- Department of Urology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian, China
- Provincial Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Mingfei Jia
- Department of Urology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Zhifei Liu
- Department of Urology, Tangshan People's Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Shaosan Kang
- Department of Urology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Yegang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanjie Niu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiliang Cai
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Wang Y, Shi Q, Shi ZY, Tian S, Zhang MC, Shen R, Fu D, Dong L, Yi HM, Ouyang BS, Mu RJ, Cheng S, Wang L, Xu PP, Zhao WL. Biological signatures of the International Prognostic Index in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1587-1599. [PMID: 38170757 PMCID: PMC10987882 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011425] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly aggressive subtype of lymphoma with clinical and biological heterogeneity. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) shows great prognostic capability in the era of rituximab, but the biological signatures of IPI remain to be discovered. In this study, we analyzed the clinical data in a large cohort of 2592 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL. Among them, 1233 underwent DNA sequencing for oncogenic mutations, and 487 patients underwent RNA sequencing for lymphoma microenvironment (LME) alterations. Based on IPI scores, patients were categorized into 4 distinct groups, with 5-year overall survival of 41.6%, 55.3%, 71.7%, and 89.7%, respectively. MCD-like subtype was associated with age of >60 years, multiple extranodal involvement, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and IPI scores ranging from 2 to 5, whereas ST2-like subtype showed an opposite trend. Patients with EZB-like MYC+ and TP53Mut subtypes exhibited poor clinical outcome independent of the IPI; integrating TP53Mut into IPI could better distinguish patients with dismal survival. The EZB-like MYC-, BN2-like, N1-like, and MCD-like subtypes had inferior prognosis in patients with IPI scores of ≥2, indicating necessity for enhanced treatment. Regarding LME categories, the germinal center-like LME was more prevalent in patients with normal LDH and IPI scores of 0 to 1. The mesenchymal LME served as an independent protective factor, whereas the germinal center-like, inflammatory, and depleted LME categories correlated with inferior prognosis for IPI scores of 2 to 5. In summary, our work explored the biological signatures of IPI, thus providing useful rationale for future optimization of the IPI-based treatment strategies with multi-omics information in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Yang Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mu-Chen Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Fu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Mei Yi
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin-Shen Ouyang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Ji Mu
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Cheng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Pôle de Recherches Sino-Français en Science du Vivant et Génomique, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng-Peng Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics; National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Pôle de Recherches Sino-Français en Science du Vivant et Génomique, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Shanghai, China
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Zeng X, Su H, Liu Z, Wang Y, Lu Z, Cheng S. Integrative analysis of the bladder cancer from a cell cycle NCAM1 perspective at both single cell and bulk resolution. Environ Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38581187 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24260] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a prevalent and deadly form of urinary cancer, and there is a need for effective therapies, particularly for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Cell cycle inhibitors show promise in restoring control of the cell cycle in BLCA cells, but their clinical prognosis evaluation is limited. METHODS Transcriptome and scRNA-seq data were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA)-BLCA and GSE190888 cohort, respectively. R software and the Seurat package were used for data analysis, including cell quality control, dimensionality reduction, and identification of differentially expressed genes. Genes related to the cell cycle were obtained from the genecards website, and a protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed using cytoscape software. Functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and molecular docking were conducted using various tools and packages. BLCA cell lines were cultured and transfected for in vitro experimental assays, including RT-qPCR analysis, and CCK-8 cell viability assays. RESULTS We identified 32 genes as independent risk or protective factors for BLCA prediction. Functional enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and various signaling pathways. Using these genes, we developed a nomogram for predicting BLCA survival, which displayed high prognosis stratification efficacy in BLCA patients. Four cell cycle associated key genes identified, including NCAM1, HBB, CKD6, and CTLA4. We also identified the main cell types in BLCA patients and investigated the functional differences between epithelial cells based on their expression levels of key genes. Furthermore, we observed a high positive correlative relationship between the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the risk score value. Finally, we conducted in vitro experiments to demonstrate the suppressive role of NCAM1 in BLCA cell proliferation. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that cell cycle associated genes could serve as potential biomarkers for predicting BLCA prognosis and may represent therapeutic targets for the development of more effective therapies. Hopefully, these findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in BLCA from the perspective of cell cycle. Moreover, NCAM1 was a novel cell proliferation suppressor in the BLCA carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangju Zeng
- Department of Outpatient, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yinhuai Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Lu
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shunhua Cheng
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Cerchietti L. Genetic mechanisms underlying tumor microenvironment composition and function in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Blood 2024; 143:1101-1111. [PMID: 38211334 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023021002] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) show enormous diversity and plasticity, with functions that can range from tumor inhibitory to tumor supportive. The patient's age, immune status, and DLBCL treatments are factors that contribute to the shaping of this TME, but evidence suggests that genetic factors, arising principally in lymphoma cells themselves, are among the most important. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of these genetic drivers of DLBCL in establishing and modulating the lymphoma microenvironment. A better comprehension of the relationship between lymphoma genetic factors and TME biology should lead to better therapeutic interventions, especially immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Cerchietti
- Hematology and Oncology Division, Medicine Department, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY
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7
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Wang M, Jiang M, Xie A, Zhang N, Xu Y. Identification of CAF-related lncRNAs at the pan-cancer level represents a potential carcinogenic risk. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae042. [PMID: 38507061 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae042] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are increasingly recognized as playing a crucial role in regulating cancer progression and metastasis. These cells can be activated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), promoting the malignant biological processes of tumor cells. Therefore, it is essential to understand the regulatory relationship between CAFs and lncRNAs in cancers. Here, we identified CAF-related lncRNAs at the pan-cancer level to systematically predict their potential regulatory functions. The identified lncRNAs were also validated using various external data at both tissue and cellular levels. This study has revealed that these CAF-related lncRNAs exhibit expression perturbations in cancers and are highly correlated with the infiltration of stromal cells, particularly fibroblasts and endothelial cells. By prioritizing a list of CAF-related lncRNAs, we can further distinguish patient subtypes that show survival and molecular differences. In addition, we have developed a web server, CAFLnc (https://46906u5t63.zicp.fun/CAFLnc/), to visualize our results. In conclusion, CAF-related lncRNAs hold great potential as a valuable resource for comprehending lncRNA functions and advancing the identification of biomarkers for cancer progression and therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, BaoJian Road, NanGang District, Harbin, HL 150081, China
| | - Minghui Jiang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, BaoJian Road, NanGang District, Harbin, HL 150081, China
| | - Aimin Xie
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, BaoJian Road, NanGang District, Harbin, HL 150081, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, BaoJian Road, NanGang District, Harbin, HL 150081, China
| | - Yan Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, BaoJian Road, NanGang District, Harbin, HL 150081, China
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Li B, Xie S, Pan G, Lin Z, Ren S, Chen S, Fan S, Li J. Circ-OMAC drives metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2024; 30:140-148. [PMID: 36135340 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14387] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accumulating studies have proved that the circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in human cancers. However, few circRNAs have been elucidated with lymph node metastasis. This study demonstrated that circ-oral cancer metastasis-associated circRNA (circ-OMAC) is required to regulate the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The circ-OMAC were detected by circRNA-sequencing and further verified by in situ hybridization (ISH). The role of circ-OMAC was assessed by transwell assay and wound healing assay. Mechanistically, circ-OMAC regulated OSCC metastasis by initiating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway. RESULTS Our findings suggested that circ-OMAC was aberrantly elevated in the metastatic lymph nodes as compared to primary OSCC tissues. OSCC patients with high levels of circ-OMAC were prone to a poor prognosis. By developing functional assays, we confirmed that circ-OMAC promotes metastasis of OSCC cells via initiation of EMT pathways. CONCLUSIONS We provide new insights whereby Circ-OMAC as an oncogene is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shule Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guokai Pan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyu Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siqi Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suling Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Hu Y, Recouvreux MS, Haro M, Taylan E, Taylor-Harding B, Walts AE, Karlan BY, Orsulic S. INHBA(+) cancer-associated fibroblasts generate an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:35. [PMID: 38360876 PMCID: PMC10869703 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00523-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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is hindered by the lack of specific biomarkers and a poor understanding of the mechanisms by which different populations of CAFs contribute to cancer progression. While the role of TGFβ in CAFs is well-studied, less attention has been focused on a structurally and functionally similar protein, Activin A (encoded by INHBA). Here, we identified INHBA(+) CAFs as key players in tumor promotion and immunosuppression. Spatiotemporal analyses of patient-matched primary, metastatic, and recurrent ovarian carcinomas revealed that aggressive metastatic tumors enriched in INHBA(+) CAFs were also enriched in regulatory T cells (Tregs). In ovarian cancer mouse models, intraperitoneal injection of the Activin A neutralizing antibody attenuated tumor progression and infiltration with pro-tumorigenic subsets of myofibroblasts and macrophages. Downregulation of INHBA in human ovarian CAFs inhibited pro-tumorigenic CAF functions. Co-culture of human ovarian CAFs and T cells revealed the dependence of Treg differentiation on direct contact with INHBA(+) CAFs. Mechanistically, INHBA/recombinant Activin A in CAFs induced the autocrine expression of PD-L1 through SMAD2-dependent signaling, which promoted Treg differentiation. Collectively, our study identified an INHBA(+) subset of immunomodulatory pro-tumoral CAFs as a potential therapeutic target in advanced ovarian cancers which typically show a poor response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Maria Sol Recouvreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Marcela Haro
- Women's Cancer Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Enes Taylan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Barbie Taylor-Harding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ann E Walts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Beth Y Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA.
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10
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Guerrero-Ochoa P, Rodríguez-Zapater S, Anel A, Esteban LM, Camón-Fernández A, Espilez-Ortiz R, Gil-Sanz MJ, Borque-Fernando Á. Prostate Cancer and the Mevalonate Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2152. [PMID: 38396837 PMCID: PMC10888820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042152] [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] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antineoplastic therapies for prostate cancer (PCa) have traditionally centered around the androgen receptor (AR) pathway, which has demonstrated a significant role in oncogenesis. Nevertheless, it is becoming progressively apparent that therapeutic strategies must diversify their focus due to the emergence of resistance mechanisms that the tumor employs when subjected to monomolecular treatments. This review illustrates how the dysregulation of the lipid metabolic pathway constitutes a survival strategy adopted by tumors to evade eradication efforts. Integrating this aspect into oncological management could prove valuable in combating PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Guerrero-Ochoa
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
| | - Sergio Rodríguez-Zapater
- Minimally Invasive Research Group (GITMI), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Alberto Anel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Luis Mariano Esteban
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de La Almunia, Institute for Biocomputation and Physic of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50100 La Almunia de Doña Godina, Spain
| | - Alejandro Camón-Fernández
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
| | - Raquel Espilez-Ortiz
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
- Department of Urology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Area of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Jesús Gil-Sanz
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
- Department of Urology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ángel Borque-Fernando
- Health Research Institute of Aragon Foundation, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.G.-O.); (A.C.-F.); (R.E.-O.); (M.J.G.-S.)
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de La Almunia, Institute for Biocomputation and Physic of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50100 La Almunia de Doña Godina, Spain
- Department of Urology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Area of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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11
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Aleksandrova E, Mindov I, Petrov B, Dimitrova I, Petrov N, Ananiev J, Vlaykova T, Valkanov S. Role of Elevated Serum TGF-β1 and the Common Promoter TGFB1-509C/T Polymorphism in the Development and Progression of Primary Glial Tumors and Brain Metastases. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:146. [PMID: 38256406 PMCID: PMC10819302 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010146] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) has been widely studied in the context of carcinogenesis. It has been involved in the pathogenesis of primary brain tumors or brain metastases due to its pleiotropic effects on immune regulation and tissue homeostasis. In line with recent findings, the aim of the current study was to examine the role of circulating TGF-β1 and the -509C/T functional polymorphism (rs1800469) in the TGFB1 gene promoter in the susceptibility and progression of primary brain tumors and brain metastases among patients from the Bulgarian population. Materials and Methods: Cases with a confirmed diagnosis were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP). Serum TGF-β1 levels were determined by ELISA. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the expression of TGF-β1 and the TGF-β1 receptor-type II was conducted. Results: We observed that TGF-β1 serum levels correlate with the genotype and are sex-related. TGF-β1 serum levels were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls. Additionally, the T/T-genotype determined higher circulating levels of the cytokine. The same genotype determined the shorter median survival after surgery for the patients. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed a statistical tendency: cases expressing TGF-β1 in the cytoplasm had elevated levels of the cytokine in the serum compared to the negative cases. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate a negative effect of the T-allele on the predisposition and prognosis of brain malignancies, and the genetically determined higher TGF-β1 serum levels might contribute to the worse prognosis and metastatic capacity of brain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Aleksandrova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; (N.P.)
| | - Ivan Mindov
- Department of Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology and Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria (B.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Bozhidar Petrov
- Department of Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology and Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria (B.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Ivelina Dimitrova
- Department of Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology and Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria (B.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Nikolay Petrov
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; (N.P.)
| | - Julian Ananiev
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Forensic Medicine, Deontology and Dermatovenerology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Tatyana Vlaykova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; (N.P.)
| | - Stefan Valkanov
- Department of Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology and Anaesthesiology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria (B.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.)
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12
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Liu D, Che X, Wu G. Deciphering the role of neddylation in tumor microenvironment modulation: common outcome of multiple signaling pathways. Biomark Res 2024; 12:5. [PMID: 38191508 PMCID: PMC10773064 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00545-x] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neddylation is a post-translational modification process, similar to ubiquitination, that controls several biological processes. Notably, it is often aberrantly activated in neoplasms and plays a critical role in the intricate dynamics of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This regulatory influence of neddylation permeates extensively and profoundly within the TME, affecting the behavior of tumor cells, immune cells, angiogenesis, and the extracellular matrix. Usually, neddylation promotes tumor progression towards increased malignancy. In this review, we highlight the latest understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms that target neddylation to modulate the TME by affecting various signaling pathways. There is emerging evidence that the targeted disruption of the neddylation modification process, specifically the inhibition of cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) functionality, presents a promising avenue for targeted therapy. MLN4924, a small-molecule inhibitor of the neddylation pathway, precisely targets the neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8 activating enzyme (NAE). In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the field of neddylation modification therapy, particularly the integration of MLN4924 with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. This combined approach has demonstrated notable success in the treatment of a variety of hematological and solid tumors. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of MLN4924 on neddylation and summarized the current therapeutic outcomes of MLN4924 against various tumors. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, and thorough overview of neddylation modifications, and offers insight into the critical importance of this cellular process in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dequan Liu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Xiangyu Che
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
| | - Guangzhen Wu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
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13
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Li Y, Zheng H, Luo Y, Lin Y, An M, Kong Y, Zhao Y, Yin Y, Ai L, Huang J, Chen C. An HGF-dependent positive feedback loop between bladder cancer cells and fibroblasts mediates lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:1289-1311. [PMID: 37483113 PMCID: PMC10693311 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12470] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a vital role in facilitating tumor progression through extensive reciprocal interplay with cancer cells. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the critical mediators involved in the crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal cells, contributing to the metastasis of cancers. Yet, the biological mechanisms of tumor-derived EVs in triggering CAFs phenotype to stimulate the lymph node (LN) metastasis of bladder cancer (BCa) are largely unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of tumor-derived EV-mediated CAFs phenotype in regulating BCa LN metastasis. METHODS The high-throughput sequencing was utilized to identify the crucial long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with CAF enrichment in BCa. The functional role of the transition of fibroblasts to CAFs induced by LINC00665-mediated EVs was investigated through the in vitro and in vivo assays. Chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays, fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays, cytokine profiling and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model were performed to explore the underlying mechanism of LINC00665 in the LN metastasis of BCa. RESULTS We found that CAFs are widely enriched in the tumor microenvironment of BCa, which correlated with BCa lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis. We then identified a CAF-associated long non-coding RNA, LINC00665, which acted as a crucial mediator of CAF infiltration in BCa. Clinically, LINC00665 was associated with LN metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with BCa. Mechanistically, LINC00665 transcriptionally upregulated RAB27B expression and induced H3K4me3 modification on the promoter of RAB27B through the recruitment of hnRNPL. Moreover, RAB27B-induced EVs secretion endowed fibroblasts with the CAF phenotype, which reciprocally induced LINC00665 overexpression to form a RAB27B-HGF-c-Myc positive feedback loop, enhancing the lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis of BCa. Importantly, we demonstrated that blocking EV-transmitted LINC00665 or HGF broke this loop and impaired BCa lymphangiogenesis in a PDX model. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers a precise mechanism that LINC00665 sustains BCa LN metastasis by inducing a RAB27B-HGF-c-Myc positive feedback loop between BCa cells and fibroblasts, suggesting that LINC00665 could be a promising therapeutic target for patients with LN metastatic BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Li
- Department of OncologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Hanhao Zheng
- Cancer CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yuming Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yan Lin
- Cancer CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Mingjie An
- Cancer CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yao Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yina Yin
- Department of OncologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Le Ai
- Department of OncologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Cancer CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Changhao Chen
- Cancer CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
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14
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Cooke JP, Lai L. Transflammation in tissue regeneration and response to injury: How cell-autonomous inflammatory signaling mediates cell plasticity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115118. [PMID: 37884127 PMCID: PMC10842620 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115118] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a first responder against injury and infection and is also critical for the regeneration and repair of tissue after injury. The role of professional immune cells in tissue healing is well characterized. Professional immune cells respond to pathogens with humoral and cytotoxic responses; remove cellular debris through efferocytosis; secrete angiogenic cytokines and growth factors to repair the microvasculature and parenchyma. However, non-immune cells are also capable of responding to damage or pathogens. Non-immune somatic cells express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The PRRs activation leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines required for tissue defense and repair. Notably, the activation of PRRs also triggers epigenetic changes that promote DNA accessibility and cellular plasticity. Thus, non-immune cells directly respond to the local inflammatory cues and can undergo phenotypic modifications or even cell lineage transitions to facilitate tissue regeneration. This review will focus on the novel role of cell-autonomous inflammatory signaling in mediating cell plasticity, a process which is termed transflammation. We will discuss the regulation of this process by changes in the functions and expression levels of epigenetic modifiers, as well as metabolic and ROS/RNS-mediated epigenetic modulation of DNA accessibility during cell fate transition. We will highlight the recent technological developments in detecting cell plasticity and potential therapeutic applications of transflammation in tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Cooke
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Li Lai
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.
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15
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Krzysiek-Maczka G, Brzozowski T, Ptak-Belowska A. Helicobacter pylori-activated fibroblasts as a silent partner in gastric cancer development. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1219-1256. [PMID: 37460910 PMCID: PMC10713772 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10122-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection of gastric mucosa leading to active chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and MALT lymphoma laid the groundwork for understanding of the general relationship between chronic infection, inflammation, and cancer. Nevertheless, this sequence of events is still far from full understanding with new players and mediators being constantly identified. Originally, the Hp virulence factors affecting mainly gastric epithelium were proposed to contribute considerably to gastric inflammation, ulceration, and cancer. Furthermore, it has been shown that Hp possesses the ability to penetrate the mucus layer and directly interact with stroma components including fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. These cells, which are the source of biophysical and biochemical signals providing the proper balance between cell proliferation and differentiation within gastric epithelial stem cell compartment, when exposed to Hp, can convert into cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. The crosstalk between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts with gastric epithelial cells including stem/progenitor cell niche involves several pathways mediated by non-coding RNAs, Wnt, BMP, TGF-β, and Notch signaling ligands. The current review concentrates on the consequences of Hp-induced increase in gastric fibroblast and myofibroblast number, and their activation towards CAFs with the emphasis to the altered communication between mesenchymal and epithelial cell compartment, which may lead to inflammation, epithelial stem cell overproliferation, disturbed differentiation, and gradual gastric cancer development. Thus, Hp-activated fibroblasts may constitute the target for anti-cancer treatment and, importantly, for the pharmacotherapies diminishing their activation particularly at the early stages of Hp infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracjana Krzysiek-Maczka
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Brzozowski
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Agata Ptak-Belowska
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland
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16
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Roche ME, Ko YH, Domingo-Vidal M, Lin Z, Whitaker-Menezes D, Birbe RC, Tuluc M, Győrffy B, Caro J, Philp NJ, Bartrons R, Martinez-Outschoorn U. TP53 Induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator and Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 drive metabolic reprogramming with c-MYC and NFkB activation in breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2023; 153:1671-1683. [PMID: 37497753 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34660] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is composed of metabolically coupled cellular compartments with upregulation of TP53 Induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR) in carcinoma cells and loss of caveolin 1 (CAV1) with upregulation of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) in fibroblasts. The mechanisms that drive metabolic coupling are poorly characterized. The effects of TIGAR on fibroblast CAV1 and MCT4 expression and breast cancer aggressiveness was studied using coculture and conditioned media systems and in-vivo. Also, the role of cytokines in promoting tumor metabolic coupling via MCT4 on cancer aggressiveness was studied. TIGAR downregulation in breast carcinoma cells reduces tumor growth. TIGAR overexpression in carcinoma cells drives MCT4 expression and NFkB activation in fibroblasts. IL6 and TGFB drive TIGAR upregulation in carcinoma cells, reduce CAV1 and increase MCT4 expression in fibroblasts. Tumor growth is abrogated in the presence of MCT4 knockout fibroblasts and environment. We discovered coregulation of c-MYC and TIGAR in carcinoma cells driven by lactate. Metabolic coupling primes the tumor microenvironment allowing for production, uptake and utilization of lactate. In sum, aggressive breast cancer is dependent on metabolic coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Roche
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ying-Hui Ko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marina Domingo-Vidal
- Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhao Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana Whitaker-Menezes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruth C Birbe
- Department of Pathology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Madalina Tuluc
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- MTA TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jaime Caro
- Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nancy J Philp
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ramon Bartrons
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ubaldo Martinez-Outschoorn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Chattopadhyay S, Liao YP, Wang X, Nel AE. Use of Stromal Intervention and Exogenous Neoantigen Vaccination to Boost Pancreatic Cancer Chemo-Immunotherapy by Nanocarriers. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1205. [PMID: 37892935 PMCID: PMC10604647 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101205] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the formidable treatment challenges of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), considerable progress has been made in improving drug delivery via pioneering nanocarriers. These innovations are geared towards overcoming the obstacles presented by dysplastic stroma and fostering anti-PDAC immune reactions. We are currently conducting research aimed at enhancing chemotherapy to stimulate anti-tumor immunity by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD). This is accomplished using lipid bilayer-coated nanocarriers, which enable the attainment of synergistic results. Noteworthy examples include liposomes and lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles known as "silicasomes". These nanocarriers facilitate remote chemotherapy loading, as well as the seamless integration of immunomodulators into the lipid bilayer. In this communication, we elucidate innovative ways for further improving chemo-immunotherapy. The first is the development of a liposome platform engineered by the remote loading of irinotecan while incorporating a pro-resolving lipoxin in the lipid bilayer. This carrier interfered in stromal collagen deposition, as well as boosting the irinotecan-induced ICD response. The second approach was to synthesize polymer nanoparticles for the delivery of mutated KRAS peptides in conjunction with a TLR7/8 agonist. The dual delivery vaccine particle boosted the generation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cells that are recruited to lymphoid structures at the cancer site, with a view to strengthening the endogenous vaccination response achieved by chemo-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saborni Chattopadhyay
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yu-Pei Liao
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiang Wang
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - André E. Nel
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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18
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Li D, Wang X, Miao H, Liu H, Pang M, Guo H, Ge M, Glass SE, Emmrich S, Ji S, Zhou Y, Ye X, Mao H, Wang J, Liu Q, Kim T, Klusmann JH, Li C, Liu Z, Jin H, Nie Y, Wu K, Fan D, Song X, Wang X, Li L, Lu Y, Zhao X. The lncRNA MIR99AHG directs alternative splicing of SMARCA1 by PTBP1 to enable invadopodia formation in colorectal cancer cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadh4210. [PMID: 37725664 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adh4210] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing regulates gene expression and functional diversity and is often dysregulated in human cancers. Here, we discovered that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MIR99AHG regulated alternative splicing to alter the activity of a chromatin remodeler and promote metastatic behaviors in colorectal cancer (CRC). MIR99AHG was abundant in invasive CRC cells and metastatic tumors from patients and promoted motility and invasion in cultured CRC cells. MIR99AHG bound to and stabilized the RNA splicing factor PTBP1, and this complex increased cassette exon inclusion in the mRNA encoding the chromatin remodeling gene SMARCA1. Specifically, MIR99AHG altered the nature of PTBP1 binding to the splice sites on intron 12 of SMARCA1 pre-mRNA, thereby triggering a splicing switch from skipping to including exon 13 to produce the long isoform, SMARCA1-L. SMARCA1, but not SMARCA1-L, suppressed invadopodia formation, cell migration, and invasion. Analysis of CRC samples revealed that the abundance of MIR99AHG transcript positively correlated with that of SMARCA1-L mRNA and PTBP1 protein and with poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Furthermore, TGF-β1 secretion from cancer-associated fibroblasts increased MIR99AHG expression in CRC cells. Our findings identify an lncRNA that is induced by cues from the tumor microenvironment and that interacts with PTBP1 to regulate alternative splicing, potentially providing a therapeutic target and predictive biomarker for metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxiu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Maogui Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Hao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
| | - Minghui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
| | - Sarah E Glass
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Stephan Emmrich
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Songtao Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xiaoni Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Huajie Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Taewan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Developmental Biology, Base for International Science and Technology Cooperation, Carson Cancer Stem Cell Vaccines R&D Center, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jan-Henning Klusmann
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt (Main) 60590, Germany
| | - Cunxi Li
- Jiaen Genetics Laboratory, Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenxiong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Haifeng Jin
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xu Song
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Ling Li
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xiaodi Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
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19
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Budi HS, Farhood B. Tumor microenvironment remodeling in oral cancer: Application of plant derived-natural products and nanomaterials. Environ Res 2023; 233:116432. [PMID: 37331557 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116432] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Oral cancers consist of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other malignancies in the mouth with varying degrees of invasion and differentiation. For many years, different modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and classical chemotherapy drugs have been used to control the growth of oral tumors. Nowadays, studies have confirmed the remarkable effects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on the development, invasion, and therapeutic resistance of tumors like oral cancers. Therefore, several studies have been conducted to modulate the TME in various types of tumors in favor of cancer suppression. Natural products are intriguing agents for targeting cancers and TME. Flavonoids, non-flavonoid herbal-derived molecules, and other natural products have shown promising effects on cancers and TME. These agents, such as curcumin, resveratrol, melatonin, quercetin and naringinin have demonstrated potency in suppressing oral cancers. In this paper, we will review and discuss about the potential efficacy of natural adjuvants on oral cancer cells. Furthermore, we will review the possible therapeutic effects of these agents on the TME and oral cancer cells. Moreover, the potential of nanoparticles-loaded natural products for targeting oral cancers and TME will be reviewed. The potentials, gaps, and future perspectives for targeting TME by nanoparticles-loaded natural products will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Setia Budi
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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20
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Wallbillich NJ, Lu H. Role of c-Myc in lung cancer: Progress, challenges, and prospects. Chin Med J Pulm Crit Care Med 2023; 1:129-138. [PMID: 37920609 PMCID: PMC10621893 DOI: 10.1016/j.pccm.2023.07.001] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapies, the 5-year survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients hovers around 20%. Inherent and acquired resistance to therapies (including radiation, chemotherapies, targeted drugs, and combination therapies) has become a significant obstacle in the successful treatment of NSCLC. c-Myc, one of the critical oncoproteins, has been shown to be heavily associated with the malignant cancer phenotype, including rapid proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance across multiple cancer types. The c-Myc proto-oncogene is amplified in small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) and overexpressed in over 50% of NSCLCs. c-Myc is known to actively regulate the transcription of cancer stemness genes that are recognized as major contributors to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance; thus, targeting c-Myc either directly or indirectly in mitigation of the cancer stemness phenotype becomes a promising approach for development of a new strategy against drug resistant lung cancers. This review will summarize what is currently known about the mechanisms underlying c-Myc regulation of cancer stemness and its involvement in drug resistance and offer an overview on the current progress and future prospects in therapeutically targeting c-Myc in both SCLC and NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Wallbillich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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21
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Huang L, Xie Q, Deng J, Wei WF. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in bladder cancer progression. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19802. [PMID: 37809511 PMCID: PMC10559166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19802] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that critically contribute to cancer initiation and progression. In bladder cancer (BCa), there is emerging evidence that BCa CAFs are actively involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. This review outlines the present knowledge of BCa CAFs, with a particular emphasis on their origin and function in BCa progression, and provides further insights into their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Deng
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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22
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Cho SJ, Oh JH, Baek J, Shin Y, Kim W, Ko J, Jun E, Lee D, Kim SH, Sohn I, Sung CO. Intercellular cross-talk through lineage-specific gap junction of cancer-associated fibroblasts related to stromal fibrosis and prognosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14230. [PMID: 37648762 PMCID: PMC10469165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40957-1] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal fibrosis in cancer is usually associated with poor prognosis and chemotherapy resistance. It is thought to be caused by fibroblasts; however, the exact mechanism is not yet well understood. The study aimed to identify lineage-specific cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subgroup and their associations with extracellular matrix remodeling and clinical significances in various tumor types using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data. Through unsupervised clustering, six subclusters of CAFs were identified, including a cluster with exclusively high gap junction protein beta-2 (GJB2) expression. This cluster was named GJB2-positive CAF. It was found to be a unique subgroup of terminally differentiated CAFs associated with collagen gene expression and extracellular matrix remodeling. GJB2-positive CAFs showed higher communication frequency with vascular endothelial cells and cancer cells than GJB2-negative CAFs. Moreover, GJB2 was poorly expressed in normal tissues, indicating that its expression is dependent on interaction with other cells, including vascular endothelial cells and cancer cells. Finally, the study investigated the clinical significance of GJB2 signature score for GJB2-positive CAFs in cancer and found a correlation with poor prognosis. These results suggest that GJB2-positive CAF is a unique fibroblast subtype involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, with significant clinical implications in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Ju Cho
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Arontier Inc., Gangnam-Daero 241, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olymphic-Ro 43-Gil, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Baek
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Arontier Inc., Gangnam-Daero 241, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunsu Shin
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Arontier Inc., Gangnam-Daero 241, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olymphic-Ro 43-Gil, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junsu Ko
- Arontier Inc., Gangnam-Daero 241, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsung Jun
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ulsan University College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dakeun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Seok-Hyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
| | - Insuk Sohn
- Arontier Inc., Gangnam-Daero 241, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olymphic-Ro 43-Gil, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Liu X, Qin J, Nie J, Gao R, Hu S, Sun H, Wang S, Pan Y. ANGPTL2+cancer-associated fibroblasts and SPP1+macrophages are metastasis accelerators of colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1185208. [PMID: 37691929 PMCID: PMC10483401 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1185208] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver metastasis (LM) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in CRC patients, whereas the associated mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is urgently needed to deeply explore novel metastasis accelerators and therapeutic targets of LM-CRC. Methods The bulk RNA sequencing data and clinicopathological information of CRC patients were enrolled from the TCGA and GEO databases. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets of CRC were collected from and analyzed in the Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub (TISCH) database. The infiltration levels of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and macrophages in CRC tissues were estimated by multiple immune deconvolution algorithms. The prognostic values of genes were identified by the Kaplan-Meier curve with a log-rank test. GSEA analysis was carried out to annotate the significantly enriched gene sets. The biological functions of cells were experimentally verified. Results In the present study, hundreds of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected in LM-CRC compared to primary CRC, and these DEGs were significantly associated with the regulation of endopeptidase activity, blood coagulation, and metabolic processes. Then, SPP1, CAV1, ANGPTL2, and COLEC11 were identified as the characteristic DEGs of LM-CRC, and higher expression levels of SPP1 and ANGPTL2 were significantly associated with worse clinical outcomes of CRC patients. In addition, ANGPTL2 and SPP1 mainly distributed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC tissues. Subsequent scRNA-seq analysis demonstrated that ANGPTL2 and SPP1 were markedly enriched in the CAFs and macrophages of CRC tissues, respectively. Moreover, we identified the significantly enriched gene sets in LM-CRC, especially those in the SPP1+macrophages and ANGPTL2+CAFs, such as the HALLMARK_EPITHELIAL_MESENCHYMAL_TRANSITION and the HALLMARK_COMPLEMENT. Finally, our in vitro experiments proved that ANGPTL2+CAFs and SPP1+macrophages promote the metastasis of CRC cells. Conclusion Our study selected four characteristic genes of LM-CRC and identified ANGPTL2+CAFs and SPP1+macrophages subtypes as metastasis accelerators of CRC which provided a potential therapeutic target for LM-CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxiang Liu
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Qin
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjie Nie
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shangshang Hu
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiling Sun
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shukui Wang
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center on Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqin Pan
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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24
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Strasser MK, Gibbs DL, Gascard P, Bons J, Hickey JW, Schürch CM, Tan Y, Black S, Chu P, Ozkan A, Basisty N, Sangwan V, Rose J, Shah S, Camilleri-Broet S, Fiset PO, Bertos N, Berube J, Djambazian H, Li R, Oikonomopoulos S, Fels-Elliott DR, Vernovsky S, Shimshoni E, Collyar D, Russell A, Ragoussis I, Stachler M, Goldenring JR, McDonald S, Ingber DE, Schilling B, Nolan GP, Tlsty TD, Huang S, Ferri LE. Concerted epithelial and stromal changes during progression of Barrett's Esophagus to invasive adenocarcinoma exposed by multi-scale, multi-omics analysis. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.08.544265. [PMID: 37333362 PMCID: PMC10274886 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.08.544265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma arises from Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous metaplastic replacement of squamous by columnar epithelium in response to chronic inflammation. Multi-omics profiling, integrating single-cell transcriptomics, extracellular matrix proteomics, tissue-mechanics and spatial proteomics of 64 samples from 12 patients' paths of progression from squamous epithelium through metaplasia, dysplasia to adenocarcinoma, revealed shared and patient-specific progression characteristics. The classic metaplastic replacement of epithelial cells was paralleled by metaplastic changes in stromal cells, ECM and tissue stiffness. Strikingly, this change in tissue state at metaplasia was already accompanied by appearance of fibroblasts with characteristics of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts and of an NK cell-associated immunosuppressive microenvironment. Thus, Barrett's esophagus progresses as a coordinated multi-component system, supporting treatment paradigms that go beyond targeting cancerous cells to incorporating stromal reprogramming.
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25
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Lasorsa F, Rutigliano M, Milella M, Ferro M, Pandolfo SD, Crocetto F, Tataru OS, Autorino R, Battaglia M, Ditonno P, Lucarelli G. Cellular and Molecular Players in the Tumor Microenvironment of Renal Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3888. [PMID: 37373581 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents the most prevalent type of kidney cancer. Surgery plays a key role in the treatment of this cancer, although one third of patients are diagnosed with metastatic ccRCC and about 25% of patients will develop a recurrence after nephrectomy with curative intent. Molecular-target-based agents, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), are recommended for advanced cancers. In addition to cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment (TME) includes non-malignant cell types embedded in an altered extracellular matrix (ECM). The evidence confirms that interactions among cancer cells and TME elements exist and are thought to play crucial roles in the development of cancer, making them promising therapeutic targets. In the TME, an unfavorable pH, waste product accumulation, and competition for nutrients between cancer and immune cells may be regarded as further possible mechanisms of immune escape. To enhance immunotherapies and reduce resistance, it is crucial first to understand how the immune cells work and interact with cancer and other cancer-associated cells in such a complex tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lasorsa
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Rutigliano
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Martina Milella
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Ferro
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 71013 Milan, Italy
| | - Savio Domenico Pandolfo
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Octavian Sabin Tataru
- Department of Simulation Applied in Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Riccardo Autorino
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Michele Battaglia
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ditonno
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucarelli
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
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26
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Dong M, Tang R, Wang W, Xu J, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Meng Q, Yu X, Zhang B, Shi S. Integrated analysis revealed hypoxia signatures and LDHA related to tumor cell dedifferentiation and unfavorable prognosis in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Hypoxia in PDAC. Transl Oncol 2023; 33:101692. [PMID: 37182509 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101692] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer with limited understanding of its classification and tumor microenvironment. Here, by analyzing single-nucleus RNA sequencing of 43, 817 tumor cells from 15 PDAC tumors and non-tumor, we find that hypoxia signatures were heterogeneous across samples and were potential regulators for tumor progression and more aggressive phenotype. Hypoxia-high PDAC tends to present a basal/squamous-like phenotype and has significantly increased outgoing signaling, which enhances tumor cell stemness and promotes metastasis, angiogenesis, and fibroblast differentiation in PDAC. Hypoxia is related to an extracellular matrix enriched microenvironment, and increased possibility of TP53 mutation in PDAC. TP63 is a specific marker of squamous-like phenotype, and presents elevated transcriptome levels in most hypoxia PDAC tumors. In summary, our research highlights the potential linkage of hypoxia, tumor progression and genome alteration in PDAC, leading to further understand of the formation of inter-tumoral and intra-tumoral heterogenous in PDAC. Our study extends the understanding of the diversity and transition of tumor cells in PDAC, which provides insight into future PDAC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Dong
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Rong Tang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, P R China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China.
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27
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Del Nero M, Colombo A, Garbujo S, Baioni C, Barbieri L, Innocenti M, Prosperi D, Colombo M, Fiandra L. Advanced Cell Culture Models Illuminate the Interplay between Mammary Tumor Cells and Activated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092498. [PMID: 37173963 PMCID: PMC10177476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092498] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between tumor cells and activated fibroblasts determines malignant features of desmoplastic carcinomas such as rapid growth, progression towards a metastatic phenotype, and resistance to chemotherapy. On one hand, tumor cells can activate normal fibroblasts and even reprogram them into CAFs through complex mechanisms that also involve soluble factors. Among them, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) have an established role in the acquisition of pro-tumorigenic phenotypes by fibroblasts. On the other hand, activated fibroblasts release Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which increases tumor-cell invasiveness and chemoresistance. However, the interplay between breast cancer cells and fibroblasts, as well as the modes of action of TGF-β, PDGF, and IL-6, are difficult to investigate in vivo. Here, we validated the usage of advanced cell culture models as tools to study the interplay between mammary tumor cells and fibroblasts, taking mouse and human triple-negative tumor cells and fibroblasts as a case study. We employed two different settings, one permitting only paracrine signaling, the other both paracrine and cell-contact-based signaling. These co-culture systems allowed us to unmask how TGF-β, PDGF and IL-6 mediate the interplay between mammary tumor cells and fibroblasts. We found that the fibroblasts underwent activation induced by the TGF-β and the PDGF produced by the tumor cells, which increased their proliferation and IL-6 secretion. The IL-6 secreted by activated fibroblasts enhanced tumor-cell proliferation and chemoresistance. These results show that these breast cancer avatars possess an unexpected high level of complexity, which resembles that observed in vivo. As such, advanced co-cultures provide a pathologically relevant tractable system to study the role of the TME in breast cancer progression with a reductionist approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Del Nero
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Colombo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Garbujo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Baioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Barbieri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Metello Innocenti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Prosperi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Miriam Colombo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Fiandra
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
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28
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Piñeiro-Hermida S, Bosso G, Sánchez-Vázquez R, Martínez P, Blasco MA. Telomerase deficiency and dysfunctional telomeres in the lung tumor microenvironment impair tumor progression in NSCLC mouse models and patient-derived xenografts. Cell Death Differ 2023:10.1038/s41418-023-01149-6. [PMID: 37085672 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01149-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer death. Tumor progression depends on interactions of cancer cells with the tumor microenvironment. Here, we find increased copy number and mRNA expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase, TERT, in tumors from NSCLC patients, contributing to a lower survival. Moreover, TERT expression in NSCLC patients from the TCGA cohort is mainly associated to the reduced infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, as well as to increased infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We also show that TERT deficiency and dysfunctional telomeres induced by 6-thio-dG treatment in mice reduced lung tumor implantation and vascularization, increased DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as reduced proliferation, inflammation, lung tumor immunosupression and invasion upon induction of a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Furthermore, 6-thio-dG-treated human NSCLC xenografts exhibited increased telomere damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as reduced proliferation, resulting in a reduced tumor growth. Our results show that targeting telomeres might be an effective therapeutic strategy in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Piñeiro-Hermida
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, E-28029, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Bosso
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, E-28029, Spain
| | - Raúl Sánchez-Vázquez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, E-28029, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, E-28029, Spain
| | - Maria A Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, E-28029, Spain.
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29
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Fan M, Zhang Y, Shi H, Xiang L, Yao H, Lin R. Bone mesenchymal stem cells promote gastric cancer progression through TGF-β1/Smad2 positive feedback loop. Life Sci 2023; 323:121657. [PMID: 37019301 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proven to be recruited into the tumor microenvironment and contribute to gastric cancer (GC) progression, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the exact role and potential mechanism of BMSCs in the progression of GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bioinformatics analyzed were used to clarify the correlation between TGF-β1 and prognosis of gastric cancer. Cell co-culture were used to explore the interaction between gastric cancer cells (GCs) and BMSCs. Quantitative real time-PCR and Western blot assay were used to detect gene and protein expression, respectively. The biological characteristics of GCs and BMSCs were detected by immunofluorescence, Transwell migration, Elisa and invasion assay. Xenograft models in nude mice were constructed to evaluate GC development in vivo. KEY FINDINGS TGF-β1 was overexpressed in GC cells and tissues, and is positively related to the poor prognosis of patients. TGF-β1 from GCs activated the Smad2 pathway in BMSCs, promoting their differentiation into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and TGF-β1 expression. Concomitantly, TGF-β1 secreted by CAFs activate Smad2 signaling in GC cells, thus inducing their epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and TGF-β1 secretion. BMSCs can dramatically promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GCs while blocking TGF-β1/Smad2 positive feedback loop can reverse these effects. SIGNIFICANCE The TGF-β1/Smad2 positive feedback loop between GCs and BMSCs, promotes the CAFs differentiation of BMSCs and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of GCs, resulting in the progression of GC.
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Tian C, Li L, Pan Q, Xu B, Li Y, Fan L, Brown A, Morrison M, Dey K, Yang JJ, Yu J, Glazer ES, Zhu L. Spatiotemporal regulation of cholangiocarcinoma growth and dissemination by peritumoral myofibroblasts in a Vcam1-dependent manner. Oncogene 2023. [PMID: 36828890 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is characterized by its highly desmoplastic stroma. Myofibroblasts (MFs) are present both within the tumor mass (intratumoral MFs, iMFs) and at the tumor border (peritumoral MFs, pMFs). Using a spheroid-based coculture system, we show that the initial iCCA-pMF contact is growth suppressive to the tumor cells. However, prolonged iCCA-pMF interaction elicits significant tumor cell invasion and dissemination. We find that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (Vcam1) level is elevated in tumor cells in contact with pMFs but low in disseminated tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. A gene regulatory network analysis of mouse and patient iCCA tumors and Vcam1 knockout (Vcam1KO) demonstrate a heavy involvement of Vcam1 in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. While Vcam1KO has only a limited impact on tumor cell growth in their monoculture, Vcam1KO spheroids exhibit instant dissemination and a severe growth defect when cocultured with pMFs. When transplanted into the liver, Vcam1KO iCCA cells show a similar increase in dissemination but a significant defect in establishing primary and metastatic tumors. Incomplete blocking of Vcam1 in vivo reduces the size but increase the number of metastatic lesions. Overall, our study shows a spatiotemporal regulation of iCCA growth and dissemination by pMFs in a Vcam1-dependent manner.
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31
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Eun JW, Ahn HR, Baek GO, Yoon MG, Son JA, Weon JH, Yoon JH, Kim HS, Han JE, Kim SS, Cheong JY, Kim BW, Cho HJ. Aberrantly Expressed MicroRNAs in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Their Target Oncogenic Signatures in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36901700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054272] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to tumor progression, and microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in regulating the tumor-promoting properties of CAFs. The objectives of this study were to clarify the specific miR expression profile in CAFs of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify its target gene signatures. Small-RNA-sequencing data were generated from nine pairs of CAFs and para-cancer fibroblasts isolated from human HCC and para-tumor tissues, respectively. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify the HCC-CAF-specific miR expression profile and the target gene signatures of the deregulated miRs in CAFs. Clinical and immunological implications of the target gene signatures were evaluated in The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA_LIHC) database using Cox regression and TIMER analysis. The expressions of hsa-miR-101-3p and hsa-miR-490-3p were significantly downregulated in HCC-CAFs. Their expression in HCC tissue gradually decreased as HCC stage progressed in the clinical staging analysis. Bioinformatic network analysis using miRWalks, miRDB, and miRTarBase databases pointed to TGFBR1 as a common target gene of hsa-miR-101-3p and hsa-miR-490-3p. TGFBR1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-101-3p and miR-490-3p expression in HCC tissues and was also decreased by ectopic miR-101-3p and miR-490-3p expression. HCC patients with TGFBR1 overexpression and downregulated hsa-miR-101-3p and hsa-miR-490-3p demonstrated a significantly poorer prognosis in TCGA_LIHC. TGFBR1 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages in a TIMER analysis. In conclusion, hsa-miR-101-3p and hsa-miR-490-3p were substantially downregulated miRs in CAFs of HCC, and their common target gene was TGFBR1. The downregulation of hsa-miR-101-3p and hsa-miR-490-3p, as well as high TGFBR1 expression, was associated with poor clinical outcome in HCC patients. In addition, TGFBR1 expression was correlated with the infiltration of immunosuppressive immune cells.
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32
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Hong E, Barczak W, Park S, Heo JS, Ooshima A, Munro S, Hong CP, Park J, An H, Park JO, Park SH, La Thangue NB, Kim SJ. Combination treatment of T1-44, a PRMT5 inhibitor with Vactosertib, an inhibitor of TGF-β signaling, inhibits invasion and prolongs survival in a mouse model of pancreatic tumors. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:93. [PMID: 36765032 PMCID: PMC9918730 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05630-5] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal type of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death with the lowest 5-year survival rate. Heterogeneity, difficulty in diagnosis, and rapid metastatic progression are the causes of high mortality in pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have shown that Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is overexpressed in pancreatic cancers, and these patients have a worse prognosis. Recently, PRMT5 as an anti-cancer target has gained considerable interest. In this study, we investigated whether inhibition of PRMT5 activity was synergistic with blockade of TGF-β1 signaling, which plays an important role in the construction of the desmoplastic matrix in pancreatic cancer and induces therapeutic vulnerability. Compared with T1-44, a selective inhibitor of PRMT5 activity, the combination of T1-44 with the TGF-β1 signaling inhibitor Vactosertib significantly reduced tumor size and surrounding tissue invasion and significantly improved long-term survival. RNA sequencing analysis of mouse tumors revealed that the combination of T1-44 and Vactosertib significantly altered the expression of genes involved in cancer progression, such as cell migration, extracellular matrix, and apoptotic processes. In particular, the expression of Btg2, known as a tumor suppressor factor in various cancers, was markedly induced by combination treatment. Ectopic overexpression of Btg2 inhibited the EMT response, blocking cell migration, and promoted cancer cell death. These data demonstrate that the combination therapy of T1-44 with Vactosertib is synergistic for pancreatic cancer, suggesting that this novel combination therapy has value in the treatment strategy of patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Hong
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Wojciech Barczak
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Sujin Park
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sun Heo
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Akira Ooshima
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shonagh Munro
- Argonaut Therapeutics Ltd, Magdalen Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jinah Park
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haein An
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Oh Park
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hee Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nick B La Thangue
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Medpacto Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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33
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Linares J, Sallent-Aragay A, Badia-Ramentol J, Recort-Bascuas A, Méndez A, Manero-Rupérez N, Re DL, Rivas EI, Guiu M, Zwick M, Iglesias M, Martinez-Ciarpaglini C, Tarazona N, Varese M, Hernando-Momblona X, Cañellas-Socias A, Orrillo M, Garrido M, Saoudi N, Elez E, Navarro P, Tabernero J, Gomis RR, Batlle E, Pisonero J, Cervantes A, Montagut C, Calon A. Long-term platinum-based drug accumulation in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes colorectal cancer progression and resistance to therapy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:746. [PMID: 36765091 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36334-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A substantial proportion of cancer patients do not benefit from platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) due to the emergence of drug resistance. Here, we apply elemental imaging to the mapping of CT biodistribution after therapy in residual colorectal cancer and achieve a comprehensive analysis of the genetic program induced by oxaliplatin-based CT in the tumor microenvironment. We show that oxaliplatin is largely retained by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) long time after the treatment ceased. We determine that CT accumulation in CAFs intensifies TGF-beta activity, leading to the production of multiple factors enhancing cancer aggressiveness. We establish periostin as a stromal marker of chemotherapeutic activity intrinsically upregulated in consensus molecular subtype 4 (CMS4) tumors and highly expressed before and/or after treatment in patients unresponsive to therapy. Collectively, our study underscores the ability of CT-retaining CAFs to support cancer progression and resistance to treatment.
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Dijkstra J, Neikes HK, Rezaeifard S, Ma X, Voest EE, Tauriello DVF, Vermeulen M. Multiomics of Colorectal Cancer Organoids Reveals Putative Mediators of Cancer Progression Resulting from SMAD4 Inactivation. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:138-151. [PMID: 36450103 PMCID: PMC9830641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The development of metastasis severely reduces the life expectancy of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Although loss of SMAD4 is a key event in CRC progression, the resulting changes in biological processes in advanced disease and metastasis are not fully understood. Here, we applied a multiomics approach to a CRC organoid model that faithfully reflects the metastasis-supporting effects of SMAD4 inactivation. We show that loss of SMAD4 results in decreased differentiation and activation of pro-migratory and cell proliferation processes, which is accompanied by the disruption of several key oncogenic pathways, including the TGFβ, WNT, and VEGF pathways. In addition, SMAD4 inactivation leads to increased secretion of proteins that are known to be involved in a variety of pro-metastatic processes. Finally, we show that one of the factors that is specifically secreted by SMAD4-mutant organoids─DKK3─reduces the antitumor effects of natural killer cells (NK cells). Altogether, our data provide new insights into the role of SMAD4 perturbation in advanced CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelmer
J. Dijkstra
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Hannah K. Neikes
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Somayeh Rezaeifard
- Department
of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud
University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Xuhui Ma
- Department
of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emile E. Voest
- Department
of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department
of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud
University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands,
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Talayero VC, Vicente-Manzanares M. A primer on cancer-associated fibroblast mechanics and immunosuppressive ability. Explor Target Antitumor Ther 2023; 4:17-27. [PMID: 36937319 PMCID: PMC10017186 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00120] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major point of interest in modern oncology. Their interest resides in their ability to favor tumor growth without carrying genetic mutations. From a translational standpoint, they are potential therapeutic targets, particularly for hard-to-treat solid cancers. CAFs can be defined as non-tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment that have the morphological traits of fibroblasts, are negative for lineage-specific markers (e.g., leukocyte, endothelium), and enhance tumor progression in a multi-pronged manner. Two often-mentioned aspects of CAF biology are their ability to alter the mechanics and architecture of the tumor microenvironment, and also to drive local immunosuppression. These two aspects are the specific focus of this work, which also contains a brief summary of novel therapeutic interventions under study to normalize or eliminate CAFs from the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa C. Talayero
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: Miguel Vicente-Manzanares, Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
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Hurtado P, Martínez-Pena I, Yepes-Rodríguez S, Bascoy-Otero M, Abuín C, Fernández-Santiago C, Sánchez L, López-López R, Piñeiro R. Modelling metastasis in zebrafish unveils regulatory interactions of cancer-associated fibroblasts with circulating tumour cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076432. [PMID: 36949770 PMCID: PMC10025339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076432] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic intercommunication between tumour cells and cells from the microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs), is a key factor driving breast cancer (BC) metastasis. Clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), known to bare a higher efficiency at establishing metastases, are found in the blood of BC patients, often accompanied by CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters. Previously we have shown the utility of CTC-clusters models and the zebrafish embryo as a model of metastasis to understand the biology of breast cancer CTC-clusters. In this work, we use the zebrafish embryo to study the interactions between CTCs in homotypic clusters and CTC-CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters to identify potential pro-metastatic traits derived from CTC-CAF communication. We found that upon dissemination CAFs seem to exert a pro-survival and pro-proliferative effect on the CTCs, but only when CTCs and CAFs remain joined as cell clusters. Our data indicate that the clustering of CTC and CAF allows the establishment of physical interactions that when maintained over time favour the selection of CTCs with a higher capacity to survive and proliferate upon dissemination. Importantly, this effect seems to be dependent on the survival of disseminated CAFs and was not observed in the presence of normal fibroblasts. Moreover, we show that CAFs can exert regulatory effects on the CTCs without being involved in promoting tumour cell invasion. Lastly, we show that the physical communication between BC cells and CAFs leads to the production of soluble factors involved in BC cell survival and proliferation. These findings suggest the existence of a CAF-regulatory effect on CTC survival and proliferation sustained by cell-to-cell contacts and highlight the need to understand the molecular mechanisms that mediate the interaction between the CTCs and CAFs in clusters enhancing the metastatic capacity of CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Hurtado
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Martínez-Pena
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Yepes-Rodríguez
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miguel Bascoy-Otero
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Abuín
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Fernández-Santiago
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- *Correspondence: Roberto Piñeiro, ; Rafael López-López,
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Roberto Piñeiro, ; Rafael López-López,
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Owen JS, Clayton A, Pearson HB. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity, Activation and Function: Implications for Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 13:67. [PMID: 36671452 PMCID: PMC9856041 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) during prostate tumorigenesis is emerging as a critical event that facilitates cancer growth, progression and drug-resistance. Recent advances have identified extensive communication networks that enable tumor-stroma cross-talk, and emphasized the functional importance of diverse, heterogeneous stromal fibroblast populations during malignant growth. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a vital component of the TME, which mediate key oncogenic events including angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metastatic progression and therapeutic resistance, thus presenting an attractive therapeutic target. Nevertheless, how fibroblast heterogeneity, recruitment, cell-of-origin and differential functions contribute to prostate cancer remains to be fully delineated. Developing our molecular understanding of these processes is fundamental to developing new therapies and biomarkers that can ultimately improve clinical outcomes. In this review, we explore the current challenges surrounding fibroblast identification, discuss new mechanistic insights into fibroblast functions during normal prostate tissue homeostasis and tumorigenesis, and illustrate the diverse nature of fibroblast recruitment and CAF generation. We also highlight the promise of CAF-targeted therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine S. Owen
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Aled Clayton
- Tissue Microenvironment Group, Division of Cancer & Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
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Lunina NA, Safina DR. Intercellular Interactions in the Tumor Stroma and Their Role in Oncogenesis. Mol Genet Microbiol Virol 2022. [DOI: 10.3103/s0891416822040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
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Mostafavi S, Zalpoor H, Hassan ZM. The promising therapeutic effects of metformin on metabolic reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts in solid tumors. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:58. [PMID: 35869449 PMCID: PMC9308248 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes are exposed to many toxic metabolites and molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that suppress their anti-tumor activity. Toxic metabolites, such as lactate and ketone bodies, are produced mainly by catabolic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to feed anabolic cancer cells. These catabolic and anabolic cells make a metabolic compartment through which high-energy metabolites like lactate can be transferred via the monocarboxylate transporter channel 4. Moreover, a decrease in molecules, including caveolin-1, has been reported to cause deep metabolic changes in normal fibroblasts toward myofibroblast differentiation. In this context, metformin is a promising drug in cancer therapy due to its effect on oncogenic signal transduction pathways, leading to the inhibition of tumor proliferation and downregulation of key oncometabolites like lactate and succinate. The cross-feeding and metabolic coupling of CAFs and tumor cells are also affected by metformin. Therefore, the importance of metabolic reprogramming of stromal cells and also the pivotal effects of metformin on TME and oncometabolites signaling pathways have been reviewed in this study.
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Han B, Fang T, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Gao J, Xue Y. Association of the TGFβ gene family with microenvironmental features of gastric cancer and prediction of response to immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:920599. [PMID: 36119489 PMCID: PMC9478444 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.920599] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the complex tumor microenvironment, TGFβ is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in regulating cellular processes such as cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. TGFβ defines three subtypes (TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3), of which TGFβ is highly expressed in many cancers, especially those showing high dissemination potential. In addition, increased expression of TGFβ in multiple cancers is usually positively correlated with epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and coordinated with the expression of genes driving EMT-related genes. TGFβ signaling in the tumor microenvironment inhibits the antitumor function of multiple immune cell populations, including T cells and natural killer cells, and the resulting immunosuppression severely limits the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapeutic approaches. As a major pathway to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy effects, the role of TGFβ signaling inhibitors have been evaluated in many clinical trials. However, the potential functions and mechanisms of TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 in gastric cancer progression and tumor immunology are unclear. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 and gastric cancer microenvironmental features, including immune cell infiltration, EMT, hypoxia, mutation, immunotherapy and drug treatment, based on HMUCH sequencing data (GSE184336) and public databases. We also validated the protein expression levels of TGFβ in gastric cancer tissues as well as the role of TGFβ factor in cytology experiments. This report reveals the important role of the TGFβ gene family in gastric cancer and provides possible relationships and potential mechanisms of TGFβ in gastric cancer.
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Wu Y, Yu S, Qiao H. Understanding the functional inflammatory factors involved in therapeutic response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for pan-cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:990445. [PMID: 36120342 PMCID: PMC9474995 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.990445] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) fight tumor progression by activating immune conditions. The inflammatory factors are playing a functional role in programmed death-1 (PD-1) or other immune checkpoints. They are involved in regulating the expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), the only predictor recognized by the guidelines in response to ICIs. In addition, abundant components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) all interact with various immune factors contributing to the response to ICIs, including infiltration of various immune cells, extracellular matrix, and fibroblasts. Notably, the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients receiving ICIs is increasingly observed in sundry organs. IrAEs are often regarded as an inflammatory factor-mediated positive feedback loop associated with better response to ICIs. It deserves attention because inflammatory factors were observed to be different when targeting different immune checkpoints or in the presence of different irAEs. In the present review, we address the research progresses on regulating inflammatory factors for an intentional controlling anti-cancer response with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmeizhi Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shan Yu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Shan Yu, ; Hong Qiao,
| | - Hong Qiao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Shan Yu, ; Hong Qiao,
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Dias Carvalho P, Mendonça S, Martins F, Oliveira MJ, Velho S. Modulation of Fibroblast Phenotype by Colorectal Cancer Cell-Secreted Factors Is Mostly Independent of Oncogenic KRAS. Cells 2022; 11:2490. [PMID: 36010567 PMCID: PMC9406506 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations have been shown to extend their oncogenic effects beyond the cancer cell, influencing the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we studied the impact of mutant KRAS on the modulation of the pro-tumorigenic properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), including α-SMA expression, TGFβ1 and HGF production, extracellular matrix components and metalloproteinases expression as well as collagen contraction and migration capacities. To do so, CCD-18Co normal-like colon fibroblasts were challenged with conditioned media from control and KRAS silenced colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Our results showed that the mutant KRAS CRC cell-secreted factors were capable of turning normal-like fibroblasts into CAF-like by modulating the α-SMA expression, TGFβ1 and HGF production and migration capacity. Oncogenic KRAS played a secondary role as its silencing did not completely impair the capacity of CRC cells to modulate most of the fibroblast properties analyzed. In summary, our work suggests that mutant KRAS does not play a major role in controlling the CRC cell-secreted factors that modulate the behavior of fibroblasts. The fact that CRC cells retain the capacity to modulate the pro-tumorigenic features of fibroblasts independently of KRAS silencing is likely to negatively impact their response to KRAS inhibitors, thus standing as a putative mechanism of resistance to KRAS inhibition with potential therapeutical relevance.
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Wu CWK, Reid M, Leedham S, Lui RN. The emerging era of personalized medicine in advanced colorectal cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1411-1425. [PMID: 35815339 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with its pathogenesis often driven by varying genetic or epigenetic alterations. This has led to a substantial number of patients developing chemoresistance and treatment failure, resulting in a high mortality rate for advanced disease. Deep molecular analysis has allowed for the discovery of key intestinal signaling pathways which impacts colonic epithelial cell fate, and the integral role of the tumor microenvironment on cancer growth and dissemination. Through transitioning pre-clinical knowledge in research into clinical practice, many potential druggable targets within these pathways have been discovered in the hopes of overcoming the roadblocks encountered by conventional therapies. A personalized approach tailoring treatment according to the histopathological and molecular features of individual tumors can hopefully translate to better patient outcomes, and reduce the rate of recurrence in patients with advanced CRC. Herein, the latest understanding on the molecular science behind CRC tumorigenesis, and the potential treatment targets currently at the forefront of research are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia W K Wu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Madeleine Reid
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Leedham
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rashid N Lui
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Papait A, Romoli J, Stefani FR, Chiodelli P, Montresor MC, Agoni L, Silini AR, Parolini O. Fight the Cancer, Hit the CAF! Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153570. [PMID: 35892828 PMCID: PMC9330284 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the last 20 years, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has raised an increasing interest from the therapeutic point of view. Indeed, different strategies targeting either the endothelial or the immune component have been implemented. Furthermore, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have attracted even more interest due to their ability to prime the TME in order to favor tumor progression and metastasis. This current review provides a comprehensive overview on the latest discoveries regarding CAF, more specifically on their complex characterization and on preclinical studies and clinical trials that target CAF within the TME. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is comprised of different cellular components, such as immune and stromal cells, which co-operate in unison to promote tumor progression and metastasis. In the last decade, there has been an increasing focus on one specific component of the TME, the stromal component, often referred to as Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF). CAF modulate the immune response and alter the composition of the extracellular matrix with a decisive impact on the response to immunotherapies and conventional chemotherapy. The most recent publications based on single-cell analysis have underlined CAF heterogeneity and the unique plasticity that strongly impact the TME. In this review, we focus not only on the characterization of CAF based on the most recent findings, but also on their impact on the immune system. We also discuss clinical trials and preclinical studies where targeting CAF revealed controversial results. Therefore, future efforts should focus on understanding the functional properties of individual subtypes of CAF, taking into consideration the peculiarities of each pathological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Papait
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (J.R.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Romoli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (J.R.)
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.S.); (P.C.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Francesca Romana Stefani
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.S.); (P.C.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.S.); (P.C.); (A.R.S.)
| | | | - Lorenzo Agoni
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.S.); (P.C.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (J.R.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630154464
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Kim I, Choi S, Yoo S, Lee M, Kim IS. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in the Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143321. [PMID: 35884382 PMCID: PMC9320406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancers have regions of low oxygen concentration where hypoxia-related signaling pathways are activated. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment has been widely accepted as a hallmark of cancer and shown to be a critical factor in the crosstalk between cancer and stromal cells. Fibroblasts are one of the most abundant cellular components in the tumor stroma and are also significantly affected by oxygen deprivation. In this case, we discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions and their effect on cancer development and progression. Unraveling these regulatory mechanisms could be exploited in developing potential fibroblast-specific therapeutics for cancer. Abstract Solid cancers are composed of malignant cells and their surrounding matrix components. Hypoxia plays a critical role in shaping the tumor microenvironment that contributes to cancer progression and treatment failure. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most prominent components of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs are highly sensitive to hypoxia and participates in the crosstalk with cancer cells. Hypoxic CAFs modulate several mechanisms that induce cancer malignancy, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Key signaling molecules regulating CAFs in hypoxia include transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). In this article, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the hypoxic regulation of CAFs and how hypoxic CAFs affect cancer development and progression. We also discuss the potential therapeutic strategies focused on targeting CAFs in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iljin Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Research Center for Controlling Intercellular Communication, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea; (S.C.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (I.-S.K.)
| | - Sanga Choi
- Department of Pharmacology and Research Center for Controlling Intercellular Communication, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea; (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Seongkyeong Yoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Research Center for Controlling Intercellular Communication, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea; (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Mingyu Lee
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - In-San Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (I.-S.K.)
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Di Vito Nolfi M, Vecchiotti D, Flati I, Verzella D, Di Padova M, Alesse E, Capece D, Zazzeroni F. EV-Mediated Chemoresistance in the Tumor Microenvironment: Is NF-κB a Player? Front Oncol 2022; 12:933922. [PMID: 35814425 PMCID: PMC9257640 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.933922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major impediment to patient survival and remains the primary cause of unsuccessful cancer therapy. Drug resistance occurs in many tumors and is frequently induced by chemotherapy which triggers a defensive response both in cancerous and cancer-associated cells that constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cell to cell communication within the TME is often mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) which carry specific tumor-promoting factors able to activate survival pathways and immune escape mechanisms, thus sustaining tumor progression and therapy resistance. NF-κB has been recognized as a crucial player in this context. NF-κB activation is involved in EVs release and EVs, in turn, can trigger NF-κB pathway activation in specific contexts, based on secreting cytotype and their specific delivered cargo. In this review, we discuss the role of NF-κB/EVs interplay that sustain chemoresistance in the TME by focusing on the molecular mechanisms that underlie inflammation, EVs release, and acquired drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daria Capece
- *Correspondence: Francesca Zazzeroni, ; Daria Capece,
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Alfaro-Arnedo E, López IP, Piñeiro-Hermida S, Canalejo M, Gotera C, Sola JJ, Roncero A, Peces-Barba G, Ruíz-Martínez C, Pichel JG. IGF1R acts as a cancer-promoting factor in the tumor microenvironment facilitating lung metastasis implantation and progression. Oncogene 2022. [PMID: 35688943 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02376-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Given the long-term ineffectiveness of current therapies and late-stage diagnoses, lung cancer is a leading cause of malignant diseases. Tumor progression is influenced by cancer cell interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) was reported to affect the TME; however, the role of IGF1R in lung TME has not been investigated. First, we assessed IGF1R genomic alterations and expression in NSCLC patient tissue samples, as well as IGF1R serum levels. Next, we performed tumor heterotopic transplantation and pulmonary metastases in IGF1R-deficient mice using melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Herein we report increased amplification and mRNA expression, as well as increased protein expression (IGF1R/p-IGF1R) and IGF1R levels in tumor samples and serum from NSCLC patients, respectively. Moreover, IGF1R deficiency in mice reduced tumor growth, proliferation, inflammation and vascularization, and increased apoptosis after tumor heterotopic transplantation. Following induction of lung metastasis, IGF1R-deficient lungs also demonstrated a reduced tumor burden, and decreased expression of tumor progression markers, p-IGF1R and p-ERK1/2. Additionally, IGF1R-deficient lungs showed increased apoptosis and diminished proliferation, vascularization, EMT and fibrosis, along with attenuated inflammation and immunosuppression. Accordingly, IGF1R deficiency decreased expression of p-IGF1R in blood vessels, fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages and FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Our results demonstrate that IGF1R promotes metastatic tumor initiation and progression in lung TME. Furthermore, our research indicates that IGF1R could be a potential biomarker for early prediction of drug response and clinical evolution in NSCLC patients.
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Ma J, Chen X, Chen Y, Tao N, Qin Z. Ligustilide Inhibits Tumor Angiogenesis by Downregulating VEGFA Secretion from Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Prostate Cancer via TLR4. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14. [PMID: 35626012 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
CAFs secrete VEGFA in the tumor microenvironment to induce angiogenesis and promote tumor growth. The downregulation of VEGFA secretion from CAFs helps block angiogenesis and exerts an anti-tumor effect. In vivo experiments showed that the angiogenesis of the tumor-bearing mice in the ligustilide group was significantly reduced. The results of MTT, tube formation, Transwell and scratch experiments showed that ligustilide did not affect the proliferation of HUVECs in a certain concentration range (<60 μM), but it inhibited the proliferation, tube formation and migration of HUVECs induced by CAFs. At this concentration, ligustilide did not inhibit CAF proliferation. The qPCR and WB results revealed that ligustilide downregulated the level of VEGFA in CAFs via the TLR4-ERK/JNK/p38 signaling pathway, and the effect was attenuated by blockers of the above molecules. Ligustilide also downregulated the autocrine VEGFA of HUVECs induced by CAFs, which inhibited angiogenesis more effectively. In addition, ligustilide inhibited glycolysis and HIF-1 expression in CAFs. Overall, ligustilide downregulated the VEGFA level in CAFs via the TLR4-ERK/JNK/p38 signaling pathway and inhibited the promotion of angiogenesis. This study provides a new strategy for the anti-tumor effect of natural active molecules, namely, blockade of angiogenesis, and provides a new candidate molecule for blocking angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment.
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Pernot S, Evrard S, Khatib AM. The Give-and-Take Interaction Between the Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Cells Regulating Tumor Progression and Repression. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850856. [PMID: 35493456 PMCID: PMC9043524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental concern of the majority of cancer scientists is related to the identification of mechanisms involved in the evolution of neoplastic cells at the cellular and molecular level and how these processes are able to control cancer cells appearance and death. In addition to the genome contribution, such mechanisms involve reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Indeed, tumor cells survival and growth rely on dynamic properties controlling pro and anti-tumorigenic processes. The anti-tumorigenic function of the TME is mainly regulated by immune cells such as dendritic cells, natural killer cells, cytotoxic T cells and macrophages and normal fibroblasts. The pro-tumorigenic function is also mediated by other immune cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, M2-tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, as well as carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), adipocytes (CAA) and endothelial cells. Several of these cells can show both, pro- and antitumorigenic activity. Here we highlight the importance of the reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells in the self-centered behavior of cancer cells and how these complex cellular interactions control tumor progression and repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pernot
- Reprograming Tumor Activity and Associated Microenvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1312 Inserm, Pessac, France
| | | | - Abdel-Majid Khatib
- Reprograming Tumor Activity and Associated Microenvironment (RYTME), Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC)-Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1312 Inserm, Pessac, France.,Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
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50
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Dong B, Wu RR. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio or platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio is a predictive factor of pancreatic cancer patients with type 2 diabetes. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:202-204. [PMID: 32900607 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bao Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Rong-Rong Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, China.
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