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Xie F, Zheng Y, Fu W, Chi B, Wang X, Zhang J, Gu J, Yin J, Zhou Q, Guo S, Cai L, Yang J, Liu S, Wang H. The m6A methyltransferase METTL16 inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cancer cells via the p21 signaling pathway. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1138238. [PMID: 37182151 PMCID: PMC10166879 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1138238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have reported that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays a critical role in the epigenetic regulation of organisms and especially in the pathogenesis of malignant diseases. However, m6A research has mainly focused on methyltransferase activity mediated by METTL3, and few studies have focused on METTL16. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of METTL16, which mediates m6A modification, and its role in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell proliferation. Methods Clinicopathologic and survival data were retrospectively collected from 175 PDAC patients from multiple clinical centers to detect the expression of METTL16. CCK-8, cell cycle, EdU and xenograft mouse model experiments were used to evaluate the proliferation effect of METTL16. Potential downstream pathways and mechanisms were explored via RNA sequencing, m6A sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses. Regulatory mechanisms were studied through methyltransferase inhibition, RIP, MeRIP‒qPCR assays. Results We found that METTL16 expression was markedly downregulated in PDAC, and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that METTL16 was a protective factor for PDAC patients. We also demonstrated that METTL16 overexpression inhibited PDAC cell proliferation. Furthermore, we identified a METTL16-p21 signaling axis, with downregulation of METTL16 resulting in inhibition of CDKN1A (p21). Additionally, METTL16 silencing and overexpression experiments highlighted m6A modification alterations in PDAC. Conclusions METTL16 plays a tumor-suppressive role and suppresses PDAC cell proliferation through the p21 pathway by mediating m6A modification. METTL16 may be a novel marker of PDAC carcinogenesis and target for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuming Xie
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Zheng
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Fu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Bojing Chi
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xianxing Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Jianyou Gu
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyang Yin
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Shixiang Guo
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Cai
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Songsong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Hospital of People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Huaizhi Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Geng F, Dong L, Bao X, Guo Q, Guo J, Zhou Y, Yu B, Wu H, Wu J, Zhang H, Yu X, Kong W. CAFs/tumor cells co-targeting DNA vaccine in combination with low-dose gemcitabine for the treatment of Panc02 murine pancreatic cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:304-313. [PMID: 36090474 PMCID: PMC9420428 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the synergistic effect of gemcitabine (Gem) and a novel DNA vaccine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer in mice and explore the anti-tumor mechanism of this combination therapy. Fibroblast activation protein α-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts (FAPα+ CAFs), a dominant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), have been shown to modulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote the growth, invasion, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PC). Therefore, FAPα+ CAFs may be an ideal target for the treatment of PC. However, treatments that solely target FAPα+ CAFs do not directly affect tumor cells. We recently constructed a novel chimeric DNA vaccine (OsFS) against human FAPα and survivin, which simultaneously targets FAPα+ CAFs and tumor cells. In Panc02 tumor-bearing mice, OsFS vaccination not only reduced the proportion of immunosuppressive cells but also promoted the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, which remodeled the TME to support anti-tumor immune responses. Furthermore, after depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) by metronomic low-dose Gem therapy, the anti-tumor effects of OsFS were enhanced. Taken together, our results indicate that the combination of the FAPα/survivin co-targeting DNA vaccine and low-dose Gem may be an effective therapy for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Geng
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Ling Dong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Xin Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Jie Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Corresponding author Hai-Hong Zhang, PhD, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China.
| | - Xianghui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Corresponding author Xianghui Yu, PhD, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China.
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
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Cannone S, Greco MR, Carvalho TMA, Guizouarn H, Soriani O, Di Molfetta DD, Tomasini R, Zeeberg K, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. Cancer Associated Fibroblast (CAF) Regulation of PDAC Parenchymal (CPC) and CSC Phenotypes Is Modulated by ECM Composition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3737. [PMID: 35954400 PMCID: PMC9367491 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153737] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest of all cancers, having one of the lowest five-year survival rates. One of its hallmarks is a dense desmoplastic stroma consisting in the abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, especially Collagen I. This highly fibrotic stroma embeds the bulk cancer (parenchymal) cells (CPCs), cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the main producers of the stromal reaction, the Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs). Little is known about the role of the acellular ECM in the interplay of the CAFs with the different tumor cell types in determining their phenotypic plasticity and eventual cell fate. Methods: Here, we analyzed the role of ECM collagen I in modulating the effect of CAF-derived signals by incubating PDAC CPCs and CSCs grown on ECM mimicking early (low collagen I levels) and late (high collagen I levels) stage PDAC stroma with conditioned medium from primary cultured CAFs derived from patients with PDAC in a previously described three-dimensional (3D) organotypic model of PDAC. Results: We found that CAFs (1) reduced CPC growth while favoring CSC growth independently of the ECM; (2) increased the invasive capacity of only CPCs on the ECM mimicking the early tumor; and (3) favored vasculogenic mimicry (VM) especially of the CSCs on the ECM mimicking an early tumor. Conclusions: We conclude that the CAFs and acellular stromal components interact to modulate the tumor behaviors of the PDAC CPC and CSC cell types and drive metastatic progression by stimulating the phenotypic characteristics of each tumor cell type that contribute to metastasis
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5
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Swadling JB, Warnecke T, Morris KL, Barr AR. Conserved Cdk inhibitors show unique structural responses to tyrosine phosphorylation. Biophys J 2022; 121:2312-2329. [PMID: 35614852 PMCID: PMC9279356 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.05.024] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Balanced proliferation-quiescence decisions are vital during normal development and in tissue homeostasis, and their dysregulation underlies tumorigenesis. Entry into proliferative cycles is driven by Cyclin/Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). Conserved Cdk inhibitors (CKIs) p21Cip1/Waf1, p27Kip1, and p57Kip2 bind to Cyclin/Cdks and inhibit Cdk activity. p27 tyrosine phosphorylation, in response to mitogenic signaling, promotes activation of CyclinD/Cdk4 and CyclinA/Cdk2. Tyrosine phosphorylation is conserved in p21 and p57, although the number of sites differs. We use molecular-dynamics simulations to compare the structural changes in Cyclin/Cdk/CKI trimers induced by single and multiple tyrosine phosphorylation in CKIs and their impact on CyclinD/Cdk4 and CyclinA/Cdk2 activity. Despite shared structural features, CKI binding induces distinct structural responses in Cyclin/Cdks and the predicted effects of CKI tyrosine phosphorylation on Cdk activity are not conserved across CKIs. Our analyses suggest how CKIs may have evolved to be sensitive to different inputs to give context-dependent control of Cdk activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob B Swadling
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Tobias Warnecke
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kyle L Morris
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexis R Barr
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.
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Ma Z, Li Z, Wang S, Zhou Z, Liu C, Zhuang H, Zhou Q, Huang S, Zhang C, Hou B. ZMAT1 acts as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by inducing SIRT3/p53 signaling pathway. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:130. [PMID: 35392973 PMCID: PMC8988381 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02310-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancer due to its highly aggressive phenotype and lack of effective biomarkers or treatment strategies. ZMAT1 belongs to the C2H2 type zinc finger family, but its biological function is rarely investigated, as well as its role in cancer development. METHODS Multiple bioinformatics analyses were used to evaluate ZMAT1 expression and potential role in PDAC. Intro and vivo studies were performed to assess the effects of ZMAT1 on PDAC cells growth. Furthermore, CHIP-seq and luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify its specific regulatory mechanism in PDAC. RESULTS The current study identified the down-regulation of ZMAT1 and its associations with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics and poor survival of PDAC. Further, we found overexpression of ZMAT1 inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by inducing p21, leading to impaired S/G2 cell cycle progression. Besides, over-expression of ZMAT1 led to decreased pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, ZMAT1 up-regulated p53 expression and inhibition of p53 abrogated the effect of ZMAT1 over-expression on pancreatic cancer cell, indicating the role of ZMAT1 in PDAC was dependent on p53. By performing CHIP-seq assay, we found ZMAT1 did not bind to P53 but bound to the promoter region of SIRT3, an upstream regulator for p53. Luciferase reporter assay showed transfection of ZMAT1 induced SIRT3 transcription, suggesting ZMAT1 was a transcriptional activator for SIRT3. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated the role of ZMAT1-SIRT3-p53 signaling pathway during tumor growth, highlighting that ZMAT1 is a tumor suppressor and novel biomarker of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyi Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Shantou University of Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Zhenchong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 51000, China
| | - Shujie Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zixuan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 51000, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Shantou University of Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Hongkai Zhuang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Shantou University of Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Hui Ya Hospital of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Huizhou, 516081, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Shanzhou Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 51000, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Chuanzhao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 51000, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Baohua Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 51000, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Abstract
Complex interactions occur between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Studies have focused on the mechanism of metabolic symbiosis between tumors and the tumor microenvironment. During tumor development, the metabolic pattern undergoes significant changes, and the optimal metabolic mode of the tumor is selected on the basis of its individual environment. Tumor cells can adapt to a specific microenvironment through metabolic adjustment to achieve compatibility. In this study, the effects of tumor glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism on the tumor microenvironment and related mechanisms were reviewed. Selective targeting of tumor cell metabolic reprogramming is an attractive direction for tumor therapy. Understanding the mechanism of tumor metabolic adaptation and determining the metabolism symbiosis mechanism between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment may provide a new approach for treatment, which is of great significance for accelerating the development of targeted tumor metabolic drugs and administering individualized tumor metabolic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Operating Room, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Nursing, Zaozhuang Second Health School, Zaozhuang, China
| | - Shanglong Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Xelwa N, Candy GP, Devar J, Omoshoro-Jones J, Smith M, Nweke EE. Targeting Growth Factor Signaling Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer: Towards Inhibiting Chemoresistance. Front Oncol 2021; 11:683788. [PMID: 34195085 PMCID: PMC8236623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.683788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, ranking amongst the top leading cause of cancer related deaths in developed countries. Features such as dense stroma microenvironment, abnormal signaling pathways, and genetic heterogeneity of the tumors contribute to its chemoresistant characteristics. Amongst these features, growth factors have been observed to play crucial roles in cancer cell survival, progression, and chemoresistance. Here we review the role of the individual growth factors in pancreatic cancer chemoresistance. Importantly, the interplay between the tumor microenvironment and chemoresistance is explored in the context of pivotal role played by growth factors. We further describe current and future potential therapeutic targeting of these factors.
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Mejia I, Bodapati S, Chen KT, Díaz B. Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Invasiveness and the Tumor Microenvironment: From Biology to Clinical Trials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E401. [PMID: 33050151 PMCID: PMC7601142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) originates in the glandular compartment of the exocrine pancreas. Histologically, PDAC tumors are characterized by a parenchyma that is embedded in a particularly prominent stromal component or desmoplastic stroma. The unique characteristics of the desmoplastic stroma shape the microenvironment of PDAC and modulate the reciprocal interactions between cancer and stromal cells in ways that have profound effects in the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease. Here, we review some of the most recent findings regarding the regulation of PDAC cell invasion by the unique microenvironment of this tumor, and how new knowledge is being translated into novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Mejia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Sandhya Bodapati
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Kathryn T. Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Begoña Díaz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Xu J, Liu S, Yang X, Cao S, Zhou Y. Paracrine HGF promotes EMT and mediates the effects of PSC on chemoresistance by activating c-Met/PI3K/Akt signaling in pancreatic cancer in vitro. Life Sci 2020; 263:118523. [PMID: 33039386 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play key roles in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and are considered to contribute to chemoresistance. PSCs can participate in malignant behaviors of pancreatic carcinoma (PC) by secreting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The objective of this research was to explore the potential molecular mechanism of HGF on gemcitabine (GEM) chemoresistance of PC. MATERIALS AND METHODS HGF, c-Met, E-Cadherin and Vimentin levels were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The changes of HGF level were detected by ELISA. The half maximal inhibitory concentration, the growth inhibitions and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) were respectively assayed using CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Associated proteins were measured using western blot and cell immunofluorescence assay. KEY FINDINGS PSCs strongly expressed HGF, and its receptor c-Met was expressed in PCCs. PCCs exerted a positive regulative effect on HGF production. HGF neutralizing antibody AMG102 could effectively reduce the HGF level in PSC-conditioned medium (PSC-CM). PSC-CM promoted chemoresistance in PCCs. When exposed to PSC-CM, PCCs underwent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and c-Met was also activated. Recombinant human HGF had the same protective effect. Blocking the HGF/c-Met axis with a c-Met inhibitor PHA665752 and AMG102 reduced the phosphorylation level of c-Met (p-c-Met) and attenuated EMT and chemoresistance. P-c-Met overexpression resulted in activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling with LY294002 reversed chemoresistance and EMT. SIGNIFICANCE PSCs can activate the c-Met/PI3K/Akt pathway in PCCs via paracrine HGF, induce EMT of PCCs and inhibit cancer cell apoptosis, thus enhance chemoresistance to Gem in PCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shanglong Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Shougen Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanbing Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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11
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Wright JW, Church KJ, Harding JW. Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Macrophage-stimulating Protein "Hinge" Analogs to Treat Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:782-795. [PMID: 30914029 DOI: 10.2174/1568009619666190326130008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) ranks twelfth in frequency of diagnosis but is the fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths with a 5 year survival rate of less than 7 percent. This poor prognosis occurs because the early stages of PC are often asymptomatic. Over-expression of several growth factors, most notably vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been implicated in PC resulting in dysfunctional signal transduction pathways and the facilitation of tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) acts via the Met receptor and has also received research attention with ongoing efforts to develop treatments to block the Met receptor and its signal transduction pathways. Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP), and its receptor Ron, is also recognized as important in the etiology of PC but is less well studied. Although the angiotensin II (AngII)/AT1 receptor system is best known for mediating blood pressure and body water/electrolyte balance, it also facilitates tumor vascularization and growth by stimulating the expression of VEGF. A metabolite of AngII, angiotensin IV (AngIV) has sequence homology with the "hinge regions" of HGF and MSP, key structures in the growth factor dimerization processes necessary for Met and Ron receptor activation. We have developed AngIV-based analogs designed to block dimerization of HGF and MSP and thus receptor activation. Norleual has shown promise as tested utilizing PC cell cultures. Results indicate that cell migration, invasion, and pro-survival functions were suppressed by this analog and tumor growth was significantly inhibited in an orthotopic PC mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Wright
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.,Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, and Program in Biotechnology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kevin J Church
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, and Program in Biotechnology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Joseph W Harding
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.,Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, and Program in Biotechnology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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12
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Abstract
As tumor microenvironments share many of the same qualities as chronic wounds, attention is turning to the wound-repair cells that support the growth of cancerous cells. Stellate cells are star-shaped cells that were first discovered in the perisinusoidal spaces in the liver and have been found to support wound healing by the secretion of growth factors and extracellular matrix. They have since been also found to serve a similar function in the pancreas. In both organs, the wound-healing process may become dysregulated and lead to pathological fibrosis (also known as cirrhosis in the liver). In recent years there has been increasing attention paid to the role of these cells in tumor formation and progression. They may be a factor in initiating the first steps of carcinogenesis such as with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and also contribute to continued tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, evasion of the immune system, and resistance to chemotherapy, in cancers of both the liver and pancreas. In this chapter we aim to review the structure and function of hepatic and pancreatic stellate cells and their contributions to the tumor microenvironment in their respective cancers and also discuss potential new targets for cancer therapy based on our new understanding of these vital components of the tumor stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Roife
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bhaswati Sarcar
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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13
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Zeh HJ, Bahary N, Boone BA, Singhi AD, Miller-Ocuin JL, Normolle DP, Zureikat AH, Hogg ME, Bartlett DL, Lee KK, Tsung A, Marsh JW, Murthy P, Tang D, Seiser N, Amaravadi RK, Espina V, Liotta L, Lotze MT. A Randomized Phase II Preoperative Study of Autophagy Inhibition with High-Dose Hydroxychloroquine and Gemcitabine/Nab-Paclitaxel in Pancreatic Cancer Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3126-3134. [PMID: 32156749 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-4042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We hypothesized that autophagy inhibition would increase response to chemotherapy in the preoperative setting for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants with potentially resectable tumors were randomized to two cycles of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine (PG) alone or with hydroxychloroquine (PGH), followed by resection. The primary endpoint was histopathologic response in the resected specimen. Secondary clinical endpoints included serum CA 19-9 biomarker response and margin negative R0 resection. Exploratory endpoints included markers of autophagy, immune infiltrate, and serum cytokines. RESULTS Thirty-four patients in the PGH arm and 30 in the PG arm were evaluable for the primary endpoint. The PGH arm demonstrated statistically improved Evans grade histopathologic responses (P = 0.00016), compared with control. In patients with elevated CA 19-9, a return to normal was associated with improved overall and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in serious adverse events between arms and chemotherapy dose number was equivalent. The PGH arm had greater evidence of autophagy inhibition in their resected specimens (increased SQSTM1, P = 0.027, as well as increased immune cell tumor infiltration, P = 0.033). Overall survival (P = 0.59) and relapse-free survival (P = 0.55) did not differ between the two arms. CONCLUSIONS The addition of hydroxychloroquine to preoperative gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma resulted in greater pathologic tumor response, improved serum biomarker response, and evidence of autophagy inhibition and immune activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert J Zeh
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan Bahary
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Brian A Boone
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Daniel P Normolle
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amer H Zureikat
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa E Hogg
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth K Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - J Wallis Marsh
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Pranav Murthy
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Natalie Seiser
- HPB and Transplant Institute at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Virginia Espina
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Lance Liotta
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Michael T Lotze
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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14
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Liu JS, Cui ZJ. Pancreatic Stellate Cells Serve as a Brake Mechanism on Pancreatic Acinar Cell Calcium Signaling Modulated by Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Expression. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020109. [PMID: 30717164 PMCID: PMC6406918 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) is known to modulate the activity of multiple functional proteins, the roles of Msr in pancreatic stellate cell physiology have not been reported. In the present work we investigated expression and function of Msr in freshly isolated and cultured rat pancreatic stellate cells. Msr expression was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Msr over-expression was achieved by transfection with adenovirus vectors. Pancreatic stellate cells were co-cultured with pancreatic acinar cells AR4-2J in monolayer culture. Pancreatic stellate and acinar cell function was monitored by Fura-2 calcium imaging. Rat pancreatic stellate cells were found to express MsrA, B1, B2, their expressions diminished in culture. Over-expressions of MsrA, B1 or B2 were found to enhance ATP-stimulated calcium increase but decreased reactive oxygen species generation and lipopolysaccharide-elicited IL-1 production. Pancreatic stellate cell-co-culture with AR4-2J blunted cholecystokinin- and acetylcholine-stimulated calcium increases in AR4-2J, depending on acinar/stellate cell ratio, this inhibition was reversed by MsrA, B1 over-expression in stellate cells or by Met supplementation in the co-culture medium. These data suggest that Msr play important roles in pancreatic stellate cell function and the stellate cells may serve as a brake mechanism on pancreatic acinar cell calcium signaling modulated by stellate cell Msr expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shuai Liu
- Institute of Cell Biology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Zong Jie Cui
- Institute of Cell Biology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
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15
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Chakraborty S, Balan M, Flynn E, Zurakowski D, Choueiri TK, Pal S. Activation of c-Met in cancer cells mediates growth-promoting signals against oxidative stress through Nrf2-HO-1. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:7. [PMID: 30647407 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Any imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the anti-oxidant capacity lead to cellular oxidative stress. Many chemotherapeutic agents mediate their cytotoxic functions through the generation of ROS. c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is over-expressed in renal cancer and plays very crucial role(s) in its growth and survival. Here, we show that c-Met activation protected renal cancer cells from ROS, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by the anti-cancer agent sorafenib (used for renal cancer treatment); and it markedly attenuated sorafenib-induced DNA damage. Activated c-Met promoted the anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and inhibited apoptotic cleaved caspase-3. We found that the cytoprotective function of c-Met against sorafenib-induced ROS generation and apoptosis was mediated primarily through the activation of anti-oxidant Nrf2-HO-1. c-Met promoted the nuclear localization of Nrf2 and hindered its binding with the inhibitory protein Keap1. Silencing of Nrf2 attenuated the protective action of c-Met against sorafenib-induced oxidative stress. To evaluate the physiological significance of our findings, in a tumor xenograft model, we observed that a combination treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of c-Met and it's anti-oxidant downstream effecter HO-1 markedly reduced the growth of renal tumor in vivo; it increased the oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptotic markers in the tumor xenografts, along with reduced tumor vessel density. Our observations indicate that the c-Met-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway plays a vital role in relieving ROS-mediated oxidative stress of renal tumors. Targeting this pathway can significantly increase the oxidative stress to promote apoptotic death of cancer cells.
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16
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Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of high pancreatic cancer (PaCa) mortality and trials dampening PaCa mortality rates are not satisfying. Tumor progression is driven by the crosstalk between tumor cells, predominantly cancer-initiating cells (CIC), and surrounding cells and tissues as well as distant organs, where tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEX) are of major importance. A strong stroma reaction, recruitment of immunosuppressive leukocytes, perineural invasion, and early spread toward the peritoneal cavity, liver, and lung are shared with several epithelial cell-derived cancer, but are most prominent in PaCa. Here, we report on the state of knowledge on the PaCIC markers Tspan8, alpha6beta4, CD44v6, CXCR4, LRP5/6, LRG5, claudin7, EpCAM, and CD133, which all, but at different steps, are engaged in the metastatic cascade, frequently via PaCIC-TEX. This includes the contribution of PaCIC markers to TEX biogenesis, targeting, and uptake. We then discuss PaCa-selective features, where feedback loops between stromal elements and tumor cells, including distorted transcription, signal transduction, and metabolic shifts, establish vicious circles. For the latter particularly pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are responsible, furnishing PaCa to cope with poor angiogenesis-promoted hypoxia by metabolic shifts and direct nutrient transfer via vesicles. Furthermore, nerves including Schwann cells deliver a large range of tumor cell attracting factors and Schwann cells additionally support PaCa cell survival by signaling receptor binding. PSC, tumor-associated macrophages, and components of the dysplastic stroma contribute to perineural invasion with signaling pathway activation including the cholinergic system. Last, PaCa aggressiveness is strongly assisted by the immune system. Although rich in immune cells, only immunosuppressive cells and factors are recovered in proximity to tumor cells and hamper effector immune cells entering the tumor stroma. Besides a paucity of immunostimulatory factors and receptors, immunosuppressive cytokines, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T-cells, and M2 macrophages as well as PSC actively inhibit effector cell activation. This accounts for NK cells of the non-adaptive and cytotoxic T-cells of the adaptive immune system. We anticipate further deciphering the molecular background of these recently unraveled intermingled phenomena may turn most lethal PaCa into a curatively treatable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Mu
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Margot Zöller
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Sun Q, Zhang B, Hu Q, Qin Y, Xu W, Liu W, Yu X, Xu J. The impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts on major hallmarks of pancreatic cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:5072-5087. [PMID: 30429887 PMCID: PMC6217060 DOI: 10.7150/thno.26546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [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: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) constitutes one of the most challenging lethal tumors and has a very poor prognosis. In addition to cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment created by a repertoire of resident and recruited cells and the extracellular matrix also contribute to the acquisition of hallmarks of cancer. Among these factors, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical components of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs originate from the activation of resident fibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells, the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. CAFs acquire an activated phenotype via various cytokines and promote tumor proliferation and growth, accelerate invasion and metastasis, induce angiogenesis, promote inflammation and immune destruction, regulate tumor metabolism, and induce chemoresistance; these factors contribute to the acquisition of major hallmarks of PDAC. Therefore, an improved understanding of the impact of CAFs on the major hallmarks of PDAC will highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic values of these targeted cells.
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18
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Ren B, Cui M, Yang G, Wang H, Feng M, You L, Zhao Y. Tumor microenvironment participates in metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:108. [PMID: 30060755 PMCID: PMC6065152 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [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: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with high mortality due to difficulties in its early diagnosis and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment induced by interactions between pancreatic epithelial/cancer cells and stromal cells is critical for pancreatic cancer progression and has been implicated in the failure of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Microenvironment formation requires interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and stromal cells. Components of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment that contribute to desmoplasia and immunosuppression are associated with poor patient prognosis. These components can facilitate desmoplasia and immunosuppression in primary and metastatic sites or can promote metastasis by stimulating angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion/migration, and pre-metastatic niche formation. Some molecules participate in both microenvironment formation and metastasis. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer microenvironment formation and discuss how the pancreatic cancer microenvironment participates in metastasis, representing a potential target for combination therapy to enhance overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyu Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Yan B, Jiang Z, Cheng L, Chen K, Zhou C, Sun L, Qian W, Li J, Cao J, Xu Q, Ma Q, Lei J. Paracrine HGF/c-MET enhances the stem cell-like potential and glycolysis of pancreatic cancer cells via activation of YAP/HIF-1α. Exp Cell Res 2018; 371:63-71. [PMID: 30056064 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment, contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. PSC-derived factors are essential for triggering the generation and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the mechanisms by which paracrine signals regulate CSC-like properties such as glycolytic metabolism have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that two pancreatic cancer cell lines, Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2, reacted differently when treated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secreted from PSCs. MiaPaCa-2 cells showed little response with regard to CSC-like properties after HGF treatment. We have shown that in Panc-1 cells by activating its cognate receptor c-MET, paracrine HGF resulted in YAP nuclear translocation and HIF-1α stabilization, thereby promoting the expression of CSC pluripotency markers NANOG, OCT-4 and SOX-2 and tumor sphere formation ability. Furthermore, HGF/c-MET/YAP/HIF-1α signaling enhanced the expression of Hexokinase 2 (HK2) and promoted glycolytic metabolism, which may facilitate CSC-like properties. Collectively, our study demonstrated that HGF/c-MET modulates tumor metabostemness by regulating YAP/HIF-1α and may hold promise as a potential therapeutic target against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Zhengdong Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Cancan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Liankang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Junyu Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Qinhong Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Jianjun Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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20
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Fu Y, Liu S, Zeng S, Shen H. The critical roles of activated stellate cells-mediated paracrine signaling, metabolism and onco-immunology in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:62. [PMID: 29458370 PMCID: PMC5817854 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignant diseases worldwide. It is refractory to conventional treatments, and consequently has a documented 5-year survival rate as low as 7%. Increasing evidence indicates that activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), one of the stromal components in tumor microenvironment (TME), play a crucial part in the desmoplasia, carcinogenesis, aggressiveness, metastasis associated with PDAC. Despite the current understanding of PSCs as a "partner in crime" to PDAC, detailed regulatory roles of PSCs and related microenvironment remain obscure. In addition to multiple paracrine signaling pathways, recent research has confirmed that PSCs-mediated tumor microenvironment may influence behaviors of PDAC via diverse mechanisms, such as rewiring metabolic networks, suppressing immune responses. These new activities are closely linked with treatment and prognosis of PDAC. In this review, we discuss the recent advances regarding new functions of activated PSCs, including PSCs-cancer cells interaction, mechanisms involved in immunosuppressive regulation, and metabolic reprogramming. It's clear that these updated experimental or clinical studies of PSCs may provide a promising approach for PDAC treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Fu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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21
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Wu Q, Tian Y, Zhang J, Zhang H, Gu F, Lu Y, Zou S, Chen Y, Sun P, Xu M, Sun X, Xia C, Chi H, Ying Zhu A, Tang D, Wang D. Functions of pancreatic stellate cell-derived soluble factors in the microenvironment of pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:102721-102738. [PMID: 29254283 PMCID: PMC5731993 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal forms of cancer with poor prognosis because it is highly resistant to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy and it has a low rate of surgical resection eligibility. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) have become a research hotspot in recent years, and play a vital role in PDAC microenvironment by secreting soluble factors such as transforming growth factor β, interleukin-6, stromal cell-derived factor-1, hepatocyte growth factor and galectin-1. These PSC-derived cytokines and proteins contribute to PSC activation, participating in PDAC cell proliferation, migration, fibrosis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and chemoradiation resistance, leading to malignant outcome. Consequently, targeting these cytokines and proteins or their downstream signaling pathways is promising for treating PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ying Tian
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jingqiu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongpeng Zhang
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Fengming Gu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yongdie Lu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shengnan Zou
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuji Chen
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Pengxiang Sun
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mengyue Xu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chao Xia
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Hao Chi
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - A Ying Zhu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
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22
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Zhi D, Zhao X, Dong M, Yan C. miR-493 inhibits proliferation and invasion in pancreatic cancer cells and inversely regulated hERG1 expression. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:7398-7404. [PMID: 29344180 PMCID: PMC5755206 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human ether-a-go-go-related potassium channel 1 (hERG1) is a component of the voltage-gated Kv11.1 potassium channel, which has been recently indicated to have a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of multiple tumors, including pancreatic carcinoma. Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the most malignant human cancer types, which has an extremely poor prognosis. The present study demonstrated that the expression levels of hERG1 were markedly elevated in pancreatic cancer tissues and pancreatic cancer cell lines, and that the abnormal hERG1 expression was significantly associated with the proliferation and invasion ability of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, hERG1 was identified to be a direct target of miR-493, which is generally reduced in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines. These findings provide a novel insight into the regulatory mechanism of miR-493/hERG1 in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasion, which may aid the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Zhi
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Caichuan Yan
- Department of Cancer Molecular and Biology, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
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