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García-Hernández AP, Sánchez-Sánchez G, Carlos-Reyes A, López-Camarillo C. Functional roles of microRNAs in vasculogenic mimicry and resistance to therapy in human cancers: an update. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38712535 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2352484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) alludes to the ability of cancer cells to organize on three-dimensional channel-like structures to obtain nutrients and oxygen. This mechanism confers an aggressive phenotype, metastatic potential, and resistance to chemotherapy resulting in a poor prognosis. Recent studies have been focused on the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate the VM representing potential therapeutic targets in cancer. AREAS COVERED An overview of the roles of miRNAs on VM development and their functional relationships with tumor microenvironment. The functions of cancer stem-like cells in VM, and resistance to therapy are also discussed. Moreover, the modulation of VM by natural compounds is explored. The clinical significance of deregulated miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets in tumors showing VM is further highlighted. EXPERT OPINION The miRNAs are regulators of protein-encoding genes involved in VM; however, their specific expression signatures with clinical value in large cohorts of patients have not been established yet. We considered that genomic profiling of miRNAs could be useful to define some hallmarks of tumors such as stemness, drug resistance, and VM in cancer patients. However, additional studies are needed to establish the relevant role of miRNAs as effective therapeutic targets in tumors that have developed VM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angeles Carlos-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Onco-Inmunobiología, Departamento de Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosio Villegas", Ciudad de México
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México
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Ren Y, Feng L, Tan Z, Zhou F, Liu S. Constructing a novel prognostic model for triple-negative breast cancer based on genes associated with vasculogenic mimicry. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:205806. [PMID: 38728245 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205806] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown a connection between vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and cancer progression. However, the functions of genes related to VM in the emergence and progression of TNBC have not been completely elucidated. METHODS A survival risk model was constructed by screening biomarkers using DESeq2 and WGCNA based on public TNBC transcriptome data. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis was performed, and tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity were analyzed. The selected biomarkers were validated via quantitative PCR detection, immunohistochemical staining, and protein detection in breast cancer cell lines. Biomarkers related to the proliferation and migration of TNBC cells were validated via in vitro experiments. RESULTS The findings revealed that 235 target genes were connected to the complement and coagulation cascade pathways. The risk score was constructed using KCND2, NRP1, and VSTM4. The prognosis model using the risk score and pathological T stage yielded good validation results. The clinical risk of TNBC was associated with the angiogenesis signaling pathway, and the low-risk group exhibited better sensitivity to immunotherapy. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry indicated that the expression levels of KCND2 in TNBC tissues were higher than those in adjacent nontumor tissues. In the TNBC cell line, the protein expression of KCND2 was increased. Knockdown of KCND2 and VSTM4 inhibited the proliferation and migration of TNBC cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS In this study, three VM-related biomarkers were identified, including KCND2, NRP1, and VSTM4. These findings are likely to aid in deepening our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of VM in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ren
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Luyi Feng
- Information Department of Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhihua Tan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fulin Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guiyang, China
- The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Zhang R, Zhang D, Han F, Song X, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhu Q, Qin Y. The deubiquitinase USP7 and E3 ligase TRIM21 regulate vasculogenic mimicry and malignant progression of RMS by balancing SNAI2 homeostasis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:135. [PMID: 38702792 PMCID: PMC11069146 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03056-1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy and the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor microcirculation model different from traditional tumor angiogenesis, which does not rely on endothelial cells to provide sufficient blood supply for tumor growth. In recent years, VM has been confirmed to be closely associated with tumor progression. However, the ability of RMS to form VM has not yet been reported. METHODS Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot were used to test the expression level of SNAI2 and its clinical significance. The biological function in regulating vasculogenic mimicry and malignant progression of SNAI2 was examined both in vitro and in vivo. Mass spectrometry, co-immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and ubiquitin assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SNAI2. RESULTS Our study indicated that SNAI2 was abnormally expressed in patients with RMS and RMS cell lines and promoted the proliferation and metastasis of RMS. Through cell tubule formation experiments, nude mice Matrigel plug experiments, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we confirmed that RMS can form VM and that SNAI2 promotes the formation of VM. Due to SNAI2 is a transcription factor that is not easily drugged, we used Co-IP combined with mass spectrometry to screen for the SNAI2-binding protein USP7 and TRIM21. USP7 depletion inhibited RMS VM formation, proliferation and metastasis by promoting SNAI2 degradation. We further demonstrated that TRIM21 is expressed at low levels in human RMS tissues and inhibits VM in RMS cells. TRIM21 promotes SNAI2 protein degradation through ubiquitination in the RMS. The deubiquitinase USP7 and E3 ligase TRIM21 function in an antagonistic rather than competitive mode and play a key role in controlling the stability of SNAI2 to determine the VM formation and progression of RMS. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which USP7 and TRIM21 balance the level of SNAI2 ubiquitination, determining RMS vasculogenic mimicry, proliferation, and migration. This new mechanism may provide new targeted therapies to inhibit the development of RMS by restoring TRIM21 expression or inhibiting USP7 expression in RMS patients with high SNAI2 protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Daidi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaorui Song
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 10045, China.
| | - Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Chen Y, Zhu F, Chen J, Liu X, Li R, Wang Z, Cheong KL, Zhong S. Selenium nanoparticles stabilized by Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides: Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:132073. [PMID: 38705328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are a potential tumor therapeutic drug and have attracted widespread attention due to their high bioavailability and significant anticancer activity. However, the poor water solubility and degradability of selenium nanoparticles severely limit their application. In this study, spherical selenium nanoparticles with a particle size of approximately 50 nm were prepared by using Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide (SFPS) as a modifier and Tween-80 as a stabilizer. The results of in vitro experiments showed that Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide-Tween-80-Selenium nanoparticles (SFPS-Tw-SeNPs) had a significant inhibitory effect on A549 cells, with an IC50 value of 6.14 μg/mL, and showed antitumor cell migration and invasion ability against A549 cells in scratch assays and cell migration and invasion assays (transwell assays). Western blot experiments showed that SFPS-Tw-SeNPs could inhibit the expression of tumor migration- and invasion-related proteins. These results suggest that SFPS-Tw-SeNPs may be potential tumor therapeutic agents, especially for the treatment of human lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhe Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Feifei Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Rui Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Kit-Leong Cheong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Saiyi Zhong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Zhanjiang, China
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Xu ZY, Han J, Yang K, Zhang GM, Jiao MN, Liang SX, Yan YB, Chen W. HSP27 promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma via the AKT-MMP-2/9 pathway. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2024; 137:515-528. [PMID: 38553306 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2024.02.016] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the role and mechanism of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in SACC VM formation. STUDY DESIGN Immunohistochemistry and double staining with cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) were used to detect HSP27 expression and VM in 70 SACC tissue samples separately. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence were used to detect gene and protein expression. HSP27 in SACC cells were overexpression or downregulated by transfecting HSP27 or short hairpin RNA target HSP27 (sh-HSP27). The migration and invasion abilities of SACC cells were detected using wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. The VM formation ability of the cells in vitro was detected using a Matrigel 3-dimensional culture. RESULTS HSP27 expression was positively correlated with VM formation and affected the prognosis of patients. In vitro, HSP27 upregulation engendered VM formation and the invasion and migration of SACC cells. Mechanistically, HSP27 upregulation increased Akt phosphorylation and subsequently increased downstream matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 expressions. CONCLUSION HSP27 may plays an important role in VM formation in SACC via the AKT-MMP-2/9 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yuan Xu
- Department of Oral Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu 241000, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu 241000, China; Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Oral Implantology, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China
| | - Guan-Meng Zhang
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China
| | - Mai-Ning Jiao
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China
| | - Su-Xia Liang
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China.
| | - Ying-Bin Yan
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, 75 Dagu Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300041, China.
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Liu Y, Tang R, Cao Y, Wu N, Qin Q, Chen Y, Wei X, Ren J, Sun Y, Zhou H, Zhou Y, Li P. LIFU/MMP-2 dual-responsive release of repurposed drug disulfiram from nanodroplets for inhibiting vasculogenic mimicry and lung metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:209. [PMID: 38664830 PMCID: PMC11046851 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02492-7] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), when microvascular channels are formed by cancer cells independent of endothelial cells, often occurs in deep hypoxic areas of tumors and contributes to the aggressiveness and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. However, well-developed VM inhibitors exhibit inadequate efficacy due to their low drug utilization rate and limited deep penetration. Thus, a cost-effective VM inhibition strategy needs to be designed for TNBC treatment. RESULTS Herein, we designed a low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) dual-responsive nanoplatform termed PFP@PDM-PEG for the cost-effective and efficient utilization of the drug disulfiram (DSF) as a VM inhibitor. The PFP@PDM-PEG nanodroplets effectively penetrated tumors and exhibited substantial accumulation facilitated by PEG deshielding in a LIFU-mediated and MMP-2-sensitive manner. Furthermore, upon exposure to LIFU irradiation, DSF was released controllably under ultrasound imaging guidance. This secure and controllable dual-response DSF delivery platform reduced VM formation by inhibiting COL1/pro-MMP-2 activity, thereby significantly inhibiting tumor progression and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Considering the safety of the raw materials, controlled treatment process, and reliable repurposing of DSF, this dual-responsive nanoplatform represents a novel and effective VM-based therapeutic strategy for TNBC in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuting Cao
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nianhong Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoxi Qin
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Wei
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasonography, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianli Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering of Chongqing Medical University, No.76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Magalhães A, Cesário V, Coutinho D, Matias I, Domingues G, Pinheiro C, Serafim T, Dias S. A high-cholesterol diet promotes the intravasation of breast tumor cells through an LDL-LDLR axis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9471. [PMID: 38658568 PMCID: PMC11043359 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59845-3] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Most metastases in breast cancer occur via the dissemination of tumor cells through the bloodstream. How tumor cells enter the blood (intravasation) is, however, a poorly understood mechanism at the cellular and molecular levels. Particularly uncharacterized is how intravasation is affected by systemic nutrients. High levels of systemic LDL-cholesterol have been shown to contribute to breast cancer progression and metastasis in various models, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are still undisclosed. Here we show that a high- cholesterol diet promotes intravasation in two mouse models of breast cancer and that this could be reverted by blocking LDL binding to LDLR in tumor cells. Moreover, we show that LDL promotes vascular invasion in vitro and the intercalation of tumor cells with endothelial cells, a phenotypic change resembling vascular mimicry (VM). At the molecular level, LDL increases the expression of SERPINE2, previously shown to be required for both VM and intravasation. Overall, our manuscript unravels novel mechanisms by which systemic hypercholesterolemia may affect the onset of metastatic breast cancer by favouring phenotypic changes in breast cancer cells and increasing intravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Magalhães
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Cesário
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo Coutinho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Matias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Germana Domingues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinheiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Serafim
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Tang H, Chen L, Liu X, Zeng S, Tan H, Chen G. Pan-cancer dissection of vasculogenic mimicry characteristic to provide potential therapeutic targets. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1346719. [PMID: 38694917 PMCID: PMC11061449 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1346719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) represents a novel form of tumor angiogenesis that is associated with tumor invasiveness and drug resistance. However, the VM landscape across cancer types remains poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate the characterizations of VM across cancers based on multi-omics data and provide potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Methods Multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to conduct comprehensive analyses of the characteristics of VM related genes (VRGs) across cancer types. Pan-cancer vasculogenic mimicry score was established to provide a depiction of the VM landscape across cancer types. The correlation between VM and cancer phenotypes was conducted to explore potential regulatory mechanisms of VM. We further systematically examined the relationship between VM and both tumor immunity and tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, cell communication analysis based on single-cell transcriptome data was used to investigate the interactions between VM cells and TME. Finally, transcriptional and drug response data from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database were utilized to identify potential therapeutic targets and drugs. The impact of VM on immunotherapy was also further clarified. Results Our study revealed that VRGs were dysregulated in tumor and regulated by multiple mechanisms. Then, VM level was found to be heterogeneous among different tumors and correlated with tumor invasiveness, metastatic potential, malignancy, and prognosis. VM was found to be strongly associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further analyses revealed cancer-associated fibroblasts can promote EMT and VM formation. Furthermore, the immune-suppressive state is associated with a microenvironment characterized by high levels of VM. VM score can be used as an indicator to predict the effect of immunotherapy. Finally, seven potential drugs targeting VM were identified. Conclusion In conclusion, we elucidate the characteristics and key regulatory mechanisms of VM across various cancer types, underscoring the pivotal role of CAFs in VM. VM was further found to be associated with the immunosuppressive TME. We also provide clues for the research of drugs targeting VM. Our study provides an initial overview and reference point for future research on VM, opening up new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liuxun Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xvdong Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengjie Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zhu Q, Zhang X, Lu F, Miao S, Zhang C, Liu Z, Gao Z, Qi M, An X, Geng P, Wang S, Ren H, Han F, Zhang R, Zha D. RUNX1-BMP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38610001 PMCID: PMC11010429 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01605-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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and refers to the formation of fluid channels by invasive tumor cells rather than endothelial cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying VM during the malignant progression of LSCC remain largely unknown. METHODS Gene expression and clinical data for LSCC were obtained from the TCGA and Gene GEO (GSE27020) databases. A risk prediction model associated with VM was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses. Based on their risk scores, patients with LSCC were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. The disparities in immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and functional enrichment between these two groups were examined. The core genes in LSCC were identified using the machine learning (SVM-RFE) and WGCNA algorithms. Subsequently, the involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in VM and metastasis was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by BMP2, western blotting was performed. Additionally, ChIP experiments were employed to identify the key transcription factors responsible for modulating the expression of BMP2. RESULTS We established a new precise prognostic model for LSCC related to VM based on three genes: BMP2, EPO, and AGPS. The ROC curves from both TCGA and GSE27020 validation cohorts demonstrated precision survival prediction capabilities, with the nomogram showing some net clinical benefit. Multiple algorithm analyses indicated BMP2 as a potential core gene. Further experiments suggested that BMP2 promotes VM and metastasis in LSCC. The malignant progression of LSCC is promoted by BMP2 via the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, with the high expression of BMP2 in LSCC resulting from its transcriptional activation by runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). CONCLUSION BMP2 predicts poor prognosis in LSCC, promotes LSCC VM and metastasis through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and is transcriptionally regulated by RUNX1. BMP2 may be a novel, precise, diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarker of LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyu Miao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zejun Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meihao Qi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaogang An
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Panling Geng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - DingJun Zha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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10
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Lai Q, Wan Y, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Tang Q, Chen M, Li Q, Ma K, Xiao P, Luo C, Zhuang X. Hypomethylation-associated LINC00987 downregulation induced lung adenocarcinoma progression by inhibiting the phosphorylation-mediated degradation of SND1. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 38607240 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23722] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation, an epigenetic regulatory mechanism dictating gene transcription, plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of cancer. However, the molecular underpinnings of LINC00987 methylation in the regulation of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain elusive. This study investigated LINC00987 expression in LUAD patients through analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data sets. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays were used to assess LINC00987 expression in LUAD. The bisulfite genomic sequence PCR (BSP) assay was used to determine the methylation levels of the LINC00987 promoter. The interaction between LINC00987 and SND1 was elucidated via immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays. The functional significance of LINC00987 and SND1 in Calu-3 and NCI-H1688 cells was evaluated in vitro through CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, flow cytometry, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) tube formation assays. LINC00987 expression decreased in LUAD concomitant with hypermethylation of the promoter region, while hypomethylation of the LINC00987 promoter in LUAD tissues correlated with tumor progression. Treatment with 5-Aza-CdR augmented LINC00987 expression and inhibited tumor growth. Mechanistically, LINC00987 overexpression impeded LUAD progression and VM through direct binding with SND1, thereby facilitating its phosphorylation and subsequent degradation. Additionally, overexpression of SND1 counteracted the adverse effects of LINC00987 downregulation on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, invasion, and VM in LUAD in vitro. In conclusion, this pioneering study focuses on the expression and function of LINC00987 and reveals that hypermethylation of the LINC00987 gene may contribute to LUAD progression. LINC00987 has emerged as a potential tumor suppressor gene in tumorigenesis through its binding with SND1 to facilitate its phosphorylation and subsequent degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Wan
- Medical Department, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingqian Zhang
- Laboratory of Nonhuman Primate Disease Modeling Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingzhao Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuyue Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Zhuang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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11
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Ackermann M, Werlein C, Plucinski E, Leypold S, Kühnel MP, Verleden SE, Khalil HA, Länger F, Welte T, Mentzer SJ, Jonigk DD. The role of vasculature and angiogenesis in respiratory diseases. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09910-2. [PMID: 38580869 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09910-2] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In European countries, nearly 10% of all hospital admissions are related to respiratory diseases, mainly chronic life-threatening diseases such as COPD, pulmonary hypertension, IPF or lung cancer. The contribution of blood vessels and angiogenesis to lung regeneration, remodeling and disease progression has been increasingly appreciated. The vascular supply of the lung shows the peculiarity of dual perfusion of the pulmonary circulation (vasa publica), which maintains a functional blood-gas barrier, and the bronchial circulation (vasa privata), which reveals a profiled capacity for angiogenesis (namely intussusceptive and sprouting angiogenesis) and alveolar-vascular remodeling by the recruitment of endothelial precursor cells. The aim of this review is to outline the importance of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis in a variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic acute and chronic respiratory diseases such as lung infection, COPD, lung fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Ackermann
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinics of RWTH University, Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
| | | | - Edith Plucinski
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Leypold
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinics of RWTH University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mark P Kühnel
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinics of RWTH University, Aachen, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Stijn E Verleden
- Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hassan A Khalil
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Laboratory of Adaptive and Regenerative Biology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florian Länger
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinics of RWTH University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tobias Welte
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven J Mentzer
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Laboratory of Adaptive and Regenerative Biology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danny D Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinics of RWTH University, Aachen, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
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12
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Louis EK, Abdelkawi IF, Refaiy A, Ahmed AM. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 can promote vasculogenic mimicry and angiogenesis in urothelial carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2024:10.1007/s00428-024-03793-w. [PMID: 38561462 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03793-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a process by which the malignant cells can generate vascular-like structures formed of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive/CD31 negative extracellular matrix independent of angiogenesis and thus promotes tumor progression. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a protein that can modulate tumor angiogenesis; however, its role in regulating tumor angiogenesis and VM formation has not been previously investigated in UC. This study aims to evaluate the role of intra-tumor microvessel density (MVD) (as a surrogate measure of angiogenesis), VM, and NDRG1 in UC and their correlation with different clinicopathologic features, then assess the correlation between them in UC. Sixty specimens of UC of the bladder were included. PAS-CD31 immunohistochemical double staining method was used to evaluate the intra-tumor MVD and VM. Immunohistochemical expression of NDRG1 was also examined. VM and NDRG1 expression were detected in 41.7% and 83.3% of UC specimens respectively. The mean of intra-tumor MVD, VM area, and NDRG1 was significantly higher in tumors with higher grade, lymphovascular invasion, and higher T stage. NDRG1 expression was positively correlated with MVD and VM. We can suggest that MVD, VM, and NDRG1 may serve as poor prognostic markers for UC. The positive correlation between NDRG1 and both MVD and VM may provide the first evidence that NDRG1 can induce tumor angiogenesis and VM in UC which may offer a novel pathway for further therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ereny Kamal Louis
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Islam F Abdelkawi
- Assiut University Urology Hospital,Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abeer Refaiy
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Ahmed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
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13
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Cai X, Wang Z, Lin S, Chen H, Bu H. Ginsenoside Rg3 suppresses vasculogenic mimicry by impairing DVL3-maintained stemness via PAAD cell-derived exosomal miR-204 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Phytomedicine 2024; 126:155402. [PMID: 38350242 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an angiogenesis-independent process that potentially contributes to the poor clinical outcome of anti-angiogenesis therapy in multiple malignant cancers, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Several studies have shown that ginsenoside Rg3, a bioactive component of ginseng, holds considerable potential for cancer treatment. Our previous work has proved that Rg3 can inhibit VM formation in PAAD. However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. PURPOSE To explore the underlying mechanism by which Rg3 affects VM formation in PAAD. METHODS We first investigated the effects of Rg3 on the cellular phenotypes of two PAAD cell lines (SW-1990 and PCI-35), and the expression of EMT- and stemness-related proteins. SW-1990 cells were adopted to construct xenograft models, and the anti-tumor effects of Rg3 in vivo were validated. Subsequently, we isolated the exosomes from the two PAAD cell lines with Rg3 treatment or not, and explored whether Rg3 regulated VM via PAAD cell-derived exosomes. MiRNA sequencing, clinical analysis, and rescue experiments were performed to investigate whether and which miRNA was involved. Subsequently, the target gene of miRNA was predicted using the miRDB website (https://mirdb.org/), and rescue experiments were further conducted to validate those in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Rg3 indeed exhibited excellent anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, with inhibitory effects on EMT and stemness of PAAD cells. More interestingly, Rg3-treated PAAD cell-derived exosomes suppressed the tube-forming ability of HUVEC and PAAD cells, with a decrease in stemness-related protein expression, indicating that Rg3 inhibited both angiogenesis and VM processes. Subsequently, we found that Rg3 induced the up-regulation of miR-204 in PAAD cell-derived exosomes, and miR-204 alone inhibited tube and sphere formation abilities of PAAD cells like exosomes. Specifically, miR-204 down-regulated DVL3 expression, which was involved in regulating cancer cell stemness, and ultimately affected VM. The in vivo experiments further indicated that Rg3-treated SW-1990 cell-derived exosome-inhibited tumor growth, VM formation, and stemness-related protein expression can be abrogated by DVL3 overexpression. CONCLUSION Ginsenoside Rg3 increased the PAAD cell-derived exosomal miR-204 levels, which subsequently inhibited its target genes DVL3 expression in the receptor PAAD cells, and the down-regulated DVL3 broke stemness maintenance, ultimately suppressing VM formation of PAAD. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism by which Rg3 exerted its anti-tumor activity in PAAD via inhibiting VM, and provided a promising strategy to make up for the deficiency of anti-angiogenesis therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufan Cai
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaohong Wang
- Department of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengzhang Lin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, #51 Huzhou Street, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Heqi Bu
- Department of Surgery, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, People's Republic of China
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14
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Liu Y, Li G, Ning J, Zhao Y. Unveiling the experimental proof of the anticancer potential of ginsenoside Rg3 (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:182. [PMID: 38476209 PMCID: PMC10928969 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14315] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg3 (GS-Rg3), a sterol molecule isolated from ginseng, has demonstrated various immunological properties, including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, reversal of drug resistance and enhancement of chemotherapy sensitivity. The recent surge in attention towards GS-Rg3 can be attributed to its potential as an antitumor angiogenesis agent and as a therapeutic candidate for immunotherapy. The development of GS-Rg3 as an agent for these purposes has accelerated research on its mechanisms of action. The present review summarizes recent studies investigating the antitumor activity of GS-Rg3 and its underlying mechanisms, as well as providing essential information for future studies on GS-Rg3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
| | - Guanchu Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
| | - Jinyue Ning
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
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15
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Shi Y, Li W, Jia Q, Wu J, Wu S, Wu S. Inhibition of PD-L1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer may reduce vasculogenic mimicry formation by inhibiting the epithelial mesenchymal transformation process. Exp Cell Res 2024; 437:113996. [PMID: 38508327 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a kind of highly malignant tumor. Studies have shown that Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) may be responsible for dismal prognosis in NSCLC. Immunotherapy with programmed death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) has significantly altered the treatment of assorted cancers, including NSCLC, but its role and mechanism in the formation of Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in NSCLC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of the anti-PD-L1 antibody in the formation of VM in NSCLC and its possible mechanisms. The results showed that anti-PD-L1 antibody therapy could inhibit the growth of NSCLC-transplanted tumors and reduce the formation of VMs. In addition, this study found that anti-PD-L1 antibodies could increase the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related factor E-cadherin. zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is an important transcription factor regulating EMT. Knocking down ZEB1 could significantly inhibit tumor growth, as well as the expression of VE-cadherin and mmp2, while remarkably increase the expression of E-cadherin. During this process, the formation of VM was inhibited by knowing down ZEB1 in both in vitro and in vivo experiments of the constructed ZEB1 knockdown stable transfected cell strains. Therefore, in this study, we found that anti-PD-L1 antibodies may reduce the formation of VMs by inhibiting the EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Anhui, 233000, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Anhui, 233000, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Anhui, 233000, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Anhui, 233000, China
| | - Qianhao Jia
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Anhui, 233000, China
| | - Jiatao Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Shoufan Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Anhui, 233000, China
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Anhui, 230000, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Health, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, 230041, China.
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16
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Hsu JL, Leu WJ, Hsu LC, Hsieh CH, Guh JH. Doxazosin inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in human non‑small cell lung cancer through inhibition of the VEGF‑A/VE‑cadherin/mTOR/MMP pathway. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:170. [PMID: 38455663 PMCID: PMC10918514 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14303] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and ~85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which has a low 5-year overall survival rate and high mortality. Several therapeutic strategies have been developed, such as targeted therapy, immuno-oncotherapy and combination therapy. However, the low survival rate indicates the urgent need for new NSCLC treatments. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an endothelial cell-free tumor blood supply system of aggressive and metastatic tumor cells present during tumor neovascularization. VM is clinically responsible for tumor metastasis and resistance, and is correlated with poor prognosis in NSCLC, making it a potential therapeutic target. In the present study, A549 cells formed glycoprotein-rich lined tubular structures, and transcript levels of VM-related genes were markedly upregulated in VM-forming cells. Based on a drug repurposing strategy, it was demonstrated that doxazosin (an antihypertensive drug) displayed inhibitory activity on VM formation at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Doxazosin significantly reduced the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the cell media during VM formation. Further experiments revealed that the protein expression levels of VEGF-A and vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin), which contribute to tumor aggressiveness and VM formation, were downregulated following doxazosin treatment. Moreover, the downstream signaling Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2)/AKT/mTOR/MMP/Laminin-5γ2 network was inhibited in response to doxazosin treatment. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that doxazosin displayed anti-VM activity in an NSCLC cell model through the downregulation of VEGF-A and VE-cadherin levels, and the suppression of signaling pathways related to the receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA2, protein kinases, AKT and mTOR, and proteases, MMP-2 and MMP-9. These results support the add-on anti-VM effect of doxazosin as a potential agent against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Ling Hsu
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang-Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, R.O.C
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City 236, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wohn-Jenn Leu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Lih-Ching Hsu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City 236, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, R.O.C
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jih-Hwa Guh
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Zhang R, Yao Y, Gao H, Hu X. Mechanisms of angiogenesis in tumour. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1359069. [PMID: 38590656 PMCID: PMC10999665 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1359069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Antiangiogenic factor-targeting drugs have been approved as first line agents in a variety of oncology treatments. Clinical drugs frequently target the VEGF signalling pathway during sprouting angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumours can evade antiangiogenic therapy through other angiogenesis mechanisms in addition to the vascular sprouting mechanism involving endothelial cells. These mechanisms include (1) sprouting angiogenesis, (2) vasculogenic mimicry, (3) vessel intussusception, (4) vascular co-option, (5) cancer stem cell-derived angiogenesis, and (6) bone marrow-derived angiogenesis. Other non-sprouting angiogenic mechanisms are not entirely dependent on the VEGF signalling pathway. In clinical practice, the conversion of vascular mechanisms is closely related to the enhancement of tumour drug resistance, which often leads to clinical treatment failure. This article summarizes recent studies on six processes of tumour angiogenesis and provides suggestions for developing more effective techniques to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Hu
- China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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BAYDOUN HASSAN, KATO YUJI, KAMO HIROKI, HÜSCH ANNA, MIZUTA HAYATO, KAWAHARA RYOTA, SIMIZU SIRO. DPY19L3 promotes vasculogenic mimicry by its C-mannosyltransferase activity. Oncol Res 2024; 32:607-614. [PMID: 38560568 PMCID: PMC10972723 DOI: 10.32604/or.2023.030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
C-mannosylation is a post-translational modification that occurs intracellularly in the endoplasmic reticulum. In humans, biosynthesis of C-mannosylation in proteins containing thrombospondin type 1 repeat is catalyzed by the DPY19 family; nonetheless, biological functions of protein C-mannosylation are not yet fully understood, especially in tumor progression. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the formation of fluid-conducting channels by highly invasive and genetically deregulated tumor cells, enabling the tumors to form matrix-embedded vasculogenic structures, containing plasma and blood cells to meet the metabolic demands of rapidly growing tumors. In this study, we focused on DPY19L3, a C-mannosyltransferase, and aimed to unravel its role in VM. Knockout of DPY19L3 inhibited the formation of VM in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Re-expression of wild-type DPY19L3 recovered VM formation; however, DPY19L3 isoform2, an enzymatic activity-defect mutant, did not restore it, suggesting that the C-mannosyltransferase activity of DPY19L3 is crucial to its function. Furthermore, the knockdown of DPY19L3 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells hindered its network formation ability. Altogether, our findings suggest that DPY19L3 is required for VM formation and stipulate the relevance of C-mannosylation in oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- HASSAN BAYDOUN
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - YUJI KATO
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - HIROKI KAMO
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - ANNA HÜSCH
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72074, Germany
| | - HAYATO MIZUTA
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - RYOTA KAWAHARA
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - SIRO SIMIZU
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
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Alhammadi MA, Bajbouj K, Talaat IM, Hamoudi R. The role of RNA-modifying proteins in renal cell carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:227. [PMID: 38503745 PMCID: PMC10951318 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression is one of the most critical cellular processes. It is controlled by complex mechanisms at the genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels. Any aberration in these mechanisms can lead to dysregulated gene expression. One recently discovered process that controls gene expression includes chemical modifications of RNA molecules by RNA-modifying proteins, a field known as epitranscriptomics. Epitranscriptomics can regulate mRNA splicing, nuclear export, stabilization, translation, or induce degradation of target RNA molecules. Dysregulation in RNA-modifying proteins has been found to contribute to many pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological diseases, among others. This article reviews the role of epitranscriptomics in the pathogenesis and progression of renal cell carcinoma. It summarizes the molecular function of RNA-modifying proteins in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna A Alhammadi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Khuloud Bajbouj
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America.
| | - Iman M Talaat
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 21131, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, NW3 2PS, United Kingdom.
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- BIMAI-Lab, Biomedically Informed Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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20
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Mellinger A, Hersant J, Bourreau C, Lecoq S, Deveze E, Clere N, Henni S. Caliper, contrast enhanced-ultrasound or laser speckle contrast imaging: Techniques to follow mice melanoma growth. J Biophotonics 2024; 17:e202300439. [PMID: 38302735 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300439] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Due to morphological characteristics, metastatic melanoma is a cancer for which vascularization is not a diagnostic criterion. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are two imaging techniques that will be explored in this study, which aims to confirm these two techniques for monitoring tumor vascularization. B16F10 cells were xenografted to C57BL/6 mice treated with anti-PD1 or 0.9% NaCl. Tumor volume was measured daily while CEUS and LSCI were performed weekly. LSCI and CEUS analyses showed a decrease in tumor perfusion in both groups of mice. Although both CEUS and LSCI are useful for measuring tumor volume, LSCI appears to be more robust and effective for monitoring tumor microcirculation. Non-invasive investigations are needed to better predict tumor vascularization: CEUS and LSCI have a good applicability in a mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clara Bourreau
- Univ Angers, Inserm, CNRS, MINT, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Simon Lecoq
- Vascular Medicine, University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Eva Deveze
- Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Nicolas Clere
- Univ Angers, Inserm, CNRS, MINT, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Samir Henni
- Vascular Medicine, University Hospital, Angers, France
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21
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Shaw P, Dwivedi SKD, Bhattacharya R, Mukherjee P, Rao G. VEGF signaling: Role in angiogenesis and beyond. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189079. [PMID: 38280470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189079] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial process for tissue development, repair, and tumor survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key driver secreted by cancer cells, promoting neovascularization. While VEGF's role in angiogenesis is well-documented, its influence on the other aspects in tumor microenvironemt is less discussed. This review elaborates on VEGF's impact on intercellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment, including how VEGF affects pericyte proliferation and migration and mediates interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and cancer cells, resulting in PDL-1-mediated immunosuppression and Nrf2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The review discusses VEGF's involvement in intra-organelle crosstalk, tumor metabolism, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It also provides insights into current anti-VEGF therapies and their limitations in cancer treatment. Overall, this review aims to provide a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge concerning VEGF signaling and its impact, not only on angiogenesis but also on various other oncogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallab Shaw
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Dhar Dwivedi
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Resham Bhattacharya
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Priyabrata Mukherjee
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Geeta Rao
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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22
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Knopik-Skrocka A, Sempowicz A, Piwocka O. Plasticity and resistance of cancer stem cells as a challenge for innovative anticancer therapies - do we know enough to overcome this? EXCLI J 2024; 23:335-355. [PMID: 38655094 PMCID: PMC11036066 DOI: 10.17179/excli2024-6972] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
According to the CSC hypothesis, cancer stem cells are pivotal in initiating, developing, and causing cancer recurrence. Since the identification of CSCs in leukemia, breast cancer, glioblastoma, and colorectal cancer in the 1990s, researchers have actively investigated the origin and biology of CSCs. However, the CSC hypothesis and the role of these cells in tumor development model is still in debate. These cells exhibit distinct surface markers, are capable of self-renewal, demonstrate unrestricted proliferation, and display metabolic adaptation. CSC phenotypic plasticity and the capacity to EMT is strictly connected to the stemness state. CSCs show high resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The plasticity of CSCs is significantly influenced by tumor microenvironment factors, such as hypoxia. Targeting the genetic and epigenetic changes of cancer cells, together with interactions with the tumor microenvironment, presents promising avenues for therapeutic strategies. See also the Graphical abstract(Fig. 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Knopik-Skrocka
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, Poland
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Alicja Sempowicz
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, Poland
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Oliwia Piwocka
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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23
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Wang Y, Zou L, Song M, Zong J, Wang S, Meng L, Jia Z, Zhao L, Han X, Lu M. Establishment of skin cutaneous melanoma prognosis model based on vascular mimicry risk score. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36679. [PMID: 38363903 PMCID: PMC10869071 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036679] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have indicated that Vascular mimicry (VM) could contribute to the unfavorable prognosis of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Thus, the objective of this study was to identify therapeutic targets associated with VM in SKCM and develop a novel prognostic model. Gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By intersecting these DEGs with VM genes, we acquired VM-related DEGs specific to SKCM, and then identified prognostic-related VM genes. A VM risk score system was established based on these prognosis-associated VM genes, and patients were then categorized into high- and low-score groups using the median score. Subsequently, differences in clinical characteristics, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and other analyses were further presented between the 2 groups of patients. Finally, a novel prognostic model for SKCM was established using the VM score and clinical characteristics. 26 VM-related DEGs were identified in SKCM, among the identified DEGs associated with VM in SKCM, 5 genes were found to be prognostic-related. The VM risk score system, comprised of these genes, is an independent prognostic risk factor. There were significant differences between the 2 patient groups in terms of age, pathological stage, and T stage. VM risk scores are associated with epithelial biological processes, angiogenesis, regulation of the SKCM immune microenvironment, and sensitivity to targeted drugs. The novel prognostic model demonstrates excellent predictive ability. Our study identified VM-related prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for SKCM, providing novel insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Wang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Trauma and Tissue Repair Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Linxuan Zou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingzhi Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junwei Zong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Meng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua Medical University, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhuqiang Jia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Naqu People’s Hospital, Tibet, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Quality Management, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Xin Han
- Naqu People’s Hospital, Tibet, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Trauma and Tissue Repair Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
- Department of Trauma and Tissue Repair Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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24
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Reis MBE, Maximo AI, Magno JM, de Lima Bellan D, Buzzo JLA, Simas FF, Rocha HAO, da Silva Trindade E, Camargo de Oliveira C. A Fucose-Containing Sulfated Polysaccharide from Spatoglossum schröederi Potentially Targets Tumor Growth Rather Than Cytotoxicity: Distinguishing Action on Human Melanoma Cell Lines. Mar Biotechnol (NY) 2024; 26:181-198. [PMID: 38273163 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Natural substances are strategic candidates for drug development in cancer research. Marine-derived molecules are of special interest due to their wide range of biological activities and sustainable large-scale production. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from genetic mutations in melanocytes. BRAF, RAS, and NF1 mutations are described as the major melanoma drivers, but approximately 20% of patients lack these mutations and are included in the triple wild-type (tripleWT) classification. Recent advances in targeted therapy directed at driver mutations along with immunotherapy have only partially improved patients' overall survival, and consequently, melanoma remains deadly when in advanced stages. Fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSP) are potential candidates to treat melanoma; therefore, we investigated Fucan A, a FCSP from Spatoglossum schröederi brown seaweed, in vitro in human melanoma cell lines presenting different mutations. Up to 72 h Fucan A treatment was not cytotoxic either to normal melanocytes or melanoma cell lines. Interestingly, it was able to impair the tripleWT CHL-1 cell proliferation (57%), comparable to the chemotherapeutic cytotoxic drug cisplatin results, with the advantage of not causing cytotoxicity. Fucan A increased CHL-1 doubling time, an effect attributed to cell cycle arrest. Vascular mimicry, a close related angiogenesis process, was also impaired (73%). Fucan A mode of action could be related to gene expression modulation, in special β-catenin downregulation, a molecule with protagonist roles in important signaling pathways. Taken together, results indicate that Fucan A is a potential anticancer molecule and, therefore, deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Barbosa E Reis
- Cell Biology Department, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Jessica Maria Magno
- Cell Biology Department, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Lima Bellan
- Cell Biology Department, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Biochemistry Department, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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25
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Yao Q, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang C, Chen J, Chen D. A promising natural killer cell-based model and a nomogram for the prognostic prediction of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:73. [PMID: 38268058 PMCID: PMC10807100 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01659-0] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of prevalent kidney malignancies with an unfavorable prognosis. There is a need for a robust model to predict ccRCC patient survival and guide treatment decisions. METHODS RNA-seq data and clinical information of ccRCC were obtained from the TCGA and ICGC databases. Expression profiles of genes related to natural killer (NK) cells were collected from the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal database. Key NK cell-related genes were identified using consensus clustering algorithms to classify patients into distinct clusters. A NK cell-related risk model was then developed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression to predict ccRCC patient prognosis. The relationship between the NK cell-related risk score and overall survival, clinical features, tumor immune characteristics, as well as response to commonly used immunotherapies and chemotherapy, was explored. Finally, the NK cell-related risk score was validated using decision tree and nomogram analyses. RESULTS ccRCC patients were stratified into 3 molecular clusters based on expression of NK cell-related genes. Significant differences were observed among the clusters in terms of prognosis, clinical characteristics, immune infiltration, and therapeutic response. Furthermore, six NK cell-related genes (DPYSL3, SLPI, SLC44A4, ZNF521, LIMCH1, and AHR) were identified to construct a prognostic model for ccRCC prediction. The high-risk group exhibited poor survival outcomes, lower immune cell infiltration, and decreased sensitivity to conventional chemotherapies and immunotherapies. Importantly, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed significantly high DPYSL3 expression and low SLC44A4 expression in ACHN cells. Finally, the decision tree and nomogram consistently show the dramatic prediction performance of the risk score on the survival outcome of the ccRCC patients. CONCLUSIONS The six-gene model based on NK cell-related gene expression was validated and found to accurately mirror immune microenvironment and predict clinical outcomes, contributing to enhanced risk stratification and therapy response for ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinfan Yao
- Kidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiuyuan Zhang
- Kidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Kidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cuili Wang
- Kidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianghua Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Dajin Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China.
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Herrspiegel C, Plastino F, André H, Stålhammar G. Prognostic implications of tenascin C in peripheral blood and primary tumours at the time of uveal melanoma diagnosis. Can J Ophthalmol 2024:S0008-4182(23)00385-X. [PMID: 38219791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2023.12.002] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prognostic implication of tenascin C (TNC) in posterior uveal melanoma (UM). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 162 patients diagnosed with posterior UM. METHODS A peripheral blood sample was obtained from 82 patients at the time of UM diagnosis between 1996 and 1999. Samples were kept frozen at -80°C until the concentration of TNC was measured in 2021. Primary tumour TNC RNA sequencing data were collected from another 80 patients (The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort). Patients were separated based on median TNC values. Cumulative incidences of metastatic death (UM mortality) from competing risks data were calculated as well as Cox regression hazard ratios. RESULTS Patients with high and low TNC levels had tumours of similar size and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage at Bonferroni-corrected significance levels. The exception was a significantly smaller tumour diameter in patients with high serum TNC levels (p = 0.003). In competing risks analysis, patients with high serum TNC levels (≥7 ng/mL) had a higher UM mortality rate (44% vs 17% at 20 years; p = 0.008). Similarly, patients with higher primary tumour TNC RNA levels (≥1 transcripts per million) had higher UM mortality (83% vs 27% at 5 years; p = 0.003). In multivariate Cox regressions, TNC levels in peripheral blood and primary tumours were predictors of metastatic death independent of American Joint Committee on Cancer stage. CONCLUSIONS TNC is a prognostic biomarker in UM. At the time of primary tumour diagnosis, it is measured in higher levels in both peripheral blood and tumour tissue from patients who will eventually suffer from metastatic death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Herrspiegel
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Flavia Plastino
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gustav Stålhammar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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27
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Fen-Xu, Jiang LH, Chen-Fu, Feng WW, Zhou CJ. CRD-BP as a Tumor Marker of Colorectal Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:169-176. [PMID: 37990428 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206256546231108095912] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The National Cancer Center published a comparative report on cancer data between China and the United States in the Chinese Medical Journal, which shows that colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks second in China and fourth in the United States. It is worth noting that since 2000, the case fatality rate of CRC in China has skyrocketed, while the United States has gradually declined. Finding tumor markers with high sensitivity and specificity is our primary goal to reduce the case fatality rate of CRC. Studies have shown that CRD-BP (Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1) can affect a variety of signaling pathways, such as Wnt.nuclear factor KB (NF-κB), and Hedgehog, and has good biological effects as a therapeutic target for CRC. CRD-BP is expected to become a tumor marker with high sensitivity and specificity of CRC. This paper reviews the research on CRD-BP as a tumor marker of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Liaoning Command, Liaoning 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Liang-Hong Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Liaoning Command, Liaoning 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chen-Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Liaoning Command, Liaoning 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei-Wei Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Liaoning Command, Liaoning 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chang-Jiang Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University, Liaoning Command, Liaoning 116000, Liaoning Province, China
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Qin LN, Zhang H, Li QQ, Wu T, Cheng SB, Wang KW, Shi Y, Ren HR, Xing XW, Yang C, Sun T. Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) hijacks twist1 to inhibit vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2024; 14:436-450. [PMID: 38164156 PMCID: PMC10750215 DOI: 10.7150/thno.90322] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Vitamin D (VD) has been suggested to have antitumor effects, however, research on the role of its transporter vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP, gene name as GC) in tumors is limited. In this study, we demonstrated the mechanism underlying the inhibition of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) by VDBP in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and proposed an anti-tumor strategy of combining anti-PD-1 therapy with VD. Methods: Three-dimensional cell culture models and mice with hepatocyte-specific GC deletion were utilized to study the correlation between VDBP expression and VM. A patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model was further applied to validate the therapeutic efficacy of VD in combination with an anti-PD-1 drug. Results: The study revealed that VDBP expression is negatively correlated with VM in HCC patients and elevated VDBP expression is associated with a favorable prognosis. The mechanism studies suggested VDBP hindered the binding of Twist1 on the promoter of VE-cadherin by interacting with its helix-loop-helix DNA binding domain, ultimately leading to the inhibition of VM. Furthermore, VD facilitated the translocation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) into the nucleus where VDR interacts with Yin Yang 1 (YY1), leading to the transcriptional activation of VDBP. We further demonstrated that the combination of VD and anti-PD-1 led to an improvement in the anti-tumor efficacy of an anti-PD-1 drug. Conclusion: Collectively, we identified VDBP as an important prognostic biomarker in HCC patients and uncovered it as a therapeutic target for enhancing the efficacy of immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-ning Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing-qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan-bin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai-wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao-ran Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue-wu Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Zhang L, Wu J, Yin WW, Hu J, Liao L, Ma J, Xu Z, Wu S. Vasculogenic mimicry-associated novel gene signature predicted prognosis and response to immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155048. [PMID: 38147724 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155048] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS It was highlighted by recent studies on the biological significance of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in tumorigenicity and progression. However, it is unclear whether VM also plays a potential role in immune regulation and tumor microenvironment (TME) formation. METHODS To identify patterns of VM alterations and VM-associated genetic features in non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, we have screened 309 VM regulators and performed consensus molecular typing by the NMF algorithm. The ssGSEA and CIBORSORT algorithms were employed to measure the relative infiltration of distinct immune cell subpopulations. Individual tumors with immune responses were evaluated for alteration patterns of VM with typing-based differential genes. RESULTS In 490 LUAD samples, two distinctive VM alteration patterns connected to different clinical outcomes and biochemical pathways were established. TME characterization showed that the observed VM patterns were primarily saturated with cell proliferation and metabolic pathways and higher in immune cell infiltration of the C1 type. Vasculogenic mimicry-related genes (VMRG) risk scores were constructed to divide patients with lung adenocarcinoma into subgroups with high and low scores. Patients with lower scores had better immunological scores and longer survival times. Upon further investigation, higher scores were positively correlated with higher tumor mutation burden (TMB), M1-type macrophages and immune checkpoint molecules. Nevertheless, in two other immunotherapy cohorts, individuals with lower scores had enhanced immune responses and long-lasting therapeutic benefits. Finally, we monitored the ANLN gene from the VMRG model, which was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and negatively correlated with prognosis; it was also highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and knockdown of ANLN elicited low expression of VEGFA, MMP2 and MMP9. CONCLUSION This study highlights that VM modifications are significantly associated with the diversity and complexity of TME, revealing new features of the immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma and providing a new strategy for immunotherapy. Screening ANLN as a critical target for vasculogenic mimicry in lung adenocarcinoma provides a novel perspective for the targeted treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Anhui Province 233080, China
| | - Jiatao Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease,Molecular Diagnosis Center,First Affiliated Hospital,Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - Wei Wei Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Anhui Province 233080, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Anhui Province 233080, China
| | - Lingli Liao
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, the First People's Hospital of Yibin, Sichuan Province 644000, China
| | - Junjie Ma
- Bengbu Medical University, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Ziwei Xu
- Bengbu Medical University, Anhui Province 233030, China
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease,Molecular Diagnosis Center,First Affiliated Hospital,Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, China; Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei 230041, China.
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Li S, Yang Z, Li Y, Zhao N, Yang Y, Zhang S, Jiang M, Wang J, Sun H, Xie Z. Preoperative prediction of vasculogenic mimicry in lung adenocarcinoma using a CT radiomics model. Clin Radiol 2024; 79:e164-e173. [PMID: 37940444 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.09.027] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To develop and validate a non-invasive computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model for predicting vasculogenic mimicry (VM) status in lung adenocarcinoma (LA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred and three patients with LA were enrolled retrospectively and grouped into training and test groups with a ratio of 7:3. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in the training cohort to screen the independent clinical and radiological factors for VM, and the clinical model was then established. A radiomics model was established based on the rad-scores through support vector machine (SVM). A radiomics nomogram model was subsequently constructed by combining the rad-score with clinical-radiological factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were conducted to evaluate the performance of the three models. RESULTS Nine selected radiomics features were selected for the radiomics model and the maximum length and spiculation sign were constructed for the clinical model. The radiomics nomogram model integrating the maximum length, spiculation sign, and rad-score yielded the best AUC in both the training (AUC = 0.925) and test cohorts (AUC = 0.978), in comparison with the radiomics model (AUC = 0.907 and 0.964, in both the training and test cohorts) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.834 and 0.836 in both training and test cohorts). CONCLUSIONS The CT-based radiomics nomogram model showed satisfying discriminating performance for preoperatively and non-invasively predicting VM expression status in LA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Department of Medical Imaging Diagnostics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Z Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Y Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - N Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Y Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - S Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - M Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - J Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - H Sun
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Z Xie
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Department of Medical Imaging Diagnostics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China.
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Fornieles G, Núñez MI, Expósito J. Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer after Radiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:527. [PMID: 38203696 PMCID: PMC10778974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is among the ten most frequent tumours, with 5-year survival rates varying from 30% to 70% depending on the stage and location of the tumour. HNC is traditionally known as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), since 90% arises from epithelial cells. Metastasis remains a major cause of mortality in patients with HNSCC. HNSCC patients with metastatic disease have an extremely poor prognosis with a survival rate of less than a year. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been described as biomarkers that promote cell migration and invasion. Radiotherapy is widely used to treat HNSCC, being a determining factor in the alteration of the tumour's biology and microenvironment. This review focuses on analysing the current state of the scientific literature on this topic. Although few studies have focused on the role of these proteinases in HNC, some authors have concluded that radiotherapy alters the behaviour of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Therefore, more research is needed to understand the roles played by MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) as prognostic biomarkers in patients with HNC and their involvement in the response to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Fornieles
- Doctoral Programme in Clinical Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | - María Isabel Núñez
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - José Expósito
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Radiation Oncology Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18014 Granada, Spain
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Mirjat D, Kashif M, Roberts CM. Shake It Up Baby Now: The Changing Focus on TWIST1 and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer and Other Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17539. [PMID: 38139368 PMCID: PMC10743446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for healthy neural crest migration, mesoderm development, and gastrulation. It functions as a key regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which cells lose their polarity and gain the ability to migrate. EMT is often reactivated in cancers, where it is strongly associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Early work on TWIST1 in adult tissues focused on its transcriptional targets and how EMT gave rise to metastatic cells. In recent years, the roles of TWIST1 and other EMT factors in cancer have expanded greatly as our understanding of tumor progression has advanced. TWIST1 and related factors are frequently tied to cancer cell stemness and changes in therapeutic responses and thus are now being viewed as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight non-metastatic roles for TWIST1 and related EMT factors in cancer and other disorders, discuss recent findings in the areas of therapeutic resistance and stemness in cancer, and comment on the potential to target EMT for therapy. Further research into EMT will inform novel treatment combinations and strategies for advanced cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dureali Mirjat
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Cai M. Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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Mitra D, Saha D, Das G, Mukherjee R, Banerjee S, Alam N, Mustafi SM, Nath P, Majumder A, Majumder B, Murmu N. Lupeol synergizes with 5-fluorouracil to combat c-MET/EphA2 mediated chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer. iScience 2023; 26:108395. [PMID: 38047085 PMCID: PMC10692664 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108395] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most elusive subtype of breast cancer that encounters treatment dilemmas owing to the paucity of druggable targets. We found hyperactivation of c-MET and ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) in patients treated with 5FU driven chemotherapy which correlated with lower disease-free survival. However, silencing of both these genes resulted in a marked decrease in the invasive, migratory, and tumorigenic potential of TNBC cells, indicating that a dual target strategy is actionable. Lupeol is a phytochemical, with potent anticancer efficacy and minimal side effects in preclinical studies. A synergistic strategy with 5FU and Lupeol elicited promising anticancer responses in vitro, in vivo, and in patient-derived ex vivo tumor culture models. This synergistic regimen is effective, even in the presence of HGF, which mechanistically orchestrates the activation of c-MET and EphA2. These data lay the foundation for the clinical validation of this combination therapy for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarpan Mitra
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Depanwita Saha
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Gaurav Das
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Rimi Mukherjee
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Samir Banerjee
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Neyaz Alam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Saunak Mitra Mustafi
- Department of Pathology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Partha Nath
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Anuj Majumder
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Suite #317, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Brookline High School, 115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA 02445, USA
| | - Biswanath Majumder
- Departments of Molecular Profiling, Cancer Biology and Molecular Pathology, Mitra Biotech, Bangalore, India
| | - Nabendu Murmu
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
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Fu J, Yu L, Yan H, Tang S, Wang Z, Dai T, Chen H, Zhang S, Hu H, Liu T, Tang S, He R, Zhou H. LncRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1297198. [PMID: 38152110 PMCID: PMC10751344 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with a serious impact on human health and life. The identification of NSCLC at an early stage is a formidable task that frequently culminates in a belated diagnosis. LncRNA is a kind of noncoding RNA with limited protein-coding capacity, and its expression is out of balance in many cancers, especially NSCLC. A large number of studies have reported that lncRNA acts a vital role in regulating angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells, affecting the occurrence and development of NSCLC. Abundant evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in characterizing the functional mechanism of lncRNAs involved in the development of NSCLC and further discuss the role of lncRNAs in NSCLC therapy and chemotherapy resistance. We also discuss the advantages, limitations, and challenges of using lncRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in the management of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Department of Physical Examination, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
| | - Hang Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shengjie Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Haoyu Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Haiyang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
| | - Shoujun Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
| | - Rong He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
| | - Haining Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, An Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Suining, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Institute of Surgery, Graduate School, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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Ribatti D, Annese T, Tamma R. Vascular co-option in resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1323350. [PMID: 38148844 PMCID: PMC10750409 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1323350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Three different mechanisms of neovascularization have been described in tumor growth, including sprouting angiogenesis, intussusceptive microvascular growth and glomeruloid vascular proliferation. Tumors can also grow by means of alternative mechanisms including vascular co-option, vasculogenic mimicry, angiotropism, and recruitment of endothelial precursor cells. Vascular co-option occurs in tumors independently of sprouting angiogenesis and the non-angiogenic cancer cells are described as exploiting pre-existing vessels. Vascular co-option is more frequently observed in tumors of densely vascularized organs, including the brain, lung and liver, and vascular co-option represents one of the main mechanisms involved in metastasis, as occurs in liver and lung, and resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. The aim of this review article is to analyze the role of vascular co-option as mechanism through which tumors develop resistance to anti-angiogenic conventional therapeutic approaches and how blocking co-option can suppress tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Libera Università del Mediterraneo (LUM) Giuseppe Degennaro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Han M, Sun H, Zhou Q, Liu J, Hu J, Yuan W, Sun Z. Effects of RNA methylation on Tumor angiogenesis and cancer progression. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:198. [PMID: 38053093 PMCID: PMC10698974 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01879-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis plays vital roles in the growth and metastasis of cancer. RNA methylation is one of the most common modifications and is widely observed in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Accumulating studies have revealed that RNA methylation affects the occurrence and development of various tumors. In recent years, RNA methylation has been shown to play an important role in regulating tumor angiogenesis. In this review, we mainly elucidate the mechanisms and functions of RNA methylation on angiogenesis and progression in several cancers. We then shed light on the role of RNA methylation-associated factors and pathways in tumor angiogenesis. Finally, we describe the role of RNA methylation as potential biomarker and novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Junhong Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Huang S, Wang X, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Zheng H. SOX2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry by accelerating glycolysis via the lncRNA AC005392.2-GLUT1 axis in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:791. [PMID: 38044399 PMCID: PMC10694132 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06274-1] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a new model of angiogenesis, fulfills the metabolic demands of solid tumors and contributes to tumor aggressiveness. Our previous study demonstrated the effect of SOX2 in promoting VM in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanisms behind this effect remain elusive. Here, we show that SOX2 overexpression enhanced glycolysis and sustained VM formation via the transcriptional activation of lncRNA AC005392.2. Suppression of either glycolysis or AC005392.2 expression curbed SOX2-driven VM formation in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, SOX2 combined with the promoter of AC005392.2, which decreased H3K27me3 enrichment and thus increased its transcriptional activity. Overexpression of AC005392.2 increased the stability of GLUT1 protein by enhancing its SUMOylation, leading to a decrease in the ubiquitination and degradation of GLUT1. Accumulation of GLUT1 contributed to SOX2-mediated glycolysis and VM. Additionally, clinical analyses showed that increased levels of AC005392.2, GLUT1, and EPHA2 expression were positively correlated with SOX2 and were also associated with poor prognoses in patients with CRC. Our study conclusively demonstrates that the SOX2-lncRNA AC005392.2-GLUT1 signaling axis regulates VM formation in CRC, offering a foundation for the development of new antiangiogenic drugs or new drug combination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimiao Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yin Zhu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoxuan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
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Cui J, Liu X, Dong W, Liu Y, Ruan X, Zhang M, Wang P, Liu L, Xue Y. SNORD17-mediated KAT6B mRNA 2'-O-methylation regulates vasculogenic mimicry in glioblastoma cells. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2841-2860. [PMID: 37058271 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09805-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary tumor in the intracranial compartment. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a process in which a pipeline of tumor cells that provide blood support to carcinogenic cells is formed, and studying VM could provide a new strategy for clinical targeted treatment of GBM. In the present study, we found that SNORD17 and ZNF384 were significantly upregulated and promoted VM in GBM, whereas KAT6B was downregulated and inhibited VM in GBM. RTL-P assays were performed to verify the 2'-O-methylation of KAT6B by SNORD17; IP assays were used to detect the acetylation of ZNF384 by KAT6B. In addition, the binding of ZNF384 to the promoter regions of VEGFR2 and VE-cadherin promoted transcription, as validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. And finally, knockdown of SNORD17 and ZNF384 combined with KAT6B overexpression effectively reduced the xenograft tumor size, prolonged the survival time of nude mice and reduced the number of VM channels. This study reveals a novel mechanism of the SNORD17/KAT6B/ZNF384 axis in modulating VM development in GBM that may provide a new goal for the comprehensive treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Cui
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xiaobai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Weiwei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xuelei Ruan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Mengyang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Libo Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yixue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Lin C, Wang J, Ma Y, Han W, Cao Y, Shao M, Cui S. Effect of a 630 nm light on vasculogenic mimicry in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 44:103831. [PMID: 37806608 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103831] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the formation of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line in vitro. METHODS The participants were divided into a blank control group, a photosensitizer group, a light group, and a PDT group. Cells from each group were cultured in three dimensions using Matrigel, and vasculogenic mimicry generation was observed microscopically. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was used to verify the vasculogenic mimicry structure. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of cellular osteopontin (OPN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of cellular OPN and VEGF protein. RESULTS A549 cells cultured on Matrigel for about six hours revealed VM on PAS staining, and the number of formations was significantly reduced in the PDT group compared with other groups (P < 0.05). The RT-PCR results showed that the PDT group downregulated OPN and VEGF mRNA expression compared with each control group (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that OPN and VEGF protein expression was downregulated in the PDT group compared with each control group (P < 0.05). The results of RT-PCR showed that the expression of OPN and VEGF mRNA was downregulated in the PDT group compared with each control group (P < 0.05). The results of Western blotting showed that the expression of OPN and VEGF was downregulated in the protein PDT group compared with each control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Photodynamic therapy significantly inhibited the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in vitro and downregulated the expression of OPN, VEGF mRNA, and protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunzhi Lin
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yijiang Ma
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Weizhong Han
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yiwei Cao
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Mingju Shao
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shichao Cui
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Tao J, Yin Z, Li X, Zhang Y, Zhang K, Yang Y, Fang S, Wang S. Correlation between IVIM parameters and microvessel architecture: direct comparison of MRI images and pathological slices in an orthotopic murine model of rhabdomyosarcoma. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:8576-8584. [PMID: 37368112 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09835-2] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the correlation between intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters and microvessel architecture (microvessel density (MVD), vasculogenic mimicry (VM), and pericyte coverage index (PCI)) in an orthotopic murine model of rhabdomyosarcoma. METHODS The murine model was established by injecting rhabdomyosarcoma-derived (RD) cells into the muscle. Nude mice underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and IVIM examinations with ten b values (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 2000 s/mm2). D, D*, and f values were calculated with the ADW4.7 workstation. MRI images and pathological slices were directly compared to ensure that radiology parameters accurately reflect pathology. MVD, VM, PCI, and cellularity were obtained by histological analysis. The correlations were assessed between IVIM parameters (D, D*, f, and fD* values) and pathological markers (MVD, VM, PCI, and cellularity). RESULTS The average of D, D*, f, and fD* values were 0.55 ± 0.07 × 10-3 mm2/s, 5.25 ± 0.73 × 10-3 mm2/s, 13.39 ± 7.68%, and 0.73 ± 0.49 × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively. The average of MVD, VM, PCI, and cellularity were 41.91 ± 10.98, 1.16 ± 0.83, 0.49 ± 0.18, and 39.15 ± 9.00%. D*, f, and fD* values showed a positive correlation with MVD separately, while the D value did not correlate with MVD. D value negatively correlated to VM moderately, and other parameters did not associate with VM. D* and fD* values were positively correlated with PCI, but no correlation was observed between other parameters and PCI. CONCLUSIONS IVIM may evaluate the tumor microvessel architecture. D*, f, and fD* may reflect the endothelial lining blood vessel; D could indirectly reflect the VM; D* and fD* could reflect PCI(the normal degree of the tumor blood vessel). CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT An intravoxel incoherent motion may be useful in assessing rhabdomyosarcoma microvessel structure to predict the target and effectiveness of anti-angiogenic therapy. KEY POINTS • IVIM may be used to evaluate the tumor microvessel architecture in the mouse rhabdomyosarcoma model. • The MRI-pathology control method achieves correspondence between MRI slices and pathology slices, which ensures the consistency of the ROI of MRI and the pathology observation region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yin
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Xiangwen Li
- Department of Radiology and Institute of Medical Functional and Molecular Imaging, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqizhong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Yanyu Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Shaobo Fang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Shaowu Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, China.
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Yan L, Li R, Li D, Zhu Y, Lv Z, Wang B. Development of a novel vasculogenic mimicry-associated gene signature for the prognostic assessment of osteosarcoma patients. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:3501-3518. [PMID: 37219824 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03218-1] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS) is a form of primary bone malignancy associated with poor prognostic outcomes. Recent work has highlighted vasculogenic mimicry (VM) as a key mechanism that supports aggressive tumor growth. The patterns of VM-associated gene expression in OS and the relationship between these genes and patient outcomes, however, have yet to be defined. METHODS Here, 48 VM-related genes were systematically assessed to examine correlations between the expression of these genes and OS patient prognosis in the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) cohort. Patients were classified into three OS subtypes. Differentially expressed genes for these three OS subtypes were then compared with hub genes detected in a weighted gene co-expression network analysis, leading to the identification of 163 overlapping genes that were subject to further biological activity analyses. A three-gene signature (CGREF1, CORT, and GALNT14) was ultimately constructed through a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis, and this signature was used to separate patients into low- and high-risk groups. The K-M survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and decision curve analysis were adopted to evaluate the prognostic prediction performance of the signature. Furthermore, the expression patterns of three genes derived from the prognostic model were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS VM-associated gene expression patterns were successfully established, and three VM subtypes of OS that were associated with patient prognosis and copy number variants were defined. The developed three-gene signature was constructed, which served as independent prognostic markers and prediction factors for the clinicopathological features of OS. Finally, lastly, the signature may also have a guiding effect on the sensitivity of different chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSION Overall, these analyses facilitated the development of a prognostic VM-associated gene signature capable of predicting OS patient outcomes. This signature may be of value for both studies of the mechanistic basis for VM and clinical decision-making in the context of OS patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ruoqi Li
- General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Dijun Li
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhi Lv
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Shie WY, Chu PH, Kuo MYP, Chen HW, Lin MT, Su XJ, Hong YL, Chou HYE. Acidosis promotes the metastatic colonization of lung cancer via remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vasculogenic mimicry. Int J Oncol 2023; 63:136. [PMID: 37888615 PMCID: PMC10631766 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidosis is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment caused by the metabolic switch from glucose oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. It has been associated with tumor growth and progression; however, the precise mechanism governing how acidosis promotes metastatic dissemination has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, a long‑term acidosis model was established using patient‑derived lung cancer cells, to identify critical components of metastatic colonization via transcriptome profiling combined with both in vitro and in vivo functional assays, and association analysis using clinical samples. Xenograft inoculates of 1 or 10 acidotic cells mimicking circulating tumor cell clusters were shown to exhibit increased tumor incidence compared with their physiological pH counterparts. Transcriptomics revealed that profound remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) occurred in the acidotic cells, including upregulation of the integrin subunit α‑4 (ITGA4) gene. In clinical lung cancer, ITGA4 expression was found to be upregulated in primary tumors with metastatic capability, and this trait was retained in the corresponding secondary tumors. Expression of ITGA4 was markedly upregulated around the vasculogenic mimicry structures of the acidotic tumors, while acidotic cells exhibited a higher ability of vasculogenic mimicry in vitro. Acidosis was also found to induce the enrichment of side population cells, suggesting an enhanced resistance to noxious attacks of the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, these results demonstrated that acidosis actively contributed to tumor metastatic colonization, and novel mechanistic insights into the therapeutic management and prognosis of lung cancer were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yi Shie
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pin-Hsuan Chu
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Mark Yen-Ping Kuo
- Department of Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Huei-Wen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Meng-Tie Lin
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Xuan-Jie Su
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Ling Hong
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Han-Yi Elizabeth Chou
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Center for Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Li Z, Zhang Z, Fang L, Zhao J, Niu Z, Chen H, Cao G. Tumor Microenvironment Composition and Related Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:2083-2099. [PMID: 38022729 PMCID: PMC10676104 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s436962] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75%-95%. The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of the extracellular matrix, helper cells, immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, promotes the immune escape, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Tumor metastasis and postoperative recurrence are the main threats to the long-term prognosis of HCC. TME-related therapies are increasingly recognized as effective treatments. Molecular-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and their combined therapy are the main approaches. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and targeted therapy, highlighted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have greatly improved the prognosis of HCC. This review focuses on the TME compositions and emerging therapeutic approaches to TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishuai Li
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Letian Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheyun Niu
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongsen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
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Huang J, Wang C, Hou Y, Tian Y, Li Y, Zhang H, Zhang L, Li W. Molecular mechanisms of Thrombospondin-2 modulates tumor vasculogenic mimicry by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115455. [PMID: 37696083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115455] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) differs from the classical tumor angiogenesis model. VM does not depend on endothelial cells; instead, highly aggressive tumor cells mimic endothelial cells to form a vascular-like channel structure. VM mediated by tumor cells is significantly and positively associated with a poor prognosis and low survival rates in patients with highly aggressive cancer. In the treatment of highly aggressive malignancies, the presence of VM is considered an important reason for the unsatisfactory clinical efficacy of anti-tumor-angiogenesis therapy (e.g., therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A). Many targeted therapeutic drugs based on traditional tumor blood vessels have been used clinically. Although some progress has been made in certain tumors, problems such as drug resistance have restricted the expected therapeutic effects. Thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) is one of the most important genes associated with angiogenesis, and this gene exerts angiogenesis-related functions through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is closely related to the progression of VM, the mechanism by which the promising biomarker THBS2 participates in and regulates tumor VM by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is unclear. In this review, we analyze the monomer structure and biological activity of THBS2, the structure and potential synthesis mechanisms of VM, and the complex mechanisms between THBS2, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yixuan Hou
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanru Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Wei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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Abstract
Following the process of vasculogenesis during development, angiogenesis generates new vascular structures through a variety of different mechanisms or modes. These different modes of angiogenesis involve, for example, increasing microvasculature density by sprouting of endothelial cells, splitting of vessels to increase vascular surface area by intussusceptive angiogenesis, fusion of capillaries to increase blood flow by coalescent angiogenesis, and the recruitment of non-endothelial cells by vasculogenic mimicry. The recent reporting on coalescent angiogenesis as a new mode of vessel formation warrants a brief overview of angiogenesis mechanisms to provide a more complete picture. The journal Angiogenesis is devoted to the delineation of the different modes and mechanisms that collectively dictate blood vessel formation, inhibition, and function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, & The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Nowosad A, Marine JC, Karras P. Perivascular niches: critical hubs in cancer evolution. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:897-910. [PMID: 37453870 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.010] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are heterogeneous ecosystems in which cancer cells coexist within a complex tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The malignant, stromal, and immune cell compartments establish a plethora of bidirectional cell-cell communication crosstalks that influence tumor growth and metastatic dissemination, which we are only beginning to understand. Cancer cells either co-opt or promote the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels to cope with their need for nutrients and oxygen. Recent studies have highlighted additional key roles for the tumor vasculature and have identified the perivascular niche as a cellular hub, where intricate and dynamic cellular interactions promote cancer stemness, immune evasion, dormancy, and metastatic spreading. Here, we review these findings, and discuss how they may be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Nowosad
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Grizzi F, Hegazi MAAA, Zanoni M, Vota P, Toia G, Clementi MC, Mazzieri C, Chiriva-Internati M, Taverna G. Prostate Cancer Microvascular Routes: Exploration and Measurement Strategies. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2034. [PMID: 37895416 PMCID: PMC10608780 DOI: 10.3390/life13102034] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is acknowledged as a pivotal feature in the pathology of human cancer. Despite the absence of universally accepted markers for gauging the comprehensive angiogenic activity in prostate cancer (PCa) that could steer the formulation of focused anti-angiogenic treatments, the scrutiny of diverse facets of tumoral blood vessel development may furnish significant understanding of angiogenic processes. Malignant neoplasms, encompassing PCa, deploy a myriad of strategies to secure an adequate blood supply. These modalities range from sprouting angiogenesis and vasculogenesis to intussusceptive angiogenesis, vascular co-option, the formation of mosaic vessels, vasculogenic mimicry, the conversion of cancer stem-like cells into tumor endothelial cells, and vascular pruning. Here we provide a thorough review of these angiogenic mechanisms as they relate to PCa, discuss their prospective relevance for predictive and prognostic evaluations, and outline the prevailing obstacles in quantitatively evaluating neovascularization via histopathological examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mohamed A. A. A. Hegazi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Matteo Zanoni
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Mater Domini, Castellanza, 21053 Varese, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.V.); (G.T.); (M.C.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Paolo Vota
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Mater Domini, Castellanza, 21053 Varese, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.V.); (G.T.); (M.C.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Giovanni Toia
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Mater Domini, Castellanza, 21053 Varese, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.V.); (G.T.); (M.C.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Maria Chiara Clementi
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Mater Domini, Castellanza, 21053 Varese, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.V.); (G.T.); (M.C.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Cinzia Mazzieri
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Mater Domini, Castellanza, 21053 Varese, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.V.); (G.T.); (M.C.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Gianluigi Taverna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Mater Domini, Castellanza, 21053 Varese, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.V.); (G.T.); (M.C.C.); (C.M.)
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48
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Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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49
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Altvater B, Kailayangiri S, Spurny C, Flügge M, Meltzer J, Greune L, Urban K, Schwöppe C, Brand C, Schliemann C, Hintelmann H, Harrach S, Hartmann W, Abken H, Kuehle J, Schambach A, Görlich D, Berdel WE, Rossig C. CAR T cells as micropharmacies against solid cancers: Combining effector T-cell mediated cell death with vascular targeting in a one-step engineering process. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1355-1368. [PMID: 37391502 PMCID: PMC10581901 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
To enhance the potency of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells in solid cancers, we designed a novel cell-based combination strategy with an additional therapeutic mode of action. CAR T cells are used as micropharmacies to produce a targeted pro-coagulatory fusion protein, truncated tissue factor (tTF)-NGR, which exerts pro-coagulatory activity and hypoxia upon relocalization to the vascular endothelial cells that invade tumor tissues. Delivery by CAR T cells aimed to induce locoregional tumor vascular infarction for combined immune-mediated and hypoxic tumor cell death. Human T cells that were one-vector gene-modified to express a GD2-specific CAR along with CAR-inducible tTF-NGR exerted potent GD2-specific effector functions while secreting tTF-NGR that activates the extrinsic coagulation pathway in a strictly GD2-dependent manner. In murine models, the CAR T cells infiltrated GD2-positive tumor xenografts, secreted tTF-NGR into the tumor microenvironment and showed a trend towards superior therapeutic activity compared with control cells producing functionally inactive tTF-NGR. In vitro evidence supports a mechanism of hypoxia-mediated enhancement of T cell cytolytic activity. We conclude that combined CAR T cell targeting with an additional mechanism of antitumor action in a one-vector engineering strategy is a promising approach to be further developed for targeted treatment of solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Altvater
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sareetha Kailayangiri
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Christian Spurny
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maike Flügge
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jutta Meltzer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lea Greune
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Katja Urban
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Brand
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Heike Hintelmann
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Saliha Harrach
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kuehle
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Görlich
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Berdel
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM), University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM), University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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50
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Tian X, Si Q, Liu M, Shi J, Zhao R, Xiong Y, Yu L, Cui H, Guan H. Advance in vasculogenic mimicry in ovarian cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:456. [PMID: 37736556 PMCID: PMC10509778 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14043] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common and highly prevalent malignant tumor in women, associated with a high mortality rate, easy recurrence and easy metastasis, which is predominantly at an advanced stage when detected in patients. This renders the cancer more difficult to treat, and consequently it is also associated with a low survival rate, being the malignancy with the highest mortality rate among the various gynecological tumors. As an important factor affecting the development and metastasis of OC, understanding the underlying mechanism(s) through which it is formed and developed is crucial in terms of its treatment. At present, the therapeutic methods of angiogenic mimicry for OC remain in the preliminary stages of exploration and have not been applied in actual clinical practice. In the present review, various signaling pathways and factors affecting angiogenic mimicry in OC were described, and the chemical synthetic drugs, natural compound extracts, small-molecule protein antibodies and their associated targets, and so on, that target angiogenic mimicry in the treatment of OC, were discussed. The purpose of this review was to provide new research ideas and potential theoretical support for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for OC that may be applied in the clinic, with the aim of effectively reducing its metastasis and recurrence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Qin Si
- Scientific Research Department, Inner Mongolia Cancer Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Menghe Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Rongwei Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Surgery Department of Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 017000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Cui
- Scientific Research Department, Peking University Cancer Hospital (Inner Mongolia Campus)/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
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