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Yuan Y, Wu D, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Tan C, Nie X, Zhao Z, Hou J. Wnt signaling: Modulating tumor-associated macrophages and related immunotherapeutic insights. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116154. [PMID: 38513742 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are highly conserved cascades that mediate multiple biological processes through canonical or noncanonical pathways, from embryonic development to tissue maintenance, but they also contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous cancers. Recent studies have revealed that Wnt signaling pathways critically control the interplay between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and potentially impact the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the evidence that Wnt signaling pathways boost the maturation and infiltration of macrophages for immune surveillance in the steady state but also polarize TAMs toward immunosuppressive M2-like phenotypes for immune escape in the TME. Both cancer cells and TAMs utilize Wnt signaling to transmit signals, and this interaction is crucial for the carcinogenesis and progression of common solid cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, hepatocellular, breast, thyroid, prostate, kidney, and lung cancers; osteosarcoma; and glioma. Specifically, compared with those in solid cancers, Wnt signaling pathways play a distinct role in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Efforts to develop Wnt-based drugs for cancer treatment are still ongoing, and some indeed enhance the anticancer immune response. We believe that the combination of Wnt signaling-based therapy with conventional or immune therapies is a promising therapeutic approach and can facilitate personalized treatment for most cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Dapeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yifan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Cong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Zhenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Junqing Hou
- Kaifeng 155 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group Co. Ltd., Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
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Kleszcz R, Paluszczak J, Belka M, Krajka-Kuźniak V. PRI-724 and IWP-O1 Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors Modulate the Expression of Glycolytic Enzymes in Tongue Cancer Cell Lines. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9579-9592. [PMID: 38132445 PMCID: PMC10742556 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120599] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of energetic metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Indeed, the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells depends heavily on glycolytic activity, which can be considered a potential therapeutic target. Wnt signaling is one of the pathways that undergoes upregulation in HNSCC. Our previous studies have shown that Wnt signaling inhibitors-PRI-724 and IWP-O1-attenuate tongue SCC survival and reduce glucose uptake and lactate release. The aim of this research was to further evaluate the possible mechanisms of the previously observed effects. We assessed the effect of PRI-724 and IWP-O1 on the expression of selected glycolytic enzymes: phosphofructokinase M, pyruvate kinase M2, and lactate dehydrogenase. Relative transcript expression was assessed by real-time PCR, and protein levels by Western blot. Moreover, clinical data concerning mRNA and protein expression, gene promoter methylation, and HNSCC patients' survival time were analyzed by the UALCAN tool, and protein-protein interaction was assessed using the STRING database. Experimental and bioinformatic data confirmed the relation between Wnt signaling and glycolytic enzymes in tongue cancer cells and HNSCC clinical samples. Overall, the inhibition of glucose metabolism by Wnt signaling inhibitors is a promising mode of action against tongue cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kleszcz
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.); (M.B.); (V.K.-K.)
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Heregger R, Huemer F, Steiner M, Gonzalez-Martinez A, Greil R, Weiss L. Unraveling Resistance to Immunotherapy in MSI-High Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5090. [PMID: 37894457 PMCID: PMC10605634 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205090] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Incidences of early CRC cases are increasing annually in high-income countries, necessitating effective treatment strategies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown significant clinical efficacy in various cancers, including CRC. However, their effectiveness in CRC is limited to patients with mismatch-repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) disease, which accounts for about 15% of all localized CRC cases and only 3% to 5% of metastatic CRC cases. However, the varied response among patients, with some showing resistance or primary tumor progression, highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Elements involved in shaping the response to ICIs, such as tumor microenvironment, immune cells, genetic changes, and the influence of gut microbiota, are not fully understood thus far. This review aims to explore potential resistance or immune-evasion mechanisms to ICIs in dMMR/MSI-H CRC and the cell types involved, as well as possible pitfalls in the diagnosis of this particular subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Heregger
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria (F.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Florian Huemer
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria (F.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Markus Steiner
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria (F.H.); (M.S.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alejandra Gonzalez-Martinez
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria (F.H.); (M.S.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria (F.H.); (M.S.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Lukas Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria (F.H.); (M.S.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Zhang X, Yu X. Crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and DNA damage response in cancer: a new direction for overcoming therapy resistance. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1230822. [PMID: 37601042 PMCID: PMC10433774 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1230822] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays an important role in regulating the biological behavior of cancers, and many drugs targeting this signaling have been developed. Recently, a series of research have revealed that Wnt signaling could regulate DNA damage response (DDR) which is crucial for maintaining the genomic integrity in cells and closely related to cancer genome instability. Many drugs have been developed to target DNA damage response in cancers. Notably, different components of the Wnt and DDR pathways are involved in crosstalk, forming a complex regulatory network and providing new opportunities for cancer therapy. Here, we provide a brief overview of Wnt signaling and DDR in the field of cancer research and review the interactions between these two pathways. Finally, we also discuss the possibility of therapeutic agents targeting Wnt and DDR as potential cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaofeng Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Wolf L, Boutros M. The role of Evi/Wntless in exporting Wnt proteins. Development 2023; 150:286996. [PMID: 36763105 PMCID: PMC10112924 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201352] [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] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication by Wnt proteins governs many essential processes during development, tissue homeostasis and disease in all metazoans. Many context-dependent effects are initiated in the Wnt-producing cells and depend on the export of lipidated Wnt proteins. Although much focus has been on understanding intracellular Wnt signal transduction, the cellular machinery responsible for Wnt secretion became better understood only recently. After lipid modification by the acyl-transferase Porcupine, Wnt proteins bind their dedicated cargo protein Evi/Wntless for transport and secretion. Evi/Wntless and Porcupine are conserved transmembrane proteins, and their 3D structures were recently determined. In this Review, we summarise studies and structural data highlighting how Wnts are transported from the ER to the plasma membrane, and the role of SNX3-retromer during the recycling of its cargo receptor Evi/Wntless. We also describe the regulation of Wnt export through a post-translational mechanism and review the importance of Wnt secretion for organ development and cancer, and as a future biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Wolf
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Seliger B, Massa C. Modulation of Lymphocyte Functions in the Microenvironment by Tumor Oncogenic Pathways. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883639. [PMID: 35663987 PMCID: PMC9160824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the broad application of different immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of solid as well as hematopoietic cancers, the efficacy of these therapies is still limited, with only a minority of patients having a long-term benefit resulting in an improved survival rate. In order to increase the response rates of patients to the currently available immunotherapies, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the intrinsic and/or extrinsic resistance to treatment is required. There exist increasing evidences that activation of different oncogenic pathways as well as inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) in tumor cells inhibit the immune cell recognition and influegnce the composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus leading to an impaired anti-tumoral immune response. A deeper understanding of the link between the tumor milieu and genomic alterations of TSGs and oncogenes is indispensable for the optimization of immunotherapies and to predict the patients’ response to these treatments. This review summarizes the role of different cancer-related, oncogene- and TSG-controlled pathways in the context of anti-tumoral immunity and response to different immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Arend RC, Scalise CB, Gordon ER, Davis AM, Foxall ME, Johnston BE, Crossman DK, Cooper SJ. Metabolic alterations and WNT signaling impact immune response in HGSOC. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1433-1445. [PMID: 35031546 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study used transcriptomic and metabolomic strategies to determine the molecular profiles of HGSOC patient samples derived from primary tumor and ascites cells. These data identified clinically relevant heterogeneity among and within patients and highlighted global and patient-specific cellular responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Tissue from 61 treatment naïve patients with HGSOC were collected. In addition, 11 benign, 32 ascites, and 18 post-NACT samples (matched to the individual patient's pre-NACT sample) were collected. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on all samples collected. Two-dimensional spatial proteomic data was collected for two pairs of pre-and post-NACT. Untargeted metabolomics data using GCxGC-MS was generated for 30 treatment-naive tissues. Consensus clustering, analysis of differential expression, pathway enrichment, and survival analyses were performed. RESULTS Treatment-naïve HGSOC tissues had distinct transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles. The mesenchymal subtype harbored a metabolomic profile distinct from the other subtypes. Compared to primary tumor tissue, ascites showed significant changes in immune response and signaling pathways. NACT caused significant alterations in gene expression and WNT activity, and this corresponded to altered immune response. Overall, WNT signaling levels were inversely correlated with immune cell infiltration in HGSOC tissues and WNT signaling post-NACT was inversely correlated with progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Our study concluded that HGSOC is a heterogenous disease at baseline and growing molecular differences can be observed between primary tumor and ascites cells or within tumors in response to treatment. Our data reveal potential exploratory biomarkers relevant for treatment selection and predicting patient outcomes that warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Arend
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | | | | | - Allison M Davis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | | | | | | | - Sara J Cooper
- S. Cooper Lab, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
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Dholakia J, Scalise CB, Katre AA, Goldsberry WN, Meza-Perez S, Randall TD, Norian LA, Novak L, Arend RC. Sequential modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway enhances tumor-intrinsic MHC I expression and tumor clearance. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 164:170-180. [PMID: 34844776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progress in immunotherapy use for gynecologic malignancies is hampered by poor tumor antigenicity and weak T cell infiltration of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation demonstrated patient benefit in clinical trials as well as enhanced immune cell recruitment in preclinical studies. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pathways by which Wnt/β-catenin modulation facilitates a more immunotherapy-favorable TME. METHODS Human tumor samples and in vivo patient-derived xenograft and syngeneic murine models were administered Wnt/β-catenin modulating agents DKN-01 and CGX-1321 individually or in sequence. Analytical methods included immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine/chemokine array, and RNA sequencing. RESULTS DKK1 blockade via DKN-01 increased HLA/MHC expression in human and murine tissues, correlating with heightened expression of known MHC I regulators: NFkB, IL-1, LPS, and IFNy. PORCN inhibition via CGX-1321 increased production of T cell chemoattractant CXCL10, providing a mechanism for observed increases in intra-tumoral T cells. Diverse leukocyte recruitment was noted with elevations in B cells and macrophages, with increased tumor expression of population-specific chemokines. Sequential DKK1 blockade and PORCN inhibition decreased tumor burden as evidenced by reduced omental weights. CONCLUSIONS Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation increases MHC I expression and promotes tumor leukocytic infiltration, facilitating a pro-immune TME associated with decreased tumor burden. This intervention overcomes common tumor immune-evasion mechanisms and may render ovarian tumors susceptible to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhalak Dholakia
- University of Alabama in Birmingham, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Carly B Scalise
- University of Alabama in Birmingham, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Ashwini A Katre
- University of Alabama in Birmingham, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Whitney N Goldsberry
- University of Alabama in Birmingham, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Selene Meza-Perez
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Troy D Randall
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; University of Alabama at Birmingham, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Lyse A Norian
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Nutrition Sciences, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Lea Novak
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Rebecca C Arend
- University of Alabama in Birmingham, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; University of Alabama at Birmingham, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
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Ding DN, Xie LZ, Shen Y, Li J, Guo Y, Fu Y, Liu FY, Han FJ. Insights into the Role of Oxidative Stress in Ovarian Cancer. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2021; 2021:8388258. [PMID: 34659640 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8388258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) arises when the body is subjected to harmful endogenous or exogenous factors that overwhelm the antioxidant system. There is increasing evidence that OS is involved in a number of diseases, including ovarian cancer (OC). OC is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, and risk factors include genetic factors, age, infertility, nulliparity, microbial infections, obesity, smoking, etc. OS can promote the proliferation, metastasis, and therapy resistance of OC, while high levels of OS have cytotoxic effects and induce apoptosis in OC cells. This review focuses on the relationship between OS and the development of OC from four aspects: genetic alterations, signaling pathways, transcription factors, and the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, strategies to target aberrant OS in OC are summarized and discussed, with a view to providing new ideas for clinical treatment.
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Latour M, Her NG, Kesari S, Nurmemmedov E. WNT Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8428. [PMID: 34445128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The WNT (Wingless/Integrated) signaling pathway is implicated in various stages of glioblastoma, which is an aggressive brain tumor for which therapeutic options are limited. WNT has been recognized as a hallmark of therapeutic challenge due to its context-dependent role and critical function in healthy tissue homeostasis. In this review, we deeply scrutinize the WNT signaling pathway and its involvement in the genesis of glioblastoma as well as its acquired therapy resistance. We also provide an analysis of the WNT pathway in terms of its therapeutic importance in addition to an overview of the current targeted therapies under clinical investigation.
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Wang L, Liu J, Tai J, Zhou N, Huang T, Xue Y, Quan Z. A prospective study revealing the role of an immune-related eRNA, WAKMAR2, in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15328. [PMID: 34321580 PMCID: PMC8319425 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are a subclass of non-coding RNAs that are generated during the transcription of enhancer regions and play an important role in tumourigenesis. In this study, we focused on the crucial eRNAs that participate in immune responses in invasive breast cancer (IBC). We first used The Cancer Genome Atlas and Human enhancer RNA Atlas to screen for tissue-specific eRNAs and their target genes. Through Pearson correlation analysis with immune genes, the eRNA WAKMAR2 was identified as a key candidate involved in IBC. Our further research suggested that WAKMAR2 is crucial in regulating the tumour microenvironment and may function by regulating immune-related genes, including IL27RA, RAC2, FABP7, IGLV1-51, IGHA1, and IGHD. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of WAKMAR2 in IBC and normal tissues, and the effect of WAKMAR2 on the regulation of downstream genes in MB-231 and MCF7 cells was studied in vitro. WAKMAR2 was found to be highly involved in tumour immunity and was downregulated in IBC tissues. Furthermore, the expression of WAKMAR2 and its target genes was observed at the pan-cancer level. This study provides evidence to suggest new potential targets for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linbang Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingkun Liu
- Honghui Hospital, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Jiaojiao Tai
- Honghui Hospital, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Nian Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Tianji Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuzhou Xue
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhengxue Quan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Amodio V, Mauri G, Reilly NM, Sartore-Bianchi A, Siena S, Bardelli A, Germano G. Mechanisms of Immune Escape and Resistance to Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies in Mismatch Repair Deficient Metastatic Colorectal Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2638. [PMID: 34072037 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A subset of colorectal cancers (CRCs) is characterized by a mismatch repair deficiency that is frequently associated with microsatellite instability (MSI). The compromised DNA repair machinery leads to the accumulation of tumor neoantigens affecting the sensitivity of MSI metastatic CRC to immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), both upfront and in later lines of treatment. However, up to 30% of MSI CRCs exhibit primary resistance to frontline immune based therapy, and an additional subset develops acquired resistance. Here, we first discuss the clinical and molecular features of MSI CRCs and then we review how the loss of antigenicity, immunogenicity, and a hostile tumor microenvironment could influence primary and acquired resistance to CPIs. Finally, we describe strategies to improve the outcome of MSI CRC patients upon CPI treatment. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) represent an effective therapeutic strategy for several different types of solid tumors and are remarkably effective in mismatch repair deficient (MMRd) tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The prevalent view is that the elevated and dynamic neoantigen burden associated with the mutator phenotype of MMRd fosters enhanced immune surveillance of these cancers. In addition, recent findings suggest that MMRd tumors have increased cytosolic DNA, which triggers the cGAS STING pathway, leading to interferon-mediated immune response. Unfortunately, approximately 30% of MMRd CRC exhibit primary resistance to CPIs, while a substantial fraction of tumors acquires resistance after an initial benefit. Profiling of clinical samples and preclinical studies suggests that alterations in the Wnt and the JAK-STAT signaling pathways are associated with refractoriness to CPIs. Intriguingly, mutations in the antigen presentation machinery, such as loss of MHC or Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), are implicated in initial immune evasion but do not impair response to CPIs. In this review, we outline how understanding the mechanistic basis of immune evasion and CPI resistance in MMRd CRC provides the rationale for innovative strategies to increase the subset of patients benefiting from CPIs.
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Xiong K, Niu J, Zheng R, Liu Z, Song Y, Wang L, Zhu C, Fan L. The Role of β-Catenin in Th1 Immune Response against Tuberculosis and Profiles of Expression in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6625855. [PMID: 33628846 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6625855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Catenin is a key molecule of canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Its roles and expression profiles in T cells of tuberculosis (TB) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of β-catenin in CD4+ T cells and its expression characteristics in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). In this study, CD4+ T cell-specific β-catenin conditional knockout mice (β-CAT-cKO mice) were aerosol infected with Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) H37RV with wild-type mice as controls. Four weeks after infection, the mRNA expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TCF-7 in the lungs of mice was measured. CD4, CD8, β-catenin, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in mononuclear cells from the lungs and spleens were measured by flow cytometry, and the pathological changes of lungs were also observed. Patients with PTB were enrolled, with blood samples collected and PBMCs isolated. The expressions of β-catenin, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and PD-1 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Results showed a decreased frequency of and reduced IFN-γ/TNF-α mRNA expression and secretion by CD4+ T cells in the lungs of infected β-CAT-cKO mice compared with infected wild-type controls, and only slightly more inflammatory changes were observed in the lungs. β-catenin expressions in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly decreased in blood cells of patients with severe PTB compared with those in mild PTB. The stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with lithium chloride (LiCl), a stimulant of β-catenin, resulted in the increase in CD4+ T cell frequency, as well as their secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α. β-Catenin demonstrated a moderately positive correlation with PD-1 in CD4+ T cells. β-Catenin along with PD-1 and IFN-γ in CD4+ T cells had a high correlation with those in CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, β-catenin may be involved in the regulation of Th1 response and CD4+ T cell frequency in TB.
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Wall JA, Meza-Perez S, Scalise CB, Katre A, Londoño AI, Turbitt WJ, Randall T, Norian LA, Arend RC. Manipulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote anti-tumor immune infiltration into the TME to sensitize ovarian cancer to ICB therapy. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:285-294. [PMID: 33168307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy shows limited efficacy in ovarian cancers due to the "cold" immune phenotype surrounding these tumors. Previous studies have shown that in ovarian cancer Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation contributes to this immune phenotype. Here, we evaluated the anti-tumor and immune-enhancing properties of the Wnt inhibitor, CGX-1321, used alone or in combination with either DKN-01 or anti-PD-1 therapy, in pre-clinical ovarian cancer models. METHODS The parental ID8 murine ovarian cancer model harboring a knock-out of p53 (ID8p53-/-) and MISIIR-Tag spontaneous ovarian cancer models were used to test the effects of CGX-1321 alone or in combination therapies on tumor burden and immune cell landscape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Flow cytometry and NanoString analyses were used to characterize the changes in tumor-intrinsic signaling and immune-related profiles in the TME of ovarian cancer in response to treatments. RESULTS CGX-1321 significantly reduced tumor burden and constrained tumor progression in the ID8p53-/- and MISIIR-Tag models. Furthermore, CGX-1321 increased infiltrating CD8+ T cells in the TME. Combining CGX-1321 with either DKN-01 or anti-PD-1 therapy also decreased tumor burden and increased CD8+ T cell infiltration in the omentum TME but did not do so to a greater extent that CGX-1321 monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS CGX-1321 significantly reduced tumor burden and enhanced CD8+ T cell levels in ovarian cancer, nevertheless the addition of DKN-01 or anti-PD-1 therapies did not enhance these effects of CGX-1321. Further investigation is needed to determine if CGX-1321 + DKN-01 combination treatment sensitizes pre-clinical ovarian cancer to ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Wall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - S Meza-Perez
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - C B Scalise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - A Katre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - A I Londoño
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - W J Turbitt
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - T Randall
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - L A Norian
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - R C Arend
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Chow S, Berek JS, Dorigo O. Development of Therapeutic Vaccines for Ovarian Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E657. [PMID: 33167428 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest of all gynecologic malignancies. Our expanding knowledge of ovarian cancer immunology has allowed the development of therapies that generate systemic anti-tumor immune responses. Current immunotherapeutic strategies include immune checkpoint blockade, cellular therapies, and cancer vaccines. Vaccine-based therapies are designed to induce both adaptive and innate immune responses directed against ovarian cancer associated antigens. Tumor-specific effector cells, in particular cytotoxic T cells, are activated to recognize and eliminate ovarian cancer cells. Vaccines for ovarian cancer have been studied in various clinical trials over the last three decades. Despite evidence of vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses, the majority of vaccines have not shown significant anti-tumor efficacy. Recently, improved vaccine development using dendritic cells or synthetic platforms for antigen presentation have shown promising clinical benefits in patients with ovarian cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of therapeutic vaccine development in ovarian cancer, discuss proposed mechanisms of action, and summarize the current clinical experience.
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McMellen A, Woodruff ER, Corr BR, Bitler BG, Moroney MR. Wnt Signaling in Gynecologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4272. [PMID: 32560059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer, affect hundreds of thousands of women worldwide every year. Wnt signaling, specifically Wnt/β-catenin signaling, has been found to play an essential role in many oncogenic processes in gynecologic malignancies, including tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance. As such, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has the potential to be a target for effective treatment, improving patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the importance of the Wnt signaling pathways in the development, progression, and treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
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