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Soldani C, De Simone G, Polidoro MA, Morabito A, Franceschini B, Colombo FS, Anselmo A, Milana F, Lleo A, Torzilli G, Pastorelli R, Donadon M, Brunelli L. Riboflavin-LSD1 axis participates in the in vivo tumor-associated macrophage morphology in human colorectal liver metastases. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:63. [PMID: 38430255 PMCID: PMC10908638 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03645-1] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), TAM morphology correlates with prognosis, with smaller TAMs (S-TAMs) conferring a more favorable prognosis than larger TAMs (L-TAMs). However, the metabolic profile of in vivo human TAM populations remains unknown. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to freshly isolate S- and L-TAMs from surgically resected CLM patients (n = 14S-, 14L-TAMs). Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analyses were implemented for the metabolic characterization of TAM populations. Gene expression analysis and protein activity were used to support the biochemical effects of the enzyme-substrate link between riboflavin and (lysine-specific demethylase 1A, LSD1) with TAM morphologies. L-TAMs were characterized by a positive correlation and a strong association between riboflavin and TAM morphologies. Riboflavin in both L-TAMs and in-vitro M2 polarized macrophages modulates LSD1 protein expression and activity. The inflammatory stimuli promoted by TNFα induced the increased expression of riboflavin transporter SLC52A3 and LSD1 in M2 macrophages. The modulation of the riboflavin-LSD1 axis represents a potential target for reprogramming TAM subtypes, paving the way for promising anti-tumor therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Soldani
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Immunopathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia De Simone
- Laboratory of Metabolites and Proteins in Translational Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, Università degli Studi Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Immunopathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurelia Morabito
- Laboratory of Metabolites and Proteins in Translational Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Immunopathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Simone Colombo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Struttura Complessa di Patologia Clinica, Laboratorio di Citometria, Milano, Italy
| | - Achille Anselmo
- Flow Cytometry Resource, Advanced Cytometry Technical Application Laboratory, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Flavio Milana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele - Milan, Italy
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele - Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele - Milan, Italy
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Pastorelli
- Laboratory of Metabolites and Proteins in Translational Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Immunopathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
- Department of General Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital, Novara, Italy.
| | - Laura Brunelli
- Laboratory of Metabolites and Proteins in Translational Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy.
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Carbonara F, Feola T, Gianno F, Polidoro MA, Di Crescenzo RM, Arcella A, De Angelis M, Morace R, de Alcubierre D, Esposito V, Giangaspero F, Jaffrain-Rea ML. Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Gonadotroph Pituitary Tumors According to the WHO Classification. Endocr Pathol 2024; 35:1-13. [PMID: 38095839 PMCID: PMC10944444 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-023-09794-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Since 2017, hormone-negative pituitary neuroendocrine tumors expressing the steroidogenic factor SF1 have been recognized as gonadotroph tumors (GnPT) but have been poorly studied. To further characterize their bio-clinical spectrum, 54 GnPT defined by immunostaining for FSH and/or LH (group 1, n = 41) or SF1 only (group 2, n = 13) were compared and studied for SF1, βFSH, βLH, CCNA2, CCNB1, CCND1, caspase 3, D2R, and AIP gene expression by qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry for AIP and/or D2R was performed in representative cases. Overall, patients were significantly younger in group 1 (P = 0.040 vs group 2), with a similar trend excluding recurrent cases (P = 0.078), and no significant difference in gender, tumor size, invasion or Ki67. SF1 expression was similar in both groups but negatively correlated with the patient's age (P = 0.013) and positively correlated with βLH (P < 0.001) expression. Beta-FSH and AIP were significantly higher in group 1 (P = 0.042 and P = 0.024, respectively). Ki67 was unrelated to gonadotroph markers but positively correlated with CCNB1 (P = 0.001) and negatively correlated with CCND1 (P = 0.008). D2R and AIP were strongly correlated with each other (P < 0.001), and both positively correlated with SF1, βFSH, βLH, and CCND1. AIP immunopositivity was frequently observed in both groups, with a similar median score, and unrelated to Ki67. D2R immunostaining was best detected with a polyclonal antibody and mostly cytoplasmic. This study indicates that hormone-negative GnPT tend to occur in older patients but do not significantly differ from other GnPT in terms of invasion or proliferation. It also points out the current limits of D2R immunostaining in such tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carbonara
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Tiziana Feola
- Neuromed IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome (RM), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Neuromed IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome (RM), Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Crescenzo
- Neuromed IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Dario de Alcubierre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome (RM), Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Esposito
- Neuromed IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, La Sapienza University of Rome (RM), Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Neuromed IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome (RM), Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
- Neuromed IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy.
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Polidoro MA, Ferrari E, Soldani C, Franceschini B, Saladino G, Rosina A, Mainardi A, D’Autilia F, Pugliese N, Costa G, Donadon M, Torzilli G, Marzorati S, Rasponi M, Lleo A. Cholangiocarcinoma-on-a-chip: A human 3D platform for personalised medicine. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100910. [PMID: 38074504 PMCID: PMC10698278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary liver tumour characterised by a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Available 3D human CCA models fail to faithfully recapitulate the tumour niche. We aimed to develop an innovative patient-specific CCA-on-chip platform. METHODS A CCA tumour microenvironment was recapitulated on a microfluidic three-channel chip using primary CCA cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, and T cells isolated from CCA specimens (n = 6). CAF and CCA cells were co-cultured in the central channel, flanked by endothelial cells in one lateral channel, recreating a tubular structure. An extensive characterisation of this platform was carried out to investigate its diffusion ability, hydrogel properties, and changes in matrix composition. Cell phenotype and functional properties were assessed. RESULTS Primary cells seeded on the microfluidic device were shown to reproduce the architectural structure and maintain the original phenotype and functional properties. The tumour niche underwent a deep remodelling in the 3D device, with an increase in hydrogel stiffness and extracellular matrix deposition, mimicking in vivo CCA characteristics. T cells were incorporated into the device to assess its reliability for immune cell interaction studies. Higher T cell migration was observed using cells from patients with highly infiltrated tumours. Finally, the drug trial showed the ability of the device to recapitulate different drug responses based on patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS We presented a 3D CCA platform that integrates the major non-immune components of the tumour microenvironment and the T cell infiltrate, reflecting the CCA niche. This CCA-on-chip represents a reliable patient-specific 3D platform that will be of help to further elucidate the biological mechanisms involved in CCA and provide an efficient tool for personalised drug testing. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS An innovative patient-specific cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)-on-chip platform was successfully developed, integrating the major components of the tumour microenvironment (tumour cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune infiltrate) and faithfully mimicking the CCA niche. This CCA-on-chip represents a powerful tool for unravelling disease-associated cellular mechanisms in CCA and provides an efficient tool for personalised drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Ferrari
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saladino
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Rosina
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Mainardi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesca D’Autilia
- Unit of Advanced Optical Microscopy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Pugliese
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Costa
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of General Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Gazzillo A, Volponi C, Soldani C, Polidoro MA, Franceschini B, Lleo A, Bonavita E, Donadon M. Cellular Senescence in Liver Cancer: How Dying Cells Become "Zombie" Enemies. Biomedicines 2023; 12:26. [PMID: 38275386 PMCID: PMC10813254 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010026] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. The heterogeneity of its tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major contributing factor of metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. Regrettably, late diagnosis makes most liver cancer patients ineligible for surgery, and the frequent failure of non-surgical therapeutic options orientates clinical research to the investigation of new drugs. In this context, cellular senescence has been recently shown to play a pivotal role in the progression of chronic inflammatory liver diseases, ultimately leading to cancer. Moreover, the stem-like state triggered by senescence has been associated with the emergence of drug-resistant, aggressive tumor clones. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have emerged to investigate senescence-associated hepatocarcinogenesis and its derived therapies, leading to promising results. In this review, we intend to provide an overview of the recent evidence that unveils the role of cellular senescence in the most frequent forms of primary and metastatic liver cancer, focusing on the involvement of this mechanism in therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Gazzillo
- Cellular and Molecular Oncoimmunology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (A.G.); (C.V.); (E.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy;
| | - Camilla Volponi
- Cellular and Molecular Oncoimmunology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (A.G.); (C.V.); (E.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy;
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (C.S.); (M.A.P.); (B.F.)
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (C.S.); (M.A.P.); (B.F.)
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (C.S.); (M.A.P.); (B.F.)
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy;
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (C.S.); (M.A.P.); (B.F.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bonavita
- Cellular and Molecular Oncoimmunology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (A.G.); (C.V.); (E.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy;
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (C.S.); (M.A.P.); (B.F.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of General Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Cauli E, Polidoro MA, Marzorati S, Bernardi C, Rasponi M, Lleo A. Cancer-on-chip: a 3D model for the study of the tumor microenvironment. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:53. [PMID: 37592292 PMCID: PMC10436436 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of anticancer therapeutic strategies is still slowed down by the lack of models able to faithfully reproduce in vivo cancer physiology. On one hand, the conventional in vitro models fail to recapitulate the organ and tissue structures, the fluid flows, and the mechanical stimuli characterizing the human body compartments. On the other hand, in vivo animal models cannot reproduce the typical human tumor microenvironment, essential to study cancer behavior and progression. This study reviews the cancer-on-chips as one of the most promising tools to model and investigate the tumor microenvironment and metastasis. We also described how cancer-on-chip devices have been developed and implemented to study the most common primary cancers and their metastatic sites. Pros and cons of this technology are then discussed highlighting the future challenges to close the gap between the pre-clinical and clinical studies and accelerate the approval of new anticancer therapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cauli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Accelera Srl, Nerviano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Milana F, Polidoro MA, Famularo S, Lleo A, Boldorini R, Donadon M, Torzilli G. Surgical Strategies for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Resection: A Review of Current Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020508. [PMID: 36672457 PMCID: PMC9856445 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020508] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, and both liver resection and liver transplantation are considered potentially curative options. However, high recurrence rates affect the prognosis depending both on the primary HCC pathology characteristics or on the type and time of the relapse. While great attention has been usually posted on treatment algorithms for the first HCC, treatment algorithms for recurrent HCC (rHCC) are lacking. In these cases, surgery still represents a curative option with both redo hepatectomy and/or salvage liver transplantation, which are considered valid treatments in selected patients. In the current era of personalised medicine with promises of new systemic-targeted immuno-chemotherapies, we wished to perform a narrative review of the literature on the role of surgical strategies for rHCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Milana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Simone Famularo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, NO, Italy
- Department of Pathology, University Maggiore Hospital, 28100 Novara, NO, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, NO, Italy
- Department of General Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital, 28100 Novara, NO, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
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Polidoro MA, Ferrari E, Marzorati S, Lleo A, Rasponi M. Experimental liver models: From cell culture techniques to microfluidic organs-on-chip. Liver Int 2021; 41:1744-1761. [PMID: 33966344 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is one of the most studied organs of the human body owing to its central role in xenobiotic and drug metabolism. In recent decades, extensive research has aimed at developing in vitro liver models able to mimic liver functions to study pathophysiological clues in high-throughput and reproducible environments. Two-dimensional (2D) models have been widely used in screening potential toxic compounds but have failed to accurately reproduce the three-dimensionality (3D) of the liver milieu. To overcome these limitations, improved 3D culture techniques have been developed to recapitulate the hepatic native microenvironment. These models focus on reproducing the liver architecture, representing both parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells, as well as cell interactions. More recently, Liver-on-Chip (LoC) models have been developed with the aim of providing physiological fluid flow and thus achieving essential hepatic functions. Given their unprecedented ability to recapitulate critical features of the liver cellular environments, LoC have been extensively adopted in pathophysiological modelling and currently represent a promising tool for tissue engineering and drug screening applications. In this review, we discuss the evolution of experimental liver models, from the ancient 2D hepatocyte models, widely used for liver toxicity screening, to 3D and LoC culture strategies adopted for mirroring a more physiological microenvironment for the study of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Ferrari
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.,Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Polidoro MA, Mikulak J, Cazzetta V, Lleo A, Mavilio D, Torzilli G, Donadon M. Tumor microenvironment in primary liver tumors: A challenging role of natural killer cells. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4900-4918. [PMID: 32952338 PMCID: PMC7476172 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i33.4900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, several studies have been focused on elucidate the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development and progression. Within TME, cells from adaptive and innate immune system are one of the main abundant components. The dynamic interactions between immune and cancer cells lead to the activation of complex molecular mechanisms that sustain tumor growth. This important cross-talk has been elucidate for several kind of tumors and occurs also in patients with liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Liver is well-known to be an important immunological organ with unique microenvironment. Here, in normal conditions, the rich immune-infiltrating cells cooperate with non-parenchymal cells, such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, favoring self-tolerance against gut antigens. The presence of underling liver immunosuppressive microenvironment highlights the importance to dissect the interaction between HCC and iCCA cells with immune infiltrating cells, in order to understand how this cross-talk promotes tumor growth. Deeper attention is, in fact, focused on immune-based therapy for these tumors, as promising approach to counteract the intrinsic anti-tumor activity of this microenvironment. In this review, we will examine the key pathways underlying TME cell-cell communications, with deeper focus on the role of natural killer cells in primary liver tumors, such as HCC and iCCA, as new opportunities for immune-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Cazzetta
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
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Polidoro MA, Milana F, Soldani C, Franceschini B, Anselmo A, Colombo FS, Di Tommaso L, Cimino M, Carnevale S, Lleo A, Jaillon S, Torzilli G, Donadon M. Impact of RAS mutations on the immune infiltrate of colorectal liver metastases: A preliminary study. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:715-721. [PMID: 32108374 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ab0220-608r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog KRAS proto-oncogene is the most common altered gene in colorectal cancer (CRC). Determining its mutational status, which is associated with worse prognosis and resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, is essential for managing patients with CRC and colon liver metastases (CLM). Emerging studies highlighted the relationship of KRAS-mutated cancers and tumor microenvironment components, mainly with T cells. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of CLM immune cell infiltrate with KRAS mutational status. We performed a retrospective study on paraffin-embedded CLM tissue sections from patients surgically resected at the Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery of Humanitas Clinical and Cancer Center. We studied the distribution of lymphocytes (CD3+ cells), macrophages (CD163+), and neutrophils (CD66b+) in CLM tumoral and peritumoral area. Percentage of positive cells was correlated with tumor macroscopic characteristic, clinical aspects, and KRAS mutation. We observed a significant increase in CD66b+ cells in the peritumoral area in patients KRAS-mutated compared to KRAS wild-type patients. Percentages of lymphocytes and macrophages did not show significant differences. Further, neutrophils were found to be significantly increased also in the bloodstream of KRAS-mutated patients, indicating increased mobilization of neutrophils and recruitment in the CLM site. In conclusion, this study reveals a new intriguing aspect of the peritumoral microenvironment, which could pave the way for new prognostic and predictive markers for patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Milana
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Achille Anselmo
- Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Cimino
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sebastien Jaillon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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10
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Polidoro MA, Rotondi S, Morace R, Rostomyan L, Colapietro A, Arcella A, Ventura L, Angelucci A, Giangaspero F, Esposito V, Beckers A, Jaffrain-Rea ML. Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARα) in Non-Somatotroph Pituitary Tumours and the Effects of PPARα Agonists on MMQ Cells. Horm Metab Res 2018; 50:640-647. [PMID: 30021235 DOI: 10.1055/a-0633-2706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) has been involved in the regulation of somatotroph tumour cells and may be targeted by different drugs, some of them are in current clinical use. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of PPARα in additional phenotypes of pituitary adenomas (PA), the relationship between PPARα and its potential molecular partner aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) in these tumours, and the effects of PPARα agonists on lactotroph cells. Seventy-five human PA - 57 non-functioning (NFPA) and 18 prolactinomas (PRL-PA) - were characterised for PPARα and AIP expression by real time RT-PCR and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the effects of fenofibrate and WY 14 643 on MMQ cells were studied in vitro. PPARα was expressed in a majority of PA. PPARα immunostaining was observed in 93.7% PRL-PA vs. 60.6% NFPA (p=0.016), the opposite being found for AIP (83.3% in NFPA vs. 43.7% in PRL-PA, p=0.003). PPARα expression was unrelated to gonadotroph differentiation in NFPA, but positively correlated with tumour volume in PRL-PA. Both drugs significantly reduced MMQ cell growth at high concentrations (100-200 μM). At the same time, despite modest stimulating effects on PRL secretion were observed, these were overcome by the reduction in cell number. In conclusion, PPARα is commonly expressed by PRL-PA and NFPA, regardless of AIP, and may represent a new target of PPARα agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Anna Polidoro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sandra Rotondi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Liliya Rostomyan
- Endocrinology, CHU of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alessandro Colapietro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Luca Ventura
- Division of Pathology, "San Salvatore" Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Adriano Angelucci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Esposito
- Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Albert Beckers
- Endocrinology, CHU of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
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