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Leander R, Owanga G, Nelson D, Liu Y. A Mathematical Model of Stroma-Supported Allometric Tumor Growth. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:38. [PMID: 38446260 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01265-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Mounting empirical research suggests that the stroma, or interface between healthy and cancerous tissue, is a critical determinate of cancer invasion. At the same time, a cancer cell's location and potential to proliferate can influence its sensitivity to cancer treatments. In this paper, we use ordinary differential equations to develop spatially structured models for solid tumors wherein the growth of tumor components is coordinated. The model tumors feature two components, a proliferating peripheral growth region, which potentially includes a mix of cancerous and noncancerous stroma cells, and a solid tumor core. Mathematical and numerical analysis are used to investigate how coordinated expansion of the tumor growth region and core can influence overall growth dynamics in a variety of tumor types. Model assumptions, which are motivated by empirical and in silico solid tumor research, are evaluated through comparison to tumor volume data and existing models of tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Leander
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU Box 34, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA.
| | - Greg Owanga
- Department of Mathematics, Florida State University, 1017 Academic Way, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - David Nelson
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU Box 60, Murfreesboro, TN, 610101, USA
| | - Yeqian Liu
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU Box 34, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
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2
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Ye Z, Li Q, Hu Y, Hu H, Xu J, Guo M, Zhang W, Lou X, Wang Y, Gao H, Jing D, Fan G, Qin Y, Zhang Y, Chen X, Chen J, Xu X, Yu X, Liu M, Ji S. The stromal microenvironment endows pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with spatially specific invasive and metastatic phenotypes. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216769. [PMID: 38438098 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216769] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in a variety of cancers. However, the role of tumor stroma in nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) is often neglected. Profiling the heterogeneity of CAFs can reveal the causes of malignant phenotypes in NF-PanNETs. Here, we found that patients with high stromal proportion had poor prognosis, especially for that with infiltrating stroma (stroma and tumor cells that presented an infiltrative growth pattern and no regular boundary). In addition, myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), characterized by FAP+ and α-SMAhigh, were spatially closer to tumor cells and promoted the EMT and tumor growth. Intriguingly, only tumor cells which were spatially closer to myCAFs underwent EMT. We further elucidated that myCAFs stimulate TGF-β expression in nearby tumor cells. Then, TGF-β promoted the EMT in adjacent tumor cells and promoted the expression of myCAFs marker genes in tumor cells, resulting in distant metastasis. Our results indicate that myCAFs cause spatial heterogeneity of EMT, which accounts for liver metastasis of NF-PanNETs. The findings of this study might provide possible targets for the prevention of liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr.15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuheng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haifeng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junfeng Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Muzi Guo
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Wuhu Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Heli Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Desheng Jing
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guixiong Fan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Wang L, Li W, Yang W, Sun X, Ding Y, Zhao Q, Liu W, Xie X, Xu J, Wei R, Zhu S, Ge Y, Wu PY, Song B. MRI Manifestations of Breast Cancer Stroma and their Role in Predicting Molecular Subtype: A Case-control Study. Curr Med Imaging 2024; 20:CMIR-EPUB-138768. [PMID: 38415486 DOI: 10.2174/0115734056287368240213135143] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored whether breast MRI manifestations could be used to predict the stroma distribution of breast cancer (BC) and the role of tumor stroma-based MRI manifestations in molecular subtype prediction. METHODS 57 patients with pathologically confirmed invasive BC (non-special type) who had lumpy BC on MRI within one week before surgery were retrospectively collected in the study. Stroma distributions were classified according to their characteristics in the pathological sections. The stromal distribution patterns among molecular subtypes were compared with the MRI manifestations of BC with different stroma distribution types (SDTs). RESULTS SDTs were significantly different and depended on the BC hormone receptor (HR) (P<0.001). There were also significant differences among five SDTs on T2WI, ADC map, internal delayed enhanced features (IDEF), marginal delayed enhanced features (MDEF), and time signal intensity (TSI) curves. Spiculated margin and the absence of type-I TSI were independent predictors for BC with star grid type stroma. The appearance frequency of hypo-intensity on T2WI in HR- BCs was significantly lower (P=0.043) than in HR+ BCs. Star grid stroma and spiculated margin were key factors in predicting HR+ BCs, and the AUC was 0.927 (95% CI: 0.867-0.987). CONCLUSION Breast MRI can be used to predict BC's stromal distribution and molecular subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyun Wang
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xilin Sun
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Xie
- Department of Pathology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Medical Examination Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shizhen Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Pu-Yeh Wu
- GE Healthcare, MR Research China, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Xu W, Goreczny GJ, Forsythe I, Brennan G, Stowell T, Brock K, Capella B, Turner CE. Hic-5 regulates extracellular matrix-associated gene expression and cytokine secretion in cancer associated fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 2024; 435:113930. [PMID: 38237846 PMCID: PMC10923124 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113930] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The focal adhesion protein, Hic-5 plays a key role in promoting extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling by cancer associated fibroblasts within the tumor stroma to promote breast tumor cell invasion. However, whether stromal matrix gene expression is regulated by Hic-5 is still unknown. Utilizing a constitutive Hic-5 knockout, Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus-Polyoma Middle T-Antigen spontaneous breast tumor mouse model, bulk RNAseq analysis was performed on cancer associated fibroblasts isolated from Hic-5 knockout mammary tumors. Functional network analysis highlighted a key role for Hic-5 in extracellular matrix organization, with both structural matrix genes, as well as matrix remodeling genes being differentially expressed in relation to Hic-5 expression. The subcellular distribution of the MRTF-A transcription factor and expression of a subset of MRTF-A responsive genes was also impacted by Hic-5 expression. Additionally, cytokine array analysis of conditioned media from the Hic-5 and Hic-5 knockout cancer associated fibroblasts revealed that Hic-5 is important for the secretion of several key factors that are associated with matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Together, these data provide further evidence of a central role for Hic-5 expression in cancer associated fibroblasts in regulating the composition and organization of the tumor stroma microenvironment to promote breast tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Xu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory J Goreczny
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA; Jnana Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ian Forsythe
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA; Zymo Research Corp, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
| | - Grant Brennan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Theresa Stowell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Katia Brock
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Capella
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Christopher E Turner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
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Kim DE, Roh HS, Kim GH, Bhang DH, Um SH, Singh R, Baek KH. S6K1 deficiency in tumor stroma impairs lung metastasis of melanoma in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 696:149469. [PMID: 38194806 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149469] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating data suggest that ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), an effector in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, plays pleiotropic roles in tumor progression. However, to date, while the tumorigenic function of S6K1 in tumor cells has been well elucidated, its role in the tumor stroma remains poorly understood. We recently showed that S6K1 mediates vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) production in macrophages, thereby supporting tumor angiogenesis and growth. As macrophage-derived VEGF-A is crucial for both tumor cell intravasation and extravasation across the vascular endothelium, our previous findings suggest that stromal S6K1 signaling is required for tumor metastatic spread. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of host S6K1 depletion on tumor metastasis using a murine model of pulmonary metastasis (S6k1-/- mice implanted with B16F10 melanoma). The ablation of S6K1 in the host microenvironment significantly reduced the metastasized B16F10 melanoma cells on the lung surface in both spontaneous and intravenous lung metastasis mouse models without affecting the incidence of metastasis to distant lymph nodes. In addition, stromal S6K1 loss decreased the number of tumor cells circulating in the peripheral blood of mice bearing B16F10 xenografts without affecting the vascular leakage induced by VEGF-A in vivo. These observations demonstrate that S6K1 signaling in host cells other than endothelial cells is required to modulate the host microenvironment to facilitate the metastatic spread of tumors via blood circulation, thus revealing its novel role in the tumor stroma during tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Roh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Hee Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ha Bhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hee Um
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Rohit Singh
- Immuno-oncology Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Hyuck Baek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Liang C, Zhang G, Guo L, Ding X, Yang H, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Hou L. Spatiotemporal transformable nano-assembly for on-demand drug delivery to enhance anti-tumor immunotherapy. Asian J Pharm Sci 2024; 19:100888. [PMID: 38434719 PMCID: PMC10904913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2024.100888] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Induction of tumor cell senescence has become a promising strategy for anti-tumor immunotherapy, but fibrotic matrix severely blocks senescence inducers penetration and immune cells infiltration. Herein, we designed a cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) triggered structure-transformable nano-assembly (HSD-P@V), which can directionally deliver valsartan (Val, CAFs regulator) and doxorubicin (DOX, senescence inducer) to the specific targets. In detail, DOX is conjugated with hyaluronic acid (HA) via diselenide bonds (Se-Se) to form HSD micelles, while CAFs-sensitive peptide is grafted onto the HSD to form a hydrophilic polymer, which is coated on Val nanocrystals (VNs) surface for improving the stability and achieving responsive release. Once arriving at tumor microenvironment and touching CAFs, HSD-P@V disintegrates into VNs and HSD micelles due to sensitive peptide detachment. VNs can degrade the extracellular matrix, leading to the enhanced penetration of HSD. HSD targets tumor cells, releases DOX to induce senescence, and recruits effector immune cells. Furthermore, senescent cells are cleared by the recruited immune cells to finish the integrated anti-tumor therapy. In vitro and in vivo results show that the nano-assembly remarkably inhibits tumor growth as well as lung metastasis, and extends tumor-bearing mice survival. This work provides a promising paradigm of programmed delivering multi-site nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Linlin Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xinyi Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Heng Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hongling Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lin Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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Escudero-Castellanos A, Kurth J, Imlimthan S, Menéndez E, Pilatis E, Moon ES, Läppchen T, Rathke H, Schwarzenböck SM, Krause BJ, Rösch F, Rominger A, Gourni E. Translational assessment of a DATA-functionalized FAP inhibitor with facile 68Ga-labeling at room temperature. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:3202-3213. [PMID: 37284857 PMCID: PMC10541845 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06285-2] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aims at evaluating the preclinical and the clinical performance of [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi, which has the advantage to be labeled with gallium-68 at room temperature. METHODS [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi was assessed in vitro on FAP-expressing stromal cells, followed by biodistribution and in vivo imaging on prostate and glioblastoma xenografts. Moreover, the clinical assessment of [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi was conducted on six patients with prostate cancer, aiming on investigating, biodistribution, biokinetics, and determining tumor uptake. RESULTS [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi is quantitatively prepared in an instant kit-type version at room temperature. It demonstrated high stability in human serum, affinity for FAP in the low nanomolar range, and high internalization rate when associated with CAFs. Biodistribution and PET studies in prostate and glioblastoma xenografts revealed high and specific tumor uptake. Elimination of the radiotracer mainly occurred through the urinary tract. The clinical data are in accordance with the preclinical data concerning the organ receiving the highest absorbed dose (urinary bladder wall, heart wall, spleen, and kidneys). Different to the small-animal data, uptake of [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi in tumor lesions is rapid and stable and tumor-to-organ and tumor-to-blood uptake ratios are high. CONCLUSION The radiochemical, preclinical, and clinical data obtained in this study strongly support further development of [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi as a diagnostic tool for FAP imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Kurth
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
| | - Surachet Imlimthan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elena Menéndez
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eirinaios Pilatis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Euy Sung Moon
- Department of Chemistry-TRIGA site, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tilman Läppchen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik Rathke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Bernd J Krause
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
| | - Frank Rösch
- Department of Chemistry-TRIGA site, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Gourni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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8
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Veneroni MV, Festa BM, Costantino A, Spriano G, Mercante G, De Virgilio A, Di Tommaso L. Prognostic Impact of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Its Predictive Role in Salivary Gland Cancer. Head Neck Pathol 2023; 17:515-527. [PMID: 36723850 PMCID: PMC10293532 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-023-01528-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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, many studies have investigated the role of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in carcinogenesis, highlighting its relation to both tumor regression and progression. In particular, the "inflammatory system", made of innate and adaptive immune cells, interacts with cancer cells and their surrounding stroma. In this setting, the aim of this review is to summarize the current literature regarding the TIME of major salivary gland carcinomas (MSGCs), with particular attention on the characteristics and prognostic role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the mechanisms that lead to TILs exhaustion and the important additional immune infiltrating factors that help SGC progression or remission. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed concerning published articles on the role of TIME in MSGCs. RESULTS In this work we summarize the advancing knowledge on TIME in SGCs by demonstrating the key prognostic and/or predictive value of specific immune features. CONCLUSION From the analysis of the current 'status of the art' it clearly emerges a need for precise, unambiguous phenotyping of immune cell populations, as well as a more thorough understanding of the frequencies and interactions of multiple immune cell types inside the TIME and their spatial localization (intratumoral vs. stromal).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Veneroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Festa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Andrea Costantino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spriano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mercante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Armando De Virgilio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy.
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy.
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy
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9
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Novoa Díaz MB, Carriere P, Gentili C. How the interplay among the tumor microenvironment and the gut microbiota influences the stemness of colorectal cancer cells. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:281-301. [PMID: 37342226 PMCID: PMC10277969 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most prevalent cancer disease and involves a multi-step process in which intestinal cells acquire malignant characteristics. It is well established that the appearance of distal metastasis in CRC patients is the cause of a poor prognosis and treatment failure. Nevertheless, in the last decades, CRC aggressiveness and progression have been attributed to a specific cell population called CRC stem cells (CCSC) with features like tumor initiation capacity, self-renewal capacity, and acquired multidrug resistance. Emerging data highlight the concept of this cell subtype as a plastic entity that has a dynamic status and can be originated from different types of cells through genetic and epigenetic changes. These alterations are modulated by complex and dynamic crosstalk with environmental factors by paracrine signaling. It is known that in the tumor niche, different cell types, structures, and biomolecules coexist and interact with cancer cells favoring cancer growth and development. Together, these components constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). Most recently, researchers have also deepened the influence of the complex variety of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal mucosa, collectively known as gut microbiota, on CRC. Both TME and microorganisms participate in inflammatory processes that can drive the initiation and evolution of CRC. Since in the last decade, crucial advances have been made concerning to the synergistic interaction among the TME and gut microorganisms that condition the identity of CCSC, the data exposed in this review could provide valuable insights into the biology of CRC and the development of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa Díaz
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Carriere
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Gentili
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Oleynikova NA, Mikhailov IA, Kharlova OA, Zavidnyi TY, Danilova NV, Mal`kov PG. Detection, Role and Prognostic Value of Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer. Indian J Surg Oncol 2023; 14:186-193. [PMID: 36891422 PMCID: PMC9986181 DOI: 10.1007/s13193-022-01653-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) - mesenchymal cells in the tumor stroma, play one of the leading roles in tumor progression in many different tumors, including colorectal cancer. Scientists have described many markers for CAFs, but none of them is specific. We performed immunohistochemistry tests using five antibodies (αSMA, POD, FAP, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ) to investigate CAFs in three zones of 49 colorectal adenocarcinomas: apical, central, and invasive edge. We revealed the reliable correlation between high PDGFRβ and PDGFRα value in the apical zone and deeper invasion (T3-T4) (p = 0.0281 and p = 0.0137). High αSMA level in apical zone (p = 0.0001), αSMA level in central zone (p = 0.019), POD level in apical zone (p = 0.0222), POD level in central zone (p = 0.0206) and PDGFRβ level in apical zone (p = 0.014) correlated reliably with the presence of metastasis in lymphatic nodules. For the first time, focused on the inner layer of CAF adjacent to tumor complexes. We observed that cases with inner αSMA expression were significantly more often (p = 0.023) characterized by the presence of regional lymph node metastasis compared with cases with mix of CAF markers (p = 0.007) and with cases with inner POD expression (p = 0.024). The found relationships between the level of markers and the presence of metastases indicate their clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I. A. Mikhailov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Medical Research and Educational Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - O. A. Kharlova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Medical Research and Educational Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - T. Yu. Zavidnyi
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Medical Research and Educational Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - N. V. Danilova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Medical Research and Educational Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - P. G. Mal`kov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Medical Research and Educational Center, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Priwitaningrum DL, Pednekar K, Gabriël AV, Varela-Moreira AA, Le Gac S, Vellekoop I, Storm G, Hennink WE, Prakash J. Evaluation of paclitaxel-loaded polymeric nanoparticles in 3D tumor model: impact of tumor stroma on penetration and efficacy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1470-1483. [PMID: 36853438 PMCID: PMC10102101 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01310-1] [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] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Since tumor stroma poses as a barrier to achieve efficacy of nanomedicines, it is essential to evaluate nano-chemotherapeutics in stroma-mimicking 3D models that reliably predict their behavior regarding these hurdles limiting efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the effect of paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles (PTX-PMCs) and polymeric nanoparticles (PTX-PNPs) in a tumor stroma-mimicking 3D in vitro model. PTX-PMCs (77 nm) based on a amphiphilic block copolymer of mPEG-b-p(HPMAm-Bz) and PTX-PNPs (159 nm) based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) were prepared, which had an encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of 81 ± 15% and 45 ± 8%, respectively. 3D homospheroids of mouse 4T1 breast cancer cells and heterospheroids of NIH3T3 fibroblasts and 4T1 (5:1 ratio) were prepared and characterized with high content two-photon microscopy and immunostaining. Data showed an induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (α-SMA) in both homo- and heterospheroids, while ECM (collagen) deposition only in heterospheroids. Two-photon imaging revealed that both fluorescently labeled PMCs and PNPs penetrated into the core of homospheroids and only PMCs penetrated into heterospheroids. Furthermore, PTX-PMCs, PTX-PNPs, and free PTX induced cytotoxicity in tumor cells and fibroblasts grown as monolayer, but these effects were substantially reduced in 3D models, in particular in heterospheroids. Gene expression analysis showed that heterospheroids had a significant increase of drug resistance markers (Bcl2, Abgc2) compared to 2D or 3D monocultures. Altogether, this study shows that the efficacy of nanotherapeutics is challenged by stroma-induced poor penetration and development of resistant phenotype. Therefore, this tumor stroma-mimicking 3D model can provide an excellent platform to study penetration and effects of nanotherapeutics before in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi L Priwitaningrum
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Kunal Pednekar
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandros V Gabriël
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Aida A Varela-Moreira
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Severine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo Vellekoop
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim E Hennink
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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12
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Mutka M, Joensuu K, Eray M, Heikkilä P. Quantities of CD3+, CD8+ and CD56+ lymphocytes decline in breast cancer recurrences while CD4+ remain similar. Diagn Pathol 2023; 18:3. [PMID: 36627701 PMCID: PMC9830729 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-022-01278-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much is known about tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (Tils) in primary breast cancer, as this has been the focus of much research in recent years, but regarding recurrent breast cancer, only few studies have been done. Our aim was to compare the quantities of Tils in primary breast carcinomas and their corresponding recurrences and to analyze the differences in the tumor Tils compositions in correlations with recurrence-free times and the clinicopathology of the tumor. METHODS One hundred thirty-seven breast cancer patients self-paired for primary- tumor-recurrence were divided into three groups based on the length of the recurrence-free interval. H&E-staining and immunohistochemical staining with antiCD3, antiCD4, antiCD8 and antiCD56 were performed. Differences in Tils between primaries and recurrences, between the recurrence-free interval groups, and between different clinicopathologic parameters were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Fewer stromal CD3+, CD8+ and CD56+ lymphocytes were found at recurrences compared to the primaries. No significant change in the percentage of CD4+ stromal lymphocytes. ER-negative primaries, PR-negative or HER2-positive tumors had more Tils in some subgroups. Ductal primaries had more Tils than lobular primaries and G3 tumors had more Tils than lower-grade tumors. The corresponding differences at recurrences could either not be detected or they were reversed. The fastest recurring group had generally more Tils than the slower groups. CONCLUSIONS CD4+ cell numbers did not decline from primary to recurrence in contrast to all other subclasses of lymphocytes. The proportion of CD4+ cells was higher in recurrences than in primaries. Tumors with a higher grade and proliferation rate had higher percentages of Tils. HER2+ and hormone receptor negative tumors tended to have higher Tils scores. In recurrences these differences were not seen or they were reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Mutka
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Joensuu
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mine Eray
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Heikkilä
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Ribatti D. The Role of the Stroma in Tumor Angiogenesis and Progression: The Fundamental Contribution of Pietro M. Gullino. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2572:39-44. [PMID: 36161405 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2703-7_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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The tumor stroma is the major factor influencing the growth of cancer. It is implicated in the regulation of tumor growth and metastatic potential and impacts the outcome of therapy. This article summarizes the fundamental contribution of the Italian scientist Pietro M. Gullino in the study of tumor stroma through the development of new experimental techniques and the characterization of novel angiogenic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
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14
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Zhang J, Hu Z, Horta CA, Yang J. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by tumor microenvironmental signals and its implication in cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:46-66. [PMID: 36521737 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in various aspects of tumor development, including tumor invasion and metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapy resistance. Diverse stroma cell types along with biochemical and biophysical factors in the tumor microenvironment impinge on the EMT program to impact tumor progression. Here we provide an in-depth review of various tumor microenvironmental signals that regulate EMT in cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of EMT in therapy resistance and highlight new therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment to impact EMT and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhimin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Calista A Horta
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Tumors are comprised of both cancer cells and surrounding stromal components. As an essential part of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor stroma is highly dynamic, heterogeneous and commonly tumor-type specific, and it mainly includes noncellular compositions such as the extracellular matrix and the unique cancer-associated vascular system as well as a wide variety of cellular components including activated cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells, pericytes. All these elements operate with each other in a coordinated fashion and collectively promote cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to study the interaction and crosstalk between stromal components and neoplastic cells. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of tumor stroma in solid tumors. A series of clinical trials targeting the tumor stroma have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce and discuss current advances in the understanding of various stromal elements and their roles in cancers. We also elaborate on potential novel approaches for tumor-stroma-based therapeutic targeting, with the aim to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosen Xu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruolan Xia
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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16
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Wang X, Maeng HM, Lee J, Xie C. Therapeutic Implementation of Oncolytic Viruses for Cancer Immunotherapy: Review of Challenges and Current Clinical Trials. J Biomed Sci Res 2022; 4:164. [PMID: 36381110 PMCID: PMC9647850 DOI: 10.36266/jbsr/164] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The development of cancer therapeutics has evolved from general targets with radiation and chemotherapy and shifted toward treatments with a more specific mechanism of action such as small molecule kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies against tumor antigens, or checkpoint inhibitors. Recently, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have come to the forefront as a viable option for cancer immunotherapy, especially for "cold" tumors, which are known to inhabit an immunologically suppressive tumor microenvironment. Desired characteristics of viruses are selected through genetic attenuation of uncontrolled virulence, and some genes are replaced with ones that enhance conditional viral replication within tumor cells. Treatment with OVs must overcome various hurdles such as premature viral suppression by the host's immune system and the dense stromal barrier. Currently, clinical studies investigate the efficacy of OVs in conjunction with various anti-cancer therapeutics, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. Thus, future research should explore how cancer therapeutics work synergistically with certain OVs in order to create more effective combination therapies and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - H M Maeng
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - J Lee
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - C Xie
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Bayadsi H, Barghout G, Gustafsson M, Sund M, Hennings J. The expression of stromal biomarkers in small papillary thyroid carcinomas. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:340. [PMID: 36242015 PMCID: PMC9563774 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02805-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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of stroma for tumor progression is recognized for many cancer types. In this study, we aim to evaluate the expression of types I (Col1) and IV (Col4) collagens, alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) in the tumor stroma of small papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Material and methods Twenty-five non-metastatic small PTCs (pT1N0) and nineteen metastatic small PTCs (pT1N1b) including corresponding metastatic lateral lymph nodes were selected and paraffinized tissue blocks retrieved. The samples were stained for Col1, COL4, a-SMA, and MMP-9 antibodies using immunohistochemistry. The expression of the stromal proteins was scored and analyzed based on the location, intensity, and distribution. Results Col1 and Col4 expression were significantly higher in normal thyroid tissue compared to PTC tissue. On the contrary, expression of a-SMA and MMP-9 was higher in PTC tissue compared to normal thyroid tissue. Both Col1 and Col4 were significantly more highly expressed in the non-metastatic tumors compared with metastatic tumors. The expression of a-SMA and MMP9 was slightly, but not significantly, higher in the metastasized tumors and their respective lymph nodes. There was a significant correlation between the metastasized tumors and their respective lymph nodes in Col1 and MMP-9 expression. Conclusions Col1, Col4, a-SMA, and MMP-9 expression in PTCs differs significantly from that of normal thyroid tissue. The higher expression of Col1 and Col4 in normal thyroid tissue and in the non-metastasized tumors indicates that Col1 and 4 might have a potential protective role in tumor progression. The higher expression of a-SMA and MMP9 in PTCs indicates that these proteins might have a role in promoting PTC progression and aggressiveness. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02805-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haytham Bayadsi
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - George Barghout
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sunderby Hospital, Sunderbyn, Sweden
| | - Moa Gustafsson
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Malin Sund
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Clinicum/Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joakim Hennings
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences/Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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18
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Mao W, Zhang L, Rong Y, Kuang T, Wang D, Xu X, Lou W, Li J. NEDD8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor MLN4924 Inhibits Both the Tumor Stroma and Angiogenesis in Pancreatic Cancer via Gli1 and REDD1. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 68:1351-1363. [PMID: 36098876 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07671-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a dense desmoplasia stroma, which hinders efficient drug delivery and plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. MLN4924 is a first-in-class NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor that exhibits anti-tumor activities toward pancreatic cancer, and given the comprehensive effects that MLN4924 could have, we ask what impact MLN4924 would have on the stroma of pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Primary pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and human HMEC-1 cells were treated with MLN4924 in vitro. The proliferation and extracellular matrix protein levels of PSCs were tested, and their relationship with transcription factor Gli1 in PSCs was investigated. The angiogenic phenotypes of HMEC-1 cells were evaluated using capillary-like tube formation assay, and their relationship with REDD1 in HMEC-1 cells was investigated. RESULTS In this study, we found that MLN4924 inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells and their secretion of collagen and CXCL-1, and the collagen secretion inhibiting effect of MLN4924 was related with transcription factor Gli1. MLN4924 inhibited multiple angiogenic phenotypes of HMEC-1 cells, and mTOR agonist partially relieved the inhibition of MLN4924 on HEMCs. MLN4924 increased the expression of REDD1 and REDD1 knockdown promoted the angiogenic phenotypes of HMEC-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that MLN4924 inhibits both the tumor stroma and angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer, and the inhibition effect is related with Gli1 in pancreatic stellate cells and REDD1 in vascular endothelial cells, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yefei Rong
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tiantao Kuang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dansong Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuefeng Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenhui Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jianang Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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19
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Mutka M, Virtakoivu R, Joensuu K, Hollmén M, Heikkilä P. Clever-1 positive macrophages in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 195:237-248. [PMID: 35917053 PMCID: PMC9464734 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06683-4] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor 1 (Clever-1) is expressed by a subset of immunosuppressive macrophages and targeting the receptor with therapeutic antibodies has been shown to activate T-cell-mediated anti-cancer immunity. The aim of this research was to study Clever-1 expression in breast cancer. Specifically, how Clever-1 + macrophages correlate with clinicopathologic factors, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) and prognosis. Methods Tissue microarray blocks were made from 373 primary breast cancer operation specimens. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E-staining) and immunohistochemical staining with Clever-1, CD3, CD4 and CD8 antibodies were performed. Differences in quantities of Clever-1 + macrophages and TILs were analyzed. Clever-1 + cell numbers were correlated with 25-year follow-up survival data and with breast cancer clinicopathologic parameters. Results Low numbers of intratumoral Clever-1 + cells were found to be an independent adverse prognostic sign. Increased numbers of Clever-1 + cells were found in high grade tumors and hormone receptor negative tumors. Tumors that had higher amounts of Clever-1 + cells also tended to have higher amounts of TILs. Conclusion The association of intratumoral Clever-1 + macrophages with better prognosis might stem from the function of Clever as a scavenger receptor that modulates tumor stroma. The association of Clever-1 + macrophages with high number of TILs and better prognosis indicates that immunosuppression by M2 macrophages is not necessarily dampening adaptive immune responses but instead keeping them in control to avoid excess inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Mutka
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, N00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | | | - Maija Hollmén
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi Heikkilä
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, N00290, Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Habbit NL, Anbiah B, Anderson L, Suresh J, Hassani I, Eggert M, Brannen A, Davis J, Tian Y, Prabhakarpandian B, Panizzi P, Arnold RD, Lipke EA. Tunable three-dimensional engineered prostate cancer tissues for in vitro recapitulation of heterogeneous in vivo prostate tumor stiffness. Acta Biomater 2022; 147:73-90. [PMID: 35551999 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.011] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this manuscript we report the establishment and characterization of a three-dimensional in vitro, coculture engineered prostate cancer tissue (EPCaT) disease model based upon and informed by our characterization of in vivo prostate cancer (PCa) xenograft tumor stiffness. In prostate cancer, tissue stiffness is known to impact changes in gene and protein expression, alter therapeutic response, and be positively correlated with an aggressive clinical presentation. To inform an appropriate stiffness range for our in vitro model, PC-3 prostate tumor xenografts were established. Tissue stiffness ranged from 95 to 6,750 Pa. Notably, xenograft cell seeding density significantly impacted tumor stiffness; a two-fold increase in the number of seeded cells not only widened the tissue stiffness range throughout the tumor but also resulted in significant spatial heterogeneity. To fabricate our in vitro EPCaT model, PC-3 castration-resistant prostate cancer cells were co-encapsulated with BJ-5ta fibroblasts within a poly(ethylene glycol)-fibrinogen matrix augmented with excess poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate to modulate the matrix mechanical properties. Encapsulated cells temporally remodeled their in vitro microenvironment and enrichment of gene sets associated with tumorigenic progression was observed in response to increased matrix stiffness. Through variation of matrix composition and culture duration, EPCaTs were tuned to mimic the wide range of biomechanical cues provided to PCa cells in vivo; collectively, a range of 50 to 10,000 Pa was achievable. Markedly, this also encompasses published clinical PCa stiffness data. Overall, this study serves to introduce our bioinspired, tunable EPCaT model and provide the foundation for future PCa progression and drug development studies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of cancer models that mimic the native tumor microenvironment (TME) complexities is critical to not only develop effective drugs but also enhance our understanding of disease progression. Here we establish and characterize our 3D in vitro engineered prostate cancer tissue model with tunable matrix stiffness, that is inspired by this study's spatial characterization of in vivo prostate tumor xenograft stiffness. Notably, our model's mimicry of the TME is further augmented by the inclusion of matrix remodeling fibroblasts to introduce cancer-stromal cell-cell interactions. This study addresses a critical unmet need in the field by elucidating the prostate tumor xenograft stiffness range and establishing a foundation for recapitulating the biomechanics of site-of-origin and soft tissue metastatic prostate tumors in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Habbit
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Benjamin Anbiah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Luke Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Joshita Suresh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Iman Hassani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Matthew Eggert
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 362 Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Andrew Brannen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 362 Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Joshua Davis
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 362 Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | | | - Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 362 Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Robert D Arnold
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 362 Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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21
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Novoa Díaz MB, Martín MJ, Gentili C. Tumor microenvironment involvement in colorectal cancer progression via Wnt/β-catenin pathway: Providing understanding of the complex mechanisms of chemoresistance. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3027-3046. [PMID: 36051330 PMCID: PMC9331520 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i26.3027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be one of the main causes of death from cancer because patients progress unfavorably due to resistance to current therapies. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a fundamental role in the genesis and progression of several types of cancer, including CRC. In many subtypes of CRC, hyperactivation of the β-catenin pathway is associated with mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. However, it can also be associated with other causes. In recent years, studies of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have demonstrated its importance in the development and progression of CRC. In this tumor nest, several cell types, structures, and biomolecules interact with neoplastic cells to pave the way for the spread of the disease. Cross-communications between tumor cells and the TME are then established primarily through paracrine factors, which trigger the activation of numerous signaling pathways. Crucial advances in the field of oncology have been made in the last decade. This Minireview aims to actualize what is known about the central role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CRC chemoresistance and aggressiveness, focusing on cross-communication between CRC cells and the TME. Through this analysis, our main objective was to increase the understanding of this complex disease considering a more global context. Since many treatments for advanced CRC fail due to mechanisms involving chemoresistance, the data here exposed and analyzed are of great interest for the development of novel and effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa Díaz
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
| | - María Julia Martín
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INQUISUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
| | - Claudia Gentili
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
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22
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Matsumura Y. 35 years of discussions with Prof. Maeda on the EPR effect and future directions. J Control Release 2022; 348:966-969. [PMID: 35752253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In May 2021, 35 years after first announcing the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, Dr. Maeda passed away. As a theoretical pillar of high molecular weight drug delivery systems (DDS) with high biocompatibility, the EPR effect has been proven worldwide in experimental mouse models. However, in clinical solid tumors, awareness of the EPR effect is insufficient, and more importantly, DDS has not become the mainstream cancer treatment. Both Dr. Maeda and I were acutely aware of this, and for 35 years, we discussed what to do about it and strived to make up for the inadequacies of the EPR effect by employing different strategies. Dr. Maeda came up with ways to use tumor vascular permeability more effectively and to apply oxidative stress to tumor cells. I proposed cancer stromal targeting (CAST) therapy using the anti-insoluble fibrin antibody conjugated with an anticancer agent in order to overcome the insufficiency of the EPR effect in clinical solid cancers, which possess abundant stromal tissue. Clinical cancers are surrounded by an abundant stroma and survive even under hypoxia and malnutrition due to this stromal barrier. Cancer cells become resistant to any external attack, including with anticancer drugs and radiation. While it goes without saying that EPR effects are important in clinical solid cancer strategies, DDSs that offer both accumulation and even distribution in solid cancers are also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Matsumura
- Former President of Japan Society of Drug Delivery System, 5-3-13, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0012, Japan, Visiting Scientist, Department of Immune Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
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23
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Tarannum M, Holtzman K, Dréau D, Mukherjee P, Vivero-Escoto JL. Nanoparticle combination for precise stroma modulation and improved delivery for pancreatic cancer. J Control Release 2022; 347:425-434. [PMID: 35569588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic success in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is hindered by the extensive stroma associated to this disease. Stroma is composed of cellular and non-cellular components supporting and evolving with the tumor. One of the most studied mediators of cancer cell-stroma crosstalk is sonic hedgehog (SHh) pathway leading to the intense desmoplasia observed in PDAC tumors. Herein, we demonstrate that the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) containing an SHh inhibitor, cyclopamine (CyP), and the combination of chemotherapeutic drugs (Gemcitabine (Gem)/cisplatin (cisPt)) as the main delivery system for the sequential treatment led to the reduction in tumor stroma along with an improvement in the treatment of PDAC. We synthesized two versions of the MSN-based platform containing the SHh inhibitor (CyP-MSNs) and the drug combination (PEG-Gem-cisPt-MSNs). In vitro and in vivo protein analysis show that CyP-MSNs effectively inhibited the SHh pathway. In addition, the sequential combination of CyP-MSNs followed by PEG-Gem-cisPt-MSNs led to effective stromal modulation, increased access of secondary PEG-Gem-cisPt-MSNs at the tumor site, and improved therapeutic performance in HPAF II xenograft mice. Taken together, our findings support the potential of drug delivery using MSNs for stroma modulation and to prevent pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubin Tarannum
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Katherine Holtzman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Didier Dréau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Pinku Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Juan L Vivero-Escoto
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
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Kim J, Park H, Kim H, Kim Y, Oh HJ, Chung S. Microfluidic one-directional interstitial flow generation from cancer to cancer associated fibroblast. Acta Biomater 2022; 144:258-265. [PMID: 35364320 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Tumors, unlike normal tissue, have vascular anomalies and create interstitial flow (IF), which allows soluble substances from cancer cells to be transported directionally toward the tumor stroma. In the stroma, IF activates fibroblasts. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are formed from stimulated cells and aid cancer growth. A microfluidic device was designed to generate a one-directional flow of a small volume mimicking IF from donor cells to recipient at steady-state conditions only based on the medium evaporation from reservoirs with different diameter. The IF carried substances from donor cells, which stimulated the activation of fibroblasts on the receiving side, as well as their migration and stellate formation. Matrix metallopeptidases 9 and 14 as well as CAF markers such as fibroblast activation protein alpha, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin are abundantly expressed in the migrating fibroblasts. The created platform mimicked one-directional delivery in tumor stroma. This will allow researchers to investigate how cancer cells activate and differentiate stromal cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We show how to provide continuous one-directional interstitial flow (IF) in a microfluidic device without using any power source and instrumentation. This microfluidic technology was used to simulate the tumor microenvironment. Fibroblasts in the tumor stroma are activated and migrated toward cancer cells, as recapitulated by co-culture of cancer cells as donor and fibroblasts as recipient under the one-directional IF. We believe that soluble substances from cancerous cells delivered by the one-directional IF efficiently regulated the development of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as shown by increasing roundness and decreased circularity, taking on a stellate morphology, and by enhanced invasion into a type I collagen hydrogel. Migrating fibroblasts into the hydrogel had significant levels of MMP-9, MMP-14, FAP, vimentin, and αSMA, all of which are CAF markers, bearing a capacity to form hot stroma affecting tumor malignancy.
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25
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Tanaka C, Furihata K, Naganuma S, Ogasawara M, Yoshioka R, Taniguchi H, Furihata M, Taniuchi K. Establishment of a mouse model of pancreatic cancer using human pancreatic cancer cell line S2-013-derived organoid. Hum Cell 2022; 35:735-744. [PMID: 35150409 PMCID: PMC8866361 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00684-7] [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: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A well-established preclinical model of pancreatic cancer needs to be established to facilitate research on new therapeutic targets. Recently established animal models of pancreatic cancer, including patient-derived tumor models and organoid models, are used for pre-clinical drug testing and biomarker discovery. These models have useful characteristics over conventional xenograft mouse models based on cell lines in preclinical studies, but still cannot accurately predict the clinical outcomes of new treatments and have not yet been broadly implemented in research. We employed pancreatic cancer organoid culture methods using the pancreatic cancer cell line S2-013, and performed pathological and immunohistochemical analyses to characterize tumor xenografts obtained from a mouse model implanted with S2-013 cell line-derived organoids. Serum levels of the pancreatic cancer tumor marker CA19-9 were measured by ELISA. We generated human pancreatic cancer organoids using a co-culture of S2-013 cells, human endothelial cells derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and human mesenchymal stem cells, and established a mouse model with subcutaneously transplanted human pancreatic cancer organoids (S2-013-organoid model). Although blood clotting crater-like formation developed in the middle of subcutaneous xenografts in the S2-013-conventional model, created by subcutaneously injecting S2-013 cells into the right flank of nude mice, the size of xenografts in the S2-013-organoid model gradually increased without crater-like formation. Importantly, tumor xenografts obtained from the S2-013-organoid model exhibited a clinical human pancreatic cancer tissue-like cellular morphology, tissue architecture, and polarity, and actively formed cancer stroma containing mature blood vessels with the high expression of the vascular tight junction marker CD31. In subcutaneous xenografts of S2-013-conventional mice, no blood vessel density or widely expanding areas of necrotic regions were present. Consequently, serum levels of CA19-9 in the S2-013-organoid model correlated with tumor volumes. In addition, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, the conversion of epithelial cells to the mesenchymal phenotype, was observed in tumor xenografts of the S2-013-organoid model. The S2-013-organoid model provides tumor xenografts consisting of clinical human pancreatic cancer-like tissue formation with the effective development of vascularized stroma, and may be valuable for facilitating studies on pre-clinical drug testing and biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Kaoru Furihata
- Department of Pathology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Seiji Naganuma
- Department of Pathology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Mitsunari Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Reiko Yoshioka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Hideki Taniguchi
- Department of Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mutsuo Furihata
- Department of Pathology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Keisuke Taniuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan.
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26
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Andrea AE, Chiron A, Mallah S, Bessoles S, Sarrabayrouse G, Hacein-Bey-Abina S. Advances in CAR-T Cell Genetic Engineering Strategies to Overcome Hurdles in Solid Tumors Treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:830292. [PMID: 35211124 PMCID: PMC8861853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.830292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During this last decade, adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) emerged as a valuable therapeutic strategy in hematological cancers. However, this immunotherapy has demonstrated limited efficacy in solid tumors. The main obstacle encountered by CAR-T cells in solid malignancies is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME impedes tumor trafficking and penetration of T lymphocytes and installs an immunosuppressive milieu by producing suppressive soluble factors and by overexpressing negative immune checkpoints. In order to overcome these hurdles, new CAR-T cells engineering strategies were designed, to potentiate tumor recognition and infiltration and anti-cancer activity in the hostile TME. In this review, we provide an overview of the major mechanisms used by tumor cells to evade immune defenses and we critically expose the most optimistic engineering strategies to make CAR-T cell therapy a solid option for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain E. Andrea
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Thérapies Moléculaires, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Andrada Chiron
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sarah Mallah
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stéphanie Bessoles
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Sarrabayrouse
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
| | - Salima Hacein-Bey-Abina
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Hiratsuka M, Hasebe T, Ichinose Y, Sakakibara A, Fujimoto A, Wakui N, Shibasaki S, Hirasaki M, Yasuda M, Nukui A, Shimada H, Yokogawa H, Matsuura K, Hojo T, Osaki A, Saeki T. Tumor budding and fibrotic focus-proposed grading system for tumor budding in invasive carcinoma no special type of the breast. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:161-190. [PMID: 35695928 PMCID: PMC9343319 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Tumor budding grade is a very useful histological prognostic indicator for colorectal cancer patients. Recently, it has been also reported as a significant prognostic indicator in invasive breast carcinoma patients. Our group and others have previously reported that the presence of a fibrotic focus in the tumor is a very useful histological finding for accurately predicting the prognosis in patients with invasive carcinoma of no special type (ICNST) of the breast. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a grading system incorporating tumor budding in a fibrotic focus is superior to the conventional grading system for tumor budding to accurately predict outcomes in patients with ICNST. According to our new grading system, we classified the tumors into grade I (164 cases), grade II (581 cases), and grade III (110 cases), and the results clearly demonstrated the significant superiority of the new grading system over that of conventional tumor budding alone for accurately predicting outcomes in patients with ICNST. Our findings strongly suggest that tumor cells and tumor-stromal cells interaction play very important roles in tumor progression rather than tumor cells alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Hiratsuka
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Takahiro Hasebe
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Yuki Ichinose
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Ayaka Sakakibara
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Akihiro Fujimoto
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Noriko Wakui
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Satomi Shibasaki
- Community Health Science Center, Saitama Medical University, 29, Morohongou, Moroyama Town, Iruma district, Saitama 350-0495 Japan
| | - Masataka Hirasaki
- Department of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Masanori Yasuda
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Akemi Nukui
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Hiroko Shimada
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Hideki Yokogawa
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Kazuo Matsuura
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Takashi Hojo
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Akihiko Osaki
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
| | - Toshiaki Saeki
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama 350-1298 Japan
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Seko-Nitta A, Nagatani Y, Murakami Y, Watanabe Y, Nitta N, Murata K, Takemura S, Murata S. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in advanced gastric cancer correlates with histopathological subtypes and volume of tumor stroma. Eur J Radiol 2021; 145:110048. [PMID: 34814038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.110048] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and histological subtypes, amount of tumor stroma in advanced gastric cancer (GC), and clinical outcomes. METHODS We evaluated 56 patients (male/female, 42:14; mean age, 69 years) with advanced GC who underwent surgical resection at our institution and positron emission tomography-computed tomography with 18F-FDG prior to surgery. We used the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the tumor and the tumor-to-liver ratio (TLR) of the SUVmax for the analysis. The SUVmax and TLR correlated with histological subtypes, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD34, and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Tumor stroma in GC was evaluated by CD34 expression. GCs were classified according to the Lauren and World Health Organization (WHO) classifications. RESULTS The average FDG uptakes (SUVmax) were 4.17% and 14.04% in diffuse and intestinal type GCs, respectively, according to the Lauren classification, and 4.17%, 13.87%, 7.70%, 9.71%, and 19.45% in the poorly cohesive, tubular, mucinous, and papillary adenocarcinomas, respectively, according to the WHO classification. The FDG uptake in diffuse type was significantly lower than that in the intestinal type (p = 0.000). The SUVmax and TLR of the CD34(+) group (mean SUVmax, 5.50; TLR, 1.56) were significantly lower than those of the CD34(-) group (mean SUVmax, 14.09; TLR, 4.09). RFS was not associated with TLR or CD34 expression. CONCLUSION GC, which has abundant tumor stroma characterized by high CD34 expression on IHC, shows low FDG uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Seko-Nitta
- Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Yukihiro Nagatani
- Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yoko Murakami
- Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Watanabe
- Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Norihisa Nitta
- Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan; Department of Radiology, Kyoto Okamoto Memorial Hospital, Kumiyama-cho, Sayama, Kuze, Kyoto 613-0034, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Murata
- Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan; Department of Radiology, Rakusai Newtown Hospital, 3-6 Higashi-Shinbayashi-cho, Oe, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1142, Japan
| | - Shizuki Takemura
- Department of Pathology, Kusatsu General Hospital, 1660 Yabase-cho, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0066, Japan
| | - Satoshi Murata
- Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
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Miller S, Bauer S, Schrempf M, Schenkirsch G, Probst A, Märkl B, Martin B. Semiautomatic analysis of tumor proportion in colon cancer: Lessons from a validation study. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 227:153634. [PMID: 34628263 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The tumor stroma ratio (TSR) is a promising histopathologic prognostic biomarker, which could allow for more accurate risk stratification and improved patient management in colorectal cancer. The purpose of our research was to validate the results of a previous study, which had suggested that not only a low but also a high tumor proportion (TP) might be an independent risk factor for occurrence of distant metastasis and worse overall survival using a semiautomatic image analysis approach with the open-source software ImageJ. We investigated 253 pT3 and pT4 adenocarcinomas of no special type. The previously established thresholds (PES-cut-offs) used to classify the patients (previous 3-tiered-classification) according to the tumor proportion (TP) in a highTP (TP ≥ 54%), a mediumTP (TP < 54% ∩ TP >15%) and a lowTP (TP ≤ 15%) group did not show a significant risk stratification. Even the adjustment of these threshold revealed no significant results. Therefore, a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to establish the cut-off with the most significant predictive power and a "new 2-tiered-classification" using this cut-off (40% at MinTP) showed a significantly shorter absence of metastasis for patients with a low TP (p = 0.007). These results confirm that a low TP is associated with an adverse prognosis. This study did not confirm the previous assumption that a high TP might also be a risk factor for occurrence of metastasis. Furthermore, it demonstrates that this semiautomatic technique is not superior to the established method, so that approaches to enhance prognostic techniques should continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Miller
- General Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical Faculty Augsburg, University Augsburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Bauer
- General Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical Faculty Augsburg, University Augsburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schrempf
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Probst
- Medicine III - Gastroenterology, Medical Faculty Augsburg, University Augsburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Märkl
- General Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical Faculty Augsburg, University Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Benedikt Martin
- General Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical Faculty Augsburg, University Augsburg, Germany
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Li Y, Xu F, Chen F, Chen Y, Ge D, Zhang S, Lu C. Transcriptomics based multi-dimensional characterization and drug screen in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. EBioMedicine 2021; 70:103510. [PMID: 34365093 PMCID: PMC8353400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains one of the deadly cancer types. Comprehensively dissecting the molecular characterization and the heterogeneity of ESCC paves the way for developing more promising therapeutics. METHODS Expression profiles of multiple ESCC datasets were integrated. ATAC-seq and RNA-seq were combined to reveal the chromatin accessibility features. A prognosis-related subtype classifier (PrSC) was constructed, and its association with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy was assessed. The key gene signature was validated in clinical samples. Based on the TME heterogeneity of ESCC patients, potential subtype-specific therapeutic agents were screened. FINDINGS The common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs) in ESCC were identified. Up-regulated genes (HEATR1, TIMELESS, DTL, GINS1, RUVBL1, and ECT2) were found highly important in ESCC cell survival. The expression alterations of PRIM2, HPGD, NELL2, and TFAP2B were associated with chromatin accessibility changes. PrSC was a robust scoring tool that was not only associated with the prognosis of ESCC patients, but also could reflect the TME heterogeneity. TNS1high fibroblasts were associated with immune exclusion. TG-101348 and Vinorelbine were identified as potential subtype-specific therapeutic agents. Besides, the application of PrSC into two immunotherapy cohorts indicated its potential value in assessing treatment response to immunotherapy. INTERPRETATION Our study depicted the multi-dimensional characterization of ESCC, established a robust scoring tool for the prognosis assessment, highlighted the role of TNS1high fibroblasts in TME, and identified potential drugs for clinical use. FUNDING A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengkai Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanghua Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunlai Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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31
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Zhang M, Gao S, Yang D, Fang Y, Lin X, Jin X, Liu Y, Liu X, Su K, Shi K. Influencing factors and strategies of enhancing nanoparticles into tumors in vivo. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2265-2285. [PMID: 34522587 PMCID: PMC8424218 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [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: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of nanoparticles (NPs) first faces the challenges of evading renal filtration and clearance of reticuloendothelial system (RES). After that, NPs infiltrate through the expanded endothelial space and penetrated the dense stroma of tumor microenvironment to tumor cells. As long as possible to prolong the time of NPs remaining in tumor tissue, NPs release active agent and induce pharmacological action. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the physical and chemical properties of NPs and the influence of various biological factors in tumor microenvironment, and discusses how to improve the final efficacy through adjusting the characteristics and structure of NPs. Perspectives and future directions are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kai Shi
- Corresponding author. Tel./fax: +86 24 43520557.
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Cong L, Maishi N, Annan DA, Young MF, Morimoto H, Morimoto M, Nam JM, Hida Y, Hida K. Inhibition of stromal biglycan promotes normalization of the tumor microenvironment and enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:51. [PMID: 33966638 PMCID: PMC8108358 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01423-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biglycan is a proteoglycan found in the extracellular matrix. We have previously shown that biglycan is secreted from tumor endothelial cells and induces tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. However, the function of stroma biglycan in breast cancer is still unclear. Methods Biglycan gene analysis and its prognostic values in human breast cancers were based on TCGA data. E0771 breast cancer cells were injected into WT and Bgn KO mice, respectively. Results Breast cancer patients with high biglycan expression had worse distant metastasis-free survival. Furthermore, biglycan expression was higher in the tumor stromal compartment compared to the epithelial compartment. Knockout of biglycan in the stroma (Bgn KO) in E0771 tumor-bearing mice inhibited metastasis to the lung. Bgn KO also impaired tumor angiogenesis and normalized tumor vasculature by repressing tumor necrosis factor-ɑ/angiopoietin 2 signaling. Moreover, fibrosis was suppressed and CD8+ T cell infiltration was increased in tumor-bearing Bgn KO mice. Furthermore, chemotherapy drug delivery and efficacy were improved in vivo in Bgn KO mice. Conclusion Our results suggest that targeting stromal biglycan may yield a potent and superior anticancer effect in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cong
- Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8586, Japan.,Vascular Biology, Frontier Research Unit, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Nako Maishi
- Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8586, Japan.,Vascular Biology, Frontier Research Unit, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Dorcas A Annan
- Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8586, Japan.,Vascular Biology, Frontier Research Unit, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Marian F Young
- Molecular Biology of Bones and Teeth Section, NIDCR, Bethesda, MD, 20892-4320, USA
| | - Hirofumi Morimoto
- Vascular Biology, Frontier Research Unit, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morimoto
- Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8586, Japan.,Vascular Biology, Frontier Research Unit, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Jin-Min Nam
- Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0808, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hida
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hida
- Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8586, Japan.
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Khan S, Kim S, Yang YP, Pratx G. High-resolution radioluminescence microscopy of FDG uptake in an engineered 3D tumor-stoma model. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 48:3400-3407. [PMID: 33880604 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The increased glucose metabolism of cancer cells is the basis for 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). However, due to its coarse image resolution, PET is unable to resolve the metabolic role of cancer-associated stroma, which often influences the metabolic reprogramming of a tumor. This study investigates the use of radioluminescence microscopy for imaging FDG uptake in engineered 3D tumor models with high resolution. METHOD Multicellular tumor spheroids (A549 lung adenocarcinoma) were co-cultured with GFP-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within an artificial extracellular matrix to mimic a tumor and its surrounding stroma. The tumor model was constructed as a 200-μm-thin 3D layer over a transparent CdWO4 scintillator plate to allow high-resolution imaging of the cultured cells. After incubation with FDG, the radioluminescence signal was collected by a highly sensitive widefield microscope. Fluorescence microscopy was performed using the same instrument to localize endothelial and tumor cells. RESULTS Simultaneous and co-localized brightfield, fluorescence, and radioluminescence imaging provided high-resolution information on the distribution of FDG in the engineered tissue. The microvascular stromal compartment as a whole took up a large fraction of the FDG, comparable to the uptake of the tumor spheroids. In vitro gamma counting confirmed that A549 and HUVEC cells were both highly glycolytic with rapid FDG uptake kinetics. Despite the relative thickness of the tissue constructs, an average spatial resolution of 64 ± 4 μm was achieved for imaging FDG. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the feasibility of imaging the distribution of FDG uptake in engineered in vitro tumor models. With its high spatial resolution, the method can separately resolve tumor and stromal components. The approach could be extended to more advanced engineered cancer models but also to surgical tissue slices and tumor biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syamantak Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sungwoo Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yunzhi Peter Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Guillem Pratx
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Askan G, Sahin IH, Chou JF, Yavas A, Capanu M, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Basturk O, O'Reilly EM. Pancreatic cancer stem cells may define tumor stroma characteristics and recurrence patterns in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:385. [PMID: 33836674 PMCID: PMC8034174 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08123-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Herein, we investigate the relationship between pancreatic stem cell markers (PCSC markers), CD44, and epithelial-specific antigen (ESA), tumor stroma, and the impact on recurrence outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Methods PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection between 01/2012–06/2014 were identified. CD44 and ESA expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Stroma was classified as loose, moderate, and dense based on fibroblast content. Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between subgroups by log-rank test. The association between PCSC markers and stroma type was assessed by Fisher’s exact test. Results N = 93 PDAC patients were identified. The number of PDAC patients with dense, moderate density, and loose stroma was 11 (12%), 51 (54%), and 31 (33%) respectively. PDAC with CD44+/ESA− had highest rate of loose stroma (63%) followed by PDAC CD44+/ESA+ (50%), PDAC CD44−/ESA+ (35%), CD44−/ESA− (9%) (p = 0.0033). Conversely, lack of CD44 and ESA expression was associated with the highest rate of moderate and dense stroma (91% p = 0.0033). No local recurrence was observed in patients with dense stroma and 9 had distant recurrence. The highest rate of cumulative local recurrence was observed in patients with loose stroma. No statistically significant difference in RFS and OS was observed among subgroups (P = 0.089). Conclusions These data indicate PCSCs may have an important role in stroma differentiation in PDAC. Our results further suggest that tumor stroma may influence the recurrence pattern in PDAC patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08123-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokce Askan
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th street, office 1021, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | | | - Joanne F Chou
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th street, office 1021, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Aslihan Yavas
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th street, office 1021, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Marinela Capanu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th street, office 1021, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th street, office 1021, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, New York, USA
| | - Olca Basturk
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th street, office 1021, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, New York, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th street, office 1021, New York, NY, 10065, USA. .,David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, New York, USA. .,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA.
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Pöschel A, Beebe E, Kunz L, Amini P, Guscetti F, Malbon A, Markkanen E. Identification of disease-promoting stromal components by comparative proteomic and transcriptomic profiling of canine mammary tumors using laser-capture microdissected FFPE tissue. Neoplasia 2021; 23:400-412. [PMID: 33794398 PMCID: PMC8042244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated stroma (CAS) profoundly influences progression of tumors including mammary carcinoma (mCA). Canine simple mCA represent relevant models of human mCA, notably also with respect to CAS. While transcriptomic changes in CAS of mCA are well described, it remains unclear to what extent these translate to the protein level. Therefore, we sought to gain insight into the proteomic changes in CAS and compare them with transcriptomic changes in the same tissue. To this end, we analyzed CAS and matched normal stroma using laser-capture microdissection (LCM) and LC-MS/MS in a cohort of 14 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) canine mCAs that we had previously characterized using LCM-RNAseq. Our results reveal clear differences in protein abundance between CAS and normal stroma, which are characterized by changes in the extracellular matrix, the cytoskeleton, and cytokines such as TNF. The proteomics- and RNAseq-based analyses of LCM-FFPE show a substantial degree of correlation, especially for the most deregulated targets and a comparable activation of pathways. Finally, we validate transcriptomic upregulation of LTBP2, IGFBP2, COL6A5, POSTN, FN1, COL4A1, COL12A1, PLOD2, COL4A2, and IGFBP7 in CAS on the protein level and demonstrate their adverse prognostic value for human breast cancer. Given the relevance of canine mCA as a model for the human disease, our analysis substantiates these targets as disease-promoting stromal components with implications for breast cancer in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiskwia Pöschel
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erin Beebe
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Kunz
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Parisa Amini
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franco Guscetti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Malbon
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Scotland
| | - Enni Markkanen
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
AIMS Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with cancer development, while their relationship with the cancer-associated stromal components remains poorly understood. In this review, we performed a broad description of the functional landscape of stroma-associated lncRNAs in various cancers and their roles in regulating the tumor-stroma crosstalk. MATERIALS AND METHODS We carried out a systematic literature review of PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Bentham, and EMBASE (Elsevier) databases by using the keywords "LncRNAs in cancer," "LncRNAs in tumor stroma," "stroma," "cancer-associated stroma," "stroma in the tumor microenvironment," "tumor-stroma crosstalk," "drug resistance of stroma," and "stroma in immunosuppression" till July 2020. We collected the latest articles addressing the biological functions of stroma-associated lncRNAs in cancer. KEY FINDINGS These articles reported that dysregulated stroma-associated lncRNAs play significant roles in modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) by the regulation of tumor-stroma crosstalk, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, and tumor immunity. SIGNIFICANCE The tumor stroma is a substantial portion of the TME, and the dysregulation of tumor stroma-associated lncRNAs significantly contributes to cancer initiation, progression, angiogenesis, immune evasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Thus, stroma-associated lncRNAs could be potentially useful targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nazim Uddin
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Institute of Food Science and Technology, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Tanaka HY, Kurihara T, Nakazawa T, Matsusaki M, Masamune A, Kano MR. Heterotypic 3D pancreatic cancer model with tunable proportion of fibrotic elements. Biomaterials 2020. [PMID: 32388166 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120077.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an often lethal disease characterized by a dense, fibrotic stroma. However, the lack of relevant preclinical models that recapitulate the characteristic histopathology of human PDAC in vitro impedes the development of novel therapies. The amount of stromal elements differ largely within and between patients, but in vitro models of human PDAC often do not account for this heterogeneity. Indeed, analyses of human PDAC histopathology revealed that the proportion of stroma ranged from 40 to 80% across patients. We, therefore, generated a novel 3D model of human PDAC, consisting of co-cultured human PDAC tumor cells and fibroblasts/pancreatic stellate cells, in which the proportion of fibrotic elements can be tuned across the clinically observed range. Using this model, we analyzed the signaling pathways involved in the differentiation of myofibroblasts, a characteristic subpopulation of fibroblasts seen in PDAC. We show that both YAP and SMAD2/3 in fibroblasts are required for myofibroblastic differentiation and that both shared and distinct signaling pathways regulate the nuclear localization of these factors during this process. Our novel model will be useful in promoting the understanding of the complex mechanisms by which the fibrotic stroma develops and how it might be therapeutically targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Y Tanaka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kurihara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakazawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mitsunobu R Kano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan.
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Tanaka HY, Kurihara T, Nakazawa T, Matsusaki M, Masamune A, Kano MR. Heterotypic 3D pancreatic cancer model with tunable proportion of fibrotic elements. Biomaterials 2020; 251:120077. [PMID: 32388166 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an often lethal disease characterized by a dense, fibrotic stroma. However, the lack of relevant preclinical models that recapitulate the characteristic histopathology of human PDAC in vitro impedes the development of novel therapies. The amount of stromal elements differ largely within and between patients, but in vitro models of human PDAC often do not account for this heterogeneity. Indeed, analyses of human PDAC histopathology revealed that the proportion of stroma ranged from 40 to 80% across patients. We, therefore, generated a novel 3D model of human PDAC, consisting of co-cultured human PDAC tumor cells and fibroblasts/pancreatic stellate cells, in which the proportion of fibrotic elements can be tuned across the clinically observed range. Using this model, we analyzed the signaling pathways involved in the differentiation of myofibroblasts, a characteristic subpopulation of fibroblasts seen in PDAC. We show that both YAP and SMAD2/3 in fibroblasts are required for myofibroblastic differentiation and that both shared and distinct signaling pathways regulate the nuclear localization of these factors during this process. Our novel model will be useful in promoting the understanding of the complex mechanisms by which the fibrotic stroma develops and how it might be therapeutically targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Y Tanaka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kurihara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakazawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mitsunobu R Kano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama, Japan.
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Achyut BR, Zhang H, Angara K, Mivechi NF, Arbab AS, Ko L. Oncoprotein GT198 vaccination delays tumor growth in MMTV-PyMT mice. Cancer Lett 2020; 476:57-66. [PMID: 32061755 PMCID: PMC7067666 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Targeting early lesion in breast cancer is more therapeutically effective. We have previously identified an oncoprotein GT198 (PSMC3IP) in human breast cancer. Here we investigated GT198 in MMTV-PyMT mouse mammary gland tumors and found that GT198 is a shared early lesion in both species. Similar to human breast cancer even before a tumor appears, cytoplasmic GT198 is overexpressed in mouse tumor stroma including pericyte stem cells, descendent adipocytes, fibroblasts, and myoepithelial cells. Using recombinant GT198 protein as an antigen, we vaccinated MMTV-PyMT mice and found that the GT198 vaccine delayed mouse tumor growth and reduced lung metastasis. The antitumor effects were linearly correlated with vaccinated mouse serum titers of GT198 antibody, which recognized cell surface GT198 protein on viable tumor cells confirmed by FACS. Furthermore, GT198+ tumor cells isolated from MMTV-PyMT tumor induced faster tumor growths than GT198- cells when re-implanted into normal FVB/N mice. Together, this first study of GT198 vaccine in mouse showed its effectiveness in antitumor and anti-metastasis. The finding supports GT198 as a potential target in human immunotherapy since GT198 defect is shared in both human and mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagelu R Achyut
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First of Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, And Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, Jinan University Medical College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Research Center of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Kartik Angara
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Nahid F Mivechi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ali S Arbab
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lan Ko
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Oczko-Wojciechowska M, Pfeifer A, Jarzab M, Swierniak M, Rusinek D, Tyszkiewicz T, Kowalska M, Chmielik E, Zembala-Nozynska E, Czarniecka A, Jarzab B, Krajewska J. Impact of the Tumor Microenvironment on the Gene Expression Profile in Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Pathobiology 2020; 87:143-154. [PMID: 32320975 DOI: 10.1159/000507223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is well characterized and correlates with some prognostic and genotypic factors, but data addressing the interaction between PTC and tumor microenvironment (TME) are scarce. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the impact of TME on gene expression profile in PTC. We evaluated the gene expression profile in PTC and normal thyroid cells isolated by laser capture microdissection and in whole tissue slides corresponding to the entire tumor. We included 26 microdissected samples for gene expression analysis (HG-U133 PLUS 2.0, Affymetrix, currently Thermo Fisher Scientific USA): 15 PTC samples, 11 samples of normal thyrocytes, and 30 whole slides (15 PTC and 15 normal thyroid). Transcripts were divided into three groups: differentially expressed both in microdissected and whole slides, transcripts differently expressed in microdissected samples and not changed in whole slides, and transcripts differentially expressed in whole slides and not changed in microdissected samples. Eleven genes were selected for validation in an independent set of samples; among them, four genes differentiated only microdissected PTC and normal cells. Two genes (PTCSC and CTGF) were confirmed. One gene (FOS) was not confirmed by the validation, whereas EGR1 was also significant in whole slide analysis. The other seven genes (TFF3, FN1, MPPED2, MET, KCNJ2, TACSTD2, and GALE) showed differentiated expression in microdissected thyrocytes and in whole tumor slides. Most of identified genes were related to the tumor-microenvironment interaction and confirmed the crosstalk between TME and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Oczko-Wojciechowska
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland,
| | - Aleksandra Pfeifer
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Michal Jarzab
- Breast Unit, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Michał Swierniak
- Center of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Rusinek
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Tyszkiewicz
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kowalska
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ewa Chmielik
- Tumor Pathology Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ewa Zembala-Nozynska
- Tumor Pathology Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Czarniecka
- Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Barbara Jarzab
- Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Jolanta Krajewska
- Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
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Chen L, Cao MF, Xiao JF, Ma QH, Zhang H, Cai RL, Miao JY, Wang WY, Zhang H, Luo M, Ping YF, Yao XH, Cui YH, Zhang X, Bian XW. Stromal PD-1 + tumor-associated macrophages predict poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Hum Pathol 2020; 97:68-79. [PMID: 31926212 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) axis have been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy to treat lung cancer. PD-1 is preferentially expressed by activated T lymphocytes; but whether/how its expression by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in lung adenocarcinoma remains elusive. Herein, we investigate the frequency of PD-1 expression on TAMs in mouse allografts by flow cytometry analysis and evaluate the spatial distribution and clinicopathological significance of PD-1+ TAMs in 213 cases of human lung adenocarcinoma specimens by immunohistochemical staining. We find the expression of PD-1 by both mouse and human TAMs. Mouse PD-1+ TAMs possess unique transcriptional profile as compared to PD-1- TAMs. Furthermore, PD-1 is preferentially expressed by CD163+ TAMs in the tumor stroma than those in the tumor islets of lung adenocarcinoma. Stromal PD-1+ TAM infiltration is an independent predictor of reduced survival as determined by univariate (P < .001) and multivariate (P = .023) analysis. Moreover, patients with high stromal PD-1+ TAMs but low tumor cell PD-L1 expression have the shortest survival (P = .0001). Our study demonstrates that PD-1+ TAMs have unique gene expression characteristics and PD-1+ TAMs in the tumor stroma is a potential prognostic factor in lung adenocarcinoma, suggesting that a better understanding of PD-1+ TAMs will be beneficial for immunotherapy of lung adenocarcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mian-Fu Cao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing-Fang Xiao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qing-Hua Ma
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Rui-Li Cai
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing-Ya Miao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wen-Ying Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Min Luo
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yi-Fang Ping
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Yao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - You-Hong Cui
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are the most common types of primary liver cancers. Moreover, the liver is the second most frequently involved organ in cancer metastasis after lymph nodes. The tumor microenvironment is crucial for the development of both primary and secondary liver cancers. The hepatic microenvironment consists of multiple cell types, including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, natural killer cells, liver-associated lymphocytes, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The microenvironment of a normal liver changes to a tumor microenvironment when tumor cells exist or tumor cells migrate to and multiply in the liver. Interactions between tumor cells and non-transformed cells generate a tumor microenvironment that contributes significantly to tumor progression. HSCs play a central role in the tumor microenvironment crosstalk. As this crosstalk is crucial for liver carcinogenesis and liver-tumor development, elucidating the mechanism underlying the interaction of HSCs with the tumor microenvironment could provide potential therapeutic targets for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Shiraha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Masaya Iwamuro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
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Abstract
The behavior of cancer is undoubtedly affected by stroma. Macrophages belong to this microenvironment and their presence correlates with reduced survival in most cancers. After a tumor-induced "immunoediting", these monocytes/macrophages, originally the first line of defense against tumor cells, undergo a phenotypic switch and become tumor-supportive and immunosuppressive.The influence of these tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) on cancer is present in all traits of carcinogenesis. These cells participate in tumor initiation and growth, migration, vascularization, invasion and metastasis. Although metastasis is extremely clinically relevant, this step is always reliant on the angiogenic ability of tumors. Therefore, the formation of new blood vessels in tumors assumes particular importance as a limiting step for disease progression.Herein, the once unsuspected roles of macrophages in cancer will be discussed and their importance as a promising strategy to treat this group of diseases will be reminded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Gouveia-Fernandes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Elingaard-Larsen LO, Rolver MG, Sørensen EE, Pedersen SF. How Reciprocal Interactions Between the Tumor Microenvironment and Ion Transport Proteins Drive Cancer Progression. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:1-38. [PMID: 32737753 DOI: 10.1007/112_2020_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors comprise two major components: the cancer cells and the tumor stroma. The stroma is a mixture of cellular and acellular components including fibroblasts, mesenchymal and cancer stem cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and tumor interstitial fluid. The insufficient tumor perfusion and the highly proliferative state and dysregulated metabolism of the cancer cells collectively create a physicochemical microenvironment characterized by altered nutrient concentrations and varying degrees of hypoxia and acidosis. Furthermore, both cancer and stromal cells secrete numerous growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins which further shape the tumor microenvironment (TME), favoring cancer progression.Transport proteins expressed by cancer and stromal cells localize at the interface between the cells and the TME and are in a reciprocal relationship with it, as both sensors and modulators of TME properties. It has been amply demonstrated how acid-base and nutrient transporters of cancer cells enable their growth, presumably by contributing both to the extracellular acidosis and the exchange of metabolic substrates and waste products between cells and TME. However, the TME also impacts other transport proteins important for cancer progression, such as multidrug resistance proteins. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the cellular and acellular components of solid tumors and their interrelationship with key ion transport proteins. We focus in particular on acid-base transport proteins with known or proposed roles in cancer development, and we discuss their relevance for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line O Elingaard-Larsen
- Translational Type 2 Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Michala G Rolver
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ester E Sørensen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine F Pedersen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Yue H, Wang J, Chen R, Hou X, Li J, Lu X. Gene signature characteristic of elevated stromal infiltration and activation is associated with increased risk of hematogenous and lymphatic metastasis in serous ovarian cancer. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:1266. [PMID: 31888563 PMCID: PMC6937680 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6470-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical significance of hematogenous and lymphatic metastasis in ovarian cancer has been increasingly addressed, as it plays an imperative role in the formation of both intraperitoneal and distant metastases. Our objective is to identify the key molecules and biological processes potentially related to this relatively novel metastatic route in serous ovarian cancer. Methods Since lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is considered as the first step of hematogenous and lymphatic dissemination, we developed a gene signature mainly based on the transcriptome profiles with available information on LVSI status in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. We then explored the underlying biological rationale and prognostic value of the identified gene signature using multiple public databases. Results We observe that primary tumors with increased risk of hematogenous and lymphatic metastasis highly express a panel of genes, namely POSTN, LUM, THBS2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, FAP1 and FBN1. The identified geneset is characterized by enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix and extensive stromal activation. Mechanistically, both the recruitment and the activation of stromal cells, especially fibroblasts, are closely associated with lymphovascular metastasis. Survival analysis further reveals that the elevated expression of the identified genes correlates to cancer progression and poor prognosis in patients with serous ovarian cancer. Conclusions Our findings indicate that tumor stroma supports the hematogenous and lymphatic spread of ovarian cancer, increasing tumor invasiveness and ultimately resulting in worse survival. Thus stroma-targeted therapies may improve the clinical outcomes in combination with cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiran Yue
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419, Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jieyu Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419, Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ruifang Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419, Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoman Hou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419, Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jun Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419, Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Xin Lu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419, Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Unterleuthner D, Neuhold P, Schwarz K, Janker L, Neuditschko B, Nivarthi H, Crncec I, Kramer N, Unger C, Hengstschläger M, Eferl R, Moriggl R, Sommergruber W, Gerner C, Dolznig H. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived WNT2 increases tumor angiogenesis in colon cancer. Angiogenesis 2019; 23:159-177. [PMID: 31667643 PMCID: PMC7160098 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
WNT2 acts as a pro-angiogenic factor in placental vascularization and increases angiogenesis in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (ECs) and other ECs. Increased WNT2 expression is detectable in many carcinomas and participates in tumor progression. In human colorectal cancer (CRC), WNT2 is selectively elevated in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), leading to increased invasion and metastasis. However, if there is a role for WNT2 in colon cancer, angiogenesis was not addressed so far. We demonstrate that WNT2 enhances EC migration/invasion, while it induces canonical WNT signaling in a small subset of cells. Knockdown of WNT2 in CAFs significantly reduced angiogenesis in a physiologically relevant assay, which allows precise assessment of key angiogenic properties. In line with these results, expression of WNT2 in otherwise WNT2-devoid skin fibroblasts led to increased angiogenesis. In CRC xenografts, WNT2 overexpression resulted in enhanced vessel density and tumor volume. Moreover, WNT2 expression correlates with vessel markers in human CRC. Secretome profiling of CAFs by mass spectrometry and cytokine arrays revealed that proteins associated with pro-angiogenic functions are elevated by WNT2. These included extracellular matrix molecules, ANG-2, IL-6, G-CSF, and PGF. The latter three increased angiogenesis. Thus, stromal-derived WNT2 elevates angiogenesis in CRC by shifting the balance towards pro-angiogenic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Unterleuthner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Neuhold
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Schwarz
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Janker
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Neuditschko
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harini Nivarthi
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Währinger Straße 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,CeMM, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilija Crncec
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Servier Pharma, Tuškanova 37, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Kramer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Unger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Eferl
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Währinger Straße 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Sommergruber
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1130, Vienna, Austria.,Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences, FH Campus Wien, Helmut- Qualtinger-Gasse 2, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Gómez-Abenza E, Ibáñez-Molero S, García-Moreno D, Fuentes I, Zon LI, Mione MC, Cayuela ML, Gabellini C, Mulero V. Zebrafish modeling reveals that SPINT1 regulates the aggressiveness of skin cutaneous melanoma and its crosstalk with tumor immune microenvironment. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:405. [PMID: 31519199 PMCID: PMC6743187 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1389-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is the most lethal form of skin cancer and while incidence rates are declining for most cancers, they have been steadily rising for SKCM. Serine protease inhibitor, kunitz-type, 1 (SPINT1) is a type II transmembrane serine protease inhibitor that has been shown to be involved in the development of several types of cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and colorectal cancer. METHODS We used the unique advantages of the zebrafish to model the impact of Spint1a deficiency in early transformation, progression and metastatic invasion of SKCM together with in silico analysis of the occurrence and relevance of SPINT1 genetic alterations of the SKCM TCGA cohort. RESULTS We report here a high prevalence of SPINT1 genetic alterations in SKCM patients and their association with altered tumor immune microenvironment and poor patient survival. The zebrafish model reveals that Spint1a deficiency facilitates oncogenic transformation, regulates the tumor immune microenvironment crosstalk, accelerates the onset of SKCM and promotes metastatic invasion. Notably, Spint1a deficiency is required at both cell autonomous and non-autonomous levels to enhance invasiveness of SKCM. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a novel therapeutic target for SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gómez-Abenza
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sofía Ibáñez-Molero
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Diana García-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leonard I. Zon
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA USA
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Maria C. Mione
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Biology, Cibio, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - María L. Cayuela
- Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Chiara Gabellini
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
- Present Address: Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, S.S. 12 Abetone e Brennero 4, Pisa, Italy
| | - Victoriano Mulero
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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Lindner T, Loktev A, Giesel F, Kratochwil C, Altmann A, Haberkorn U. Targeting of activated fibroblasts for imaging and therapy. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2019; 4:16. [PMID: 31659499 PMCID: PMC6658625 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-019-0069-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [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: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors form a complex environment consisting of a variety of non-malignant cells. Especially cancer-associated fibroblasts have been shown to have an important role for different aspects of malignant tumors such as migration, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy and immunosuppression. Therefore, a targeting of these cells may be useful for both imaging and therapy. In this respect, an interesting target is the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) which is expressed in activated fibroblasts, but not in quiescent fibroblasts, giving the opportunity to use this membrane-anchored enzyme as a target for radionuclide-based approaches for diagnosis and treatment of tumors and for the diagnosis of non-malignant disease associated with a remodelling of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anastasia Loktev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederik Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annette Altmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
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Kettunen E, Savukoski S, Salmenkivi K, Böhling T, Vanhala E, Kuosma E, Anttila S, Wolff H. CDKN2A copy number and p16 expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma in relation to asbestos exposure. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:507. [PMID: 31138176 PMCID: PMC6537412 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deletion of the CDKN2A locus is centrally involved in the development of several malignancies. In malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), it is one of the most frequently reported genomic alteration. MPM is strongly associated with a patients’ asbestos exposure. However, the status of CDKN2A and the expression of the corresponding protein, p16, in relation to MPM patient’s asbestos exposure is poorly known. Copy number alterations in 2p16, 9q33.1 and 19p13 have earlier been shown to accumulate in lung cancer in relation to asbestos exposure but their status in MPM is unclear. Methods We studied DNA copy numbers for CDKN2A using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and p16 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 92 MPM patients, 75 of which with known asbestos exposure status. We also studied, in MPM, copy number alterations in 2p16, 9q33.1 and 19p13 by FISH. Results We were unable to detect an association between p16 expression and pulmonary asbestos fiber count in MPM tumor cells. However, significantly more MPM patients with high pulmonary asbestos fiber count (> 1 million fibers per gram [f/g]) had stromal p16 immunoreactivity than MPM of patients with low exposure (≤ 0.5 million f/g) (51.4% vs 16.7%; p = 0.035, Chi-Square). We found that an abnormal copy number of CDKN2A in MPM tumor cells associated with a high pulmonary asbestos fiber count (p = 0.044, Fisher’s Exact test, two-tailed). In contrast to our earlier findings in asbestos associated lung cancer, DNA copy number changes in 2p16, 9q33 and 19p13 were not frequent in MPM although single cases with variable copy numbers on those regions were seen. Conclusions We found two instances where the gene locus CDKN2A or its corresponding protein expression, is associated with high asbestos exposure levels. This suggests that there may be biological differences between the mesotheliomas with high pulmonary asbestos fiber count and those with low fiber count. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5652-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeva Kettunen
- Research and Service Centre for Occupational Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sauli Savukoski
- Research and Service Centre for Occupational Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaisa Salmenkivi
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Böhling
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa Vanhala
- Research and Service Centre for Occupational Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva Kuosma
- Research and Service Centre for Occupational Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sisko Anttila
- Research and Service Centre for Occupational Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henrik Wolff
- Research and Service Centre for Occupational Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Helsinki, Finland
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Ferraro DA, Patella F, Zanivan S, Donato C, Aceto N, Giannotta M, Dejana E, Diepenbruck M, Christofori G, Buess M. Endothelial cell-derived nidogen-1 inhibits migration of SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:312. [PMID: 30947697 PMCID: PMC6449935 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumour microenvironment is a critical regulator of malignant cancer progression. While endothelial cells have been widely studied in the context of tumour angiogenesis, their role as modulators of cancer cell invasion and migration is poorly understood. METHODS We have investigated the influence of endothelial cells on the invasive and migratory behaviour of human cancer cells in vitro. RESULTS Upon exposure to culture supernatants of endothelial cells, distinct cancer cells, such as SK-BR-3 cells, showed significantly increased invasion and cell migration concomitant with changes in cell morphology and gene expression reminiscent of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, the pro-migratory effect on SK-BR-3 cells was significantly enhanced by supernatants obtained from subconfluent, proliferative endothelial cells rather than from confluent, quiescent endothelial cells. Systematically comparing the supernatants of subconfluent and confluent endothelial cells by quantitative MS proteomics revealed eight candidate proteins that were secreted at significantly higher levels by confluent endothelial cells representing potential inhibitors of cancer cell migration. Among these proteins, nidogen-1 was exclusively expressed in confluent endothelial cells and was found to be necessary and sufficient for the inhibition of SK-BR-3 cell migration. Indeed, SK-BR-3 cells exposed to nidogen-1-depleted endothelial supernatants showed increased promigratory STAT3 phosphorylation along with increased cell migration. This reflects the situation of enhanced SK-BR-3 migration upon stimulation with conditioned medium from subconfluent endothelial cells with inherent absence of nidogen-1 expression. CONCLUSION The identification of nidogen-1 as an endothelial-derived inhibitor of migration of distinct cancer cell types reveals a novel mechanism of endothelial control over cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A. Ferraro
- Tumor Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Patella
- Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G611BD UK
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Tumour Microenvironment and Proteomics, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G611BD UK
| | - Cinzia Donato
- Cancer Metastasis, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Cancer Metastasis, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monica Giannotta
- Vascular Biology Unit, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- Vascular Biology Unit, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Maren Diepenbruck
- Tumor Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Christofori
- Tumor Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Buess
- Department of Oncology, St. Claraspital, Kleinriehenstrasse 30, 4016 Basel, Switzerland
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