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Shi A, Yun F, Shi L, Liu X, Jia Y. Research progress on the mechanism of common inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis and development of lymphoma. Ann Med 2024; 56:2329130. [PMID: 38489405 PMCID: PMC10946270 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2329130] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates of lymphoma have gradually increased worldwide. Tumorigenesis and drug resistance are closely related to intracellular inflammatory pathways in lymphoma. Therefore, understanding the biological role of inflammatory pathways and their abnormal activation in relation to the development of lymphoma and their selective modulation may open new avenues for targeted therapy of lymphoma. The biological functions of inflammatory pathways are extensive, and they are central hubs for regulating inflammatory responses, immune responses, and the tumour immune microenvironment. However, limited studies have investigated the role of inflammatory pathways in lymphoma development. This review summarizes the relationship between abnormal activation of common inflammatory pathways and lymphoma development to identify precise and efficient targeted therapeutic options for patients with advanced, drug-resistant lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aorong Shi
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Fen Yun
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yongfeng Jia
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
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2
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Zhang X, An M, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Liu Y. Nano-medicine therapy reprogramming metabolic network of tumour microenvironment: new opportunity for cancer therapies. J Drug Target 2024; 32:241-257. [PMID: 38251656 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2309565] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic heterogeneity is one of the characteristics of tumour cells. In order to adapt to the tumour microenvironment of hypoxia, acidity and nutritional deficiency, tumour cells have undergone extensive metabolic reprogramming. Metabolites involved in tumour cell metabolism are also very different from normal cells, such as a large number of lactate and adenosine. Metabolites play an important role in regulating the whole tumour microenvironment. Taking metabolites as the target, it aims to change the metabolic pattern of tumour cells again, destroy the energy balance it maintains, activate the immune system, and finally kill tumour cells. In this paper, the regulatory effects of metabolites such as lactate, glutamine, arginine, tryptophan, fatty acids and adenosine were reviewed, and the related targeting strategies of nano-medicines were summarised, and the future therapeutic strategies of nano-drugs were discussed. The abnormality of tumour metabolites caused by tumour metabolic remodelling not only changes the energy and material supply of tumour, but also participates in the regulation of tumour-related signal pathways, which plays an important role in the survival, proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumour cells. Regulating the availability of local metabolites is a new aspect that affects tumour progress. (The graphical abstract is by Figdraw).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Min An
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Juntao Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yumeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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3
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Wang Z, Chang Y, Sun H, Li Y, Tang T. Advances in molecular mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease‑associated colorectal cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:257. [PMID: 38646499 PMCID: PMC11027113 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14390] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between inflammation and cancer is well documented and colonic inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to be a high-risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The complex crosstalk between epithelial and inflammatory cells is thought to underlie the progression from inflammation to cancer. The present review collates and summarises recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD-associated CRC (IBD-CRC), including the oncogenic mechanisms of the main inflammatory signalling pathways and genetic alterations induced by oxidative stress during colonic inflammation, and discusses the crosstalk between the tumour microenvironment, intestinal flora and host immune factors during inflammatory oncogenesis in colitis-associated CRC. In addition, the therapeutic implications of anti-inflammatory therapy for IBD-CRC were discussed, intending to provide new insight into improve clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Yu Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Haibo Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Yuqin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Tongyu Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
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Hatthakarnkul P, Pennel K, Alexander P, van Wyk H, Roseweir A, Inthagard J, Hay J, Andersen D, Maka N, Park J, Roxburgh C, Thuwajit C, McMillan D, Edwards J. Histopathological tumour microenvironment score independently predicts outcome in primary operable colorectal cancer. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e12374. [PMID: 38650367 PMCID: PMC11035902 DOI: 10.1002/2056-4538.12374] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogenous malignancy and research is focused on identifying novel ways to subtype patients. In this study, a novel classification system, tumour microenvironment score (TMS), was devised based on Klintrup-Mäkinen grade (KMG), tumour stroma percentage (TSP), and tumour budding. TMS was performed using a haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained section from retrospective CRC discovery and validation cohorts (n = 1,030, n = 787). TMS0 patients had high KMG, TMS1 were low for KMG, TSP, and budding, TMS2 were high for budding, or TSP and TMS3 were high for TSP and budding. Scores were assessed for association with survival and clinicopathological characteristics. Mutational landscaping and Templated Oligo-Sequencing (TempO-Seq) profiling were performed to establish differences in the underlying biology of TMS. TMS was independently prognostic in both cohorts (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), with TMS3 predictive of the shortest survival times. TMS3 was associated with adverse clinical features including sidedness, local and distant recurrence, higher T stage, higher N stage, and presence of margin involvement. Gene set enrichment analysis of TempO-Seq data showed higher expression of genes associated with hallmarks of cancer pathways including epithelial to mesenchymal transition (p < 0.001), IL2 STAT5 signalling (p = 0.007), and angiogenesis (p = 0.017) in TMS3. Additionally, enrichment of immunosuppressive immune signatures was associated with TMS3 classification. In conclusion, TMS represents a novel and clinically relevant method for subtyping CRC patients from a single H&E-stained tumour section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phimmada Hatthakarnkul
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | | | - Peter Alexander
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Academic Unit of SurgeryUniversity of GlasgowUK
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer Hay
- Glasgow Tissue Research FacilityQueen Elizabeth University HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Ditte Andersen
- Bioclavis LtdQueen Elizabeth University HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Noori Maka
- Department of PathologyQueen Elizabeth HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - James Park
- Department of SurgeryQueen Elizabeth University HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Campbell Roxburgh
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Academic Unit of SurgeryUniversity of GlasgowUK
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Donald McMillan
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Academic Unit of SurgeryUniversity of GlasgowUK
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5
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Holkom M, Yang X, Li R, Chen Y, Zhao H, Shang Z. Fibroblast regulates angiogenesis in assembled oral cancer organoid: A possible role of NNMT. Oral Dis 2024. [PMID: 38566601 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14945] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tumour angiogenesis is affected by various cell types in the tumour microenvironment (TME), including cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Here, an assembled organoid model was generated to investigate the mechanism by which the TME regulates angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) was analysed to compare the proangiogenic properties of OSCC cells and corresponding CAFs. Cell aggregates consisting of endothelial cells (ECs), CAFs and cancer cells were generated to construct assembled organoids. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) was pharmacologically or genetically inhibited to block the activation of CAFs. ATAC-seq was employed to test the transcriptional network of fibroblasts overexpressing NNMT. RESULTS Compared with cancer cells, CAFs secreted more VEGFA. Coculture with CAFs more effectively promoted the sprouting of ECs. Blockade of CAF activation via inhibition of NNMT drastically reduced the expression of CD31 in the assembled organoids. Overexpression of NNMT enhanced the transcription of genes related to angiogenesis in fibroblasts. Specifically, NNMT orchestrated the enrichment of the transcription factor JUNB at the promoter of VEGFA. CONCLUSIONS We clarify that stromal NNMT enables the steady reproduction of angiogenesis in assembled oral cancer organoids, providing a novel target for exploiting antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Holkom
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, School of Stomatology-Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengjun Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, School of Stomatology-Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Ying L, Kong L, Qiu X, Cheng A, Wang Q, Xiu L, Shi J, Tao Y, Chai Z. A novel mitochondria-related core gene signature to predict the prognosis and evaluate tumour microenvironment in CESC single-cell validation. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18265. [PMID: 38534098 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria and their related genes (MTRGs) are pivotal in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of cervical cancer, influencing prognosis and treatment response. This study developed a prognostic model using MTRGs to predict overall survival (OS) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC), aiming for personalized therapy. Analysing 14 MTRGs like ISCU and NDUFA11 through techniques such as univariate Cox regression, we found that a low mitochondrial (MT) score is associated with better survival, while a high MT score predicts poorer outcomes. The TME score, particularly influenced by CD8 T cells, also correlates with prognosis, with a high score indicating favourable outcomes. The interplay between MT and TME subtypes revealed that the best prognosis is seen in patients with a low MT and high TME score. Our findings highlight the role of MTRGs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cervical cancer, offering a novel approach to improving patient outcomes through a more nuanced understanding of mitochondrial function and immune interactions within the TME. This model presents a promising avenue for enhancing the precision of prognostic assessments in CESC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Ying
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Lin Kong
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Qiu
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Aihua Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Qijun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Limeng Xiu
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jinmei Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yanfei Tao
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhihong Chai
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
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7
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Ji D, Lu S, Zhang H, Li Z, Wang S, Miao T, Jiang Z, Ao L. Bulk and single-cell transcriptome reveal the immuno-prognostic subtypes and tumour microenvironment heterogeneity in HCC. Liver Int 2024; 44:979-995. [PMID: 38293784 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15828] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Accumulating evidences suggest tumour microenvironment (TME) profoundly influence clinical outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Existing immune subtypes are susceptible to batch effects, and integrative analysis of bulk and single-cell transcriptome is helpful to recognize immune subtypes and TME in HCC. METHODS Based on the relative expression ordering (REO) of 1259 immune-related genes, an immuno-prognostic signature was developed and validated in 907 HCC samples from five bulk transcriptomic cohorts, including 72 in-house samples. The machine learning models based on subtype-specific gene pairs with stable REOs were constructed to jointly predict immuno-prognostic subtypes in single-cell RNA-seq data and validated in another single-cell data. Then, cancer characteristics, immune landscape, underlying mechanism and therapeutic benefits between subtypes were analysed. RESULTS An immune-related signature with 29 gene pairs stratified HCC samples individually into two risk subgroups (C1 and C2), which was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. The machine learning models verified the immune subtypes from five bulk cohorts to two single-cell transcriptomic data. Integrative analysis revealed that C1 had poorer outcomes, higher CNV burden and malignant scores, higher sensitivity to sorafenib, and exhibited an immunosuppressive phenotype with more regulators, e.g., myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), Mø_SPP1, while C2 was characterized with better outcomes, higher metabolism, more benefit from immunotherapy, and displayed active immune with more effectors, e.g., tumour infiltrating lymphocyte and dendritic cell. Moreover, both two single-cell data revealed the crosstalk of SPP1-related L-R pairs between cancer and immune cells, especially SPP1-CD44, might lead to immunosuppression in C1. CONCLUSIONS The REO-based immuno-prognostic subtypes were conducive to individualized prognosis prediction and treatment options for HCC. This study paved the way for understanding TME heterogeneity between immuno-prognostic subtypes of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daihan Ji
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuting Lu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huarong Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenli Li
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shenglin Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tongjie Miao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Jiang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Ao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Awuah WA, Roy S, Tan JK, Adebusoye FT, Qiang Z, Ferreira T, Ahluwalia A, Shet V, Yee ALW, Abdul‐Rahman T, Papadakis M. Exploring the current landscape of single-cell RNA sequencing applications in gastric cancer research. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18159. [PMID: 38494861 PMCID: PMC10945075 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18159] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) represents a major global health burden and is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related fatalities. Its complex nature, characterized by heterogeneity and aggressive behaviour, poses considerable challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as an important technique, offering unprecedented precision and depth in gene expression profiling at the cellular level. By facilitating the identification of distinct cell populations, rare cells and dynamic transcriptional changes within GC, scRNA-seq has yielded valuable insights into tumour progression and potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, this technology has significantly improved our comprehension of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and its intricate interplay with immune cells, thereby opening avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, certain obstacles, including tumour heterogeneity and technical limitations, persist in the field. Current endeavours are dedicated to refining protocols and computational tools to surmount these challenges. In this narrative review, we explore the significance of scRNA-seq in GC, emphasizing its advantages, challenges and potential applications in unravelling tumour heterogeneity and identifying promising therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss recent developments, ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges, and future prospects. Although further enhancements are required, scRNA-seq has already provided valuable insights into GC and holds promise for advancing biomedical research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakshi Roy
- School of MedicineQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | | | | | - Zekai Qiang
- Department of Oncology & MetabolismThe University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Tomas Ferreira
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Vallabh Shet
- Faculty of MedicineBangalore Medical College and Research InstituteBangaloreKarnatakaIndia
| | | | | | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten‐HerdeckeUniversity of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
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9
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Du M, Qu Y, Qin L, Zheng J, Sun W. The cell death-related genes machine learning model for precise therapy and clinical drug selection in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18168. [PMID: 38494848 PMCID: PMC10945081 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the prevailing subtype of hepatocellular malignancy. While previous investigations have evidenced a robust link with programmed cell death (PCD) and tumorigenesis, a comprehensive inquiry targeting the relationship between multiple PCDs and HCC remains scant. Our aim was to develop a predictive model for different PCD patterns in order to investigate their impact on survival rates, prognosis and drug response rates in HCC patients. We performed functional annotation and pathway analysis on identified PCD-related genes (PCDRGs) using multiple bioinformatics tools. The prognostic value of these PCDRGs was verified through a dataset obtained from GEO. Consensus clustering analysis was utilized to elucidate the correlation between diverse PCD clusters and pertinent clinical characteristics. To comprehensively uncover the distinct PCD regulatory patterns, our analysis integrated gene expression profiling, immune cell infiltration and enrichment analysis. To predict survival differences in HCC patients, we established a PCD model. To enhance the clinical applicability for the model, we developed a highly accurate nomogram. To address the treatment of HCC, we identified several promising chemotherapeutic agents and novel targeted drugs. These drugs may be effective in treating HCC and could improve patient outcomes. To develop a cell death feature for HCC patients, we conducted an analysis of 12 different PCD mechanisms using eligible data obtained from public databases. Through this analysis, we were able to identify 1254 PCDRGs likely to contribute to cell death on HCC. Further analysis of 1254 PCDRGs identified 37 genes with prognostic value in HCC patients. These genes were then categorized into two PCD clusters A and B. The categorization was based on the expression patterns of the genes in the different clusters. Patients in PCD cluster B had better survival probabilities. This suggests that PCD mechanisms, as represented by the genes in cluster B, may have a protective effect against HCC progression. Furthermore, the expression of PCDRGs was significantly higher in PCD cluster A, indicating that this cluster may be more closely associated with PCD mechanisms. Furthermore, our observations indicate that patients exhibiting elevated tumour mutation burden (TMB) are at an augmented risk of mortality, in comparison to those displaying low TMB and low-risk statuses, who are more likely to experience prolonged survival. In addition, we have investigated the potential distinctions in the susceptibility of diverse risk cohorts towards emerging targeted therapies, designed for the treatment of HCC. Moreover, our investigation has shown that AZD2014, SB505124, LJI308 and OSI-207 show a greater efficacy in patients in the low-risk category. Conversely, for the high-risk group patients, PD173074, ZM447439 and CZC24832 exhibit a stronger response. Our findings suggest that the identification of risk groups and personalized treatment selection could lead to better clinical outcomes for patients with HCC. Furthermore, significant heterogeneity in clinical response to ICI therapy was observed among HCC patients with varying PCD expression patterns. This novel discovery underscores the prospective usefulness of these expression patterns as prognostic indicators for HCC patients and may aid in tailoring targeted treatment for those of distinct risk strata. Our investigation introduces a novel prognostic model for HCC that integrates diverse PCD expression patterns. This innovative model provides a novel approach for forecasting prognosis and assessing drug sensitivity in HCC patients, driving a more personalized and efficacious treatment paradigm, elevating clinical outcomes. Nonetheless, additional research endeavours are required to confirm the model's precision and assess its potential to inform clinical decision-making for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Du
- Department of RadiologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Yonggang Qu
- Department of clinical medicineChina medical university Second HospitalShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Lingshan Qin
- Department of clinical medicineFourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Jiahe Zheng
- Department of RadiologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of RadiologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
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10
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Huang R, Han B, Zhang Y, Yang J, Wang K, Liu X, Wang Z. Pathway-based stratification of gliomas uncovers four subtypes with different TME characteristics and prognosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18208. [PMID: 38613347 PMCID: PMC11015396 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidences have found that the interactions between hypoxia, immune response and metabolism status in tumour microenvironment (TME) have clinical importance of predicting clinical outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to develop a reliable molecular stratification based on these key components of TME. The TCGA data set (training cohort) and two independent cohorts from CGGA database (validation cohort) were enrolled in this study. First, the enrichment score of 277 TME-related signalling pathways was calculated by gene set variation analysis (GSVA). Then, consensus clustering identified four stable and reproducible subtypes (AFM, CSS, HIS and GLU) based on TME-related signalling pathways, which were characterized by differences in hypoxia and immune responses, metabolism status, somatic alterations and clinical outcomes. Among the four subtypes, HIS subtype had features of immunosuppression, oxygen deprivation and active energy metabolism, resulting in a worst prognosis. Thus, for better clinical application of this acquired stratification, we constructed a risk signature by using the LASSO regression model to identify patients in HIS subtype accurately. We found that the risk signature could accurately screen out the patients in HIS subtype and had important reference value for individualized treatment of glioma patients. In brief, the definition of the TME-related subtypes was a valuable tool for risk stratification in gliomas. It might serve as a reliable prognostic classifier and provide rational design of individualized treatment, and follow-up scheduling for patients with gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Molecular NeuropathologyBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Molecular NeuropathologyBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Molecular NeuropathologyBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jingchen Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Molecular NeuropathologyBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kuanyu Wang
- Department of Gamma Knife CenterBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Molecular NeuropathologyBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhiliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Molecular NeuropathologyBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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11
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Jurisic A, Sung P, Wappett M, Daubriac J, Lobb IT, Kung W, Crawford N, Page N, Cassidy E, Feutren‐Burton S, Rountree JSS, Helm MD, O'Dowd CR, Kennedy RD, Gavory G, Cranston AN, Longley DB, Jacq X, Harrison T. USP7 inhibitors suppress tumour neoangiogenesis and promote synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors by downregulating fibroblast VEGF. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1648. [PMID: 38602256 PMCID: PMC11007818 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1648] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how to modulate the microenvironment of tumors that are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a major challenge in oncology.Here we investigate the ability of USP7 inhibitors to reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME) by inhibiting secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from fibroblasts. METHODS To understand the role played by USP7 in the TME, we systematically evaluated the effects of potent, selective USP7 inhibitors on co-cultures comprising components of the TME, using human primary cells. We also evaluated the effects of USP7 inhibition on tumor growth inhibition in syngeneic models when dosed in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). RESULTS Abrogation of VEGF secretion from fibroblasts in response to USP7 inhibition resulted in inhibition of tumor neoangiogenesis and increased tumor recruitment of CD8-positive T-lymphocytes, leading to significantly improved sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In syngeneic models, treatment with USP7 inhibitors led to striking tumor responses resulting in significantly improved survival. CONCLUSIONS USP7-mediated reprograming of the TME is not linked to its previously characterized role in modulating MDM2 but does require p53 and UHRF1 in addition to the well-characterized VEGF transcription factor, HIF-1α. This represents a function of USP7 that is unique to fibroblasts, and which is not observed in cancer cells or other components of the TME. Given the potential for USP7 inhibitors to transform "immune desert" tumors into "immune responsive" tumors, this paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy combining USP7 inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pei‐Ju Sung
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
| | - Mark Wappett
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer ResearchQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | | | - Ian T. Lobb
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
| | - Wei‐Wei Kung
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
| | | | - Natalie Page
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
| | - Eamon Cassidy
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gerald Gavory
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
| | | | - Daniel B. Longley
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer ResearchQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Xavier Jacq
- Almac Discovery Ltd., Health Science BuildingBelfastUK
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12
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Ruszkowska-Ciastek B, Kwiatkowska K, Marques-da-Silva D, Lagoa R. Cancer Stem Cells from Definition to Detection and Targeted Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3903. [PMID: 38612718 PMCID: PMC11011379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073903] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers remain the second leading cause of mortality in the world. Preclinical and clinical studies point an important role of cancer/leukaemia stem cells (CSCs/LSCs) in the colonisation at secondary organ sites upon metastatic spreading, although the precise mechanisms for specific actions are still not fully understood. Reviewing the present knowledge on the crucial role of CSCs/LSCs, their plasticity, and population heterogeneity in treatment failures in cancer patients is timely. Standard chemotherapy, which acts mainly on rapidly dividing cells, is unable to adequately affect CSCs with a low proliferation rate. One of the proposed mechanisms of CSC resistance to anticancer agents is the fact that these cells can easily shift between different phases of the cell cycle in response to typical cell stimuli induced by anticancer drugs. In this work, we reviewed the recent studies on CSC/LSC alterations associated with disease recurrence, and we systematised the functional assays, markers, and novel methods for CSCs screening. This review emphasises CSCs' involvement in cancer progression and metastasis, as well as CSC/LSC targeting by synthetic and natural compounds aiming at their elimination or modulation of stemness properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruszkowska-Ciastek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kwiatkowska
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Dorinda Marques-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (D.M.-d.-S.); (R.L.)
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Lagoa
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (D.M.-d.-S.); (R.L.)
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
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13
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Lu Q, Xi P, Xu S, Zhang Z, Gong B, Liu J, Zhu Q, Sun T, Zhu S, Chen R. A novel risk signature based on liquid-liquid phase separation-related genes reveals prognostic and tumour microenvironmental features in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6118-6134. [PMID: 38546385 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205691] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC) is one of the most common malignancies. However, there are still many barriers to its underlying causes, early diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)- Kidney renal clear cell (KIRC) cohort differentially analysed liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-related genes from the DrLLPS website. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and LASSO regression analyses were used to construct prognostic models. The E-MTAB-1980 cohort was used for external validation. Then, potential functions, immune infiltration analysis, and mutational landscapes were analysed for the high-risk and low-risk groups. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments as well as single-cell analyses validated the genes key to the model. RESULTS We screened 174 LLPS-related genes in ccRCC and constructed a risk signature consisting of five genes (CLIC5, MXD3, NUF2, PABPC1L, PLK1). The high-risk group was found to be associated with worse prognosis in different subgroups. A nomogram constructed by combining age and tumour stage had a strong predictive power for the prognosis of ccRCC patients. In addition, there were differences in pathway enrichment, immune cell infiltration, and mutational landscapes between the two groups. The results of qRT-PCR in renal cancer cell lines and renal cancer tissues were consistent with the biosignature prediction. Three single-cell data of GSE159115, GSE139555, and GSE121636 were analysed for differences in the presence of these five genes in different cells. CONCLUSIONS We developed a risk signature constructed based on the five LLPS-related genes and can have a high ability to predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients, further providing a strong support for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Lu
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Ping Xi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Suling Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Fuzhou First People’s Hospital, Fuzhou 344000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Binbin Gong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shaoxing Zhu
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Ru Chen
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, P.R. China
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14
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Han N, Chang HJ, Yeo HY, Kim BC, Kim B, Park SC, Kim J, Park JW, Oh JH. Association of gut microbiome with immune microenvironment in surgically treated colorectal cancer patients. Pathology 2024:S0031-3025(24)00088-6. [PMID: 38609782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between faecal microbiota distribution and local or systemic immune response in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The study population included 114 surgically treated CRC patients. Faeces were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The immune score in tumour microenvironment was evaluated using CD3 and CD8 immunohistochemistry. Genetic alterations, microsatellite instability status and five systemic inflammatory markers were also analysed. Thirty of 114 (26.3%) CRC patients were categorised as the 'immune type' with a high density of T-cells. The immune type CRC cases showed lower angiolymphatic invasion and longer overall survival. Of the 123 selected bacterial species, Bacteroides fragilis and Collinsella aerofaciens were prevalent in immune CRC cases, whereas Odoribacter splanchnicus and Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens were prevalent in non-immune CRC patients. Bacteroides fragilis was associated with shorter disease free survival in univariable and multivariable survival analyses. Regarding systemic immunity, a high prevalence of C. aerofaciens was associated with a high modified Glasgow prognostic score. This study revealed a potential relationship among the gut microbiome, immune microenvironment, and disease progression in patients with CRC. Our findings suggest that abundant B. fragilis in patients with CRC is associated with a 'cold immune' tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Han
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Hee Jin Chang
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; Cancer Diagnostics Branch, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
| | - Hyun Yang Yeo
- Cancer Diagnostics Branch, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Byung Chang Kim
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Bun Kim
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Sung Chan Park
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jeongseon Kim
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Park
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Oh
- Center for Colorectal Cancer, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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15
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Lu D, Mihoayi M, Ablikim Y, Arikin A. RNA splicing regulator EIF3D regulates the tumor microenvironment through immunogene-related alternative splicing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5929-5948. [PMID: 38535990 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Study finds that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit D (EIF3D) may play an important role in aberrant alternative splicing (AS) events in tumors. AS possesses a pivotal role in both tumour progression and the constitution of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Regrettably, our current understanding of AS remains circumscribed especially in the context of immunogene-related alternative splicing (IGAS) profiles within Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSC). In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the function and mechanism of action of EIF3D by bioinformatics analysis combined with in vitro cellular experiments, and found that high expression of EIF3D in HNSC was associated with poor prognosis of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The EIF3D low expression group had a higher degree of immune infiltration and better efficacy against PD1 and CTLA4 immunotherapy compared to the EIF3D high expression group. TCGA SpliceSeq analysis illustrated that EIF3D influenced differentially spliced alternative splicing (DSAS) events involving 105 differentially expressed immunogenes (DEIGs). We observed an induction of apoptosis and a suppression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in EIF3D knock-down FaDu cells. RNA-seq analysis unveiled that 531 genes exhibited differential expression following EIF3D knockdown in FaDu cells. These include 52 DEIGs. Furthermore, EIF3D knockdown influenced the patterns of 1923 alternative splicing events (ASEs), encompassing 129 IGASs. This study identified an RNA splicing regulator and revealed its regulatory role in IGAS and the TME of HNSC, suggesting that EIF3D may be a potential target for predicting HNSC prognosis and immunotherapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Lu
- Otolaryngology Diagnosis and Treatment Center, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830000, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi Nuclear Industry 215 Hospital, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Mijti Mihoayi
- Otolaryngology Diagnosis and Treatment Center, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830000, China
| | - Yimin Ablikim
- Otolaryngology Diagnosis and Treatment Center, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830000, China
| | - Abdeyrim Arikin
- Otolaryngology Diagnosis and Treatment Center, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830000, China
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16
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Zhang R, Yao Y, Gao H, Hu X. Mechanisms of angiogenesis in tumour. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1359069. [PMID: 38590656 PMCID: PMC10999665 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1359069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Antiangiogenic factor-targeting drugs have been approved as first line agents in a variety of oncology treatments. Clinical drugs frequently target the VEGF signalling pathway during sprouting angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumours can evade antiangiogenic therapy through other angiogenesis mechanisms in addition to the vascular sprouting mechanism involving endothelial cells. These mechanisms include (1) sprouting angiogenesis, (2) vasculogenic mimicry, (3) vessel intussusception, (4) vascular co-option, (5) cancer stem cell-derived angiogenesis, and (6) bone marrow-derived angiogenesis. Other non-sprouting angiogenic mechanisms are not entirely dependent on the VEGF signalling pathway. In clinical practice, the conversion of vascular mechanisms is closely related to the enhancement of tumour drug resistance, which often leads to clinical treatment failure. This article summarizes recent studies on six processes of tumour angiogenesis and provides suggestions for developing more effective techniques to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Hu
- China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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17
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Chowaniec H, Ślubowska A, Mroczek M, Borowczyk M, Braszka M, Dworacki G, Dobosz P, Wichtowski M. New hopes for the breast cancer treatment: perspectives on the oncolytic virus therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375433. [PMID: 38576614 PMCID: PMC10991781 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy has emerged as a promising frontier in cancer treatment, especially for solid tumours. While immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells have demonstrated impressive results, their limitations in inducing complete tumour regression have spurred researchers to explore new approaches targeting tumours resistant to current immunotherapies. OVs, both natural and genetically engineered, selectively replicate within cancer cells, inducing their lysis while sparing normal tissues. Recent advancements in clinical research and genetic engineering have enabled the development of targeted viruses that modify the tumour microenvironment, triggering anti-tumour immune responses and exhibiting synergistic effects with other cancer therapies. Several OVs have been studied for breast cancer treatment, including adenovirus, protoparvovirus, vaccinia virus, reovirus, and herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1). These viruses have been modified or engineered to enhance their tumour-selective replication, reduce toxicity, and improve oncolytic properties.Newer generations of OVs, such as Oncoviron and Delta-24-RGD adenovirus, exhibit heightened replication selectivity and enhanced anticancer effects, particularly in breast cancer models. Clinical trials have explored the efficacy and safety of various OVs in treating different cancers, including melanoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, head and neck cancer, and gynecologic malignancies. Notably, Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and Oncorine have. been approved for advanced melanoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, respectively. However, adverse effects have been reported in some cases, including flu-like symptoms and rare instances of severe complications such as fistula formation. Although no OV has been approved specifically for breast cancer treatment, ongoing preclinical clinical trials focus on four groups of viruses. While mild adverse effects like low-grade fever and nausea have been observed, the effectiveness of OV monotherapy in breast cancer remains insufficient. Combination strategies integrating OVs with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy, show promise in improving therapeutic outcomes. Oncolytic virus therapy holds substantial potential in breast cancer treatment, demonstrating safety in trials. Multi-approach strategies combining OVs with conventional therapies exhibit more promising therapeutic effects than monotherapy, signalling a hopeful future for OV-based breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Chowaniec
- Department of Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Antonina Ślubowska
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Mroczek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Univeristy of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martyna Borowczyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Braszka
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Grzegorz Dworacki
- Department of Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Chair of Patomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paula Dobosz
- University Centre of Cancer Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wichtowski
- Surgical Oncology Clinic, Institute of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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18
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Garcia APV, Taborda DYO, Reis LA, de Paula AM, Cassali GD. Collagen modifications predictive of lymph node metastasis in dogs with carcinoma in mixed tumours. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1362693. [PMID: 38511192 PMCID: PMC10951072 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1362693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mixed tumours in the canine mammary gland are the most common histological type in routine diagnosis. In general, these neoplasms have a favourable prognosis that does not evolve into metastatic disease. However, some cases develop into lymph node metastases and are associated with worse patient survival rates. Methods Here is a retrospective study of 46 samples of primary mixed tumours of the canine mammary gland: 15 cases of benign mixed tumours (BMT), 16 cases of carcinoma in mixed tumours without lymph node metastasis (CMT), and 15 cases of carcinomas in mixed tumours with lymph node metastasis (CMTM). In addition, we selected 23 cases of normal mammary glands (NMT) for comparison. The samples were collected from biopsies performed during nodulectomy, simple mastectomy, regional mastectomy, or unilateral/bilateral radical mastectomy. We used multiphoton microscopy, second harmonic generation, and two-photon excited fluorescence, to evaluate the characteristics of collagen fibres and cellular components in biopsies stained with haematoxylin and eosin. We performed Ki67, ER, PR, and HER-2 immunostaining to define the immunophenotype and COX-2. We showed that carcinomas that evolved into metastatic disease (CMTM) present shorter and wavier collagen fibres as compared to CMT. Results and discussion When compared to NMT and BMT the carcinomas present a smaller area of fibre coverage, a larger area of cellular coverage, and a larger number of individual fibres. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between the strong expression of COX-2 and a high rate of cell proliferation in carcinomas with a smaller area covered by cell fibres and a larger number of individual fibres. These findings highlight the fundamental role of collagen during tumour progression, especially in invasion and metastatic dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Vargas Garcia
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daiana Yively Osorio Taborda
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luana Aparecida Reis
- Biophotonics Laboratory, Physics Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria de Paula
- Biophotonics Laboratory, Physics Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Geovanni Dantas Cassali
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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19
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Xu K, Wang H, Zou Y, Zhang H, Wang Y, Ren X, Wang H, Xu Y, Li J, Tang H, He C, Wei S, Tian T, Li L, Zhou H, Xu L, Fang J, Guo C, Yang J, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Pan Y. Distinct fibroblast subpopulations associated with bone, brain or intrapulmonary metastasis in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1605. [PMID: 38445456 PMCID: PMC10915739 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone or brain metastases may develop in 20-40% of individuals with late-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), resulting in a median overall survival of only 4-6 months. However, the primary lung cancer tissue's distinctions between bone, brain and intrapulmonary metastases of NSCLC at the single-cell level have not been underexplored. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 14 tissue biopsy samples obtained from treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC patients with bone (n = 4), brain (n = 6) or intrapulmonary (n = 4) metastasis using single-cell sequencing originating from the lungs. Following quality control and the removal of doublets, a total of 80 084 cells were successfully captured. RESULTS The most significant inter-group differences were observed in the fraction and function of fibroblasts. We identified three distinct cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subpopulations: myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF) and antigen-presenting CAF (apCAF). Notably, apCAF was prevalent in NSCLC with bone metastasis, while iCAF dominated in NSCLC with brain metastasis. Intercellular signalling network analysis revealed that apCAF may play a role in bone metastasis by activating signalling pathways associated with cancer stemness, such as SPP1-CD44 and SPP1-PTGER4. Conversely, iCAF was found to promote brain metastasis by activating invasion and metastasis-related molecules, such as MET hepatocyte growth factor. Furthermore, the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells influenced T-cell exhaustion and signalling pathways within the tumour microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS This study unveils the direct interplay between tumour cells and CAFs in NSCLC with bone or brain metastasis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for inhibiting metastasis by disrupting these critical cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yu‐Xia Zou
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Huan‐Huan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yue‐Nan Wang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Xue‐Ru Ren
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Han‐Qi Wang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Ye‐Hong Xu
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Jia‐Jun Li
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Song Wei
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Lai‐Lin Li
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Lin‐Juan Xu
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Jing‐Wen Fang
- Department of OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
| | - Chuang Guo
- Department of OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Jia‐Xuan Yang
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
| | - You‐Yang Zhou
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
| | - Zhi‐Hong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yue‐Yin Pan
- Department of OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
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Yan K, Liu Q, Huang R, Jiang Y, Bian Z, Li S, Li L, Shen F, Tsuneyama K, Zhang Q, Lian Z, Guan H, Xu B. Spatial transcriptomics reveals prognosis-associated cellular heterogeneity in the papillary thyroid carcinoma microenvironment. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1594. [PMID: 38426403 PMCID: PMC10905537 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant endocrine tumour, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing considerably. Cellular heterogeneity in the tumour microenvironment is important for PTC prognosis. Spatial transcriptomics is a powerful technique for cellular heterogeneity study. METHODS In conjunction with a clinical pathologist identification method, spatial transcriptomics was employed to characterise the spatial location and RNA profiles of PTC-associated cells within the tissue sections. The spatial RNA-clinical signature genes for each cell type were extracted and applied to outlining the distribution regions of specific cells on the entire section. The cellular heterogeneity of each cell type was further revealed by ContourPlot analysis, monocle analysis, trajectory analysis, ligand-receptor analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. RESULTS The spatial distribution region of tumour cells, typical and atypical follicular cells (FCs and AFCs) and immune cells were accurately and comprehensively identified in all five PTC tissue sections. AFCs were identified as a transitional state between FCs and tumour cells, exhibiting a higher resemblance to the latter. Three tumour foci were shared among all patients out of the 13 observed. Notably, tumour foci No. 2 displayed elevated expression levels of genes associated with lower relapse-free survival in PTC patients. We discovered key ligand-receptor interactions, including LAMB3-ITGA2, FN1-ITGA3 and FN1-SDC4, involved in the transition of PTC cells from FCs to AFCs and eventually to tumour cells. High expression of these patterns correlated with reduced relapse-free survival. In the tumour immune microenvironment, reduced interaction between myeloid-derived TGFB1 and TGFBR1 in tumour focus No. 2 contributed to tumourigenesis and increased heterogeneity. The spatial RNA-clinical analysis method developed here revealed prognosis-associated cellular heterogeneity in the PTC microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of tumour foci No. 2 and three enhanced ligand-receptor interactions in the AFC area/tumour foci reduced the relapse-free survival of PTC patients, potentially leading to improved prognostic strategies and targeted therapies for PTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yan
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Qing‐Zhi Liu
- Chronic Disease LaboratoryInstitutes for Life SciencesSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Rong‐Rong Huang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Yi‐Hua Jiang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and ApplicationGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhen‐Hua Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhou International CampusGuangzhouChina
| | - Si‐Jin Li
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Liang Li
- Medical Research InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Fei Shen
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineInstitute of Biomedical SciencesTokushima University Graduate SchoolTokushimaJapan
| | - Qing‐Ling Zhang
- Department of PathologyGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhe‐Xiong Lian
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of EndocrinologyGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
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21
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Ghaffari S, Saleh M, Akbari B, Ramezani F, Mirzaei HR. Applications of single-cell omics for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Immunology 2024; 171:339-364. [PMID: 38009707 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13720] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a promising cancer treatment modality. The breakthroughs in CAR T cell therapy were, in part, possible with the help of cell analysis methods, such as single-cell analysis. Bulk analyses have provided invaluable information regarding the complex molecular dynamics of CAR T cells, but their results are an average of thousands of signals in CAR T or tumour cells. Since cancer is a heterogeneous disease where each minute detail of a subclone could change the outcome of the treatment, single-cell analysis could prove to be a powerful instrument in deciphering the secrets of tumour microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy. With the recent studies in all aspects of adoptive cell therapy making use of single-cell analysis, a comprehensive review of the recent preclinical and clinical findings in CAR T cell therapy was needed. Here, we categorized and summarized the key points of the studies in which single-cell analysis provided insights into the genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and proteomics as well as their respective multi-omics of CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Ghaffari
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Mahshid Saleh
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Behnia Akbari
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Ramezani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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22
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Qian L, Xie L, Zhu Y, Huang C, Meng Z. Potent induction of antitumor immunity by combining cryo-thermal ablation with immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2024; 44:723-737. [PMID: 38111027 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15817] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) prompts the exploration of novel combination therapies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to examine the efficiency and potential mechanism of cryo-thermal ablation (Cryo-A) combined with anti-programmed death protein 1 (αPD1) and/or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (αCTLA4) inhibitors in a murine hepatoma model. METHOD Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice inoculated with unilateral or bilateral H22 hepatic tumour cells were treated with Cryo-A and/or ICIs (αPD1 and/or αCTLA4). Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISpot assay, time-of-flight cytometry, tumour rechallenging, and T-cell depletion assay were used to assess the dynamic changes of immune cell subsets following therapy. RESULTS We found Cryo-A resulted in immunogenic cell death of tumour cells, activation of dendritic cells, and enhancement of antitumor immunity. Cryo-A alone was insufficient to extend survival, combining Cryo-A with αPD1 and αCTLA4 further modulated the tumour microenvironment, inducing a durable antitumor immune response by tumour-reactive CD8+ T cells and significantly prolonged survival. Time-of-flight cytometry (CyTOF) data revealed that combination therapies reshaped the tumour microenvironment by the increase of intratumoral CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of cytotoxic markers and immune checkpoint molecules, and by downregulation of intratumoral granulocytes. The combination also resulted in the eradication of remote unablated tumours (abscopal effect). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that Cryo-A turned HCC from "cold" tumours to "hot" tumours and the combination of Cryo-A with αPD1 and αCTLA4 may be a promising approach to improve the prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Qian
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changjing Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Yang S, Jia J, Wang F, Wang Y, Fang Y, Yang Y, Zhou Q, Yuan W, Bian Z. Targeting neutrophils: Mechanism and advances in cancer therapy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1599. [PMID: 38450975 PMCID: PMC10918741 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1599] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a thorny problem which cannot be conquered by mankind at present and recent researchers have put their focus on tumor microenviroment. Neutrophils, the prominent leukocytes in peripheral blood that accumulate in tumours, serves as frontline cells in response to tumour progression owing to the rapid development of micro biotechnology. Hence, targeted therapy with these neutrophils has made targeting treatment a promising field in cancer therapy. MAIN BODY We broadly summarise some studies on the phenotypes and functions of tumour-associated neutrophils as well as the unique web-like products of neutrophils that play a role in cancer progression-neutrophil extracellular traps-and the interactions between neutrophils and the tumour microenvironment. Moreover, several targeted neutrophils therapeutic studies have made some progress and provided potential strategies for the treatment of cancer. CONCLUSION This review aims to offer a holistic perspective on therapeutic interventions targeting neutrophils to further inspire more researches on cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaixi Yang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jiachi Jia
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Fuqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yingshuai Fang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yabing Yang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhilei Bian
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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24
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Wu Y, Li J, Shu L, Tian Z, Wu S, Wu Z. Ultrasound combined with microbubble mediated immunotherapy for tumor microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1304502. [PMID: 38487163 PMCID: PMC10937735 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1304502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in dynamically regulating the progress of cancer and influencing the therapeutic results. Targeting the tumor microenvironment is a promising cancer treatment method in recent years. The importance of tumor immune microenvironment regulation by ultrasound combined with microbubbles is now widely recognized. Ultrasound and microbubbles work together to induce antigen release of tumor cell through mechanical or thermal effects, promoting antigen presentation and T cells' recognition and killing of tumor cells, and improve tumor immunosuppression microenvironment, which will be a breakthrough in improving traditional treatment problems such as immune checkpoint blocking (ICB) and himeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. In order to improve the therapeutic effect and immune regulation of TME targeted tumor therapy, it is necessary to develop and optimize the application system of microbubble ultrasound for organs or diseases. Therefore, the combination of ultrasound and microbubbles in the field of TME will continue to focus on developing more effective strategies to regulate the immunosuppression mechanisms, so as to activate anti-tumor immunity and/or improve the efficacy of immune-targeted drugs, At present, the potential value of ultrasound combined with microbubbles in TME targeted therapy tumor microenvironment targeted therapy has great potential, which has been confirmed in the experimental research and application of breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer, which provides a new alternative idea for clinical tumor treatment. This article reviews the research progress of ultrasound combined with microbubbles in the treatment of tumors and their application in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zuohui Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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25
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Chak PT, Kam NW, Choi TH, Dai W, Kwong DLW. Unfolding the Complexity of Exosome-Cellular Interactions on Tumour Immunity and Their Clinical Prospects in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:919. [PMID: 38473281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050919] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy situated in the posterolateral nasopharynx. NPC poses grave concerns in Southeast Asia due to its late diagnosis. Together with resistance to standard treatment combining chemo- and radiotherapy, NPC presents high metastatic rates and common recurrence. Despite advancements in immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and cytotoxic-T-lymphocytes (CTLs)-based cellular therapy, the exhaustive T cell profile and other signs of immunosuppression within the NPC tumour microenvironment (TME) remain as concerns to immunotherapy response. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles of 30-150 nm in diameter, are increasingly studied and linked to tumourigenesis in oncology. These bilipid-membrane-bound vesicles are packaged with a variety of signalling molecules, mediating cell-cell communications. Within the TME, exosomes can originate from tumour, immune, or stromal cells. Although there are studies on tumour-derived exosomes (TEX) in NPC and their effects on tumour processes like angiogenesis, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, there is a lack of research on their involvement in immune evasion. In this review, we aim to enhance the comprehension of how NPC TEX contribute to cellular immunosuppression. Furthermore, considering the detectability of TEX in bodily fluids, we will also discuss the potential development of TEX-related biomarkers for liquid biopsy in NPC as this could facilitate early diagnosis and prognostication of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paak-Ting Chak
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ngar-Woon Kam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Tsz-Ho Choi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Dora Lai-Wan Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
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26
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Yu W, Gui S, Xie J, Peng L, Xiao J, Luo H, Tao Z, Cheng Z. Investigation of cuproptosis regulator-mediated modification patterns and SLC30A7 function in GBM. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3554-3582. [PMID: 38393693 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205545] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Copper-dependent controlled cell death (cuproptosis) is a novel cell death modality that is distinct from known cell death mechanisms. Nonetheless, the potential role of the cuproptosis regulator in tumour microenvironment (TME) of GBM remains unknown. METHODS Based on 13 widely recognised cuproptosis regulators, the cuproptosis regulation patterns and the biological characteristics of each pattern were comprehensively assessed in GBMs. Machine learning strategies were used to construct a CupScore to quantify the cuproptosis regulation patterns of individual tumours. A PPI network was constructed to predict core-associated genes of cuproptosis regulators. The function of the novel cuproptosis regulators SLC30A7 was examined by in vitro and in vivo experiment. RESULTS We identified three distinct cuproptosis regulation patterns, including immune activation, metabolic activation, and immunometabolic double deletion patterns. The CupScore was shown to predict the abundance of tumour inflammation, molecular subtype, stromal activity, gene variation, signalling pathways, and patient prognosis. The low CupScore subtype was characterised by immune activation, isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations, sensitivity to chemotherapy, and clinical benefits. The high CupScore subtype was characterised by activation of the stroma and metabolism and poor survival. Novel cuproptosis regulator SLC30A7 knockdown inhibited the cuproptosi via JAK2/STAT3/ATP7A pathway in GBM. CONCLUSION Cuproptosis regulators have been shown to play a vital role in TME complexity. Constructing CupScores were trained to evaluate the regulation patterns of cuproptosis in individual tumours. The novel cuproptosis-related genes SLC30A7 was involved in regulation the tumorigenicity of GBM cell via JAK2/STAT3/ATP7A pathway in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Shikai Gui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Jiabao Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Lunshan Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Juexian Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Haitao Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Zhennan Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zujue Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, China
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Attias M, Piccirillo CA. The impact of Foxp3 + regulatory T-cells on CD8 + T-cell dysfunction in tumour microenvironments and responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38325330 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been a breakthrough in cancer therapy, inducing durable remissions in responding patients. However, they are associated with variable outcomes, spanning from disease hyperprogression to complete responses with the onset of immune-related adverse events. The consequences of checkpoint inhibition on Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg ) cells remain unclear but could provide key insights into these variable outcomes. In this review, we first cover the mechanisms that underlie the development of hot and cold tumour microenvironments, which determine the efficacy of immunotherapy. We then outline how differences in tumour-intrinsic immunogenicity, T-cell trafficking, local metabolic environments and inhibitory checkpoint signalling differentially impair CD8+ T-cell function in tumour microenvironments, all the while promoting Treg -cell suppressive activity. Finally, we focus on the mechanisms that enable the induction of polyfunctional CD8+ T-cells upon checkpoint blockade and discuss the role of ICI-induced Treg -cell reactivation in acquired resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhaël Attias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ciriaco A Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Henrich LM, Greimelmaier K, Wessolly M, Klopp NA, Mairinger E, Krause Y, Berger S, Wohlschlaeger J, Schildhaus HU, Baba HA, Mairinger FD, Borchert S. The Impact of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts on the Biology and Progression of Colorectal Carcinomas. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:209. [PMID: 38397199 PMCID: PMC10888097 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major components of CRC's tumour microenvironment (TME), but their biological background and interplay with the TME remain poorly understood. This study investigates CAF biology and its impact on CRC progression. (2) The cohort comprises 155 cases, including CRC, with diverse localizations, adenomas, inflammations, and controls. Digital gene expression analysis examines genes associated with signalling pathways (MAPK, PI3K/Akt, TGF-β, WNT, p53), while next-generation sequencing (NGS) determines CRC mutational profiles. Immunohistochemical FAP scoring assesses CAF density and activity. (3) FAP expression is found in 81 of 150 samples, prevalent in CRC (98.4%), adenomas (27.5%), and inflammatory disease (38.9%). Several key genes show significant associations with FAP-positive fibroblasts. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) highlights PI3K and MAPK pathway enrichment alongside the activation of immune response pathways like natural killer (NK)-cell-mediated cytotoxicity via CAFs. (4) The findings suggest an interplay between CAFs and cancer cells, influencing growth, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and immunogenicity. Notably, TGF-β, CDKs, and the Wnt pathway are affected. In conclusion, CAFs play a significant role in CRC and impact the TME throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Maria Henrich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Nick Alexander Klopp
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Krause
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Sophia Berger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Ulrich Schildhaus
- Targos-A Discovery Life Sciences Company, Germaniastraße 7, 34119 Kassel, Germany
- Institute of Pathology Nordhessen, Germaniastraße 7, 34119 Kassel, Germany
| | - Hideo Andreas Baba
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Fabian Dominik Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Xu H, Chen C, Chen L, Pan S. Pan-cancer analysis identifies the IRF family as a biomarker for survival prognosis and immunotherapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18084. [PMID: 38130025 PMCID: PMC10844690 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IRF family genes have been shown to be crucial in tumorigenesis and tumour immunity. However, information about the role of IRF in the systematic assessment of pan-cancer and in predicting the efficacy of tumour therapy is still unknown. In this work, we performed a systematic analysis of IRF family genes in 33 tumour samples, including expression profiles, genomics and clinical characteristics. We then applied Single-Sample Gene-Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) to calculate IRF-scores and analysed the impact of IRF-scores on tumour progression, immune infiltration and treatment efficacy. Our results showed that genomic alterations, including SNPs, CNVs and DNA methylation, can lead to dysregulation of IRFs expression in tumours and participate in regulating multiple tumorigenesis. IRF-score expression differed significantly between 12 normal and tumour samples and the impact on tumour prognosis and immune infiltration depended on tumour type. IRF expression was correlated to drug sensitivity and to the expression of immune checkpoints and immune cell infiltration, suggesting that dysregulation of IRF family expression may be a critical factor affecting tumour drug response. Our study comprehensively characterizes the genomic and clinical profile of IRFs in pan-cancer and highlights their reliability and potential value as predictive markers of oncology drug efficacy. This may provide new ideas for future personalized oncology treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua‐Guo Xu
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Can Chen
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Lin‐Yuan Chen
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Shiyang Pan
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory MedicineNanjingChina
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Liu X, Shen H, Yu J, Luo F, Li T, Li Q, Yuan X, Sun Y, Zhou Z. Resolving the heterogeneous tumour microenvironment in cardiac myxoma through single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1581. [PMID: 38318640 PMCID: PMC10844892 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1581] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac myxoma (CM) is the most common (58%-80%) type of primary cardiac tumours. Currently, there is a need to develop medical therapies, especially for patients not physically suitable for surgeries. However, the mechanisms that shape the tumour microenvironment (TME) in CM remain largely unknown, which impedes the development of targeted therapies. Here, we aimed to dissect the TME in CM at single-cell and spatial resolution. METHODS We performed single-cell transcriptomic sequencing and Visium CytAssist spatial transcriptomic (ST) assays on tumour samples from patients with CM. A comprehensive analysis was performed, including unsupervised clustering, RNA velocity, clonal substructure inference of tumour cells and cell-cell communication. RESULTS Unsupervised clustering of 34 759 cells identified 12 clusters, which were assigned to endothelial cells (ECs), mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs), and tumour-infiltrating immune cells. Myxoma tumour cells were found to encompass two closely related phenotypic states, namely, EC-like tumour cells (ETCs) and MSC-like tumour cells (MTCs). According to RNA velocity, our findings suggest that ETCs may be directly differentiated from MTCs. The immune microenvironment of CM was found to contain multiple factors that promote immune suppression and evasion, underscoring the potential of using immunotherapies as a treatment option. Hyperactive signals sent primarily by tumour cells were identified, such as MDK, HGF, chemerin, and GDF15 signalling. Finally, the ST assay uncovered spatial features of the subclusters, proximal cell-cell communication, and clonal evolution of myxoma tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study presents the first comprehensive characterisation of the TME in CM at both single-cell and spatial resolution. Our study provides novel insight into the differentiation of myxoma tumour cells and advance our understanding of the TME in CM. Given the rarity of cardiac tumours, our study provides invaluable datasets and promotes the development of medical therapies for CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular DiseasesCenter of Laboratory MedicineFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Huayan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular DiseasesCenter of Laboratory MedicineFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jinxing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular DiseasesCenter of Laboratory MedicineFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Fengming Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular DiseasesCenter of Laboratory MedicineFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Tianjiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular DiseasesCenter of Laboratory MedicineFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular DiseasesCenter of Laboratory MedicineFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PathologyFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Zhou Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular DiseaseFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular DiseasesCenter of Laboratory MedicineFuwai HospitalBeijingChina
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Padathpeedika Khalid J, Mary Martin T, Prathap L, Abhimanyu Nisargandha M, Boopathy N, Kishore Kumar MS. Exploring Tumor-Promoting Qualities of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Innovative Drug Discovery Strategies With Emphasis on Thymoquinone. Cureus 2024; 16:e53949. [PMID: 38468988 PMCID: PMC10925941 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor epithelial development and chemoresistance are highly promoted by the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mostly made up of the cancer stroma. This is due to several causes. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) stand out among them as being essential for the promotion of tumors. Understanding the fibroblastic population within a single tumor is made more challenging by the undeniable heterogeneity within it, even though particular stromal alterations are still up for debate. Numerous chemical signals released by tumors improve the connections between heterotypic fibroblasts and CAFs, promoting the spread of cancer. It becomes essential to have a thorough understanding of this complex microenvironment to effectively prevent solid tumor growth. Important new insights into the role of CAFs in the TME have been revealed by recent studies. The objective of this review is to carefully investigate the relationship between CAFs in tumors and plant secondary metabolites, with a focus on thymoquinone (TQ). The literature published between 2010 and 2023 was searched in PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords such as TQ, TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts, mechanism of action, and flavonoids. The results showed a wealth of data substantiating the activity of plant secondary metabolites, particularly TQ's involvement in blocking CAF operations. Scrutinized research also clarified the wider effect of flavonoids on pathways related to cancer. The present study highlights the complex dynamics of the TME and emphasizes the critical role of CAFs. It also examines the possible interventions provided by secondary metabolites found in plants, with TQ playing a vital role in regulating CAF function based on recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabir Padathpeedika Khalid
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Taniya Mary Martin
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Lavanya Prathap
- Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Milind Abhimanyu Nisargandha
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Nisha Boopathy
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Meenakshi Sundaram Kishore Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Yang Q, Deng S, Preibsch H, Schade T, Koch A, Berezhnoy G, Zizmare L, Fischer A, Gückel B, Staebler A, Hartkopf AD, Pichler BJ, la Fougère C, Hahn M, Bonzheim I, Nikolaou K, Trautwein C. Image-guided metabolomics and transcriptomics reveal tumour heterogeneity in luminal A and B human breast cancer beyond glucose tracer uptake. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1550. [PMID: 38332687 PMCID: PMC10853679 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a metabolically heterogeneous disease, and although the concept of heterogeneous cancer metabolism is known, its precise role in human breast cancer is yet to be fully elucidated. METHODS We investigated in an explorative approach a cohort of 42 primary mamma carcinoma patients with positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) prior to surgery, followed by histopathology and molecular diagnosis. From a subset of patients, which showed high metabolic heterogeneity based on tracer uptake and pathology classification, tumour centre and periphery specimen tissue samples were further investigated by a targeted breast cancer gene expression panel and quantitative metabolomics by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. All data were analysed in a combinatory approach. RESULTS [18 F]FDG (2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-d-glucose) tracer uptake confirmed dominance of glucose metabolism in the breast tumour centre, with lower levels in the periphery. Additionally, we observed differences in lipid and proliferation related genes between luminal A and B subtypes in the centre and periphery. Tumour periphery showed elevated acetate levels and enrichment in lipid metabolic pathways genes especially in luminal B. Furthermore, serine was increased in the periphery and higher expression of thymidylate synthase (TYMS) indicated one-carbon metabolism increased in tumour periphery. The overall metabolic activity based on [18 F]FDG uptake of luminal B subtype was higher than that of luminal A and the difference between the periphery and centre increased with tumour grade. CONCLUSION Our analysis indicates variations in metabolism among different breast cancer subtypes and sampling locations which details the heterogeneity of the breast tumours. Correlation analysis of [18 F]FDG tracer uptake, transcriptome and tumour metabolites like acetate and serine facilitate the search for new candidates for metabolic tracers and permit distinguishing luminal A and B. This knowledge may help to differentiate subtypes preclinically or to provide patients guide for neoadjuvant therapy and optimised surgical protocols based on individual tumour metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianlu Yang
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and RadiopharmacyWerner Siemens Imaging CenterUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Sisi Deng
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and RadiopharmacyWerner Siemens Imaging CenterUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Heike Preibsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Tim‐Colin Schade
- Department of Pathology and NeuropathologyUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - André Koch
- Department of Women's HealthUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Georgy Berezhnoy
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and RadiopharmacyWerner Siemens Imaging CenterUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Laimdota Zizmare
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and RadiopharmacyWerner Siemens Imaging CenterUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Anna Fischer
- Department of Pathology and NeuropathologyUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Brigitte Gückel
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Annette Staebler
- Department of Pathology and NeuropathologyUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | | | - Bernd J. Pichler
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and RadiopharmacyWerner Siemens Imaging CenterUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- German Cancer Research CenterGerman Cancer Consortium DKTKPartner Site TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Christian la Fougère
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- German Cancer Research CenterGerman Cancer Consortium DKTKPartner Site TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular ImagingUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Markus Hahn
- Department of Women's HealthUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Irina Bonzheim
- Department of Pathology and NeuropathologyUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- German Cancer Research CenterGerman Cancer Consortium DKTKPartner Site TuebingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Christoph Trautwein
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and RadiopharmacyWerner Siemens Imaging CenterUniversity Hospital TuebingenTuebingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
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Malavasi E, Adamo M, Zamprogno E, Vella V, Giamas G, Gagliano T. Decoding the Tumour Microenvironment: Molecular Players, Pathways, and Therapeutic Targets in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:626. [PMID: 38339377 PMCID: PMC10854614 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030626] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a complex and constantly evolving collection of cells and extracellular components. Cancer cells and the surrounding environment influence each other through different types of processes. Characteristics of the TME include abnormal vasculature, altered extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblast and macrophages, immune cells, and secreted factors. Within these components, several molecules and pathways are altered and take part in the support of the tumour. Epigenetic regulation, kinases, phosphatases, metabolic regulators, and hormones are some of the players that influence and contribute to shaping the tumour and the TME. All these characteristics contribute significantly to cancer progression, metastasis, and immune escape, and may be the target for new approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Malavasi
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Manuel Adamo
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Elisa Zamprogno
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Viviana Vella
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Georgios Giamas
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Teresa Gagliano
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
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Bigos KJA, Quiles CG, Lunj S, Smith DJ, Krause M, Troost EGC, West CM, Hoskin P, Choudhury A. Tumour response to hypoxia: understanding the hypoxic tumour microenvironment to improve treatment outcome in solid tumours. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331355. [PMID: 38352889 PMCID: PMC10861654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumours affecting their biology and response to therapy. One of the main transcription factors activated by hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which regulates the expression of genes involved in various aspects of tumourigenesis including proliferative capacity, angiogenesis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, and cell migration. This can negatively impact patient outcomes by inducing therapeutic resistance. The importance of hypoxia is clearly demonstrated by continued research into finding clinically relevant hypoxia biomarkers, and hypoxia-targeting therapies. One of the problems is the lack of clinically applicable methods of hypoxia detection, and lack of standardisation. Additionally, a lot of the methods of detecting hypoxia do not take into consideration the complexity of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME). Therefore, this needs further elucidation as approximately 50% of solid tumours are hypoxic. The ECM is important component of the hypoxic TME, and is developed by both cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour cells. However, it is important to distinguish the different roles to develop both biomarkers and novel compounds. Fibronectin (FN), collagen (COL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are important components of the ECM that create ECM fibres. These fibres are crosslinked by specific enzymes including lysyl oxidase (LOX) which regulates the stiffness of tumours and induces fibrosis. This is partially regulated by HIFs. The review highlights the importance of understanding the role of matrix stiffness in different solid tumours as current data shows contradictory results on the impact on therapeutic resistance. The review also indicates that further research is needed into identifying different CAF subtypes and their exact roles; with some showing pro-tumorigenic capacity and others having anti-tumorigenic roles. This has made it difficult to fully elucidate the role of CAFs within the TME. However, it is clear that this is an important area of research that requires unravelling as current strategies to target CAFs have resulted in worsened prognosis. The role of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment is also discussed as hypoxia has been associated with modulating immune cells to create an anti-tumorigenic environment. Which has led to the development of immunotherapies including PD-L1. These hypoxia-induced changes can confer resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of hypoxia on the TME and its implications for therapy resistance. It also discusses the potential of hypoxia biomarkers as prognostic and predictive indictors of treatment response, as well as the challenges and opportunities of targeting hypoxia in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla JA. Bigos
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Conrado G. Quiles
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sapna Lunj
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle J. Smith
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild Krause
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther GC. Troost
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Catharine M. West
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Germany
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Larangeira Nóbrega AH, Sampaio Pimentel R, Prado AP, Garcia J, Frozza RL, Bernardi A. Neuroinflammation in Glioblastoma: The Role of the Microenvironment in Tumour Progression. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:CCDT-EPUB-137445. [PMID: 38310461 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096265849231031101449] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) stands as the most aggressive and lethal among the main types of primary brain tumors. It exhibits malignant growth, infiltrating the brain tissue, and displaying resistance toward treatment. GBM is a complex disease characterized by high degrees of heterogeneity. During tumour growth, microglia and astrocytes, among other cells, infiltrate the tumour microenvironment and contribute extensively to gliomagenesis. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), either of peripheral origin or representing brain-intrinsic microglia, are the most numerous nonneoplastic populations in the tumour microenvironment in GBM. The complex heterogeneous nature of GBM cells is facilitated by the local inflammatory tumour microenvironment, which mostly induces tumour aggressiveness and drug resistance. The immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment of GBM provides multiple pathways for tumour immune evasion, contributing to tumour progression. Additionally, TAMs and astrocytes can contribute to tumour progression through the release of cytokines and activation of signalling pathways. In this review, we summarize the role of the microenvironment in GBM progression, focusing on neuroinflammation. These recent advancements in research of the microenvironment hold the potential to offer a promising approach to the treatment of GBM in the coming times.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Sampaio Pimentel
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ)-Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Prado
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ)-Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Jenifer Garcia
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ)-Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Rudimar Luiz Frozza
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ)-Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Andressa Bernardi
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ)-Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
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Alonso-Crisostomo L, Trendell J, Ferraresso M, Bailey S, Ward D, Scurlock ZGL, Wenlock SC, Bastos CAP, Jugdaohsingh R, Faria NJ, Enright AJ, Scarpini CG, Coleman N, Murray MJ. Testicular germ cell tumour cells release microRNA-containing extracellular vesicles that induce phenotypic and genotypic changes in cells of the tumour microenvironment. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:372-388. [PMID: 37632231 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34697] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Malignant germ-cell-tumours (GCTs) are characterised by microRNA (miRNA/miR-) dysregulation, with universal over-expression of miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 clusters regardless of patient age, tumour site, or subtype (seminoma/yolk-sac-tumour/embryonal carcinoma). These miRNAs are released into the bloodstream, presumed within extracellular-vesicles (EVs) and represent promising biomarkers. Here, we comprehensively examined the role of EVs, and their miRNA cargo, on (fibroblast/endothelial/macrophage) cells representative of the testicular GCT (TGCT) tumour microenvironment (TME). Small RNA next-generation-sequencing was performed on 34 samples, comprising representative malignant GCT cell lines/EVs and controls (testis fibroblast [Hs1.Tes] cell-line/EVs and testis/ovary samples). TME cells received TGCT co-culture, TGCT-derived EVs, and a miRNA overexpression system (miR-371a-OE) to assess functional relevance. TGCT cells secreted EVs into culture media. MiR-371~373 and miR-302/367 cluster miRNAs were overexpressed in all TGCT cells/subtypes compared with control cells and were highly abundant in TGCT-derived EVs, with miR-371a-3p/miR-371a-5p the most abundant. TGCT co-culture resulted in increased levels of miRNAs from the miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 clusters in TME (fibroblast) cells. Next, fluorescent labelling demonstrated TGCT-derived EVs were internalised by all TME (fibroblast/endothelial/macrophage) cells. TME (fibroblast/endothelial) cell treatment with EVs derived from different TGCT subtypes resulted in increased miR-371~373 and miR-302/367 miRNA levels, and other generic (eg, miR-205-5p/miR-148-3p) and subtype-specific (seminoma, eg, miR-203a-3p; yolk-sac-tumour, eg, miR-375-3p) miRNAs. MiR-371a-OE in TME cells resulted in increased collagen contraction (fibroblasts) and angiogenesis (endothelial cells), via direct mRNA downregulation and alteration of relevant pathways. TGCT cells communicate with nontumour stromal TME cells through release of EVs enriched in oncogenic miRNAs, potentially contributing to tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shivani Bailey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dawn Ward
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Carlos A P Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ravin Jugdaohsingh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nuno J Faria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anton J Enright
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Nicholas Coleman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew J Murray
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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37
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Curvello R, Berndt N, Hauser S, Loessner D. Recreating metabolic interactions of the tumour microenvironment. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(23)00250-3. [PMID: 38212233 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.12.005] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Tumours are heterogeneous tissues containing diverse populations of cells and an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). This tumour microenvironment prompts cancer cells to adapt their metabolism to survive and grow. Besides epigenetic factors, the metabolism of cancer cells is shaped by crosstalk with stromal cells and extracellular components. To date, most experimental models neglect the complexity of the tumour microenvironment and its relevance in regulating the dynamics of the metabolism in cancer. We discuss emerging strategies to model cellular and extracellular aspects of cancer metabolism. We highlight cancer models based on bioengineering, animal, and mathematical approaches to recreate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and patient-specific metabolism. Combining these approaches will improve our understanding of cancer metabolism and support the development of metabolism-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Curvello
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nikolaus Berndt
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany; Institute of Computer-assisted Cardiovascular Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Dresden, Germany; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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38
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Hong J, Li M, Chen Y, Du Y, Song D. A zinc metabolism-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and characteristics of breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1276280. [PMID: 38259456 PMCID: PMC10800782 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is one of the most serious and prevalent malignancies. Zinc is commonly known to play a crucial role in the development and progression of breast cancer; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying this role are not well understood. This study aimed to develop a zinc metabolism-related gene (ZMRG) signature based on a multi-database study to predict patient prognosis and investigate the relationship between drug therapy response and immune enrichment. Methods Data for breast cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were screened for zinc metabolism-related genes using the Molecular Signature Database. Cox and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regressions were performed to construct a ZMRG signature. To assess the predictive performance of the gene signature, Kaplan-Meier analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used. Additionally, we utilised single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, the Tumour Immune Estimation Resource, the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database, and the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal to investigate the association between the tumour microenvironment and drug sensitivity. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of each gene in the signature in breast cancer cell lines and patient samples. Results Five ZMRGs were identified (ATP7B, BGLAP, P2RX4, SLC39A11, and TH) and a risk profile was constructed for each. Two risk groups, high- and low-risk, were identified in this way, and the high-risk score subgroups were found to have worse prognosis. This risk profile was validated using the GSE42568 dataset. Tumour microenvironment and drug sensitivity analyses showed that the expression of these five ZMRGs was significantly associated with immune response. The high-risk group showed substantial immune cell infiltration and enrichment of immune pathways, and patients were more sensitive to drugs commonly used in breast cancer. Conclusion The ZMRG signature represents a new prognostic predictor for patients with breast cancer, and may also provide new insights into individualised treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dong Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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39
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Tendulkar R, Tendulkar M. Current Update of Research on Exosomes in Cancer. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:26-39. [PMID: 37461337 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230717105000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are vesicles secreted by the plasma membrane of the cells delimited by a lipid bilayer membrane into the extracellular space of the cell. Their release is associated with the disposal mechanism to remove unwanted materials from the cells. Exosomes released from primary tumour sites migrate to other parts of the body to create a metastatic environment for spreading the tumour cells. We have reviewed that exosomes interfere with the tumour progression by (i) promoting angiogenesis, (ii) initiating metastasis, (iii) regulating tumour microenvironment (TME) and inflammation, (iv) modifying energy metabolism, and (v) transferring mutations. We have found that EVs play an important role in inducing tumour drug resistance against anticancer drugs. This review discusses the potential of exosomes to generate a significant therapeutic effect along with improved diagnosis, prognosis, insights on the various research conducted and their significant findings of our interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Tendulkar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vivekanand Education Society's College of Pharmacy, India
| | - Mugdha Tendulkar
- Faculty of Science, Sardar Vallabhbhai College of Science, India
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40
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Huan Q, Cheng S, Ma H, Zhao M, Chen Y, Yuan X. Machine learning-derived identification of prognostic signature for improving prognosis and drug response in patients with ovarian cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18021. [PMID: 37994489 PMCID: PMC10805490 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical assessments relying on pathology classification demonstrate limited effectiveness in predicting clinical outcomes and providing optimal treatment for patients with ovarian cancer (OV). Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for an ideal biomarker to facilitate precision medicine. To address this issue, we selected 15 multicentre cohorts, comprising 12 OV cohorts and 3 immunotherapy cohorts. Initially, we identified a set of robust prognostic risk genes using data from the 12 OV cohorts. Subsequently, we employed a consensus cluster analysis to identify distinct clusters based on the expression profiles of the risk genes. Finally, a machine learning-derived prognostic signature (MLDPS) was developed based on differentially expressed genes and univariate Cox regression genes between the clusters by using 10 machine-learning algorithms (101 combinations). Patients with high MLDPS had unfavourable survival rates and have good prediction performance in all cohorts and in-house cohorts. The MLDPS exhibited robust and dramatically superior capability than 21 published signatures. Of note, low MLDIS have a positive prognostic impact on patients treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by driving changes in the level of infiltration of immune cells. Additionally, patients suffering from OV with low MLDIS were more sensitive to immunotherapy. Meanwhile, patients with low MLDIS might benefit from chemotherapy, and 19 compounds that may be potential agents for patients with low MLDIS were identified. MLDIS presents an appealing instrument for the identification of patients at high/low risk. This could enhance the precision treatment, ultimately guiding the clinical management of OV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Huan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Shuchao Cheng
- Bidding Management OfficeThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanShandongChina
| | - Hui‐Fen Ma
- School of Medical ManagementShandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Min Zhao
- Mianyang Central Hospital, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaMianyangSichuanChina
| | - Yu Chen
- School of ScienceWuhan University of TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Xiaolu Yuan
- Department of PathologyMaoming People's HospitalMaomingGuangdongChina
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41
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Sandhu V, Bakkalci D, Wei S, Cheema U. Enhanced Biomimetics of Three-Dimensional Osteosarcoma Models: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:164. [PMID: 38201591 PMCID: PMC10778420 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010164] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review evaluated 3D osteosarcoma (OS) models' biomimicry, examining their ability to mimic the tumour microenvironment (TME) and their drug sensitivity. Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the systematic search revealed 293 studies, with 70 selected for final analysis. Overall, 64% of 3D OS models were scaffold-based, compared to self-generated spheroid models. Scaffolds generated using native matrix were most common (42%) with collagen I/hydroxyapatite predominating. Both scaffold-based and scaffold-free models were used equally for drug screening. The sensitivity of cancer cells in 3D was reported to be lower than that of cells in 2D in ~90% of the drug screening studies. This correlates with the observed upregulation of drug resistance. OS cells cultured in extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic scaffolds and native biomaterials were more resistant than cells in 2D. Co-cultures of OS and stromal cells in 3D models enhanced osteogenic differentiation, ECM remodelling, mineralisation, and angiogenesis, suggesting that tumour-stroma crosstalk promotes disease progression. Seven studies demonstrated selective toxicity of chemotherapeutics towards OS cells while sparing stromal cells, providing useful evidence for developing biomimetic tumour-stroma models to test selective drug toxicity. In conclusion, this review highlights the need to enhance biomimicry in 3D OS models for TME recapitulation, especially in testing novel therapeutics. Future research should explore innovative 3D biomimetic models, biomaterials, and advancements in personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinesh Sandhu
- Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, University College London (UCL), 74 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DE, UK;
| | - Deniz Bakkalci
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK;
| | - Siyi Wei
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK;
| | - Umber Cheema
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK;
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Peri SS, Narayanaa Y K, Hubert TD, Rajaraman R, Arfuso F, Sundaram S, Archana B, Warrier S, Dharmarajan A, Perumalsamy LR. Navigating Tumour Microenvironment and Wnt Signalling Crosstalk: Implications for Advanced Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5847. [PMID: 38136392 PMCID: PMC10741643 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245847] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapeutics face significant challenges due to drug resistance and tumour recurrence. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a crucial contributor and essential hallmark of cancer. It encompasses various components surrounding the tumour, including intercellular elements, immune system cells, the vascular system, stem cells, and extracellular matrices, all of which play critical roles in tumour progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, drug resistance, and relapse. These components interact with multiple signalling pathways, positively or negatively influencing cell growth. Abnormal regulation of the Wnt signalling pathway has been observed in tumorigenesis and contributes to tumour growth. A comprehensive understanding and characterisation of how different cells within the TME communicate through signalling pathways is vital. This review aims to explore the intricate and dynamic interactions, expressions, and alterations of TME components and the Wnt signalling pathway, offering valuable insights into the development of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Shravani Peri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Krithicaa Narayanaa Y
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Therese Deebiga Hubert
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Roshini Rajaraman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Frank Arfuso
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Sandhya Sundaram
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.); (B.A.)
| | - B. Archana
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.); (B.A.)
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India;
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Lakshmi R. Perumalsamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116, India; (S.S.P.); (K.N.Y.); (T.D.H.); (R.R.)
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Mo G, Lu X, Wu S, Zhu W. Strategies and rules for tuning TCR-derived therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2023; 26:e4. [PMID: 38095091 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.27] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Manipulation of T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. Notably, the use of T cells carrying engineered T cell receptors (TCR-T) offers a favourable therapeutic pathway, particularly in the treatment of solid tumours. However, major challenges such as limited clinical response efficacy, off-target effects and tumour immunosuppressive microenvironment have hindered the clinical translation of this approach. In this review, we mainly want to guide TCR-T investigators on several major issues they face in the treatment of solid tumours after obtaining specific TCR sequences: (1) whether we have to undergo affinity maturation or not, and what parameter we should use as a criterion for being more effective. (2) What modifications can be added to counteract the tumour inhibitory microenvironment to make our specific T cells to be more effective and what is the safety profile of such modifications? (3) What are the new forms and possibilities for TCR-T cell therapy in the future?
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoheng Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Immunology/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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44
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Belle CJ, Lonie JM, Brosda S, Barbour AP. Tumour microenvironment influences response to treatment in oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1330635. [PMID: 38155973 PMCID: PMC10753779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1330635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor treatment response of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) leads to low survival rates. Its increasing incidence makes finding more effective treatment a priority. Recent treatment improvements can be attributed to the inclusion of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and immune infiltrates in treatment decisions. OAC TME is largely immunosuppressed and reflects treatment resistance as patients with inflamed TME have better outcomes. Priming the tumour with the appropriate neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy treatment could lead to higher immune infiltrations and higher expression of immune checkpoints, such as PD-1/PDL-1, CTLA4 or emerging new targets: LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT or ICOS. Multiple trials support the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors to the current standard of care. However, results vary, supporting the need for better response biomarkers based on TME composition. This review explores what is known about OAC TME, the clinical significance of the various cell populations infiltrating it and the emerging therapeutical combination with a focus on immune checkpoints inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemence J. Belle
- Surgical Oncology Group, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James M. Lonie
- Surgical Oncology Group, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Brosda
- Surgical Oncology Group, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew P. Barbour
- Surgical Oncology Group, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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45
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Liao X, Chen L, Liu J, Hu H, Hou D, You R, Wang X, Huang H. m 6A RNA methylation regulators predict prognosis and indicate characteristics of tumour microenvironment infiltration in acute myeloid leukaemia. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2160134. [PMID: 36567510 PMCID: PMC9980463 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2160134] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have poor prognoses and low overall survival (OS) rates owing to its heterogeneity and the complexity of its tumour microenvironment (TME). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays a key role in the initiation and progression of haematopoietic malignancies. However, the underlying function of m6A regulators in AML remains elusive. This study thoroughly analysed the m6A modification features of 177 AML patients based on 22 m6A regulators. Utilizing unsupervised clustering, we determined three distinct m6A modification patterns related to different biological functions, TME cell-infiltrating characteristics and clinical outcomes. Additionally, a risk score was constructed based on six m6A regulators-associated prognostic signatures and was validated as an independent and valuable prognostic factor for AML. Patients with a low-risk score exhibited better survival than those with a high-risk score. Many m6A regulators were aberrantly expressed in AML, among which METTL14, YTHDC2, ZC3H13 and RBM15 were observed to be associated with the OS of AML. In addition, these four m6A regulators were found to be noticeably related to the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatments. Finally, we verified the expression levels of these four m6A regulators in AML and healthy samples and three groups of AML patients with different risk categories. Collectively, our study indicates that the m6A modification pattern is involved in TME immune-infiltrating characteristics and prognosis in AML. A better understanding of the m6A modification pattern will help enhance our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of AML and develop potential prognosis prediction indicators and more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinai Liao
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jingru Liu
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Diyu Hou
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruolan You
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huifang Huang
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Zhang P, Li W, Liu C, Qin F, Lu Y, Qin M, Hou Y. Molecular imaging of tumour-associated pathological biomarkers with smart nanoprobe: From "Seeing" to "Measuring". Exploration (Beijing) 2023; 3:20230070. [PMID: 38264683 PMCID: PMC10742208 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20230070] [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] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Although the extraordinary progress has been made in molecular biology, the prevention of cancer remains arduous. Most solid tumours exhibit both spatial and temporal heterogeneity, which is difficult to be mimicked in vitro. Additionally, the complex biochemical and immune features of tumour microenvironment significantly affect the tumour development. Molecular imaging aims at the exploitation of tumour-associated molecules as specific targets of customized molecular probe, thereby generating image contrast of tumour markers, and offering opportunities to non-invasively evaluate the pathological characteristics of tumours in vivo. Particularly, there are no "standard markers" as control in clinical imaging diagnosis of individuals, so the tumour pathological characteristics-responsive nanoprobe-based quantitative molecular imaging, which is able to visualize and determine the accurate content values of heterogeneous distribution of pathological molecules in solid tumours, can provide criteria for cancer diagnosis. In this context, a variety of "smart" quantitative molecular imaging nanoprobes have been designed, in order to provide feasible approaches to quantitatively visualize the tumour-associated pathological molecules in vivo. This review summarizes the recent achievements in the designs of these nanoprobes, and highlights the state-of-the-art technologies in quantitative imaging of tumour-associated pathological molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peisen Zhang
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Wenyue Li
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Chuang Liu
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Feng Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of DrugsState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yijie Lu
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Meng Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of DrugsState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yi Hou
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
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Brouwer NP, Webbink L, Haddad TS, Rutgers N, van Vliet S, Wood CS, Jansen PW, Lafarge MW, de Wilt JH, Hugen N, Simmer F, Jamieson NB, Tauriello DV, Kölzer VH, Vermeulen M, Nagtegaal ID. Transcriptomics and proteomics reveal distinct biology for lymph node metastases and tumour deposits in colorectal cancer. J Pathol 2023; 261:401-412. [PMID: 37792663 DOI: 10.1002/path.6196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Both lymph node metastases (LNMs) and tumour deposits (TDs) are included in colorectal cancer (CRC) staging, although knowledge regarding their biological background is lacking. This study aimed to compare the biology of these prognostic features, which is essential for a better understanding of their role in CRC spread. Spatially resolved transcriptomic analysis using digital spatial profiling was performed on TDs and LNMs from 10 CRC patients using 1,388 RNA targets, for the tumour cells and tumour microenvironment. Shotgun proteomics identified 5,578 proteins in 12 different patients. Differences in RNA and protein expression were analysed, and spatial deconvolution was performed. Image-based consensus molecular subtype (imCMS) analysis was performed on all TDs and LNMs included in the study. Transcriptome and proteome profiles identified distinct clusters for TDs and LNMs in both the tumour and tumour microenvironment segment, with upregulation of matrix remodelling, cell adhesion/motility, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TDs (all p < 0.05). Spatial deconvolution showed a significantly increased abundance of fibroblasts, macrophages, and regulatory T-cells (p < 0.05) in TDs. Consistent with a higher fibroblast and EMT component, imCMS classified 62% of TDs as poor prognosis subtype CMS4 compared to 36% of LNMs (p < 0.05). Compared to LNMs, TDs have a more invasive state involving a distinct tumour microenvironment and upregulation of EMT, which are reflected in a more frequent histological classification of TDs as CMS4. These results emphasise the heterogeneity of locoregional spread and the fact that TDs should merit more attention both in future research and during staging. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelleke Pm Brouwer
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Loth Webbink
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tariq S Haddad
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja Rutgers
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Shannon van Vliet
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Colin S Wood
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
- Academic Unit of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Pascal Wtc Jansen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maxime W Lafarge
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Hw de Wilt
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Niek Hugen
- Department of Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Simmer
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nigel B Jamieson
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
- Academic Unit of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniele Vf Tauriello
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Viktor H Kölzer
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris D Nagtegaal
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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48
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McDonald PC, Dedhar S. Co-vulnerabilities of inhibiting carbonic anhydrase IX in ferroptosis-mediated tumor cell death. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1327310. [PMID: 38099193 PMCID: PMC10720035 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1327310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour-associated carbonic anhydrases (CA) IX and XII are upregulated by cancer cells to combat cellular and metabolic stress imparted by hypoxia and acidosis in solid tumours. Owing to its tumour-specific expression and function, CAIX is an attractive therapeutic target and this has driven intense efforts to develop pharmacologic agents to target its activity, including small molecule inhibitors. Many studies in multiple solid tumour models have demonstrated that targeting CAIX activity with the selective CAIX/XII inhibitor, SLC-0111, results in anti-tumour efficacy, particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint blockade, and has now advanced to the clinic. However, it has been observed that sustainability and durability of CAIX inhibition, even in combination with chemotherapy agents, is limited by the occurrence of adaptive resistance, resulting in tumour recurrence. Importantly, the data from these models demonstrates that CAIX inhibition may sensitize tumour cells to cytotoxic drugs and evidence now points to ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death (RCD) that results from accumulation of toxic levels of phospholipid peroxidation as a major mechanism involved in CAIX-mediated sensitization to cancer therapy. In this mini-review, we discuss recent advances demonstrating the mechanistic role CAIX plays in sensitizing cancer cells to ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. McDonald
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shoukat Dedhar
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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David T, Mallavialle A, Faget J, Alcaraz LB, Lapierre M, du Roure PD, Laurent-Matha V, Mansouri H, Jarlier M, Martineau P, Roger P, Guiu S, Chardès T, Liaudet-Coopman E. Anti-cathepsin D immunotherapy triggers both innate and adaptive anti-tumour immunity in breast cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38030588 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16291] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has poorer outcomes than other breast cancers (BC), including HER2+ BC. Cathepsin D (CathD) is a poor prognosis marker overproduced by BC cells, hypersecreted in the tumour microenvironment with tumour-promoting activity. Here, we characterized the immunomodulatory activity of the anti-CathD antibody F1 and its improved Fab-aglycosylated version (F1M1) in immunocompetent mouse models of TNBC (C57BL/6 mice harbouring E0771 cell grafts) and HER2-amplified BC (BALB/c mice harbouring TUBO cell grafts). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH CathD expression was evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence, and antibody binding to CathD by ELISA. Antibody anti-tumour efficacy was investigated in mouse models. Immune cell recruitment and activation were assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunophenotyping, and RT-qPCR. KEY RESULTS F1 and F1M1 antibodies remodelled the tumour immune landscape. Both antibodies promoted innate antitumour immunity by preventing the recruitment of immunosuppressive M2-polarized tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and by activating natural killer cells in the tumour microenvironment of both models. This translated into a reduction of T-cell exhaustion markers in the tumour microenvironment that could be locally supported by enhanced activation of anti-tumour antigen-presenting cell (M1-polarized TAMs and cDC1 cells) functions. Both antibodies inhibited tumour growth in the highly-immunogenic E0771 model, but only marginally in the immune-excluded TUBO model, indicating that anti-CathD immunotherapy is more relevant for BC with a high immune cell infiltrate, as often observed in TNBC. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION Anti-CathD antibody-based therapy triggers the anti-tumour innate and adaptive immunity in preclinical models of BC and is a promising immunotherapy for immunogenic TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothée David
- IRCM, INSERM U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Julien Faget
- IRCM, INSERM U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Marion Lapierre
- IRCM, INSERM U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Hanane Mansouri
- IRCM, INSERM U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
- RHEM, IRCM, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Pascal Roger
- IRCM, INSERM U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Pathology, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Séverine Guiu
- IRCM, INSERM U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Chardès
- IRCM, INSERM U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
- Centre national de la recherche Scientifique, CNRS, Paris, France
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50
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Zheng S, Guerrero-Haughton E, Foijer F. Chromosomal Instability-Driven Cancer Progression: Interplay with the Tumour Microenvironment and Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2023; 12:2712. [PMID: 38067140 PMCID: PMC10706135 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a prevalent characteristic of solid tumours and haematological malignancies. CIN results in an increased frequency of chromosome mis-segregation events, thus yielding numerical and structural copy number alterations, a state also known as aneuploidy. CIN is associated with increased chances of tumour recurrence, metastasis, and acquisition of resistance to therapeutic interventions, and this is a dismal prognosis. In this review, we delve into the interplay between CIN and cancer, with a focus on its impact on the tumour microenvironment-a driving force behind metastasis. We discuss the potential therapeutic avenues that have resulted from these insights and underscore their crucial role in shaping innovative strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Zheng
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erika Guerrero-Haughton
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Research in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación, SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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