Tumor angiogenesis--characteristics of tumor endothelial cells. Int J Clin Oncol. 2016;21:206-212. [PMID: 26879652 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-016-0957-1]

Machine learning identification of a novel vasculogenic mimicry-related signature and FOXM1's role in promoting vasculogenic mimicry in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC), the predominant subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), ranks among the most common malignancies worldwide. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) plays a pivotal role in tumor progression, being closely linked with heightened chemoresistance and adverse prognosis in cancer patients. Nonetheless, the broader impact of vasculogenic mimicry-related genes (VRGs) on ccRCC patient prognosis, tumor microenvironment characteristics, and treatment response remains incompletely understood.

METHODS

Consensus clustering identified VRG-associated subtypes. We developed a machine learning framework integrating 12 algorithms to establish a consistent VM-related signature (VRG_score). The predictive value of VRG_score for ccRCC prognosis and treatment response was assessed. FOXM1's clinical relevance was explored using the UCLCAN database. FOXM1 expression in tumor and adjacent tissues was assessed using Western Blotting, IHC, RNA-seq, and Chip-qPCR methods, and its regulatory mechanism was confirmed.

RESULTS

We examined VRG mutation and expression patterns in ccRCC at the gene level, identifying two distinct molecular clusters. A consensus VRG_score was formulated using a machine learning computational framework and Cox regression, displaying strong predictive power for prognosis and clinical translation. Additionally, FOXM1 was found to be upregulated in ccRCC, correlating with clinical pathological features and positively regulating PYCR1, thereby activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and promoting VM formation.

CONCLUSION

This study constructed a VM-related signature and revealed that FOXM1 promotes VM formation in renal cell carcinoma through the PYCR1-PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis, serving as a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target.

Metabolic reprogramming and immunological changes in the microenvironment of esophageal cancer: future directions and prospects

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the seventh-most prevalent cancer worldwide and is a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality. Metabolic reprogramming in tumors frequently coincides with aberrant immune function alterations, and extensive research has demonstrated that perturbations in energy metabolism within the tumor microenvironment influence the occurrence and progression of esophageal cancer. Current treatment modalities for esophageal cancer primarily include encompass chemotherapy and a limited array of targeted therapies, which are hampered by toxicity and drug resistance issues. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, has exhibited promising results; however, a substantial proportion of patients remain unresponsive. The optimization of these immunotherapies requires further investigation. Mounting evidence underscores the importance of modulating metabolic traits within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to augment anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Methods

We selected relevant studies on the metabolism of the esophageal cancer tumor microenvironment and immune cells based on our searches of MEDLINE and PubMed, focusing on screening experimental articles and reviews related to glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism, as well their interactions with tumor cells and immune cells, published within the last five years. We analyzed and discussed these studies, while also expressing our own insights and opinions.

Results

A total of 137 articles were included in the review: 21 articles focused on the tumor microenvironment of esophageal cancer, 33 delved into research related to glucose metabolism and tumor immunology, 30 introduced amino acid metabolism and immune responses, and 17 focused on the relationship between lipid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment and both tumor cells and immune cells.

Conclusion

This article delves into metabolic reprogramming and immune alterations within the TME of EC, systematically synthesizes the metabolic characteristics of the TME, dissects the interactions between tumor and immune cells, and consolidates and harnesses pertinent immunotherapy targets, with the goal of enhancing anti-tumor immunotherapy for esophageal cancer and thereby offering insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Nanomolecular machines: Pioneering precision medicine for neoplastic diseases through advanced diagnosis and treatment

Tumors pose a major threat to human health, accounting for nearly one-sixth of global deaths annually. The primary treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, each associated with significant side effects. This has driven the search for new therapies with fewer side effects and greater specificity. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field in this regard, particularly nanomolecular machines at the nanoscale. Nanomolecular machines are typically constructed from biological macromolecules like proteins, DNA, and RNA. These machines can be programmed to perform specialized tasks with precise instructions. Recent research highlights their potential in tumor diagnostics-identifying susceptibility genes, detecting viruses, and pinpointing tumor markers. Nanomolecular machines also offer advancements in tumor therapy. They can reduce traditional treatment side effects by delivering chemotherapy drugs and enhancing immunotherapy, and they support innovative treatments like sonodynamic and phototherapy. Additionally, they can starve tumors by blocking blood vessels, and eliminate tumors by disrupting cell membranes or lysosomes. This review categorizes and explains the latest achievements in molecular machine research, explores their models, and practical clinical uses in tumor diagnosis and treatment. It aims to broaden the research perspective and accelerate the clinical adoption of these technologies.

An 18-gene signature of recurrence-associated endothelial cells predicts tumor progression and castration resistance in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognostic and therapeutic implications of endothelial cells (ECs) heterogeneity in prostate cancer (PCa) are poorly understood.

METHODS

We investigated associations of EC heterogeneity with PCa recurrence and castration resistance in 8 bulk transcriptomic and 4 single-cell RNA-seq cohorts. A recurrence-associated EC (RAEC) signature was constructed by comparing 11 machine learning algorithms through nested cross-validation. Functional relevances of RAEC-specific genes were also tested.

RESULTS

A subset of ECs was significantly associated with recurrence in primary PCa and named RAECs. RAECs were characteristic of tip and immature cells and were enriched in migration, angiogenesis, and collagen-related pathways. We then developed an 18-gene RAEC signature (RAECsig) representative of RAECs. Higher RAECsig scores independently predicted tumor recurrence and performed better or comparably compared to clinicopathological factors and commercial gene signatures in multiple PCa cohorts. Of the 18 RAECsig genes, FSCN1 was upregulated in ECs from PCa with higher Gleason scores; and the silencing of FSCN1, TMEME255B, or GABRD in ECs either attenuated tube formation or inhibited PCa cell proliferation. Finally, higher RAECsig scores predicted castration resistance in both primary and castration-resistant PCa.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes an endothelial signature that links a subset of ECs to prostate cancer recurrence and castration resistance.

Effects of lactate dehydrogenase A and GLUT1 inhibition on human endothelial cell migration in relation to their intracellular nucleotide pool

The expression of both lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) and glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) is high in pancreatic, thoracic and many other types of cancer. GLUT1 is also highly expressed in endothelial cells (EC), that play an important role in tumor metastasis. We investigated the effect of inhibition of LDH-A by NHI-2 and GLUT1 by PGL14 on cellular migration, a hallmark of metastasis, in relation to changes in intracellular purine nucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide pools in a human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1). HMEC-1 were treated with NHI-2 and PGL14 alone or in combination. Cell migration was tested by the wound healing assay. The intracellular purine nucleotides and NAD+/NADH concentrations were measured using Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Both NHI-2 at 15 µM and 45 µM and PGL14 at 10 µM and 30 µM inhibited migration by 5 to 28% while the combination led to 46% inhibition. The drugs also decreased intracellular nucleotide pools, but only 45 µM NHI-2 altered energy charge and redox status in HMEC-1 cells. Inhibitors of glycolysis attenuated migration and the energy charge of EC and support further development of LDH-A and GLUT1 inhibitors to target cancer aggressiveness and metastasis.

The role and application of small extracellular vesicles in glioma

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are cell-derived, nanometer-sized particles enclosed by a lipid bilayer. All kinds of biological molecules, including proteins, DNA fragments, RNA, lipids, and metabolites, can be selectively loaded into sEVs and transmitted to recipient cells that are near and distant. Growing shreds of evidence show the significant biological function and the clinical significance of sEVs in cancers. Numerous recent studies have validated that sEVs play an important role in tumor progression and can be utilized to diagnose, stage, grading, and monitor early tumors. In addition, sEVs have also served as drug delivery nanocarriers and cancer vaccines. Although it is still infancy, the field of basic and translational research based on sEVs has grown rapidly. In this review, we summarize the latest research on sEVs in gliomas, including their role in the malignant biological function of gliomas, and the potential of sEVs in non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, i.e., as nanocarriers for drug or gene delivery and cancer vaccines.

Prognostic value and potential function of a novel heme-related LncRNAs signature in gastric cancer

Heme is a coordination complex formed by the binding of iron ions and porphyrin rings. Its metabolic processes are associated with various cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified as key regulatory factors in GC. However, the role of LncRNAs associated with heme metabolism in GC and their relationship with prognosis have not been reported. In this study, we constructed a novel LncRNAs signature related to heme metabolism (HMlncSig) and validated its prognostic value for predicting the survival of GC patients through training, test, and entire cohorts. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients in the high-risk group had shorter survival times. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HMlncSig was an independent prognostic indicator for GC patients, regardless of other clinical pathological features. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis pathways showed that the activation of these markers may be involved in tumor progression, influencing the survival of GC patients. The nomogram, based on HMlncSig score and clinical features, demonstrated the strong predictive ability of this signature. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the high-risk and low-risk groups in terms of immune cell subtypes, expression of immune checkpoint genes, and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Through clinical validation, we found that the risk score and heme levels of GC patients were both significantly elevated and correlated with the degree of malignancy. Furthermore, we found that AP000692.1, a key gene in this signature, promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. In conclusion, our HMlncSig model has significant predictive value for the prognosis of GC patients and can provide clinical guidance for personalized immunotherapy.

Exploring the detailed role of interleukins in cancer: A comprehensive review of literature

The cancer cells that are not normal can grow into tumors, invade surrounding tissues, and travel to other parts of the body via the lymphatic or circulatory systems. Interleukins, a vital class of signaling proteins, facilitate cell-to-cell contact within the immune system. A type of non-coding RNA known as lncRNAs mediates its actions by regulating miRNA-mRNA roles (Interleukins). Because of their dual function in controlling the growth of tumors and altering the immune system's response to cancer cells, interleukins have been extensively studied concerning cancer. Understanding the complex relationships between interleukins, the immune system, the tumor microenvironment, and the components of interleukin signaling pathways that impact the miRNA-mRNA axis, including lncRNAs, has advanced significantly in cancer research. Due to the significant and all-encompassing influence of interleukins on the immune system and the development and advancement of cancers, lncRNAs play a crucial role in cancer research by modulating interleukins. Their diverse effects on immune system regulation, tumor growth encouragement, and tumor inhibition make them appealing candidates for potential cancer treatments and diagnostics. A deeper understanding of the relationship between the biology of interleukin and lncRNAs will likely result in more effective immunotherapy strategies and individualized cancer treatments.

Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the process of tumorigenesis, regulating the growth, metabolism, proliferation, and invasion of cancer cells, as well as contributing to tumor resistance to the conventional chemoradiotherapies. Several types of cells with relatively stable phenotypes have been identified within the TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells, which have been shown to modulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and interaction with the immune system, thus promoting tumor heterogeneity. Growing evidence suggests that tumor-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), via the transfer of various molecules (e.g., RNA, proteins, peptides, and lipids), play a pivotal role in the transformation of normal cells in the TME into their tumor-associated protumorigenic counterparts. This review article focuses on the functions of EVs in the modulation of the TME with a view to how exosomes contribute to the transformation of normal cells, as well as their importance for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most commonly diagnosed primary liver cancer, has become a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Accumulating evidence confirms that the stromal constituents within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exacerbate HCC malignancy and set the barriers to current anti-HCC treatments. Recent developments of nano drug delivery system (NDDS) have facilitated the application of stroma-targeting therapeutics, disrupting the stromal TME in HCC. This review discusses the stromal activities in HCC development and therapy resistance. In addition, it addresses the delivery challenges of NDDS for stroma-targeting therapeutics (termed anti-stromal nanotherapeutics in this review), and provides recent advances in anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for safe, effective, and specific HCC therapy.

Discovery of an antitumor compound from xenorhabdus stockiae HN_xs01

Xenorhabdus, known for its symbiotic relationship with Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. This dual-host symbiotic nematode exhibits pathogenic traits, rendering it a promising biocontrol agent against insects. Our prior investigations revealed that Xenorhabdus stockiae HN_xs01, isolated in our laboratory, demonstrates exceptional potential in halting bacterial growth and displaying anti-tumor activity. Subsequently, we separated and purified the supernatant of the HN_xs01 strain and obtained a new compound with significant inhibitory activity on tumor cells, which we named XNAE. Through LC-MS analysis, the mass-to-nucleus ratio of XNAE was determined to be 254.24. Our findings indicated that XNAE exerts a time- and dose-dependent inhibition on B16 and HeLa cells. After 24 h, its IC50 for B16 and HeLa cells was 30.178 µg/mL and 33.015 µg/mL, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed conspicuous damage to subcellular structures, notably mitochondria and the cytoskeleton, resulting in a notable reduction in cell numbers among treated tumor cells. Interestingly, while XNAE exerted a more pronounced inhibitory effect on B16 cells compared to HeLa cells, it showed no discernible impact on HUVEC cells. Treatment of B16 cells with XNAE induced early apoptosis and led to cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase, as evidenced by flow cytometry analysis. The impressive capability of X. stockiae HN_xs01 in synthesizing bioactive secondary metabolites promises to significantly expand the reservoir of natural products. Further exploration to identify the bioactivity of these compounds holds the potential to shed light on their roles in bacteria-host interaction. Overall, these outcomes underscore the promising potential of XNAE as a bioactive compound for tumor treatment.

A tumor endothelial cell-specific microRNA replacement therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Current approved anti-angiogenic drugs (AAD) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) inhibit tumor angiogenesis, but affect the hepatic vasculature resulting in adverse effects. Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) differ from normal endothelial cells. In this study, we aimed to detect TEC-specific miRNAs and develop an anti-angiogenic treatment specific for TECs. We established HCC orthotopic mouse models. TEC-specific miRNAs were detected using a microRNA array. Finally, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of the TEC-specific miRNA agonist cocktail. In total, 260 TEC-specific genes were detected. Among the top ten downregulated TEC-specific miRNAs, miR-139-3p and 214-3p were important for the TEC phenotype. The TEC-specific microRNA agonist cocktail showed significant anti-tumor effects by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis without affecting hepatic vasculatures in HCC orthotopic mouse models. Moreover, it significantly downregulated tip-cell sprouting-related genes. We identified two downregulated TEC-specific miRNAs; microRNA replacement therapy, which targets the downregulated TEC-specific miRNAs, is an effective and promising treatment for HCC.

CoNIC Challenge: Pushing the frontiers of nuclear detection, segmentation, classification and counting

Nuclear detection, segmentation and morphometric profiling are essential in helping us further understand the relationship between histology and patient outcome. To drive innovation in this area, we setup a community-wide challenge using the largest available dataset of its kind to assess nuclear segmentation and cellular composition. Our challenge, named CoNIC, stimulated the development of reproducible algorithms for cellular recognition with real-time result inspection on public leaderboards. We conducted an extensive post-challenge analysis based on the top-performing models using 1,658 whole-slide images of colon tissue. With around 700 million detected nuclei per model, associated features were used for dysplasia grading and survival analysis, where we demonstrated that the challenge's improvement over the previous state-of-the-art led to significant boosts in downstream performance. Our findings also suggest that eosinophils and neutrophils play an important role in the tumour microevironment. We release challenge models and WSI-level results to foster the development of further methods for biomarker discovery.

Regulation of Angiogenesis by Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer

Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have been identified as crucial regulators of various biological processes through epigenetic regulation, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation and activation of non-coding RNAs are closely associated with tumor angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth and metastasis and a major contributor to cancer-related mortality. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis is of utmost importance. Numerous studies have documented the involvement of different types of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of angiogenesis. This review provides an overview of how non-coding RNAs regulate tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, we discuss emerging strategies that exploit non-coding RNAs for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer treatment. Ultimately, this review underscores the crucial role played by non-coding RNAs in tumor angiogenesis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for anti-angiogenic interventions against cancer.

Self-Cross-Linked Chitosan/Albumin-Bound Nanoparticle Hydrogel for Inhibition of Postsurgery Malignant Glioma Recurrence

The development of chemoimmunotherapy with reduced systemic toxicity using local formulations is an effective strategy for combating tumor recurrence. Herein, we reported a localized hydrogel system for antitumor chemoimmunotherapy, formed by doxorubicin (DXR)-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles self-cross-linked with natural polysaccharide chitosan (CS). The drug-loaded hydrogel (DXR-CBGel) with antiswelling performance and prolonged drug-release profile was combined with antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (aPD-1) as an in situ vaccine for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) lesions. The antiswelling hydrogel system shows excellent biosafety for volume-sensitive GBM lesions. Both the albumin-bound formulation and the in situ gelation design facilitate the local retention and sustained release of DXR to generate long-term chemoimmunotherapy with reduced systemic toxicity. The chemotherapy-induced immunogenic cell death of DXR with the assistance of immunotherapeutic CS can trigger tumor-specific immune responses, which are further amplified by an immune checkpoint blockade to effectively inhibit cancer recurrence. The strategy of combining albumin-bound drug formulation and biocompatible polymer-based hydrogel for localized chemoimmunotherapy shows great potential against postsurgery glioblastoma recurrence.

Tumor microenvironment remodeling in oral cancer: Application of plant derived-natural products and nanomaterials

Oral cancers consist of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other malignancies in the mouth with varying degrees of invasion and differentiation. For many years, different modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and classical chemotherapy drugs have been used to control the growth of oral tumors. Nowadays, studies have confirmed the remarkable effects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on the development, invasion, and therapeutic resistance of tumors like oral cancers. Therefore, several studies have been conducted to modulate the TME in various types of tumors in favor of cancer suppression. Natural products are intriguing agents for targeting cancers and TME. Flavonoids, non-flavonoid herbal-derived molecules, and other natural products have shown promising effects on cancers and TME. These agents, such as curcumin, resveratrol, melatonin, quercetin and naringinin have demonstrated potency in suppressing oral cancers. In this paper, we will review and discuss about the potential efficacy of natural adjuvants on oral cancer cells. Furthermore, we will review the possible therapeutic effects of these agents on the TME and oral cancer cells. Moreover, the potential of nanoparticles-loaded natural products for targeting oral cancers and TME will be reviewed. The potentials, gaps, and future perspectives for targeting TME by nanoparticles-loaded natural products will also be discussed.

Cellular and exosomal GPx1 are essential for controlling hydrogen peroxide balance and alleviating oxidative stress in hypoxic glioblastoma

Tumor hypoxia promotes malignant progression and therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma partly by increasing the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a type of reactive oxygen species critical for cell metabolic responses due to its additional role as a second messenger. However, the catabolic pathways that prevent H2O2 overload and subsequent tumor cell damage in hypoxic glioblastoma remain unclear. Herein, we present a hypoxia-coordinated H2O2 regulatory mechanism whereby excess H2O2 in glioblastoma induced by hypoxia is diminished by glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), an antioxidant enzyme detoxifying H2O2, via the binding of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) to GPx1 promoter. Depletion of GPx1 results in H2O2 overload and apoptosis in glioblastoma cells, as well as growth inhibition in glioblastoma xenografts. Moreover, tumor hypoxia increases exosomal GPx1 expression, which assists glioblastoma and endothelial cells in countering H2O2 or radiation-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Clinical data explorations further demonstrate that GPx1 expression was positively correlated with tumor grade and expression of HIF-1α, HIF-1α target genes, and exosomal marker genes; by contrast, it was inversely correlated with the overall survival outcome in human glioblastoma specimens. Our analyses validate that the redox balance of H2O2 within hypoxic glioblastoma is clinically relevant and could be maintained by HIF-1α-promoted or exosome-related GPx1.

YAP inhibitor verteporfin suppresses tumor angiogenesis and overcomes chemoresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Targeting angiogenesis is an attractive strategy for the effective treatment of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activities of YAP inhibitor verteporfin (VP) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells through its inhibitory effect on tumor angiogenesis.

METHODS

Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion abilities were estimated by MTT, colony formation, DAPI staining, wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation assay and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model were used to observe angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The interactions between ESCC cells and HUVECs were assessed by cell chemotactic migration and adhesion assays. The expression levels of angiogenesis-related molecules were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

We found that VP was potential to inhibit ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induce apoptosis in the dose-dependent fashion. VP also significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs and promoted apoptosis of HUVECs, and reduced angiogenesis in CAM. Moreover, VP inhibited ESCC cell-induced angiogenesis in vitro by decreasing HUVEC chemotactic migration, adhesion and tube formation, and also reduced ESCC cell-induced neovascularization of the CAM in vivo. In addition, VP suppressed the expression of pro-angiogenic molecules such as VEGFA, MMP-2 and β-catenin in ESCC cells. Furtherly, VP increased the chemosensitivity of ESCC-resistant cells to paclitaxel (PTX). The combination of VP and PTX attenuated the resistant cell-mediated angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal for the first time that VP potently inhibits malignant progression and overcomes chemoresistance of ESCC cells via inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. It provides insight into a new strategy for the treatment of ESCC that VP could be a potential drug candidate for targeting tumor angiogenesis.

Correlation between color doppler flow pattern and molecular biology in elderly patients with colon cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between the grade and type of color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and tumor-related cytokines in elderly patients with colon cancer.

METHODS

Seventy-six elderly patients with colorectal cancer admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from July 2020 to June 2022 were selected. CDFI was used to analyze the blood flow grade and distribution type of tumor tissues, and ELISA was used to detect the levels of tumor-related cytokines in serum. Preoperative clinical data were collected and analyzed, and the correlation between measured cytokine levels and CDFI analysis results was further explored.

RESULTS

CDFI blood flow grade showed significant difference in the different lengths, invasion depths and lymph node metastasis of tumors (all P < 0.001). In addition, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF also showed statistical difference in all above different tumor-related factors (all P < 0.001). Further Pearson correlation analysis showed that CDFI blood flow grade and distribution types were both significantly positively correlated with above serum cytokine levels (r > 0, all P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that both CDFI blood flow grade and distribution types were poor prognostic factors in elderly patients with colon cancer. Regression analysis showed that serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of colon cancer in elderly patients.

CONCLUSION

CDFI blood flow grade and tumor tissue distribution have potential significant correlations with tumor-associated cytokines in the serum of colon cancer patients. CDFI blood flow grading technique provides an important imaging method for dynamic observation of angiogenesis and blood flow changes in elderly patients with colon cancer. Abnormal changes in serum levels of tumor-related factors can be used as sensitive indicators to evaluate the therapeutic effect and prognosis of colon cancer.

Heme: The Lord of the Iron Ring

Heme is an iron-protoporphyrin complex with an essential physiologic function for all cells, especially for those in which heme is a key prosthetic group of proteins such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochromes of the mitochondria. However, it is also known that heme can participate in pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory responses, leading to cytotoxicity in various tissues and organs such as the kidney, brain, heart, liver, and in immune cells. Indeed, heme, released as a result of tissue damage, can stimulate local and remote inflammatory reactions. These can initiate innate immune responses that, if left uncontrolled, can compound primary injuries and promote organ failure. In contrast, a cadre of heme receptors are arrayed on the plasma membrane that is designed either for heme import into the cell, or for the purpose of activating specific signaling pathways. Thus, free heme can serve either as a deleterious molecule, or one that can traffic and initiate highly specific cellular responses that are teleologically important for survival. Herein, we review heme metabolism and signaling pathways, including heme synthesis, degradation, and scavenging. We will focus on trauma and inflammatory diseases, including traumatic brain injury, trauma-related sepsis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases where current work suggests that heme may be most important.

Benign and low-grade superficial endothelial cell neoplasms in the molecular era

Vascular tumors are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the skin and subcutis, and they encompass a heterogeneous group with diverse clinical, histological, and molecular features, as well as biological behavior. Over the past two decades, molecular studies have enabled the identification of pathogenic recurrent genetic alterations that can be used as additional data points to support the correct classification of these lesions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available data related to superficially located benign and low-grade vascular neoplasms and to highlight recent molecular advances with the role of surrogate immunohistochemistry to target pathogenic proteins as diagnostic biomarkers.

Low-grade mammary gland tumours in dogs have greater VEGF-A and BMP2 immunostaining and higher CD31 blood vessel density

Tumor angiogenesis is an important process in tumor growth, and different molecules are involved in its regulation including VEGF-A, BMP2, and CD31, which can be considered possible prognostic markers. The aim of this study was to verify whether the VEGF-A and BMP2 immunostaining area, and microvascular density (MVD) might be associated with the degree of malignancy in malignant mammary neoplasms of dogs. For this purpose, samples of mammary malignancies from female dogs embedded in wax were used and separated into four main histomorphological types: tubulopapillary carcinomas, solid, complex, and carcinosarcoma, which were separated based on high and low degrees of malignancy. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on tissue microarray blocks using anti-CD31 antibodies for evaluation of MVD and vascular lumen area, and with anti-VEGF-A and anti-BMP2 to determine the immunostaining area using the DAKO EnVision™ FLEX+ kit. MVD and vascular lumen area were higher in tubulopapillary carcinomas as were the areas stained by VEGF-A and BMP2. Immunostaining for CD31 was higher in low-grade carcinomas as well as in areas immunostained by VEGF-A and BMP2. There was a positive correlation between VEGF and BMP2 in high (r = 0.556, p < 0.0001) and low-grade (r = 0.287, p<0.0001) carcinomas and between MVD and VEGF-A in low-grade carcinomas (r = 0.267, p = 0.0064). Thus, the markers evaluated showed greater immunostaining in canine mammary tumors with a lower degree of malignancy.

Exosomes and cancer immunotherapy: A review of recent cancer research

As phospholipid extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by various cells, exosomes contain non-coding RNA (ncRNA), mRNA, DNA fragments, lipids, and proteins, which are essential for intercellular communication. Several types of cells can secrete exosomes that contribute to cancer initiation and progression. Cancer cells and the immune microenvironment interact and restrict each other. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) have become essential players in this balance because they carry information from the original cancer cells and express complexes of MHC class I/II epitopes and costimulatory molecules. In the present study, we aimed to identify potential targets for exosome therapy by examining the specific expression and mechanism of exosomes derived from cancer cells. We introduced TDEs and explored their role in different tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), with a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers, before briefly describing the therapeutic strategies of exosomes in cancer immune-related therapy.

Influence of Perioperative Anesthesia on Cancer Recurrence: from Basic Science to Clinical Practice

PURPOSEOF REVIEW

In this review, we will summarize the effects of these perioperative anesthetics and anesthetic interventions on the immune system and tumorigenesis as well as address the related clinical evidence on cancer-related mortality and recurrence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. For many solid tumors, surgery is one of the major therapies. Unfortunately, surgery promotes angiogenesis, shedding of circulating cancer cells, and suppresses immunity. Hence, the perioperative period has a close relationship with cancer metastases or recurrence. In the perioperative period, patients require multiple anesthetic management including anesthetics, anesthetic techniques, and body temperature control. Preclinical and retrospective studies have found that these anesthetic agents and interventions have complex effects on cancer outcomes. Therefore, well-planned, prospective, randomized controlled trials are required to explore the effects of different anesthetics and techniques on long-term outcomes after cancer surgery. Due to the conflicting effects of anesthetic management on cancer recurrence, further preclinical and clinical trials are required and beneficial to the development of systemic cancer therapies.

Cellular heterogeneity and stem cells of vascular endothelial cells in blood vessel formation and homeostasis: Insights from single-cell RNA sequencing

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) that constitute the inner surface of blood vessels are essential for new vessel formation and organ homeostasis. ECs display remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity across different organs and the vascular tree during angiogenesis and homeostasis. Recent advances in single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have allowed a new understanding of EC heterogeneity in both mice and humans. In particular, scRNA-seq has identified new molecular signatures for arterial, venous and capillary ECs in different organs, as well as previously unrecognized specialized EC subtypes, such as the aerocytes localized in the alveolar capillaries of the lung. scRNA-seq has also revealed the gene expression profiles of specialized tissue-resident EC subtypes that are capable of clonal expansion and contribute to adult angiogenesis, a process of new vessel formation from the pre-existing vasculature. These specialized tissue-resident ECs have been identified in various different mouse tissues, including aortic endothelium, liver, heart, lung, skin, skeletal muscle, retina, choroid, and brain. Transcription factors and signaling pathways have also been identified in the specialized tissue-resident ECs that control angiogenesis. Furthermore, scRNA-seq has also documented responses of ECs in diseases such as cancer, age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction. These new findings revealed by scRNA-seq have the potential to provide new therapeutic targets for different diseases associated with blood vessels. In this article, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the vascular endothelial cell heterogeneity and endothelial stem cells associated with angiogenesis and homeostasis in mice and humans, and we discuss future prospects for the application of scRNA-seq technology.

Emerging Roles of the Unique Molecular Chaperone Cosmc in the Regulation of Health and Disease

The core-1 β1-3galactosyltransferase-specific chaperone 1 (Cosmc) is a unique molecular chaperone of core-1 β1-3galactosyltransferase(C1GALT1), which typically functions inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Cosmc helps C1GALT1 to fold correctly and maintain activity. It also participates in the synthesis of the T antigen, O-glycan, together with C1GALT1. Cosmc is a multifaceted molecule with a wide range of roles and functions. It involves platelet production and the regulation of immune cell function. Besides that, the loss of function of Cosmc also facilitates the development of several diseases, such as inflammation diseases, immune-mediated diseases, and cancer. It suggests that Cosmc is a critical control point in diseases and that it should be regarded as a potential target for oncotherapy. It is essential to fully comprehend Cosmc's roles, as they may provide critical information about its involvement in disease development and pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the role of Cosmc in normal development and diseases.

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Tumor Vascularization

Tumor diseases are unfortunately quick spreading, even though numerous studies are under way to improve early diagnosis and targeted treatments that take into account both the different characteristics associated with the various tumor types and the conditions of individual patients. In recent years, studies have focused on the role of ion channels in tumor development, as these proteins are involved in several cellular processes relevant to neoplastic transformation. Among all ion channels, many studies have focused on the superfamily of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, which are non-selective cation channels mediating extracellular Ca²⁺ influx. In this review, we examined the role of different endothelial TRP channel isoforms in tumor vessel formation, a process that is essential in tumor growth and metastasis.

Metabolic Reprogramming in Tumor Endothelial Cells

The dynamic crosstalk between the different components of the tumor microenvironment is critical to determine cancer progression, metastatic dissemination, tumor immunity, and therapeutic responses. Angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth, and abnormal blood vessels contribute to hypoxia and acidosis in the tumor microenvironment. In this hostile environment, cancer and stromal cells have the ability to alter their metabolism in order to support the high energetic demands and favor rapid tumor proliferation. Recent advances have shown that tumor endothelial cell metabolism is reprogrammed, and that targeting endothelial metabolic pathways impacts developmental and pathological vessel sprouting. Therefore, the use of metabolic antiangiogenic therapies to normalize the blood vasculature, in combination with immunotherapies, offers a clinical niche to treat cancer.

Inducing vascular normalization: A promising strategy for immunotherapy

In solid tumors, the vasculature is highly abnormal in structure and function, resulting in the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by limiting immune cells infiltration into tumors. Vascular normalization is receiving much attention as an alternative strategy to anti-angiogenic therapy, and its potential therapeutic targets include signaling pathways, angiogenesis-related genes, and metabolic pathways. Endothelial cells play an important role in the formation of blood vessel structure and function, and their metabolic processes drive blood vessel sprouting in parallel with the control of genetic signals in cancer. The feedback loop between vascular normalization and immunotherapy has been discussed extensively in many reviews. In this review, we summarize the impact of aberrant tumor vascular structure and function on drug delivery, metastasis, and anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, we present evidences for the mutual regulation of immune vasculature. Based on the importance of endothelial metabolism in controlling angiogenesis, we elucidate the crosstalk between endothelial cells and immune cells from the perspective of metabolic pathways and propose that targeting abnormal endothelial metabolism to achieve vascular normalization can be an alternative strategy for cancer treatment, which provides a new theoretical basis for future research on the combination of vascular normalization and immunotherapy.

Involvement of Ceramide Signalling in Radiation-Induced Tumour Vascular Effects and Vascular-Targeted Therapy

Sphingolipids are well-recognized critical components in several biological processes. Ceramides constitute a class of sphingolipid metabolites that are involved in important signal transduction pathways that play key roles in determining the fate of cells to survive or die. Ceramide accumulated in cells causes apoptosis; however, ceramide metabolized to sphingosine promotes cell survival and angiogenesis. Studies suggest that vascular-targeted therapies increase endothelial cell ceramide resulting in apoptosis that leads to tumour cure. Specifically, ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) used as vascular disrupting agents can perturb endothelial cells, eliciting acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) activation accompanied by ceramide release. This phenomenon results in endothelial cell death and vascular collapse and is synergistic with other antitumour treatments such as radiation. In contrast, blocking the generation of ceramide using multiple approaches, including the conversion of ceramide to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), abrogates this process. The ceramide-based cell survival "rheostat" between these opposing signalling metabolites is essential in the mechanotransductive vascular targeting following USMB treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize the past and latest findings on ceramide-based vascular-targeted strategies, including novel mechanotransductive methodologies.

Cytokines: Can Cancer Get the Message?

Simple Summary

Cytokines are important molecular players in cancer development, progression, and potential targets for treatment. Despite being small and overlooked, research has revealed that cytokines influence cancer biology in multiple ways. Cytokines are often found to contribute to immune function, cell damage, inflammation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and several other cellular processes important to tumor survival. Cytokines have also proven to have powerful effects on complex tumor microenvironment molecular biology and microbiology. Due to their heavy involvement in critical cancer-related processes, cytokines have also become attractive therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we describe the relationship between several cytokines and crucial cancer-promoting processes and their therapeutic potential.

Abstract

Cytokines are small molecular messengers that have profound effects on cancer development. Increasing evidence shows that cytokines are heavily involved in regulating both pro- and antitumor activities, such as immune activation and suppression, inflammation, cell damage, angiogenesis, cancer stem-cell-like cell maintenance, invasion, and metastasis. Cytokines are often required to drive these cancer-related processes and, therefore, represent an important research area for understanding cancer development and the potential identification of novel therapeutic targets. Interestingly, some cytokines are reported to be related to both pro- and anti-tumorigenicity, indicating that cytokines may play several complex roles relating to cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss some major cancer-related processes and their relationship with several cytokines.

Impacts and mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming of tumor microenvironment for immunotherapy in gastric cancer

Metabolic disorders and abnormal immune function changes occur in tumor tissues and cells to varying degrees. There is increasing evidence that reprogrammed energy metabolism contributes to the development of tumor suppressive immune microenvironment and influences the course of gastric cancer (GC). Current studies have found that tumor microenvironment (TME) also has important clinicopathological significance in predicting prognosis and therapeutic efficacy. Novel approaches targeting TME therapy, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), metabolic inhibitors and key enzymes of immune metabolism, have been involved in the treatment of GC. However, the interaction between GC cells metabolism and immune metabolism and how to make better use of these immunotherapy methods in the complex TME in GC are still being explored. Here, we discuss how metabolic reprogramming of GC cells and immune cells involved in GC immune responses modulate anti-tumor immune responses, as well as the effects of gastrointestinal flora in TME and GC. It is also proposed how to enhance anti-tumor immune response by understanding the targeted metabolism of these metabolic reprogramming to provide direction for the treatment and prognosis of GC.

Luteolin inhibits viability, migration, angiogenesis and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer vascular endothelial cells via miR-133a-3p/purine rich element binding protein B-mediated MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

Luteolin inhibits tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its mechanism still needs to be clarified. We hereby explored the effects of luteolin in vascular endothelial cells of NSCLC (NSCLC-VECs). After extraction and identification of NSCLC-VECs, cells were treated with luteolin and transfected. The viability, migration, angiogenesis and invasion of the cells were measured. The levels of miR-133a-3p, purine rich element binding protein B (PURB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 were determined. The interaction relationship of miR-133a-3p and PURB was identified. Luteolin inhibited the viability, migration, angiogenesis and invasion of NSCLC-VECs yet up-regulated miR-133a-3p level, while miR-133a-3p inhibitor counteracted the repressive effect of luteolin on the viability, migration, angiogenesis, and invasion in NSCLC-VECs. Luteolin inhibited the expressions of migration- and invasion-associated proteins (VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9), PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways-related factors, while miR-133a-3p inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of Luteolin on NSCLC-VECs. Luteolin decreased the level of PURB, which was targeted by miR-133a-3p. ShPURB promoted miR-133a-3p level in NSCLC-VECs, while reversing the promoting effects of miR-133a-3p inhibitor on the migration, invasion, and levels of migration- and invasion-associated proteins, PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways-associated factors in NSCLC-VECs. Collectively speaking, luteolin inhibits the migration and invasion of NSCLC-VECs via miR-133a-3p/PURB- mediated MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways.

Novel antiangiogenic therapy targeting biglycan using tumor endothelial cell-specific liposomal siRNA delivery system

Tumor blood vessels play important roles in tumor progression and metastasis. Targeting tumor endothelial cells (TECs) is one of the strategies for cancer therapy. We previously reported that biglycan, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, is highly expressed in TECs. TECs utilize biglycan in an autocrine manner for migration and angiogenesis. Furthermore, TEC‐derived biglycan stimulates tumor cell migration in a paracrine manner leading to tumor cell intravasation and metastasis. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effect of biglycan inhibition in the TECs of renal cell carcinoma using an in vivo siRNA delivery system known as a multifunctional envelope‐type nanodevice (MEND), which contains a unique pH‐sensitive cationic lipid. To specifically deliver MEND into TECs, we incorporated cyclo(Arg–Gly–Asp–d–Phe–Lys) (cRGD) into MEND because α_Vβ₃ integrin, a receptor for cRGD, is selective and highly expressed in TECs. We developed RGD‐MEND‐encapsulating siRNA against biglycan. First, we confirmed that MEND was delivered into OS‐RC‐2 tumor‐derived TECs and induced in vitro RNAi‐mediated gene silencing. MEND was then injected intravenously into OS‐RC‐2 tumor‐bearing mice. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that MEND was specifically delivered into TECs. Quantitative RT‐PCR indicated that biglycan was knocked down by biglycan siRNA‐containing MEND. Finally, we analyzed the therapeutic effect of biglycan silencing by MEND in TECs. Tumor growth was inhibited by biglycan siRNA‐containing MEND. Tumor microenvironmental factors such as fibrosis were also normalized using biglycan inhibition in TECs. Biglycan in TECs can be a novel target for cancer treatment.

The versatility and paradox of BMP signaling in endothelial cell behaviors and blood vessel function

Blood vessels expand via sprouting angiogenesis, and this process involves numerous endothelial cell behaviors, such as collective migration, proliferation, cell–cell junction rearrangements, and anastomosis and lumen formation. Subsequently, blood vessels remodel to form a hierarchical network that circulates blood and delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissue. During this time, endothelial cells become quiescent and form a barrier between blood and tissues that regulates transport of liquids and solutes. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates both proangiogenic and homeostatic endothelial cell behaviors as blood vessels form and mature. Almost 30 years ago, human pedigrees linked BMP signaling to diseases associated with blood vessel hemorrhage and shunts, and recent work greatly expanded our knowledge of the players and the effects of vascular BMP signaling. Despite these gains, there remain paradoxes and questions, especially with respect to how and where the different and opposing BMP signaling outputs are regulated. This review examines endothelial cell BMP signaling in vitro and in vivo and discusses the paradox of BMP signals that both destabilize and stabilize endothelial cell behaviors.

Recapitulating the Angiogenic Switch in a Hydrogel-Based 3D In Vitro Tumor-Stroma Model

To ensure nutrient and oxygen supply, tumors beyond a size of 1–2 mm³ need a connection to the vascular system. Thus, tumor cells modify physiological tissue homeostasis by secreting inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines. This leads to the activation of the tumor microenvironment and the turning of the angiogenic switch, resulting in tumor vascularization and growth. To inhibit tumor growth by developing efficient anti-angiogenic therapies, an in depth understanding of the molecular mechanism initiating angiogenesis is essential. Yet so far, predominantly 2D cell cultures or animal models have been used to clarify the interactions within the tumor stroma, resulting in poor transferability of the data obtained to the in vivo situation. Consequently, there is an abundant need for complex, humanized, 3D models in vitro. We established a dextran-hydrogel-based 3D organotypic in vitro model containing microtumor spheroids, macrophages, neutrophils, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, allowing for the analysis of tumor–stroma interactions in a controlled and modifiable environment. During the cultivation period of 21 days, the microtumor spheroids in the model grew in size and endothelial cells formed elongated tubular structures resembling capillary vessels, that appeared to extend towards the tumor spheroids. The tubular structures exhibited complex bifurcations and expanded without adding external angiogenic factors such as VEGF to the culture. To allow high-throughput screening of therapeutic candidates, the 3D cell culture model was successfully miniaturized to a 96-well format, while still maintaining the same level of tumor spheroid growth and vascular sprouting. The quantification of VEGF in the conditioned medium of these cultures showed a continuous increase during the cultivation period, suggesting the contribution of endogenous VEGF to the induction of the angiogenic switch and vascular sprouting. Thus, this model is highly suitable as a testing platform for novel anticancer therapeutics targeting the tumor as well as the vascular compartment.

3D tumor angiogenesis models: recent advances and challenges

The development of blood vessels, referred to as angiogenesis, is an intricate process regulated spatially and temporally through a delicate balance between the qualitative and quantitative expression of pro and anti-angiogenic molecules. As angiogenesis is a prerequisite for solid tumors to grow and metastasize, a variety of tumor angiogenesis models have been formulated to better understand the underlying mechanisms and associated clinical applications. Studies have demonstrated independent mechanisms inducing angiogenesis in tumors such as (a) HIF-1/VEGF mediated paracrine interactions between a cancer cell and endothelial cells, (b) recruitment of progenitor endothelial cells, and (c) vasculogenic mimicry. Moreover, single-cell sequencing technologies have indicated endothelial cell heterogeneity among organ systems including tumor tissues. However, existing angiogenesis models often rely upon normal endothelial cells which significantly differ from tumor endothelial cells exhibiting distinct (epi)genetic and metabolic signatures. Besides, the existence of intra-individual variations necessitates the development of improved tumor vascular model systems for personalized medicine. In the present review, we summarize recent advancements of 3D tumor vascular model systems which include (a) tissue engineering-based tumor models; (b) vascular organoid models, and (c) organ-on-chips and their importance in replicating the tumor angiogenesis along with the associated challenges to design improved models.

F4, a collagen XIX-derived peptide, inhibits tumor angiogenesis through αvβ3 and α5β1 integrin interaction

We previously demonstrated that F4 peptide (CNPEDCLYPVSHAHQR) from collagen XIX was able to inhibit melanoma cell migrationin vitro and cancer progression in a mouse melanoma model. The aim of the present work was to study the anti-angiogenic properties of F4 peptide. We demonstrated that F4 peptide inhibited VEGF-induced pseudo-tube formation on Matrigel by endothelial cells and endothelial sprouting in a rat aortic ring assay. By affinity chromatography, we identified αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins as potential receptors for F4 peptide on endothelial cell surface. Using solid phase assays, we proved the direct interaction between F4 and both integrins. Taken together, our results demonstrate that F4 peptide is a potent antitumor agent inhibiting both angiogenesis and tumor cell migration.

The functional cross talk between cancer cells and cancer associated fibroblasts from a cancer mechanics perspective

The function of biological tissues in health and disease is regulated at cellular level and is highly influenced by the physical microenvironment, through the interaction of forces between cells and ECM, which are perceived through mechanosensing pathways. In cancer, both chemical and physical signaling cascades and their interactions are involved during cell-cell and cell-ECM communications to meet requirements of tumor growth. Among stroma cells, cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play key role in tumor growth and pave the way for cancer cells to initiate metastasis and invasion to other tissues, and without recruitment of CAFs, the process of cancer invasion is dysfunctional. This is through an intense chemical and physical cross talks with tumor cells, and interactive remodeling of ECM. During such interaction CAFs apply traction forces and depending on the mechanical properties, deform ECM and in return receive physical signals from the micromechanical environment. Such interaction leads to ECM remodeling by manipulating ECM structure and its mechanical properties. The results are in form of deposition of extra fibers, stiffening, rearrangement and reorganization of fibrous structure, and degradation which are due to a complex secretion and expression of different markers triggered by mechanosensing of tumor cells, specially CAFs. Such events define cancer progress and invasion of cancer cells. A systemic knowledge of chemical and physical factors provides a holistic view of how cancer process and enhances the current treatment methods to provide more diversity among targets that involves tumor cells and ECM structure.

Three-dimensional CRISPR screening reveals epigenetic interaction with anti-angiogenic therapy

Angiogenesis underlies development, physiology and pathogenesis of cancer, eye and cardiovascular diseases. Inhibiting aberrant angiogenesis using anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT) has been successful in the clinical treatment of cancer and eye diseases. However, resistance to AAT inevitably occurs and its molecular basis remains poorly understood. Here, we uncover molecular modifiers of the blood endothelial cell (EC) response to a widely used AAT bevacizumab by performing a pooled genetic screen using three-dimensional microcarrier-based cell culture and CRISPR–Cas9. Functional inhibition of the epigenetic reader BET family of proteins BRD2/3/4 shows unexpected mitigating effects on EC survival and/or proliferation upon VEGFA blockade. Moreover, transcriptomic and pathway analyses reveal an interaction between epigenetic regulation and anti-angiogenesis, which may affect chromosomal structure and activity in ECs via the cell cycle regulator CDC25B phosphatase. Collectively, our findings provide insight into epigenetic regulation of the EC response to VEGFA blockade and may facilitate development of quality biomarkers and strategies for overcoming resistance to AAT.

Through three-dimensional CRISPR screening, He et al. report that functional inhibition of BET family of proteins BRD2/3/4 shows mitigating effects on blood endothelial cell (EC) survival and/or proliferation upon VEGFA blockade. An interaction between epigenetic regulation and anti-angiogenesis, which may affect chromosomal structure and activity in ECs through CDC25B phosphatase, is potentially involved with EC resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy.

C118P, a novel microtubule inhibitor with anti-angiogenic and vascular disrupting activities, exerts anti-tumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a hypervascular solid tumor, is the most leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Microtubule binding agents targeting tumor vasculature have been investigated and employed clinically. C118P is a newly synthesized analog of CA4 with improved water solubility and extended half-life. The current studies investigated the pharmacological effects of C118P and its active metabolite C118. Here, we first confirmed by in vitro assays that C118 exerts microtubule depolymerization activity and by molecular docking revealed that it fits to the colchicine binding site of tubulin. In addition, we found that C118P and C118 altered microtubule dynamics and cytoskeleton in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Accordingly, we observed that C118P and C118 inhibited angiogenesis and disrupted established vascular networks using tube formation assays and chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis assays. In addition, our data showed that C118P and C118 exhibited board anti-proliferative effect on various cancer cells, including HCC cell lines, in MTT assays or Sulforhodamine B assays. Moreover, we found that C118P induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCC cell lines BEL7402 and SMMC7721 using flow cytometry analysis and immunoblotting assays. Finally, we confirmed that C118P suppressed HCC growth via targeting tumor vasculature and inducing apoptosis in the SMMC7721 xenograft mouse model. In conclusion, our studies revealed that C118P, as a potent microtubule destabilizing agent, exerts its multiple pharmacological effects against HCC by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as targeting tumor vasculature. Thus, C118P might be a promising drug candidate for liver cancer treatment.

The heterogeneity of cancer endothelium: The relevance of angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cells in cancer microenvironment

Tumor-associated vessels constitution is the result of angiogenesis, the hallmark of cancer essential for tumor to develop in dimension and to spread throughout the organism. Tumor endothelium is configured as an active functioning organ capable of determine interaction with the immune response and all the other components of the variegate cancer microenvironment, determining reciprocal influence. Angiogenesis is here analyzed in its molecular and cellular mechanisms, multiple mediators and principal players, represented by Endothelial Cells. It is discussed the striking heterogeneity of cancer endothelium, due to morphological and molecular aberrations that it often presents and its multiple origin. Among the cells that participate to the composition of tumor vasculature, Endothelial Progenitor Cells represent an important source for physical sustain and paracrine signaling in the process of angiogenesis. Treatment options are reviewed, with particular focus on novel therapeutic strategies for overcoming tumor resistance to anti-angiogenic agents.

Molecular modification, structural characterization, and biological activity of xylans

The differences in the source and structure of xylans make them have various biological activities. However, due to their inherent structural limitations, the various biological activities of xylans are far lower than those of commercial drugs. Currently, several types of molecular modification methods have been developed to address these limitations, and many derivatives with specific biological activity have been obtained. Further research on structural characteristics, structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action is of great significance for the development of xylan derivatives. Therefore, the major molecular modification methods of xylans are introduced in this paper, and the primary structure and conformation characteristics of xylans and their derivatives are summarized. In addition, the biological activity and structure-activity relationship of the modified xylans are also discussed.

LncRNA NEAT1 promotes proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and angiogenesis of co-incubated human umbilical vein endothelial cells by regulating FGF9 through sponging miR-365: An experimental study

OBJECTIVE

To uncover the function of lncRNA NEAT1 in ovarian cancer (OC) cells and its mechanism.

METHODS

The expression patterns of lncRNA NEAT1 and FGF9 in human OC cells and human ovarian epithelial cells was determined. OC cells were transfected with sh-NEAT1, pcDNA3.1-NEAT1, miR-365 mimic, miR-365 inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-NEAT1 + sh-NEAT1 before cell proliferation rate and cell clone formation rate were measured. After the transfected OC cells were co-cultivated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), Matrigel angiogenesis assay tested angiogenesis of HUVECs; qRT-PCR and Western blot tested the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin 1 (Ang-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Dual-luciferase reporter assay determined the targeted binding of NEAT1 and FGF9 to miR-365.

RESULTS

LncRNA NEAT1 and FGF9 are over-expressed in OC cells. Knockdown of NEAT1 or FGF9, or over-expression of miR-365 results in decreased proliferation rate and cell clones as well as inhibited angiogenesis and down-regulated expressions of VEGF, Ang-1 and MMP2. Over-expression of NEAT1 or knockdown of miR-365 can reverse the effect caused by FGF9 knockdown. NEAT1 can down-regulate the expression of miR-365 while up-regulating that of FGF9. Dual-luciferase reporter assay determined that NEAT1 competes with FGF9 for binding to miR-365.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA NEAT1 up-regulates FGF9 by sponging miR-365, thus promoting OC cell proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs.

HnRNPA2B1 promotes the proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7 cells via the STAT3 pathway

HnRNPA2/B1 is highly expressed in many tumors. However, the role of hnRNPA2/B1 in breast cancer is not clear. In this study, we found the proliferation rate was decreased after knockout of hnRNPA2/B1 by CRISPR-CAS9 in MCF-7 cells, as demonstrated by the reduced expression of CDK4 and p-AKT, and the increased expression of P27. Besides this, the western blot results showed that knockout of hnRNPA2/B1 increased the rate of apoptosis and declined autophagy. By in vivo assay, we found that knockout of hnRNPA2/B1 suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Immunohistochemical staining results confirmed knockout of hnRNPA2/B1 impaired tumor angiogenesis, as illustrated by downregulated expression of VEGF-A. Besides this, interacting proteins with hnRNPA2/B1 were identified by mass spectrometry and the PPI network was constructed. GO analysis suggests that the Interacting proteins are mainly enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway, translation, and so on. We then identified hnRNPA2/B1 interacted with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), as supported by the colocalization of hnRNPA2/B1 and STAT3. Meanwhile, knockout of hnRNPA2/B1 inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3. Collectively, our results demonstrate that hnRNPA2/B1 promotes tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo by activating the STAT3 pathway, regulating apoptosis and autophagy.

The Role of Anti-angiogenesis in the Treatment Landscape of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer - New Combinational Approaches and Strategies of Neovessel Inhibition

Tumor progression depends primarily on vascular supply, which is facilitated by angiogenic activity within the malignant tissue. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly vascularized tumor, and inhibition of angiogenesis was projected to be a promising therapeutic approach. Over a decade ago, the first anti-angiogenic agents were approved for advanced stage NSCLC patients, however, they only produced a marginal clinical benefit. Explanations why anti-angiogenic therapies only show modest effects include the highly adaptive tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as the less understood characteristics of the tumor vasculature. Today, advanced methods of in-depth characterization of the NSCLC TME by single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and preclinical observations enable a detailed characterization of individual cancer landscapes, allowing new aspects for a more individualized inhibition of angiogenesis to be identified. Furthermore, the tumor vasculature itself is composed of several cellular subtypes, which closely interact with other cellular components of the TME, and show distinct biological functions such as immune regulation, proliferation, and organization of the extracellular matrix. With these new insights, combinational approaches including chemotherapy, anti- angiogenic and immunotherapy can be developed to yield a more target-oriented anti-tumor treatment in NSCLC. Recently, anti-angiogenic agents were also shown to induce the formation of high endothelial venules (HEVs), which are essential for the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures, and key components in triggering anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of tumor-angiogenesis and corresponding anti-angiogenic therapies, as well as new aspects concerning characterization of tumor-associated vessels and the resulting new strategies for anti-angiogenic therapies and vessel inhibition in NSCLC. We will further discuss why anti-angiogenic therapies form an interesting backbone strategy for combinational therapies and how anti-angiogenic approaches could be further developed in a more personalized tumor-oriented fashion with focus on NSCLC.