501
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Liu X, Gündel B, Li X, Liu J, Wright A, Löhr M, Arvidsson G, Heuchel R. 3D heterospecies spheroids of pancreatic stroma and cancer cells demonstrate key phenotypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101107. [PMID: 33946033 PMCID: PMC8111319 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, partly due to the dense desmoplasia and a lack of suitable model systems to study. In the present work, we developed a 3D heterospecies spheroid model to study the microenvironmental interactions between tumor cells and stellate cells which can also be employed to test therapeutic regimens. We set up monospheroids and heterospheroids made up from murine pancreatic stellate cells (mPSCs) and human PDAC cells (Panc1), which allowed for direct isolation of mRNA from a mixed cell population followed by an in silico separation of the RNA-seq reads. Global transcript level changes for cells in heterospheroids versus monospheroids were calculated, followed by gene set enrichment analysis and molecular subtype analysis. We observed an apparent shift of Panc1 from the classical to the squamous/basal-like phenotype upon co-culture with mPSCs. Moreover, mPSCs acquired a different cancer-associated fibroblast-related phenotype upon co-culture with Panc1. We analyzed the tumor cell-specific chemosensitivities towards gemcitabine, paclitaxel and SN38 and compared these to published pharmacotranscriptomic signatures. In conclusion, our heterospecies spheroid model reflected key aspects of PDAC and facilitated the study of intercellular interactions between tumor and stroma while additionally proving to be a good model for studying therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Liu
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden
| | - Beate Gündel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden
| | - Xidan Li
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden
| | - Jianping Liu
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden
| | - Anthony Wright
- Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden
| | - Matthias Löhr
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden
| | - Gustav Arvidsson
- Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden
| | - Rainer Heuchel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge SE 141 86, Sweden.
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502
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Turner KM, Yeo SK, Holm TM, Shaughnessy E, Guan JL. Heterogeneity within molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C343-C354. [PMID: 34191627 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00109.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the quintessential example of how molecular characterization of tumor biology guides therapeutic decisions. From the discovery of the estrogen receptor to current clinical molecular profiles to evolving single-cell analytics, the characterization and compartmentalization of breast cancer into divergent subtypes is clear. However, competing with this divergent model of breast cancer is the recognition of intratumoral heterogeneity, which acknowledges the possibility that multiple different subtypes exist within a single tumor. Intratumoral heterogeneity is driven by both intrinsic effects of the tumor cells themselves as well as extrinsic effects from the surrounding microenvironment. There is emerging evidence that these intratumoral molecular subtypes are not static; rather, plasticity between divergent subtypes is possible. Interconversion between seemingly different subtypes within a tumor drives tumor progression, metastases, and treatment resistance. Therapeutic strategies must, therefore, contend with changing phenotypes in an individual patient's tumor. Identifying targetable drivers of molecular heterogeneity may improve treatment durability and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Turner
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Syn Kok Yeo
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Tammy M Holm
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth Shaughnessy
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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503
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Pradhan RN, Krishnamurty AT, Fletcher AL, Turley SJ, Müller S. A bird's eye view of fibroblast heterogeneity: A pan-disease, pan-cancer perspective. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:299-320. [PMID: 34164824 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts, custodians of tissue architecture and function, are no longer considered a monolithic entity across tissues and disease indications. Recent advances in single-cell technologies provide an unrestricted, high-resolution view of fibroblast heterogeneity that exists within and across tissues. In this review, we summarize a compendium of single-cell transcriptomic studies and provide a comprehensive accounting of fibroblast subsets, many of which have been described to occupy specific niches in tissues at homeostatic and pathologic states. Understanding this heterogeneity is particularly important in the context of cancer, as the diverse cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are directly impacted by the expression phenotypes of their predecessors. Relationships between these heterogeneous populations often accompany and influence response to therapy in cancer and fibrosis. We further highlight the importance of integrating single-cell studies to deduce common fibroblast phenotypes across disease states, which will facilitate the identification of common signaling pathways, gene regulatory programs, and cell surface markers that are going to advance drug discovery and targeting.
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504
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Shahnazari M, Samadi P, Pourjafar M, Jalali A. Cell-based immunotherapy approaches for colorectal cancer: main achievements and challenges. Future Oncol 2021; 17:3253-3270. [PMID: 34156258 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is becoming as a major treatment modality for multiple types of solid tumors, including subsets of colorectal cancers (CRCs). The successes with immunotherapy alone has largely been achieved in patients with advanced-stage mismatch-repair-deficient and microsatellite instability-high (dMMR-MSI-H) CRCs. However, the benefits of immunotherapy have not been demonstrated to be effective in patients with proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) CRC, who are microsatellite-stable (MSS) or have low levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-L). Here, we provide a comprehensive review on the immune microenvironment of CRC tumors and describe the rapid pace of scientific changes. We discuss the tremendous promise of cell-based immunotherapy strategies that are under preclinical studies/clinical trials or being used in therapeutic paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Shahnazari
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid fahmideh boulevard, 6517838687, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Pouria Samadi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid fahmideh boulevard, 6517838687, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mona Pourjafar
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid fahmideh boulevard, 6517838687, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Biological & Chemical Engineering Immunological Biotechnology, Aarhus University, Inge Lehmanns Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Akram Jalali
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid fahmideh boulevard, 6517838687, Hamadan, Iran
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505
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Ahmad RS, Eubank TD, Lukomski S, Boone BA. Immune Cell Modulation of the Extracellular Matrix Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060901. [PMID: 34204306 PMCID: PMC8234537 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a five-year survival rate of only 9%. PDAC is characterized by a dense, fibrotic stroma composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. This desmoplastic stroma is a hallmark of PDAC, representing a significant physical barrier that is immunosuppressive and obstructs penetration of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, dense ECM promotes hypoxia, making tumor cells refractive to radiation therapy and alters their metabolism, thereby supporting proliferation and survival. In this review, we outline the significant contribution of fibrosis to the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, with a focus on the cross talk between immune cells and pancreatic stellate cells that contribute to ECM deposition. We emphasize the cellular mechanisms by which neutrophils and macrophages, specifically, modulate the ECM in favor of PDAC-progression. Furthermore, we investigate how activated stellate cells and ECM influence immune cells and promote immunosuppression in PDAC. Finally, we summarize therapeutic strategies that target the stroma and hinder immune cell promotion of fibrogenesis, which have unfortunately led to mixed results. An enhanced understanding of the complex interactions between the pancreatic tumor ECM and immune cells may uncover novel treatment strategies that are desperately needed for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiz S. Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
| | - Timothy D. Eubank
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (T.D.E.); (S.L.)
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (T.D.E.); (S.L.)
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Brian A. Boone
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (T.D.E.); (S.L.)
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Correspondence:
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506
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Affo S, Nair A, Brundu F, Ravichandra A, Bhattacharjee S, Matsuda M, Chin L, Filliol A, Wen W, Song X, Decker A, Worley J, Caviglia JM, Yu L, Yin D, Saito Y, Savage T, Wells RG, Mack M, Zender L, Arpaia N, Remotti HE, Rabadan R, Sims P, Leblond AL, Weber A, Riener MO, Stockwell BR, Gaublomme J, Llovet JM, Kalluri R, Michalopoulos GK, Seki E, Sia D, Chen X, Califano A, Schwabe RF. Promotion of cholangiocarcinoma growth by diverse cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:866-882.e11. [PMID: 33930309 PMCID: PMC8241235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a poorly characterized cell population in the context of liver cancer. Our study investigates CAF functions in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a highly desmoplastic liver tumor. Genetic tracing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and ligand-receptor analyses uncovered hepatic stellate cells (HSC) as the main source of CAF and HSC-derived CAF as the dominant population interacting with tumor cells. In mice, CAF promotes ICC progression, as revealed by HSC-selective CAF depletion. In patients, a high panCAF signature is associated with decreased survival and increased recurrence. Single-cell RNA sequencing segregates CAF into inflammatory and growth factor-enriched (iCAF) and myofibroblastic (myCAF) subpopulations, displaying distinct ligand-receptor interactions. myCAF-expressed hyaluronan synthase 2, but not type I collagen, promotes ICC. iCAF-expressed hepatocyte growth factor enhances ICC growth via tumor-expressed MET, thus directly linking CAF to tumor cells. In summary, our data demonstrate promotion of desmoplastic ICC growth by therapeutically targetable CAF subtype-specific mediators, but not by type I collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affo
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ajay Nair
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Francesco Brundu
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Michitaka Matsuda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - LiKang Chin
- Department of Medicine, Penn Physical Sciences in Oncology Center PSOC@Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aveline Filliol
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Aubrianna Decker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jeremy Worley
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Lexing Yu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Deqi Yin
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yoshinobu Saito
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Thomas Savage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Department of Medicine, Penn Physical Sciences in Oncology Center PSOC@Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthias Mack
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Helen E Remotti
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Raul Rabadan
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Peter Sims
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Anne-Laure Leblond
- Department for Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Zürich University Hospital, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Achim Weber
- Department for Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Zürich University Hospital, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc-Oliver Riener
- Department for Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Zürich University Hospital, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jellert Gaublomme
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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507
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Camargo S, Gofrit ON, Assis A, Mitrani E. Paracrine Signaling from a Three-Dimensional Model of Bladder Carcinoma and from Normal Bladder Switch the Phenotype of Stromal Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2972. [PMID: 34198488 PMCID: PMC8231763 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a three-dimensional model based on acellular scaffolds to recreate bladder carcinoma in vitro that closely describes the in vivo behavior of carcinoma cells. The integrity of the basement membrane and protein composition of the bladder scaffolds were examined by Laminin immunostaining and LC-MS/MS. Human primary bladder carcinoma cells were then grown on standard monolayer cultures and also seeded on the bladder scaffolds. Apparently, carcinoma cells adhered to the scaffold basement membrane and created a contiguous one-layer epithelium (engineered micro-carcinomas (EMCs)). Surprisingly, the gene expression pattern displayed by EMCs was similar to the profile expressed by the carcinoma cells cultured on plastic. However, the pattern of secreted growth factors was significantly different, as VEGF, FGF, and PIGF were secreted at higher levels by EMCs. We found that only the combination of factors secreted by EMCs, but not the carcinoma cells grown on plastic dishes, was able to induce either the pro-inflammatory phenotype or the myofibroblast phenotype depending on the concentration of the secreted factors. We found that the pro-inflammatory phenotype could be reversed. We propose a unique platform that allows one to decipher the paracrine signaling of bladder carcinoma and how this molecular signaling can switch the phenotypes of fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Camargo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel; (S.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Ofer N. Gofrit
- Department of Urology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
| | - Assaf Assis
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel; (S.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Eduardo Mitrani
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel; (S.C.); (A.A.)
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508
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Bhattacharjee S, Hamberger F, Ravichandra A, Miller M, Nair A, Affo S, Filliol A, Chin L, Savage TM, Yin D, Wirsik NM, Mehal A, Arpaia N, Seki E, Mack M, Zhu D, Sims PA, Kalluri R, Stanger BZ, Olive KP, Schmidt T, Wells RG, Mederacke I, Schwabe RF. Tumor restriction by type I collagen opposes tumor-promoting effects of cancer-associated fibroblasts. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:146987. [PMID: 33905375 PMCID: PMC8159701 DOI: 10.1172/jci146987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) may exert tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive functions, but the mechanisms underlying these opposing effects remain elusive. Here, we sought to understand these potentially opposing functions by interrogating functional relationships among CAF subtypes, their mediators, desmoplasia, and tumor growth in a wide range of tumor types metastasizing to the liver, the most common organ site for metastasis. Depletion of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which represented the main source of CAF in mice and patients in our study, or depletion of all CAF decreased tumor growth and mortality in desmoplastic colorectal and pancreatic metastasis but not in nondesmoplastic metastatic tumors. Single-cell RNA-Seq in conjunction with CellPhoneDB ligand-receptor analysis, as well as studies in immune cell-depleted and HSC-selective knockout mice, uncovered direct CAF-tumor interactions as a tumor-promoting mechanism, mediated by myofibroblastic CAF-secreted (myCAF-secreted) hyaluronan and inflammatory CAF-secreted (iCAF-secreted) HGF. These effects were opposed by myCAF-expressed type I collagen, which suppressed tumor growth by mechanically restraining tumor spread, overriding its own stiffness-induced mechanosignals. In summary, mechanical restriction by type I collagen opposes the overall tumor-promoting effects of CAF, thus providing a mechanistic explanation for their dual functions in cancer. Therapeutic targeting of tumor-promoting CAF mediators while preserving type I collagen may convert CAF from tumor promoting to tumor restricting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florian Hamberger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | | | - Maximilian Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ajay Nair
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Silvia Affo
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aveline Filliol
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - LiKang Chin
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas M. Savage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Deqi Yin
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Naita Maren Wirsik
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adam Mehal
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Matthias Mack
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital and School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter A. Sims
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ben Z. Stanger
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kenneth P. Olive
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca G. Wells
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ingmar Mederacke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Robert F. Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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509
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Cai W, Sun X, Jin F, Xiao D, Li H, Sun H, Wang Y, Lu Y, Liu J, Huang C, Wang X, Gao S, Wang H, Gao C, Zhao T, Hao J. PERK-eIF2α-ERK1/2 axis drives mesenchymal-endothelial transition of cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 515:86-95. [PMID: 34052329 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by remarkable desmoplasia, usually driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), influencing patient prognosis. CAFs are a group of plastic cells responsible for tumor growth and metastasis. Fibroblasts have been reported to directly contribute to angiogenesis by undergoing mesenchymal-endothelial transition (MEndoT) after ischemic injury in the heart, brain, and hindlimbs. However, whether CAFs can undergo similar transdifferentiation in the hostile tumor microenvironment and directly contribute to tumor angiogenesis remains unclear. Herein, we provide evidence that CAFs can adopt an endothelial cell-like phenotype and directly contribute to tumor angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, this program is regulated by the PERK-eIF2α-ERK1/2 axis. Pharmacological inhibition of PERK with GSK2606414 limited the phenotypic transition of CAFs. In conclusion, our results suggest that CAFs contribute to tumor angiogenesis by undergoing the MEndoT, thus representing therapeutic targets for improving PDAC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrun Cai
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Xugang Sun
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Fanjie Jin
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Di Xiao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Huizhi Sun
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Chongbiao Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Chuntao Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China
| | - Tiansuo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China.
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, PR China.
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Kokkinos J, Jensen A, Sharbeen G, McCarroll JA, Goldstein D, Haghighi KS, Phillips PA. Does the Microenvironment Hold the Hidden Key for Functional Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102427. [PMID: 34067833 PMCID: PMC8156664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers and no significant improvement in patient survival has been seen in the past three decades. Treatment options are limited and selection of chemotherapy in the clinic is usually based on the performance status of a patient rather than the biology of their disease. In recent years, research has attempted to unlock a personalised treatment strategy by identifying actionable molecular targets in tumour cells or using preclinical models to predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy. However, these approaches rely on the biology of PDAC tumour cells only and ignore the importance of the microenvironment and fibrotic stroma. In this review, we highlight the importance of the microenvironment in driving the chemoresistant nature of PDAC and the need for preclinical models to mimic the complex multi-cellular microenvironment of PDAC in the precision medicine pipeline. We discuss the potential for ex vivo whole-tissue culture models to inform precision medicine and their role in developing novel therapeutic strategies that hit both tumour and stromal compartments in PDAC. Thus, we highlight the critical role of the tumour microenvironment that needs to be addressed before a precision medicine program for PDAC can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kokkinos
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Anya Jensen
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - George Sharbeen
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Joshua A. McCarroll
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Prince of Wales Hospital, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Koroush S. Haghighi
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Prince of Wales Hospital, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Phoebe A. Phillips
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.K.); (G.S.); (D.G.)
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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511
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Hamanaka RB, Mutlu GM. The role of metabolic reprogramming and de novo amino acid synthesis in collagen protein production by myofibroblasts: implications for organ fibrosis and cancer. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1851-1862. [PMID: 33963932 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02996-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathologic condition resulting from aberrant wound healing responses that lead to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, distortion of organ architecture, and loss of organ function. Fibrotic disease can affect every organ system; moreover, fibrosis is an important microenvironmental component of many cancers, including pancreatic, cervical, and hepatocellular cancers. Fibrosis is also an independent risk factor for cancer. Taken together, organ fibrosis contributes to up to 45% of all deaths worldwide. There are no approved therapies that halt or reverse fibrotic disease, highlighting the great need for novel therapeutic targets. At the heart of almost all fibrotic disease is the TGF-β-mediated differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, the primary cell type responsible for the production of collagen and other matrix proteins and distortion of tissue architecture. Recent advances, particularly in the field of lung fibrosis, have highlighted the role that metabolic reprogramming plays in the pathogenic phenotype of myofibroblasts, particularly the induction of de novo amino acid synthesis pathways that are required to support collagen matrix production by these cells. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic changes associated with myofibroblast differentiation, focusing on the de novo production of glycine and proline, two amino acids which compose over half of the primary structure of collagen protein. We will also discuss the important role that synthesis of these amino acids plays in regulating cellular redox balance and epigenetic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Hamanaka
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC6026, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Gökhan M Mutlu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC6026, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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512
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Winograd R, Simeone DM, Bar-Sagi D. A novel target for combination immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer: IL-1β mediates immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1754-1756. [PMID: 33758330 PMCID: PMC8144204 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01303-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has demonstrated efficacy in multiple cancers, offering the potential of long-term disease control not achievable with cytotoxic or targeted therapies. However, the field has not yet achieved the crucial next steps - the expansion of the response rate and achievement of clinical efficacy in so-called "cold tumours". Mechanistic studies of tumour-type specific immunosuppressive pathways can reveal underlying biological hurdles to immunotherapy and offer new therapeutic insights. Our finding that tumour-derived IL-1β mediates immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer has precipitated a new clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Winograd
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diane M Simeone
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dafna Bar-Sagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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513
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The high failure rate in drug discovery remains a costly and time-consuming challenge. Improving the odds of success in the early steps of drug development requires disease models with high biological relevance for biomarker discovery and drug development. The adoption of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems over traditional monolayers in cell-based assays is considered a promising step toward improving the success rate in drug discovery. AREAS COVERED In this article, the author focuses on new technologies for 3D cell culture and their applications in cancer drug discovery. Besides the most common 3D cell-culture systems for tumor cells, the article emphasizes the need for 3D cell culture technologies that can mimic the complex tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cell niche. EXPERT OPINION There has been a rapid increase in 3D cell culture technologies in recent years in an effort to more closely mimic in vivo physiology. Each 3D cell culture system has its own strengths and weaknesses with regard to in vivo tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment. This requires careful consideration of which 3D cell culture system is chosen for drug discovery and should be based on factors like drug target and tumor origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid A Langhans
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE
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514
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts-mediated ATF4 expression promotes malignancy and gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer via the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 pathway and ABCC1 transactivation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:334. [PMID: 33782384 PMCID: PMC8007632 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03574-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to malignant progression and chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, little is known about the underlying mechanism. In this study, we investigated the potential role and mechanisms of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in CAFs-induced malignancy and gemcitabine resistance. We demonstrated that ATF4 is overexpressed in PDAC and associated with a poor prognosis. Silencing ATF4 expression decreased proliferation, colony formation, migration, gemcitabine sensitivity, and sphere formation. Subsequently, we revealed that CAFs secrete TGF-β1 to upregulate the expression of ATF4 in PDAC cells via the SMAD2/3 pathway and induce cancer progression, cancer stemness, and gemcitabine resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ATF4 directly binds to the ABCC1 promoter region to activate transcription. In summary, these data demonstrate that CAFs contribute to malignancy and gemcitabine resistance in PDAC by upregulating the expression of ATF4 via the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 axis and highlight that ATF4 is an attractive therapeutic target for combating gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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515
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Ollauri-Ibáñez C, Ayuso-Íñigo B, Pericacho M. Hot and Cold Tumors: Is Endoglin (CD105) a Potential Target for Vessel Normalization? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1552. [PMID: 33800564 PMCID: PMC8038031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are complex masses formed by malignant but also by normal cells. The interaction between these cells via cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and enzymes that remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes the tumor microenvironment (TME). This TME can be determinant in the prognosis and the response to some treatments such as immunotherapy. Depending on their TME, two types of tumors can be defined: hot tumors, characterized by an immunosupportive TME and a good response to immunotherapy; and cold tumors, which respond poorly to this therapy and are characterized by an immunosuppressive TME. A therapeutic strategy that has been shown to be useful for the conversion of cold tumors into hot tumors is vascular normalization. In this review we propose that endoglin (CD105) may be a useful target of this strategy since it is involved in the three main processes involved in the generation of the TME: angiogenesis, inflammation, and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) accumulation. Moreover, the analysis of endoglin expression in tumors, which is already used in the clinic to study the microvascular density and that is associated with worse prognosis, could be used to predict a patient's response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miguel Pericacho
- Renal and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Group of Physiopathology of the Vascular Endothelium (ENDOVAS), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.O.-I.); (B.A.-Í.)
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516
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Hahn WC, Bader JS, Braun TP, Califano A, Clemons PA, Druker BJ, Ewald AJ, Fu H, Jagu S, Kemp CJ, Kim W, Kuo CJ, McManus M, B Mills G, Mo X, Sahni N, Schreiber SL, Talamas JA, Tamayo P, Tyner JW, Wagner BK, Weiss WA, Gerhard DS. An expanded universe of cancer targets. Cell 2021; 184:1142-1155. [PMID: 33667368 PMCID: PMC8066437 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of cancer genomes has provided insight into somatically altered genes across tumors, transformed our understanding of cancer biology, and enabled tailoring of therapeutic strategies. However, the function of most cancer alleles remains mysterious, and many cancer features transcend their genomes. Consequently, tumor genomic characterization does not influence therapy for most patients. Approaches to understand the function and circuitry of cancer genes provide complementary approaches to elucidate both oncogene and non-oncogene dependencies. Emerging work indicates that the diversity of therapeutic targets engendered by non-oncogene dependencies is much larger than the list of recurrently mutated genes. Here we describe a framework for this expanded list of cancer targets, providing novel opportunities for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Hahn
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Joel S Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theodore P Braun
- Knight Cancer Institute and Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Informatics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, and Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Brian J Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute and Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Subhashini Jagu
- Office of Cancer Genomics, Center for Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William Kim
- Moores Cancer Center, Center for Novel Therapeutics and Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Hematology Division, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael McManus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF Diabetes Center, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Department of Cell, Development and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Xiulei Mo
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Nidhi Sahni
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, USA
| | | | - Jessica A Talamas
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pablo Tamayo
- Moores Cancer Center, Center for Novel Therapeutics and Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University and Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - William A Weiss
- Departments of Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Pediatrics, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniela S Gerhard
- Office of Cancer Genomics, Center for Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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517
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Domen A, Quatannens D, Zanivan S, Deben C, Van Audenaerde J, Smits E, Wouters A, Lardon F, Roeyen G, Verhoeven Y, Janssens A, Vandamme T, van Dam P, Peeters M, Prenen H. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts as a Common Orchestrator of Therapy Resistance in Lung and Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:987. [PMID: 33673405 PMCID: PMC7956441 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer arises from mutations accruing within cancer cells, but the tumor microenvironment (TME) is believed to be a major, often neglected, factor involved in therapy resistance and disease progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are prominent and key components of the TME in most types of solid tumors. Extensive research over the past decade revealed their ability to modulate cancer metastasis, angiogenesis, tumor mechanics, immunosuppression, and drug access through synthesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and production of growth factors. Thus, they are considered to impede the response to current clinical cancer therapies. Therefore, targeting CAFs to counteract these protumorigenic effects, and overcome the resistance to current therapeutic options, is an appealing and emerging strategy. In this review, we discuss how CAFs affect prognosis and response to clinical therapy and provide an overview of novel therapies involving CAF-targeting agents in lung and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Domen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Delphine Quatannens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK, Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK;
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G611QH, UK
| | - Christophe Deben
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Jonas Van Audenaerde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Geert Roeyen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
- Department of Hepatobiliary Transplantation and Endocrine Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Yannick Verhoeven
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Annelies Janssens
- Department of Pulmonology & Thoracic Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
| | - Timon Vandamme
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Peter van Dam
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
- Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Hans Prenen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, B2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.); (D.Q.); (C.D.); (J.V.A.); (E.S.); (A.W.); (F.L.); (G.R.); (Y.V.); (T.V.); (P.v.D.); (M.P.)
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium
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518
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Alexander JI, Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Luong T, Franco-Barraza J, Shah N, Gardiner JC, Nicolas E, Raghavan KS, Cukierman E. Palladin isoforms 3 and 4 regulate cancer-associated fibroblast pro-tumor functions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3802. [PMID: 33589694 PMCID: PMC7884442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82937-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a five-year survival under 10%. Treatment is compromised due to a fibrotic-like stromal remodeling process, known as desmoplasia, which limits therapeutic perfusion, supports tumor progression, and establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment. These processes are driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), functionally activated through transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1). CAFs produce a topographically aligned extracellular matrix (ECM) that correlates with reduced overall survival. Paradoxically, ablation of CAF populations results in a more aggressive disease, suggesting CAFs can also restrain PDAC progression. Thus, unraveling the mechanism(s) underlying CAF functions could lead to therapies that reinstate the tumor-suppressive features of the pancreatic stroma. CAF activation involves the f-actin organizing protein palladin. CAFs express two palladin isoforms (iso3 and iso4) which are up-regulated in response to TGFβ1. However, the roles of iso3 and iso4 in CAF functions remain elusive. Using a CAF-derived ECM model, we uncovered that iso3/iso4 are required to sustain TGFβ1-dependent CAF activation, secrete immunosuppressive cytokines, and produce a pro-tumoral ECM. Findings demonstrate a novel role for CAF palladin and suggest that iso3/iso4 regulate both redundant and specific tumor-supportive desmoplastic functions. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting CAFs to restore fibroblastic anti-tumor activity in the pancreatic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Alexander
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Molecular, Cellular Biology and Genetics Program, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D B Vendramini-Costa
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Francescone
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - T Luong
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Franco-Barraza
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N Shah
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J C Gardiner
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Nicolas
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K S Raghavan
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Molecular, Cellular Biology and Genetics Program, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Cukierman
- Cancer Biology and the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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519
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Ritchie S, Reed DA, Pereira BA, Timpson P. The cancer cell secretome drives cooperative manipulation of the tumour microenvironment to accelerate tumourigenesis. Fac Rev 2021; 10:4. [PMID: 33659922 PMCID: PMC7894270 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular secretions are a fundamental aspect of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in vivo. In malignancy, cancer cells have an aberrant secretome compared to their non-malignant counterparts, termed the "cancer cell secretome". The cancer cell secretome can influence every stage of the tumourigenic cascade. At the primary site, cancer cells can secrete a multitude of factors that facilitate invasion into surrounding tissue, allowing interaction with the local tumour microenvironment (TME), driving tumour development and progression. In more advanced disease, the cancer cell secretome can be involved in extravasation and metastasis, including metastatic organotropism, pre-metastatic niche (PMN) preparation, and metastatic outgrowth. In this review, we will explore the latest advances in the field of cancer cell secretions, including its dynamic and complex role in activating the TME and potentiating invasion and metastasis, with comments on how these secretions may also promote therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Ritchie
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Daniel A Reed
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Brooke A Pereira
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
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520
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Yan T, Qiu W, Weng H, Fan Y, Zhou G, Yang Z. Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Ecosystems in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Progression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:729565. [PMID: 34790166 PMCID: PMC8591202 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.729565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite extensive research, the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) ecosystem is poorly characterized and, in particular, locoregional progression. Available evidence supports that single-cell transcriptome sequencing (Sc-RNA seq) can dissect tumor ecosystems. METHODS Tissue samples from one PTC patient, including matched primary tumor (Ca), lymph node (LN) metastasis, and paracancerous tissue (PCa), were subjected to Sc-RNA seq with 10×Genomics. Dual-label immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm the existence of cell subtypes in a separate cohort. RESULTS 11,805 cell transcriptomes were profiled, cell landscapes of PTC were composed of malignant follicular epithelial cells (MFECs), CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, B cells, vascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Between Ca and LN ecosystems, the proportions of MFEC and interstitial cells were similar, less than 1/25(229/6,694, 361/3,895), while the proportion of normal follicular epithelial cells (NFECs) and interstitial cells was > 2 in PCa (455/171). NFECs in PCa formed a separate cluster, while MFECs in Ca and LN exhibited a profound transcriptional overlap, and the interstitial cells among these samples had an overall concordance in their identity and representation, albeit with some distinctions in terms of the cell percentage per subset. A fraction of the B cell subpopulation in Ca expressed inhibitory receptors, while their respective ligand genes were clearly transcribed in T cell and malignant epithelial cell clusters, while some CD8+ T cells in both Ca and LN produced high levels of inhibitory receptors whose respective ligands were overexpressed in some CD4+ T cells. Three CAF subtypes in Ca and LN were identified, which may be due to mutual transitions. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide new insights into the PTC ecosystem and highlight the differences in ecosystems in PTC progression, which updates our understanding of PTC biology and will improve individualized patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yan
- Department of Thyroid, Parathyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wangwang Qiu
- Department of Thyroid, Parathyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaiyu Weng
- Department of Thyroid, Parathyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Youben Fan
- Department of Thyroid, Parathyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwen Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guangwen Zhou, ; Zhili Yang,
| | - Zhili Yang
- Department of Thyroid, Parathyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guangwen Zhou, ; Zhili Yang,
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521
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Sunami Y, Häußler J, Kleeff J. Cellular Heterogeneity of Pancreatic Stellate Cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123770. [PMID: 33333727 PMCID: PMC7765115 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second deadliest cancer by 2030 in the United States, and the overall five-year survival rate stands still at around 9%. The stroma compartment can make up more than 90% of the pancreatic tumor mass, contributing to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The dense stroma with extracellular matrix proteins can be a physical and metabolic barrier reducing therapeutic efficacy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a source of extracellular matrix proteins. Therefore, targeting these cells, or extracellular matrix proteins, have been considered as therapeutic strategies. However, several studies show that deletion of cancer-associated fibroblasts may have tumor-promoting effects. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are derived from a variety of different cell types, such as pancreatic stellate cells and mesenchymal stem cells, and constitute a diverse cell population consisting of several functionally heterogeneous subtypes. Several subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts exhibit a tumor-restraining function. This review article summarizes recent findings regarding origin and functional heterogeneity of tumor-promoting as well as tumor-restraining cancer-associated fibroblasts. A better understanding of cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity could provide more specific and personalized therapies for pancreatic cancer patients in the future.
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522
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Garcia PE, Scales MK, Allen BL, Pasca di Magliano M. Pancreatic Fibroblast Heterogeneity: From Development to Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:E2464. [PMID: 33198201 PMCID: PMC7698149 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by an extensive fibroinflammatory microenvironment that accumulates from the onset of disease progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent cellular component of the stroma, but their role during carcinogenesis remains controversial, with both tumor-supporting and tumor-restraining functions reported in different studies. One explanation for these contradictory findings is the heterogeneous nature of the fibroblast populations, and the different roles each subset might play in carcinogenesis. Here, we review the current literature on the origin and function of pancreatic fibroblasts, from the developing organ to the healthy adult pancreas, and throughout the initiation and progression of PDA. We also discuss clinical approaches to targeting fibroblasts in PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma E. Garcia
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA;
| | - Michael K. Scales
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (M.K.S.); (B.L.A.)
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (M.K.S.); (B.L.A.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (M.K.S.); (B.L.A.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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523
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Lee YT, Tan YJ, Falasca M, Oon CE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Intervention in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2949. [PMID: 33066013 PMCID: PMC7600259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in the solid tumour microenvironment. These cells are positively linked to breast cancer progression. Breast CAFs can be categorised into distinct subtypes according to their roles in breast carcinogenesis. Epigenetic modifications change gene expression patterns as a consequence of altered chromatin configuration and DNA accessibility to transcriptional machinery, without affecting the primary structure of DNA. Epigenetic dysregulation in breast CAFs may enhance breast cancer cell survival and ultimately lead to therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence has described epigenetic modulators that target histones, DNA, and miRNA as a promising approach to treat cancer. This review aims to summarise the current findings on the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation in breast CAFs and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies via targeting these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeuan Ting Lee
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Chern Ein Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
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524
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Melissari MT, Chalkidi N, Sarris ME, Koliaraki V. Fibroblast Reprogramming in Gastrointestinal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:630. [PMID: 32760726 PMCID: PMC7373725 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are a significant cause of cancer mortality worldwide and have been strongly linked with chronic inflammation. Current therapies focus on epithelial/cancer cells; however, the importance of the tumor microenvironment in the development and treatment of the disease is also now well established. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment, and are actively participating in tumor initiation, promotion and metastasis. They structurally and functionally affect cancer cell proliferation, tumor immunity, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling and metastasis through a variety of signaling pathways. CAFs originate predominantly from resident mesenchymal cells, which are activated and reprogrammed in response to cues from cancer cells. In recent years, chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract has also proven an important driver of mesenchymal cell activation and subsequent CAF development, which in turn are capable of regulating the transition from acute to chronic inflammation and cancer. In this review, we will provide a concise overview of the mechanisms that drive fibroblast reprogramming in cancer and the recent advances on the downstream signaling pathways that regulate the functional properties of the activated mesenchyme. This new mechanistic insight could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies and better prognosis for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Theodora Melissari
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Niki Chalkidi
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Michalis E Sarris
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Koliaraki
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
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525
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Biffi G. Tracing the Origin of Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 10:645-646. [PMID: 32640201 PMCID: PMC7474150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Biffi
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Giulia Biffi, PhD, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom.
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