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Natural Compounds Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts against Digestive System Tumor Progression: Therapeutic Insights. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030713. [PMID: 35327514 PMCID: PMC8945097 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical for cancer occurrence and progression in the tumor microenvironment (TME), due to their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor–stroma crosstalk, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis. CAFs are the most abundant stromal component in the TME and undergo epigenetic modification and abnormal signaling cascade activation, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Wnt pathways that maintain the distinct phenotype of CAFs, which differs from normal fibroblasts. CAFs have been considered therapeutic targets due to their putative oncogenic functions. Current digestive system cancer treatment strategies often result in lower survival outcomes and fail to prevent cancer progression; therefore, comprehensive characterization of the tumor-promoting and -restraining CAF activities might facilitate the design of new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the enormous literature on natural compounds that mediate the crosstalk of CAFs with digestive system cancer cells, discuss how the biology and the multifaceted functions of CAFs contribute to cancer progression, and finally, pave the way for CAF-related antitumor therapies.
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Bête Noire of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy: CAF-Mediated Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061519. [PMID: 35326670 PMCID: PMC8946545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor cells struggle to survive following treatment. The struggle ends in either of two ways. The drug combination used for the treatment blocks the proliferation of tumor cells and initiates apoptosis of cells, which is a win for the patient, or tumor cells resist the effect of the drug combination used for the treatment and continue to evade the effect of anti-tumor drugs, which is a bête noire of therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most abundant non-transformed element of the microenvironment in solid tumors. Tumor cells play a direct role in establishing the cancer-associated fibroblasts’ population in its microenvironment. Since cancer-associated fibroblasts are activated by tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts show unconditional servitude to tumor cells in their effort to resist treatment. Thus, cancer-associated fibroblasts, as the critical or indispensable component of resistance to the treatment, are one of the most logical targets within tumors that eventually progress despite therapy. We evaluate the participatory role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the development of drug resistance in solid tumors. In the future, we will establish the specific mode of action of cancer-associated fibroblasts in solid tumors, paving the way for cancer-associated-fibroblast-inclusive personalized therapy. Abstract In tumor cells’ struggle for survival following therapy, they resist treatment. Resistance to therapy is the outcome of well-planned, highly efficient adaptive strategies initiated and utilized by these transformed tumor cells. Cancer cells undergo several reprogramming events towards adapting this opportunistic behavior, leading them to gain specific survival advantages. The strategy involves changes within the transformed tumors cells as well as in their neighboring non-transformed extra-tumoral support system, the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the components of the TME that is used by tumor cells to achieve resistance to therapy. CAFs are diverse in origin and are the most abundant non-transformed element of the microenvironment in solid tumors. Cells of an established tumor initially play a direct role in the establishment of the CAF population for its own microenvironment. Like their origin, CAFs are also diverse in their functions in catering to the pro-tumor microenvironment. Once instituted, CAFs interact in unison with both tumor cells and all other components of the TME towards the progression of the disease and the worst outcome. One of the many functions of CAFs in influencing the outcome of the disease is their participation in the development of resistance to treatment. CAFs resist therapy in solid tumors. A tumor–CAF relationship is initiated by tumor cells to exploit host stroma in favor of tumor progression. CAFs in concert with tumor cells and other components of the TME are abettors of resistance to treatment. Thus, this liaison between CAFs and tumor cells is a bête noire of therapy. Here, we portray a comprehensive picture of the modes and functions of CAFs in conjunction with their role in orchestrating the development of resistance to different chemotherapies and targeted therapies in solid tumors. We investigate the various functions of CAFs in various solid tumors in light of their dialogue with tumor cells and the two components of the TME, the immune component, and the vascular component. Acknowledgment of the irrefutable role of CAFs in the development of treatment resistance will impact our future strategies and ability to design improved therapies inclusive of CAFs. Finally, we discuss the future implications of this understanding from a therapeutic standpoint and in light of currently ongoing and completed CAF-based NIH clinical trials.
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Luo L, Ma Y, Zheng Y, Su J, Huang G. Application Progress of Organoids in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:815067. [PMID: 35273961 PMCID: PMC8902504 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.815067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, colorectal cancer is still the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and the incidence is rising. It is a long time since the researchers used cancer cell lines and animals as the study subject. However, these models possess various limitations to reflect the cancer progression in the human body. Organoids have more clinical significance than cell lines, and they also bridge the gap between animal models and humans. Patient-derived organoids are three-dimensional cultures that simulate the tumor characteristics in vivo and recapitulate tumor cell heterogeneity. Therefore, the emergence of colorectal cancer organoids provides an unprecedented opportunity for colorectal cancer research. It retains the molecular and cellular composition of the original tumor and has a high degree of homology and complexity with patient tissues. Patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids, as personalized tumor organoids, can more accurately simulate colorectal cancer patients’ occurrence, development, metastasis, and predict drug response in colorectal cancer patients. Colorectal cancer organoids show great potential for application, especially preclinical drug screening and prediction of patient response to selected treatment options. Here, we reviewed the application of colorectal cancer organoids in disease model construction, basic biological research, organoid biobank construction, drug screening and personalized medicine, drug development, drug toxicity and safety, and regenerative medicine. In addition, we also displayed the current limitations and challenges of organoids and discussed the future development direction of organoids in combination with other technologies. Finally, we summarized and analyzed the current clinical trial research of organoids, especially the clinical trials of colorectal cancer organoids. We hoped to lay a solid foundation for organoids used in colorectal cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianxiang Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yucui Ma
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yilin Zheng
- Clinical Research Center, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Jiating Su
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Guoxin Huang
- Clinical Research Center, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
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54
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Nicolas AM, Pesic M, Engel E, Ziegler PK, Diefenhardt M, Kennel KB, Buettner F, Conche C, Petrocelli V, Elwakeel E, Weigert A, Zinoveva A, Fleischmann M, Häupl B, Karakütük C, Bohnenberger H, Mosa MH, Kaderali L, Gaedcke J, Ghadimi M, Rödel F, Arkan MC, Oellerich T, Rödel C, Fokas E, Greten FR. Inflammatory fibroblasts mediate resistance to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:168-184.e13. [PMID: 35120600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Standard cancer therapy targets tumor cells without considering possible damage on the tumor microenvironment that could impair therapy response. In rectal cancer patients we find that inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) are associated with poor chemoradiotherapy response. Employing a murine rectal cancer model or patient-derived tumor organoids and primary stroma cells, we show that, upon irradiation, interleukin-1α (IL-1α) not only polarizes cancer-associated fibroblasts toward the inflammatory phenotype but also triggers oxidative DNA damage, thereby predisposing iCAFs to p53-mediated therapy-induced senescence, which in turn results in chemoradiotherapy resistance and disease progression. Consistently, IL-1 inhibition, prevention of iCAFs senescence, or senolytic therapy sensitizes mice to irradiation, while lower IL-1 receptor antagonist serum levels in rectal patients correlate with poor prognosis. Collectively, we unravel a critical role for iCAFs in rectal cancer therapy resistance and identify IL-1 signaling as an attractive target for stroma-repolarization and prevention of cancer-associated fibroblasts senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele M Nicolas
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Marina Pesic
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Esther Engel
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Paul K Ziegler
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Markus Diefenhardt
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Kilian B Kennel
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Florian Buettner
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Claire Conche
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Valentina Petrocelli
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Eiman Elwakeel
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Anna Zinoveva
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fleischmann
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Björn Häupl
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Cem Karakütük
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Mohammed H Mosa
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jochen Gaedcke
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franz Rödel
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Melek C Arkan
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Claus Rödel
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian R Greten
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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55
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Lehmann J, Narcisi R, Franceschini N, Chatzivasileiou D, Boer CG, Koevoet WJLM, Putavet D, Drabek D, van Haperen R, de Keizer PLJ, van Osch GJVM, Ten Berge D. WNT/beta-catenin signalling interrupts a senescence-induction cascade in human mesenchymal stem cells that restricts their expansion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:82. [PMID: 35048158 PMCID: PMC8770385 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04035-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Senescence, the irreversible cell cycle arrest of damaged cells, is accompanied by a deleterious pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescence and the SASP are major factors in aging, cancer, and degenerative diseases, and interfere with the expansion of adult cells in vitro, yet little is known about how to counteract their induction and deleterious effects. Paracrine signals are increasingly recognized as important senescence triggers and understanding their regulation and mode of action may provide novel opportunities to reduce senescence-induced inflammation and improve cell-based therapies. Here, we show that the signalling protein WNT3A counteracts the induction of paracrine senescence in cultured human adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We find that entry into senescence in a small subpopulation of MSCs triggers a secretome that causes a feed-forward signalling cascade that with increasing speed induces healthy cells into senescence. WNT signals interrupt this cascade by repressing cytokines that mediate this induction of senescence. Inhibition of those mediators by interference with NF-κB or interleukin 6 signalling reduced paracrine senescence in absence of WNT3A and promoted the expansion of MSCs. Our work reveals how WNT signals can antagonize senescence and has relevance not only for expansion of adult cells but can also provide new insights into senescence-associated inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Lehmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roberto Narcisi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja Franceschini
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danai Chatzivasileiou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy G Boer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy J L M Koevoet
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Putavet
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dubravka Drabek
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Harbour Biomed, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rien van Haperen
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Harbour Biomed, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter L J de Keizer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerjo J V M van Osch
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Derk Ten Berge
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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56
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Wang J, Feng X, Li Z, Chen Y, Huang W. Patient-derived organoids as a model for tumor research. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:259-326. [PMID: 35595351 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer represents a leading cause of death, despite the rapid progress of cancer research, leading to urgent need for accurate preclinical model to further study of tumor mechanism and accelerate translational applications. Cancer cell lines cannot fully recapitulate tumors of different patients due to the lack of tumor complexity and specification, while the high technical difficulty, long time, and substantial cost of patient-derived xenograft model makes it unable to be used extensively for all types of tumors and large-scale drug screening. Patient-derived organoids can be established rapidly with a high success rate from many tumors, and precisely replicate the key histopathological, genetic, and phenotypic features, as well as therapeutic response of patient tumor. Therefore, they are extensively used in cancer basic research, biobanking, disease modeling and precision medicine. The combinations of cancer organoids with other advanced technologies, such as 3D bio-printing, organ-on-a-chip, and CRISPR-Cas9, contributes to the more complete replication of complex tumor microenvironment and tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the various methods of the establishment and the application of patient-derived organoids in diverse tumors as well as the limitations and future prospects of these models. Further advances of tumor organoids are expected to bridge the huge gap between bench and bedside and provide the unprecedented opportunities to advance cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoying Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhichao Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen, China; International Cancer Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongsong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weiren Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen, China; International Cancer Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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57
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Degirmenci B, Dincer C, Demirel HC, Berkova L, Moor AE, Kahraman A, Hausmann G, Aguet M, Tuncbag N, Valenta T, Basler K. Epithelial Wnt secretion drives the progression of inflammation-induced colon carcinoma in murine model. iScience 2021; 24:103369. [PMID: 34849464 PMCID: PMC8607204 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is initiated by stem cells that escape the strict control. This process is often driven through aberrant activation of Wnt signaling by mutations in components acting downstream of the receptor complex that unfetter tumor cells from the need for Wnts. Here we describe a class of colon cancer that does not depend on mutated core components of the Wnt pathway. Genetically blocking Wnt secretion from epithelial cells of such tumors results in apoptosis, reduced expression of colon cancer markers, followed by enhanced tumor differentiation. In contrast to the normal colonic epithelium, such tumor cells autosecrete Wnts to maintain their uncontrolled proliferative behavior. In humans, we determined certain cases of colon cancers in which the Wnt pathway is hyperactive, but not through mutations in its core components. Our findings illuminate the path in therapy to find further subtypes of Wnt-dependent colon cancer that might be responsive to Wnt secretion inhibitors. Acquired expression of epithelial Wnts can drive colon cancer in murine AOM/DSS model Blocking epithelial Wnt-secretion induces apoptosis of AOM/DSS cancer cells The loss of epithelial Wnts promotes differentiation of Wnt-dependent colon tumors Organoids derived from AOM/DSS cancer depend on self-autonomously secreted Wnts
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Degirmenci
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,National Nanotechnology Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cansu Dincer
- Graduate School of Informatics, Department of Health Informatics, METU, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Habibe Cansu Demirel
- Graduate School of Informatics, Department of Health Informatics, METU, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Linda Berkova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v. v. i., Vídeňská 1083142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Andreas E Moor
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Life Sciences, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdullah Kahraman
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - George Hausmann
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michel Aguet
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Life Sciences, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nurcan Tuncbag
- Graduate School of Informatics, Department of Health Informatics, METU, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tomas Valenta
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v. v. i., Vídeňská 1083142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Konrad Basler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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58
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Tumour microenvironment: a non-negligible driver for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Expert Rev Mol Med 2021; 23:e16. [PMID: 34758892 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and metastasis is still the major cause of treatment failure for cancer patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to play a critical role in the metastasis cascade of epithelium-derived carcinoma. Tumour microenvironment (TME) refers to the local tissue environment in which tumour cells produce and live, including not only tumour cells themselves, but also fibroblasts, immune and inflammatory cells, glial cells and other cells around them, as well as intercellular stroma, micro vessels and infiltrated biomolecules from the nearby areas, which has been proved to widely participate in the occurrence and progress of cancer. Emerging and accumulating studies indicate that, on one hand, mesenchymal cells in TME can establish 'crosstalk' with tumour cells to regulate their EMT programme; on the other, EMT-tumour cells can create a favourable environment for their own growth via educating stromal cells. Recently, our group has conducted a series of studies on the interaction between tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in TME, confirming that the interaction between TAMs and CRC cells mediated by cytokines or exosomes can jointly promote the metastasis of CRC by regulating the EMT process of tumour cells and the M2-type polarisation process of TAMs. Herein, we present an overview to describe the current knowledge about EMT in cancer, summarise the important role of TME in EMT, and provide an update on the mechanisms of TME-induced EMT in CRC, aiming to provide new ideas for understanding and resisting tumour metastasis.
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59
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Functions as a Road-Block in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205246. [PMID: 34680395 PMCID: PMC8534063 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary An overwhelming percentage of deaths in solid tumors are caused by treatment failure due to the disease’s unresponsiveness when tumor cells tolerate treatment. Aggressive cancer contains tumors cells that are surrounded by many other non-tumor cells, including fibroblasts cells. These fibroblasts near tumor cells are converted by the tumor cells into specialized fibroblasts called cancer-associated fibroblasts that favor the growth of tumors. This review examines how cancer-associated fibroblasts interact with tumor cells, immune cells, and endothelial cells in aiding and abetting the development of resistance to different types of cancer therapy. As cancer-associated fibroblasts’ function blocks the road to recovery, we need to neutralize their function for the clinical management of the disease to be successful. The knowledge about the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in resisting therapy is fundamental to design an appropriate remedy to counteract drug resistance and improve the outcome of the disease. Abstract The journey of a normal resident fibroblast belonging to the tumor microenvironment (TME) from being a tumor pacifier to a tumor patron is fascinating. We introduce cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) as a crucial component of the TME. Activated-CAF partners with tumor cells and all components of TME in an established solid tumor. We briefly overview the origin, activation, markers, and overall functions of CAF with a particular reference to how different functions of CAF in an established tumor are functionally connected to the development of resistance to cancer therapy in solid tumors. We interrogate the role of CAF in mediating resistance to different modes of therapies. Functional diversity of CAF in orchestrating treatment resistance in solid tumors portrays CAF as a common orchestrator of treatment resistance; a roadblock in cancer therapy
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60
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Deng L, Jiang N, Zeng J, Wang Y, Cui H. The Versatile Roles of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer and Therapeutic Implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733270. [PMID: 34660589 PMCID: PMC8517274 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is populated by abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that radically influence the disease progression across many cancers, including the colorectal cancer (CRC). In theory, targeting CAFs holds great potential in optimizing CRC treatment. However, attempts to translate the therapeutic benefit of CAFs into clinic practice face many obstacles, largely due to our limited understanding of the heterogeneity in their origins, functions, and mechanisms. In recent years, accumulating evidence has uncovered some cellular precursors and molecular markers of CAFs and also revealed their versatility in impacting various hallmarks of CRC, together helping us to better define the population of CAFs and also paving the way toward their future therapeutic targeting for CRC treatment. In this review, we outline the emerging concept of CAFs in CRC, with an emphasis on their origins, biomarkers, prognostic significance, as well as their functional roles and underlying mechanisms in CRC biology. At last, we discuss the prospect of harnessing CAFs as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Deng
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nianfen Jiang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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61
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Es HA, Cox TR, Sarafraz-Yazdi E, Thiery JP, Warkiani ME. Pirfenidone Reduces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Spheroid Formation in Breast Carcinoma through Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5118. [PMID: 34680267 PMCID: PMC8533995 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pirfenidone (PFD) on promoting epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and stemness features in breast carcinoma cells through targeting cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs). Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the association between stromal index, EMT, and stemness-related genes across 1084 breast cancer patients, identifying positive correlation between YAP1, EMT, and stemness genes in samples with a high-stromal index. We monitored carcinoma cell invasion and spheroid formation co-cultured with CAFs in a 3D microfluidic device, followed by exposing carcinoma cells, spheroids, and CAFs with PFD. We depicted a positive association between the high-stromal index and the expression of EMT and stemness genes. High YAP1 expression in samples correlated with more advanced EMT status and stromal index. Additionally, we found that CAFs promoted spheroid formation and induced the expression of YAP1, VIM, and CD44 in spheroids. Treatment with PFD reduced carcinoma cell migration and decreased the expression of these genes at the protein level. The cytokine profiling showed significant depletion of various EMT- and stemness-regulated cytokines, particularly IL8, CCL17, and TNF-beta. These data highlight the potential application of PFD on inhibiting EMT and stemness in carcinoma cells through the targeting of critical cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Aboulkheyr Es
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Thomas R Cox
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
| | | | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France;
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
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62
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Li CH, Hsu TI, Chang YC, Chan MH, Lu PJ, Hsiao M. Stationed or Relocating: The Seesawing EMT/MET Determinants from Embryonic Development to Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091265. [PMID: 34572451 PMCID: PMC8472300 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial and mesenchymal transition mechanisms continue to occur during the cell cycle and throughout human development from the embryo stage to death. In embryo development, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can be divided into three essential steps. First, endoderm, mesoderm, and neural crest cells form, then the cells are subdivided, and finally, cardiac valve formation occurs. After the embryonic period, the human body will be subjected to ongoing mechanical stress or injury. The formation of a wound requires EMT to recruit fibroblasts to generate granulation tissues, repair the wound and re-create an intact skin barrier. However, once cells transform into a malignant tumor, the tumor cells acquire the characteristic of immortality. Local cell growth with no growth inhibition creates a solid tumor. If the tumor cannot obtain enough nutrition in situ, the tumor cells will undergo EMT and invade the basal membrane of nearby blood vessels. The tumor cells are transported through the bloodstream to secondary sites and then begin to form colonies and undergo reverse EMT, the so-called "mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET)." This dynamic change involves cell morphology, environmental conditions, and external stimuli. Therefore, in this manuscript, the similarities and differences between EMT and MET will be dissected from embryonic development to the stage of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hsiu Li
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Tai-I Hsu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Yu-Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Hsien Chan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Pei-Jung Lu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Clinical Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-J.L.); (M.H.)
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-J.L.); (M.H.)
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63
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Brabletz S, Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP. Dynamic EMT: a multi-tool for tumor progression. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108647. [PMID: 34459003 PMCID: PMC8441439 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is fundamental for embryonic morphogenesis. Cells undergoing it lose epithelial characteristics and integrity, acquire mesenchymal features, and become motile. In cancer, this program is hijacked to confer essential changes in morphology and motility that fuel invasion. In addition, EMT is increasingly understood to orchestrate a large variety of complementary cancer features, such as tumor cell stemness, tumorigenicity, resistance to therapy and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to these various classical and non-classical functions, and introduce EMT as a true tumorigenic multi-tool, involved in many aspects of cancer. We suggest that therapeutic targeting of the EMT process will-if acknowledging these complexities-be a possibility to concurrently interfere with tumor progression on many levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
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Mikubo M, Inoue Y, Liu G, Tsao MS. Mechanism of Drug Tolerant Persister Cancer Cells: The Landscape and Clinical Implication for Therapy. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:1798-1809. [PMID: 34352380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A minor population of cancer cells may evade cell death from chemotherapy and targeted therapy by entering a reversible slow proliferation state known as the drug tolerant persister (DTP) state. This DTP state can allow cancer cells to survive drug therapy long enough for additional mechanisms of acquired drug resistance to develop. Thus, cancer persistence is a major obstacle to curing cancers, where insight into the biology of DTP cells and therapeutic strategies targeting this mechanism can have considerable clinical implications. There is emerging evidence that DTP cells adapt to new environments through epigenomic modification, transcriptomic regulation, flexible energy metabolism, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we review and discuss the various proposed mechanisms of cancer persister cells and the molecular features underlying the DTP state, with insights into the potential therapeutic strategies to conquer DTP cells and prevent cancer recurrence or therapeutic failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Mikubo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yoshiaki Inoue
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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65
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Yang C, Cao F, Huang S, Zheng Y. Follistatin-Like 3 Correlates With Lymph Node Metastasis and Serves as a Biomarker of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:717505. [PMID: 34335633 PMCID: PMC8322704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.717505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a heterogeneous disease, colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a great challenge to individualized treatment due to its lymph node metastasis (LNM). Existing studies have shown that immune and stromal components in extracellular matrix (ECM) act as important part in tumorigenicity and progression, while their roles in LNM have not been fully elucidated. Here, crucial ECM-related genes responsible for LNM in CRC were selected by multi-omics analysis. Methods Firstly, we characterized the immune infiltration landscape of CRC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases by using ssGSEA algorithm. The CRC patients were divided into several immune subgroups by hierarchical clustering analyses. Then, differential genes were identified among immune subgroups and CRC vs. normal tissues in TCGA and GEO GSE39582 cohorts, respectively. Next, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct a co-expression network to find LNM-related modules and hub genes. Subsequently, we evaluated the clinical value of hub gene in prognostic prediction and chemotherapy/immunotherapy. Besides, the protein level of key gene was verified in an external cohort from our center. Finally, we explored the underlying mechanism of FSTL3-mediated LNM by Gene function annotation and correlation analysis. Results Two immune subgroups, namely Immunity_High and Immunity_Low, were defined among the two CRC cohorts using ssGSEA algorithm, respectively. Based on the two immune subgroups, 2,635 overlapping differentially expressed genes were obtained from two cohorts, which were sequentially subjected to WGCNA and univariate Cox regression analysis. Ultimately, FSTL3 was selected as the key gene. Here, we first confirmed that overexpression of FSTL3 correlated with LNM and worse prognosis in CRC and was verified at the protein level in the external validation cohort. Moreover, FSTL3 expression showed strongly positive correlation with immune and stromal components in ECM. We furthermore found that FSTL3 may accelerate LNM through the formation of inhibitory immune microenvironment via promoting macrophage and fibroblast polarization and T cell exhaustion. Interestingly, high FSTL3 expression is linked to chemoresistance, but immunotherapy-sensitive. Conclusion FSTL3 is identified as a biomarker for ECM remodeling and worse clinical outcomes for the first time in CRC and is also a potential immunotherapeutic target to block LNM for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengyu Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuoyang Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongbin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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66
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Ouladan S, Gregorieff A. Taking a Step Back: Insights into the Mechanisms Regulating Gut Epithelial Dedifferentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137043. [PMID: 34208872 PMCID: PMC8268356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the environmental constraints imposed upon the intestinal epithelium, this tissue must perform essential functions such as nutrient absorption and hormonal regulation, while also acting as a critical barrier to the outside world. These functions depend on a variety of specialized cell types that are constantly renewed by a rapidly proliferating population of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) residing at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn. The niche components and signals regulating crypt morphogenesis and maintenance of homeostatic ISCs have been intensely studied over the last decades. Increasingly, however, researchers are turning their attention to unraveling the mechanisms driving gut epithelial regeneration due to physical damage or infection. It is now well established that injury to the gut barrier triggers major cell fate changes, demonstrating the highly plastic nature of the gut epithelium. In particular, lineage tracing and transcriptional profiling experiments have uncovered several injury-induced stem-cell populations and molecular markers of the regenerative state. Despite the progress achieved in recent years, several questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the mechanisms driving dedifferentiation of the gut epithelium. In this review, we summarize the latest studies, primarily from murine models, that define the regenerative processes governing the gut epithelium and discuss areas that will require more in-depth investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaida Ouladan
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Organoids and Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112657. [PMID: 34071313 PMCID: PMC8197877 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids were first established as a three-dimensional cell culture system from mouse small intestine. Subsequent development has made organoids a key system to study many human physiological and pathological processes that affect a variety of tissues and organs. In particular, organoids are becoming very useful tools to dissect colorectal cancer (CRC) by allowing the circumvention of classical problems and limitations, such as the impossibility of long-term culture of normal intestinal epithelial cells and the lack of good animal models for CRC. In this review, we describe the features and current knowledge of intestinal organoids and how they are largely contributing to our better understanding of intestinal cell biology and CRC genetics. Moreover, recent data show that organoids are appropriate systems for antitumoral drug testing and for the personalized treatment of CRC patients.
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69
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Jackstadt R, Norman JC. Stromal WNTer Keeps the Tumor Cold and Drives Metastasis. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3-4. [PMID: 33434524 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Carcinoma-associated fibroblast (CAF) infiltration confers poor clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) through mechanisms that are still unclear. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Kasashima et al. report that loss of PKCζ engenders a SOX2/SFRP2-positive CAF subpopulation that increases CRC aggressiveness by creating an immunosuppressed environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Jackstadt
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Cancer Progression and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jim C Norman
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
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