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Liot S, Balas J, Aubert A, Prigent L, Mercier-Gouy P, Verrier B, Bertolino P, Hennino A, Valcourt U, Lambert E. Stroma Involvement in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: An Overview Focusing on Extracellular Matrix Proteins. Front Immunol 2021; 12:612271. [PMID: 33889150 PMCID: PMC8056076 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.612271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is predicted to become second in 2030 in industrialized countries if no therapeutic progress is made. Among the different types of pancreatic cancers, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is by far the most represented one with an occurrence of more than 90%. This specific cancer is a devastating malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis, as shown by the 5-years survival rate of 2–9%, ranking firmly last amongst all cancer sites in terms of prognostic outcomes for patients. Pancreatic tumors progress with few specific symptoms and are thus at an advanced stage at diagnosis in most patients. This malignancy is characterized by an extremely dense stroma deposition around lesions, accompanied by tissue hypovascularization and a profound immune suppression. Altogether, these combined features make access to cancer cells almost impossible for conventional chemotherapeutics and new immunotherapeutic agents, thus contributing to the fatal outcomes of the disease. Initially ignored, the Tumor MicroEnvironment (TME) is now the subject of intensive research related to PDAC treatment and could contain new therapeutic targets. In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge in the field by focusing on TME composition to understand how this specific compartment could influence tumor progression and resistance to therapies. Attention will be paid to Tenascin-C, a matrix glycoprotein commonly upregulated during cancer that participates to PDAC progression and thus contributes to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Liot
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Jonathan Balas
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandre Aubert
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Laura Prigent
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Perrine Mercier-Gouy
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Bernard Verrier
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Bertolino
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Ana Hennino
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Ulrich Valcourt
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
| | - Elise Lambert
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Lyon, France
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Kim BG, Malek E, Choi SH, Ignatz-Hoover JJ, Driscoll JJ. Novel therapies emerging in oncology to target the TGF-β pathway. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:55. [PMID: 33823905 PMCID: PMC8022551 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β signaling pathway governs key cellular processes under physiologic conditions and is deregulated in many pathologies, including cancer. TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine that acts in a cell- and context-dependent manner as a tumor promoter or tumor suppressor. As a tumor promoter, the TGF-β pathway enhances cell proliferation, migratory invasion, metastatic spread within the tumor microenvironment and suppresses immunosurveillance. Collectively, the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β signaling contributes to drug resistance, tumor escape and undermines clinical response to therapy. Based upon a wealth of preclinical studies, the TGF-β pathway has been pharmacologically targeted using small molecule inhibitors, TGF-β-directed chimeric monoclonal antibodies, ligand traps, antisense oligonucleotides and vaccines that have been now evaluated in clinical trials. Here, we have assessed the safety and efficacy of TGF-β pathway antagonists from multiple drug classes that have been evaluated in completed and ongoing trials. We highlight Vactosertib, a highly potent small molecule TGF-β type 1 receptor kinase inhibitor that is well-tolerated with an acceptable safety profile that has shown efficacy against multiple types of cancer. The TGF-β ligand traps Bintrafusp alfa (a bifunctional conjugate that binds TGF-β and PD-L1), AVID200 (a computationally designed trap of TGF-β receptor ectodomains fused to an Fc domain) and Luspatercept (a recombinant fusion that links the activin receptor IIb to IgG) offer new ways to fight difficult-to-treat cancers. While TGF-β pathway antagonists are rapidly emerging as highly promising, safe and effective anticancer agents, significant challenges remain. Minimizing the unintentional inhibition of tumor-suppressing activity and inflammatory effects with the desired restraint on tumor-promoting activities has impeded the clinical development of TGF-β pathway antagonists. A better understanding of the mechanistic details of the TGF-β pathway should lead to more effective TGF-β antagonists and uncover biomarkers that better stratify patient selection, improve patient responses and further the clinical development of TGF-β antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Gyu Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ehsan Malek
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James J Ignatz-Hoover
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James J Driscoll
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Crosstalk between miRNAs and signaling pathways involved in pancreatic cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 901:174006. [PMID: 33711308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with 5-year survival rates below 8%. Most patients with PC and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) die after relapse and cancer progression as well as resistance to treatment. Pancreatic tumors contain a high desmoplastic stroma that forms a rigid mass and has a potential role in tumor growth and metastasis. PC initiates from intraepithelial neoplasia lesions leading to invasive cancer through various pathways. These lesions harbor particular changes in signaling pathways involved in the tumorigenesis process. These events affect both the epithelial cells, including the tumor and the surrounding stroma, and eventually lead to the formation of complex signaling networks. Genetic studies of PC have revealed common molecular features such as the presence of mutations in KRAS gene in more than 90% of patients, as well as the inactivation or deletion mutations of some tumor suppressor genes including TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. In recent years, studies have also identified different roles of microRNAs in PC pathogenesis as well as their importance in PC diagnosis and treatment, and their involvement in various signaling pathways. In this study, we discussed the most common pathways involved in PC and PDAC as well as their role in tumorigenesis and progression. Furthermore, the miRNAs participating in the regulation of these signaling pathways in PC progression are summarized in this study. Therefore, understanding more about pathways involved in PC can help with the development of new and effective therapies in the future.
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Park JH, Ameri AH, Dempsey KE, Conrad DN, Kem M, Mino-Kenudson M, Demehri S. Nuclear IL-33/SMAD signaling axis promotes cancer development in chronic inflammation. EMBO J 2021; 40:e106151. [PMID: 33616251 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-33 cytokine plays a critical role in allergic diseases and cancer. IL-33 also has a nuclear localization signal. However, the nuclear function of IL-33 and its impact on cancer is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that nuclear IL-33-mediated activation of SMAD signaling pathway in epithelial cells is essential for cancer development in chronic inflammation. Using RNA and ChIP sequencing, we found that nuclear IL-33 repressed the expression of an inhibitory SMAD, Smad6, by interacting with its transcription factor, RUNX2. IL-33 was highly expressed in the skin and pancreatic epithelial cells in chronic inflammation, leading to a markedly repressed Smad6 expression as well as dramatically upregulated p-SMAD2/3 and p-SMAD1/5 in the epithelial cells. Blocking TGF-β/SMAD signaling attenuated the IL-33-induced cell proliferation in vitro and inhibited IL-33-dependent epidermal hyperplasia and skin cancer development in vivo. IL-33 and SMAD signaling were upregulated in human skin cancer, pancreatitis, and pancreatitis-associated pancreatic cancer. Collectively, our findings reveal that nuclear IL-33/SMAD signaling is a cell-autonomous tumor-promoting axis in chronic inflammation, which can be targeted by small-molecule inhibitors for cancer treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Ho Park
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amir H Ameri
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaitlin E Dempsey
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danielle N Conrad
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marina Kem
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shadmehr Demehri
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Garcia-Sampedro A, Gaggia G, Ney A, Mahamed I, Acedo P. The State-of-the-Art of Phase II/III Clinical Trials for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Therapies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:566. [PMID: 33546207 PMCID: PMC7913382 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040566] [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: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with very poor prognosis. Currently, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy represents the only curative option which, unfortunately, is only available for a small group of patients. The majority of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage when surgical resection is not possible and treatment options are limited. Thus, novel and more effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Molecular profiling together with targeted therapies against key hallmarks of pancreatic cancer appear as a promising approach that could overcome the limitations of conventional chemo- and radio-therapy. In this review, we focus on the latest personalised and multimodal targeted therapies currently undergoing phase II or III clinical trials. We discuss the most promising findings of agents targeting surface receptors, angiogenesis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, key signalling pathways, immunotherapies, and the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Acedo
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK; (A.G.-S.); (G.G.); (A.N.); (I.M.)
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Mesaros O, Jimbu L, Neaga A, Popescu C, Berceanu I, Tomuleasa C, Fetica B, Zdrenghea M. Macrophage Polarization in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Nurse-Like Cells Are the Caretakers of Leukemic Cells. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E516. [PMID: 33228048 PMCID: PMC7699370 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are terminally differentiated innate immune cells. Through their activation, they can be polarized towards the pro-inflammatory M1 type or the wound healing-associated, anti-inflammatory M2 type macrophages. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), M2 is the dominant phenotype and these cells are referred to as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs secrete cytokines and chemokines, exerting an antiapoptotic, proliferative and pro-metastatic effect on the tumor cells. TAMs can be found in many cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), where they are called nurse-like cells (NLCs). Despite the generally indolent behavior of CLL, the proportion of treatment-refractory patients is significant. As with the majority of cancers, despite significant recent progress, CLL pathogenesis is poorly understood. The emerging role of the TME in nurturing the neoplastic process warrants the investigation of macrophages as a significant pathogenetic element of tumors. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the role of stromal macrophages in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Mesaros
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.J.); (A.N.); (C.P.); (C.T.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (B.F.)
| | - Laura Jimbu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.J.); (A.N.); (C.P.); (C.T.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (B.F.)
| | - Alexandra Neaga
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.J.); (A.N.); (C.P.); (C.T.); (M.Z.)
| | - Cristian Popescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.J.); (A.N.); (C.P.); (C.T.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, County Emergency Hospital Alba Iulia, 20 Decebal str., 510093 Alba-Iulia, Romania
| | - Iulia Berceanu
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (B.F.)
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.J.); (A.N.); (C.P.); (C.T.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (B.F.)
| | - Bogdan Fetica
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (B.F.)
| | - Mihnea Zdrenghea
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.J.); (A.N.); (C.P.); (C.T.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (B.F.)
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Atay S. Integrated transcriptome meta-analysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and matched adjacent pancreatic tissues. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10141. [PMID: 33194391 PMCID: PMC7597628 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10141] [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: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive meta-analysis of publicly available gene expression microarray data obtained from human-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues and their histologically matched adjacent tissue samples was performed to provide diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and molecular targets for PDAC. An integrative meta-analysis of four submissions (GSE62452, GSE15471, GSE62165, and GSE56560) containing 105 eligible tumor-adjacent tissue pairs revealed 344 differentially over-expressed and 168 repressed genes in PDAC compared to the adjacent-to-tumor samples. The validation analysis using TCGA combined GTEx data confirmed 98.24% of the identified up-regulated and 73.88% of the down-regulated protein-coding genes in PDAC. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that “ECM-receptor interaction”, “PI3K-Akt signaling pathway”, and “focal adhesion” are the most enriched KEGG pathways in PDAC. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified FN1, TIMP1, and MSLN as the most highly ranked hub genes among the DEGs. Transcription factor enrichment analysis revealed that TCF7, CTNNB1, SMAD3, and JUN are significantly activated in PDAC, while SMAD7 is inhibited. The prognostic significance of the identified and validated differentially expressed genes in PDAC was evaluated via survival analysis of TCGA Pan-Cancer pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma data. The identified candidate prognostic biomarkers were then validated in four external validation datasets (GSE21501, GSE50827, GSE57495, and GSE71729) to further improve reliability. A total of 28 up-regulated genes were found to be significantly correlated with worse overall survival in patients with PDAC. Twenty-one of the identified prognostic genes (ITGB6, LAMC2, KRT7, SERPINB5, IGF2BP3, IL1RN, MPZL2, SFTA2, MET, LAMA3, ARNTL2, SLC2A1, LAMB3, COL17A1, EPSTI1, IL1RAP, AK4, ANXA2, S100A16, KRT19, and GPRC5A) were also found to be significantly correlated with the pathological stages of the disease. The results of this study provided promising prognostic biomarkers that have the potential to differentiate PDAC from both healthy and adjacent-to-tumor pancreatic tissues. Several novel dysregulated genes merit further study as potentially promising candidates for the development of more effective treatment strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevcan Atay
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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Cyclic Multiplexed-Immunofluorescence (cmIF), a Highly Multiplexed Method for Single-Cell Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2055:521-562. [PMID: 31502168 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9773-2_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the adaptive immune system and has revolutionized the field of oncotherapy, as novel therapeutic strategies have been introduced into clinical use. The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to durable control of disease in a subset of advanced cancer patients, such as those with melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. However, predicting patient responses to therapy remains a major challenge, due to the remarkable genomic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental heterogeneity present in each tumor. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, where hormone receptor-positive (HR+; estrogen receptor and/or progesterone receptor) BC comprises the majority (>50%) and has better prognosis, while a minority (<20%) are triple negative BC (TNBC), which has an aggressive phenotype. There is a clinical need to identify predictors of late recurrence in HR+ BC and predictors of immunotherapy outcomes in advanced TNBC. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have recently been shown to predict late recurrence in HR+, counter to the findings that TILs confer good prognosis in TNBC and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) subtypes. Furthermore, the spatial arrangement of TILs also appears to have prognostic value, with dense clusters of immune cells predicting poor prognosis in HR+ and good prognosis in TNBC. Whether TIL clusters in different breast cancer subtypes represent the same or different landscapes of TILs is unknown and may have treatment implications for a significant portion of breast cancer patients. Current histopathological staining technology is not sufficient for characterizing the ensembles of TILs and their spatial patterns, in addition to tumor and microenvironmental heterogeneity. However, recent advances in cyclic immunofluorescence enable differentiation of the subsets based on TILs, tumor heterogeneity, and microenvironment composition between good and poor responders. A computational framework for understanding the importance of the spatial relationships between TILs and tumor cells in cancer tissues, which will allow for quantitative interpretation of cyclic immunostaining, is also under development. This chapter will explore the workflow for a newly developed cyclic multiplexed-immunofluorescence (cmIF) assay, which has been optimized for formalin-fixed. paraffin-embedded tissues and developed to process digital images for quantitative single-cell based spatial analysis of tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment, including immune cell composition.
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Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Signaling in Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186588. [PMID: 32916872 PMCID: PMC7554799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been an intriguing subject of study for their complex structural characteristics, their finely regulated biosynthetic machinery, and the wide range of functions they perform in living organisms from development to adulthood. From these studies, key roles of HSPGs in tumor initiation and progression have emerged, so that they are currently being explored as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancers. The multifaceted nature of HSPG structure/activity translates in their capacity to act either as inhibitors or promoters of tumor growth and invasion depending on the tumor type. Deregulation of HSPGs resulting in malignancy may be due to either their abnormal expression levels or changes in their structure and functions as a result of the altered activity of their biosynthetic or remodeling enzymes. Indeed, in the tumor microenvironment, HSPGs undergo structural alterations, through the shedding of proteoglycan ectodomain from the cell surface or the fragmentation and/or desulfation of HS chains, affecting HSPG function with significant impact on the molecular interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, and tumor cell behavior. Here, we overview the structural and functional features of HSPGs and their signaling in the tumor environment which contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
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Takahashi H, Katsuta E, Yan L, Tokumaru Y, Katz MH, Takabe K. Transcriptomic Profile of Lymphovascular Invasion, a Known Risk Factor of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2033. [PMID: 32722116 PMCID: PMC7465682 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an aggressive pathologic feature and considered a risk factor for distant metastasis. We hypothesized that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) with LVI are associated with shorter survival, as well as aggressive cancer biology and lymphangiogenesis in transcriptomic analysis. Utilizing the cancer genome atlas (TCGA)-PDAC cohort, we found that positive LVI was significantly associated with positive perineural invasion (PNI) (p = 0.023), and higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T (p = 0.017) and N (p < 0.001) categories. Furthermore, positive LVI was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.014) and was an independent risk factor of poor OS. Although there was no association between LVI status and lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), or metastasis-related genes, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed a strong association with cell-proliferation-related gene sets such as mitotic spindles (Normalized enrichment score (NES) = 1.76, p = 0.016) and G2/M checkpoints (NES = 1.75, p = 0.036), as well as with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling (NES = 1.61, p = 0.043), which is a known mechanism of metastasis in PDACs. In conclusion, positive LVI was an independent risk factor of poor OS in PDACs. We found that PDACs with LVI were possibly associated with accelerated cell proliferation and enhanced TGF-beta signaling independent of lymphangiogenesis. Transcriptomic profiling elucidates more precise tumor biology of LVI-positive PDACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Takahashi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (H.T.); (E.K.); (Y.T.)
| | - Eriko Katsuta
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (H.T.); (E.K.); (Y.T.)
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Yoshihisa Tokumaru
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (H.T.); (E.K.); (Y.T.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Matthew H.G. Katz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (H.T.); (E.K.); (Y.T.)
- Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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R269C variant of ESR1: high prevalence and differential function in a subset of pancreatic cancers. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:531. [PMID: 32513126 PMCID: PMC7282172 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Estrogen receptor α (ESR1) plays a critical role in promoting growth of various cancers. Yet, its role in the development of pancreatic cancer is not well-defined. A less studied region of ESR1 is the hinge region, connecting the ligand binding and DNA domains. rs142712646 is a rare SNP in ESR1, which leads to a substitution of arginine to cysteine at amino acid 269 (R269C). The mutation is positioned in the hinge region of ESR1, hence may affect the receptor structure and function. We aimed to characterize the activity of R269C-ESR1 and study its role in the development of pancreatic cancer. Methods Transcriptional activity was evaluated by E2-response element (ERE) and AP1 –luciferase reporter assays and qRT-PCR. Proliferation and migration were assessed using MTT and wound healing assays. Gene-expression analysis was performed using RNAseq. Results We examined the presence of this SNP in various malignancies, using the entire database of FoundationOne and noted enrichment of it in a subset of pancreatic non-ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 2800) compared to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as well as other tumor types (0.53% vs 0.29%, p = 0.02). Studies in breast and pancreatic cancer cells indicated cell type-dependent activity of ESR1 harboring R269C. Thus, expression of R269C-ESR1 enhanced proliferation and migration of PANC-1 and COLO-357 pancreatic cancer cells but not of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, R269C-ESR1 enhanced E2-response elements (ERE) and AP1-dependent transcriptional activity and increased mRNA levels of ERE and AP1-regulated genes in pancreatic cancer cell lines, but had a modest effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Accordingly, whole transcriptome analysis indicated alterations of genes associated with tumorigenicity in pancreatic cancer cells and upregulation of genes associated with cell metabolism and hormone biosynthesis in breast cancer cells. Conclusions Our study shed new light on the role of the hinge region in regulating transcriptional activity of the ER and indicates cell-type specific activity, namely increased activity in pancreatic cancer cells but reduced activity in breast cancer cells. While rare, the presence of rs142712646 may serve as a novel genetic risk factor, and a possible target for therapy in a subset of non-ductal pancreatic cancers.
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Brock RM, Beitel-White N, Coutermarsh-Ott S, Grider DJ, Lorenzo MF, Ringel-Scaia VM, Manuchehrabadi N, Martin RCG, Davalos RV, Allen IC. Patient Derived Xenografts Expand Human Primary Pancreatic Tumor Tissue Availability for ex vivo Irreversible Electroporation Testing. Front Oncol 2020; 10:843. [PMID: 32528898 PMCID: PMC7257557 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
New methods of tumor ablation have shown exciting efficacy in pre-clinical models but often demonstrate limited success in the clinic. Due to a lack of quality or quantity in primary malignant tissue specimens, therapeutic development and optimization studies are typically conducted on healthy tissue or cell-line derived rodent tumors that don't allow for high resolution modeling of mechanical, chemical, and biological properties. These surrogates do not accurately recapitulate many critical components of the tumor microenvironment that can impact in situ treatment success. Here, we propose utilizing patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to propagate clinically relevant tumor specimens for the optimization and development of novel tumor ablation modalities. Specimens from three individual pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients were utilized to generate PDX models. This process generated 15-18 tumors that were allowed to expand to 1.5 cm in diameter over the course of 50-70 days. The PDX tumors were morphologically and pathologically identical to primary tumor tissue. Likewise, the PDX tumors were also found to be physiologically superior to other in vitro and ex vivo models based on immortalized cell lines. We utilized the PDX tumors to refine and optimize irreversible electroporation (IRE) treatment parameters. IRE, a novel, non-thermal tumor ablation modality, is being evaluated in a diverse range of cancer clinical trials including pancreatic cancer. The PDX tumors were compared against either Pan02 mouse derived tumors or resected tissue from human PDAC patients. The PDX tumors demonstrated similar changes in electrical conductivity and Joule heating following IRE treatment. Computational modeling revealed a high similarity in the predicted ablation size of the PDX tumors that closely correlate with the data generated with the primary human pancreatic tumor tissue. Gene expression analysis revealed that IRE treatment resulted in an increase in biological pathway signaling associated with interferon gamma signaling, necrosis and mitochondria dysfunction, suggesting potential co-therapy targets. Together, these findings highlight the utility of the PDX system in tumor ablation modeling for IRE and increasing clinical application efficacy. It is also feasible that the use of PDX models will significantly benefit other ablation modality testing beyond IRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Brock
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Natalie Beitel-White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Douglas J Grider
- Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Melvin F Lorenzo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Veronica M Ringel-Scaia
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | | | - Robert C G Martin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Irving C Allen
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
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Fedele V, Melisi D. Permissive State of EMT: The Role of Immune Cell Compartment. Front Oncol 2020; 10:587. [PMID: 32391271 PMCID: PMC7189417 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) type 3 is a reversible dynamic process recognized as a major determinant of the metastatic event, although many questions regarding its role throughout this process remain unanswered. The ability of cancer cells to migrate and colonize distant organs is a key aspect of tumor progression and evolution, requiring constant tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) changes, as well as constant changes affecting the cross-talk between the two aforementioned compartments. Alterations affecting tumor cells, such as transcription factors, trans-membrane receptors, chromatin remodeling complexes and metabolic pathways, leading to the disappearance of the epithelial phenotype and concomitant gaining of the undifferentiated mesenchymal phenotype are undoubtedly major players of the EMT process. However, several lines of evidence point out toward a more critical role of TME composition in creating an “EMT-permissive state.” The “EMT-permissive state” consists in changes affecting physical and biochemical properties (i.e., stiffness and/or hypoxia) as well as changes of the TME cellular component (i.e., immune-cell, blood vessel, lymphatic vessels, fibroblasts, and fat cells) that favor and induce the epithelial mesenchymal transition. In this mini review, we will discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment cellular component that are involved in supporting the EMT, with particular emphasis on the immune-inflammatory cells component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Fedele
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Section of Medical Oncology, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Melisi
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Section of Medical Oncology, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
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Lund ME, Campbell DH, Walsh BJ. The Role of Glypican-1 in the Tumour Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1245:163-176. [PMID: 32266658 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-40146-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glypican-1 (GPC-1) is a cell surface heparan sulphate proteoglycan that is critical during normal development, but which is not required for normal homoeostasis in the adult. It is, however, overexpressed in a variety of solid tumours and is known to regulate tumour growth, invasion, metastasis and progression, through modulation of tumour cell biology as well as influence on the tumour microenvironment (TME). The role of GPC-1 in the TME and on the tumour cell is broad, as GPC-1 regulates signalling by several growth factors, including FGF, HGF, TGF-β, Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh). Signalling via these pathways promotes tumour growth and invasive and metastatic ability (drives epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)) and influences angiogenesis, affecting both tumour and stromal cells. Broad modulation of the TME via inhibition of GPC-1 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for inhibition of tumour progression. Here, we discuss the complex role of GPC-1 in tumour cells and the TME, with discussion of potential therapeutic targeting strategies.
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Cave DD, Di Guida M, Costa V, Sevillano M, Ferrante L, Heeschen C, Corona M, Cucciardi A, Lonardo E. TGF-β1 secreted by pancreatic stellate cells promotes stemness and tumourigenicity in pancreatic cancer cells through L1CAM downregulation. Oncogene 2020; 39:4271-4285. [PMID: 32291413 PMCID: PMC7239770 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) secrete high levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) that contributes to the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). TGF-β1 modulates the expression of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), but its role in tumour progression still remains controversial. To clarify L1 function in PDAC and cellular phenotypes, we performed L1CAM cell sorting, silencing and overexpression in several primary pancreatic cancer cells. PSCs silenced for TGF-β1 were used for crosstalk experiments. We found that TGF-β1 secreted by PSCs negatively regulates L1CAM expression, through canonical TGF-β-Smad2/3 signalling, leading to a more aggressive PDAC phenotype. Cells with reduced expression of L1CAM harboured enhanced stemness potential and tumourigenicity. Inactivation of TGF-β1 signalling in PSCs strongly reduced the aggressiveness of PDAC cells. Our data provide functional proof and mechanistic insights for the tumour-suppressive function of L1CAM via reducing stemness. Rescuing L1CAM expression in cancer cells through targeting of TGF-β1 reverses stemness and bears the potential to improve the still miserable prognosis of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso' (IGB), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Guida
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso' (IGB), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Costa
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso' (IGB), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Sevillano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luigi Ferrante
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso' (IGB), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Corona
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso' (IGB), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Cucciardi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso' (IGB), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Enza Lonardo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso' (IGB), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy. .,Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, CNIO, Madrid, Spain.
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Hatsuzawa Y, Yamaguchi K, Takanashi T, Sato I, Tamai K, Mochizuki M, Iwai W, Wakui Y, Abue M, Yamamoto K, Yasuda J, Mizuma M, Unno M, Sugamura K. CD109 promotes the tumorigenic ability and metastatic motility of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Pancreatology 2020; 20:493-500. [PMID: 32007357 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence indicates that CD109, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein, is highly expressed in human epithelial carcinomas of multiple organs including the pancreas, but its functional role in carcinoma development has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CD109 in the malignancy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS PDAC specimens of 145 cases were immunostained for CD109, and correlations between CD109 expression and clinicopathological conditions were analyzed. CD109 expression in PANC-1 cells, a PDAC-derived cell line, was decreased by siRNA or shRNA and its effect on the malignancy of PANC-1 cells was examined. RESULTS Suppression of CD109 expression in PANC-1 cells resulted in reduction of in vitro cell motility and tumorigenicity in xenografts. Based on these results, we investigated the relationship between CD109 expression and metastasis of PDAC using tumor tissue specimens. Among 106 recurrent cases of 145 PDAC, there was a tendency for CD109-positive cases to be accompanied by distant metastasis. CONCLUSIONS CD109 plays a critical role in the promotion of tumorigenic ability and cellular motility relating to metastasis of PDAC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuri Hatsuzawa
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, 9811293, Japan; Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 9808575, Japan
| | - Kazunori Yamaguchi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, 9811293, Japan; Department of Cancer Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 9808575, Japan.
| | - Tomoka Takanashi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Ikuro Sato
- Department of Cancer Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 9808575, Japan; Division of Pathology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Keiichi Tamai
- Department of Cancer Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 9808575, Japan; Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Mai Mochizuki
- Department of Cancer Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 9808575, Japan; Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Wataru Iwai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Yuta Wakui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Makoto Abue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Kuniharu Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, 9838536, Japan
| | - Jun Yasuda
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, 9811293, Japan
| | - Masamichi Mizuma
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 9808575, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 9808575, Japan
| | - Kazuo Sugamura
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, 9811293, Japan
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Alteration of Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling Pathway Predicts Worse Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Pancreas 2020; 49:534-542. [PMID: 32282767 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is one of the core pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Prognostic value of TGF-β pathway genes as a functionally related group in PDAC is rarely studied. METHODS Seventy-two PDAC patients who underwent surgery between November 30, 2015, and September 13, 2017, in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were identified and included in this study. Whole-exome sequencing or targeted next-generation sequencing was performed with tumor tissue. Clinicopathologic characteristics and survival data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS Genetic alterations were detected in 71 patients (98.6%). Although 1 patient (1.4%) had one genetic alteration, 33 patients (45.8%) had 2 to 4 alterations and 37 patients (51.4%) had 5 or more alterations. Twenty-five patients with TGF-β pathway alteration were identified as TGF-βm+ group. Other 47 patients were TGF-βm- group. Mutation of TGF-β pathway was independently associated with inferior survival (hazard ratio, 2.22, 95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.70, P = 0.04), especially in patients accepting radical surgery (hazard ratio, 3.25, 95% confidence interval, 1.01-10.49, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Inferior prognosis was observed in PDACs with mutations of TGF-β pathway. Genomic information could help screen out patients at risk after surgery, and adjuvant therapy might benefit this subgroup of PDACs.
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Groeneveldt C, van Hall T, van der Burg SH, Ten Dijke P, van Montfoort N. Immunotherapeutic Potential of TGF-β Inhibition and Oncolytic Viruses. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:406-420. [PMID: 32223932 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In cancer immunotherapy, a patient's own immune system is harnessed against cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors release the brakes on tumor-reactive T cells and, therefore, are particularly effective in treating certain immune-infiltrated solid tumors. By contrast, solid tumors with immune-silent profiles show limited efficacy of checkpoint blockers due to several barriers. Recent discoveries highlight transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced immune exclusion and a lack of immunogenicity as examples of these barriers. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical evidence that illustrates how the inhibition of TGF-β signaling and the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) can increase the efficacy of immunotherapy, and discuss the promise and challenges of combining these approaches with immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Groeneveldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Tang W, Hong L, Dai W, Li J, Zhu H, Lin J, Yang Q, Wang Y, Lin Z, Liu M, Xiao Y, Zhang Y, Wu X, Wang J, Chen Y, Hu H, Liu S, Wang J, Xiang L. MicroRNA‑500a‑5p inhibits colorectal cancer cell invasion and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1499-1508. [PMID: 32236592 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of malignant tumors is a series of complex processes, the majority of which have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the microRNAs (miRNAs/miR) that affect the migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Our previous reports have revealed that miR‑500a‑5p suppressed CRC cell growth and malignant transformation. The present study demonstrated that overexpression of miR‑500a‑5p reduced the expression of vimentin, while increasing the expression of E‑cadherin. Inhibition of miR‑500a‑5p resulted in spindle‑like morphological changes and reorganization of F‑actin in CRC cells. Furthermore, miR‑500a‑5p attenuated the transforming growth factor‑β signaling pathway in EMT. Additionally, emodin inhibited the miR‑500a‑5p inhibitor and suppressed the EMT process. In animal models of metastasis using nude mice, EMT and LoVo cell metastasis was modulated by miR‑500a‑5p. Therefore, the findings of the present study demonstrated that miR‑500a‑5p is associated with a positive therapeutic outcome in terms of invasion/migration of CRC cells and mesenchymal‑like cell changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimei Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Linjie Hong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Weiyu Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jiaying Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Huiqiong Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jianjiao Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Longgang District People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yusi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Zhizhao Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Mengwei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yizhi Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosheng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yaying Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, P.R. China
| | - Hongsong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Longgang District People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, P.R. China
| | - Side Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jide Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Longgang District People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, P.R. China
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Chen S, Xu J, Su Y, Hua L, Feng C, Lin Z, Huang H, Li Y. MicroRNA-145 suppresses epithelial to mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting TGF-β signaling pathway. J Cancer 2020; 11:2716-2723. [PMID: 32201542 PMCID: PMC7066001 DOI: 10.7150/jca.34902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β signaling plays a critical role in tumor progression and many approaches have been made to inhibit its functions. MicroRNA is one of the approaches that inhibit TGF-β signaling and can be used as a promising treatment for cancer. This study explored the role of miRNA-145 in pancreatic cancer (PC) development. The expression of miRNA-145 in PC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues was examined by qRT-PCR. The expression of miRNA-145 in PC cells and the ability of cell migration and invasion were detected both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that miRNA-145 was down-regulated in PC tissues and PC cells. Increasing the expression of miRNA-145 in PC cells inhibited the TGF-β signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Scratch assay and transwell assay showed that miRNA-145 inhibited the migration and invasion in PC cells. In vivo experiments confirmed that miRNA-145 mimics delayed the growth of PC xenografts comparing with miRNA-145 inhibitor. Our results suggested that miRNA-145 can inhibit epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor growth by suppressing TGF-β signaling pathway. Thus, miRNA-145 could be a potential therapeutic for targeting TGF-β signaling in PC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Chen
- Department of Oncology, the Forth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Junyi Xu
- Department of general surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Yao Su
- Nanjing Zhongshan Biomedical Translational Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Hua
- Department of Oncology, the Forth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengjun Feng
- Department of Oncology, the Forth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhan Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Yulin First People's Hospital , Yulin, Guangxi ,China
| | - Haixin Huang
- Department of Oncology, the Forth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Yongqiang Li
- Department of Chemotherapy, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Hong E, Park S, Ooshima A, Hong CP, Park J, Heo JS, Lee S, An H, Kang JM, Park SH, Park JO, Kim SJ. Inhibition of TGF-β signalling in combination with nal-IRI plus 5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin suppresses invasion and prolongs survival in pancreatic tumour mouse models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2935. [PMID: 32076068 PMCID: PMC7031242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59893-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. TGF-β is strongly expressed in both the epithelial and stromal compartments of PDAC, and dysregulation of TGF-β signalling is a frequent molecular disturbance in PDAC progression and metastasis. In this study, we investigated whether blockade of TGF-β signalling synergizes with nal-IRI/5-FU/LV, a chemotherapy regimen for malignant pancreatic cancer, in an orthotopic pancreatic tumour mouse model. Compared to nal-IRI/5-FU/LV treatment, combining nal-IRI/5-FU/LV with vactosertib, a TGF-β signalling inhibitor, significantly improved long-term survival rates and effectively suppressed invasion to surrounding tissues. Through RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified that the combination treatment results in robust abrogation of tumour-promoting gene signatures and positive enrichment of tumour-suppressing and apoptotic gene signatures. Particularly, the expression of tumour-suppressing gene Ccdc80 was induced by vactosertib and further induced by vactosertib in combination with nal-IRI/5-FU/LV. Ectopic expression of CCDC80 suppressed migration and colony formation concomitant with decreased expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in pancreatic cancer cells. Collectively, these results indicate that combination treatment of vactosertib with nal-IRI/5-FU/LV improves overall survival rates in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer by suppressing invasion through CCDC80. Therefore, combination therapy of nal-IRI/5-FU/LV with vactosertib could provide clinical benefits to pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Hong
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Park
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea.
| | - Akira Ooshima
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Pyo Hong
- TheragenEtex Bio Institute, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinah Park
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sun Heo
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Siyoung Lee
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Haein An
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Muk Kang
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hee Park
- Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Oh Park
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea.,Department of Transdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea.,TheragenEtex Bio Institute, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea.,Medpacto Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
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73
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Bazzichetto C, Conciatori F, Luchini C, Simionato F, Santoro R, Vaccaro V, Corbo V, Falcone I, Ferretti G, Cognetti F, Melisi D, Scarpa A, Ciuffreda L, Milella M. From Genetic Alterations to Tumor Microenvironment: The Ariadne's String in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020309. [PMID: 32012917 PMCID: PMC7072496 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The threatening notoriety of pancreatic cancer mainly arises from its negligible early diagnosis, highly aggressive progression, failure of conventional therapeutic options and consequent very poor prognosis. The most important driver genes of pancreatic cancer are the oncogene KRAS and the tumor suppressors TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. Although the presence of few drivers, several signaling pathways are involved in the oncogenesis of this cancer type, some of them with promising targets for precision oncology. Pancreatic cancer is recognized as one of immunosuppressive phenotype cancer: it is characterized by a fibrotic-desmoplastic stroma, in which there is an intensive cross-talk between several cellular (e.g., fibroblasts, myeloid cells, lymphocytes, endothelial, and myeloid cells) and acellular (collagen, fibronectin, and soluble factors) components. In this review; we aim to describe the current knowledge of the genetic/biological landscape of pancreatic cancer and the composition of its tumor microenvironment; in order to better direct in the intrinsic labyrinth of this complex tumor type. Indeed; disentangling the genetic and molecular characteristics of cancer cells and the environment in which they evolve may represent the crucial step towards more effective therapeutic strategies
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bazzichetto
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Fabiana Conciatori
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-52665185
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Francesca Simionato
- Division of Oncology, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Raffaela Santoro
- Medicine-Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (R.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Vanja Vaccaro
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Italia Falcone
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Gianluigi Ferretti
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Cognetti
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Davide Melisi
- Medicine-Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (R.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Ludovica Ciuffreda
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michele Milella
- Division of Oncology, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.M.)
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74
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Mok L, Kim Y, Lee S, Choi S, Lee S, Jang JY, Park T. HisCoM-PAGE: Hierarchical Structural Component Models for Pathway Analysis of Gene Expression Data. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E931. [PMID: 31739607 PMCID: PMC6896173 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there have been several analyses for identifying cancer-associated pathways, based on gene expression data, most of these are based on single pathway analyses, and thus do not consider correlations between pathways. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical structural component model for pathway analysis of gene expression data (HisCoM-PAGE), which accounts for the hierarchical structure of genes and pathways, as well as the correlations among pathways. Specifically, HisCoM-PAGE focuses on the survival phenotype and identifies its associated pathways. Moreover, its application to real biological data analysis of pancreatic cancer data demonstrated that HisCoM-PAGE could successfully identify pathways associated with pancreatic cancer prognosis. Simulation studies comparing the performance of HisCoM-PAGE with other competing methods such as Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Global Test, and Wald-type Test showed HisCoM-PAGE to have the highest power to detect causal pathways in most simulation scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Mok
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Yongkang Kim
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sungyoung Lee
- Center for Precision Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Sungkyoung Choi
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hanyang University (ERICA), Ansan 15588, Korea
| | - Seungyeoun Lee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - Jin-Young Jang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Taesung Park
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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75
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Wnt-11 Expression Promotes Invasiveness and Correlates with Survival in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adeno Carcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10110921. [PMID: 31718047 PMCID: PMC6895970 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, proving difficult to manage clinically. Wnt-11, a developmentally regulated gene producing a secreted protein, has been associated with various carcinomas but has not previously been studied in PDAC. The present study aimed to elucidate these aspects first in vitro and then in a clinical setting in vivo. Molecular analyses of Wnt-11 expression as well as other biomarkers involved qRT-PCR, RNA-seq and siRNA. Proliferation was measured by MTT; invasiveness was quantified by Boyden chamber (Matrigel) assay. Wnt-11 mRNA was present in three different human PDAC cell lines. Wnt-11 loss affected epithelial-mesenchymal transition and expression of neuronal and stemness biomarkers associated with metastasis. Indeed, silencing Wnt-11 in Panc-1 cells significantly inhibited their Matrigel invasiveness without affecting their proliferative activity. Consistently with the in vitro data, human biopsies of PDAC showed significantly higher Wnt-11 mRNA levels compared with matched adjacent tissues. Expression was significantly upregulated during PDAC progression (TNM stage I to II) and maintained (TNM stages III and IV). Wnt-11 is expressed in PDAC in vitro and in vivo and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of the disease; this evidence leads to the conclusion that Wnt-11 could serve as a novel, functional biomarker PDAC.
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76
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Vicente D, Lee AJ, Hall CS, Lucci A, Lee JE, Kim MP, Katz MH, Hurd MW, Maitra A, Rhim, MD AD, Tzeng CWD. Circulating Tumor Cells and Transforming Growth Factor Beta in Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. J Surg Res 2019; 243:90-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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77
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Integration of Bioinformatics Resources Reveals the Therapeutic Benefits of Gemcitabine and Cell Cycle Intervention in SMAD4-Deleted Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100766. [PMID: 31569425 PMCID: PMC6827004 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and aggressive type of pancreatic cancer. The five-year survival rate of PDAC is very low (less than 8%), which is associated with the late diagnosis, high metastatic potential, and resistance to therapeutic agents. The identification of better prognostic or therapeutic biomarker may have clinical benefits for PDAC treatment. SMAD4, a central mediator of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway, is considered a tumor suppressor gene. SMAD4 inactivation is frequently found in PDAC. However, its role in prognosis and therapeutics of PDAC is still unclear. In this study, we applied bioinformatics approaches, and integrated publicly available resources, to investigate the role of SMAD4 gene deletion in PDAC. We found that SMAD4 deletion was associated with poorer disease-free, but not overall, survival in PDAC patients. Cancer hallmark enrichment and pathway analysis suggested that the upregulation of cell cycle-related genes in SMAD4-deleted PDAC. Chemotherapy response profiling of PDAC cell lines and patient-derived organoids revealed that SMAD4-deleted PDAC was sensitive to gemcitabine, the first-line treatment for PDAC, and specific cell cycle-targeting drugs. Taken together, our study provides an insight into the prognostic and therapeutic roles of SMAD4 gene deletion in PDAC, and SMAD4 gene copy numbers may be used as a therapeutic biomarker for PDAC treatment.
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78
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Upadhrasta S, Zheng L. Strategies in Developing Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer: Recognizing and Correcting Multiple Immune "Defects" in the Tumor Microenvironment. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8091472. [PMID: 31527414 PMCID: PMC6780937 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8091472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of cancer immunotherapies, significant advances have been made in the treatment of many tumor types including melanoma, lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, etc. However, similar success has not been observed with the treatment of pancreatic cancer and all other immunogenic “cold” tumors. This prompts the need for a better understanding of the complexity of the cold tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer and what are truly the “defects” in the TME making the cancer unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here we discuss four major immune defects that can be recognized in pancreatic cancer, including lack of high-quality effector intratumoral T cells, heterogeneous dense stroma as a barrier to effector immune cells infiltrating into the tumor, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and failure of the T cells to accomplish tumor elimination. We also discuss potential strategies for pancreatic cancer treatment that work by correcting these immune defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sireesha Upadhrasta
- The Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
- The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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79
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Hosein AN, Huang H, Wang Z, Parmar K, Du W, Huang J, Maitra A, Olson E, Verma U, Brekken RA. Cellular heterogeneity during mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression at single-cell resolution. JCI Insight 2019; 5:129212. [PMID: 31335328 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.129212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a major cause of cancer-related death with limited therapeutic options available. This highlights the need for improved understanding of the biology of PDA progression, a highly complex and dynamic process featuring changes in cancer cells and stromal cells. A comprehensive characterization of PDA cancer cell and stromal cell heterogeneity during disease progression is lacking. In this study, we aimed to profile cell populations and understand their phenotypic changes during PDA progression. To that end, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing technology to agnostically profile cell heterogeneity during different stages of PDA progression in genetically engineered mouse models. Our data indicate that an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of cancer cells accompanies tumor progression in addition to distinct populations of macrophages with increasing inflammatory features. We also noted the existence of three distinct molecular subtypes of fibroblasts in the normal mouse pancreas, which ultimately gave rise to two distinct populations of fibroblasts in advanced PDA, supporting recent reports on intratumoral fibroblast heterogeneity. Our data also suggest that cancer cells and fibroblasts may be dynamically regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. This study systematically describes the landscape of cellular heterogeneity during the progression of PDA and has the potential to act as a resource in the development of therapeutic strategies against specific cell populations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Nasser Hosein
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and.,Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Huocong Huang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and
| | | | - Kamalpreet Parmar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Wenting Du
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and
| | - Jonathan Huang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Udit Verma
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and.,Department of Pharmacology and.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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80
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Kang X, Lin Z, Xu M, Pan J, Wang ZW. Deciphering role of FGFR signalling pathway in pancreatic cancer. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12605. [PMID: 30945363 PMCID: PMC6536421 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, fibroblast growth factors are identified to play a vital role in the development and progression of human pancreatic cancer. FGF pathway is critical involved in numerous cellular processes through regulation of its downstream targets, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. In this review article, we describe recent advances of FGFR signalling pathway in pancreatic carcinogenesis and progression. Moreover, we highlight the available chemical inhibitors of FGFR pathway for potential treatment of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we discuss whether targeting FGFR pathway is a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodiao Kang
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zeng Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minhui Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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81
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Costanza B, Rademaker G, Tiamiou A, De Tullio P, Leenders J, Blomme A, Bellier J, Bianchi E, Turtoi A, Delvenne P, Bellahcène A, Peulen O, Castronovo V. Transforming growth factor beta-induced, an extracellular matrix interacting protein, enhances glycolysis and promotes pancreatic cancer cell migration. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:1570-1584. [PMID: 30834519 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a deadly malignancy with no efficient therapy available up-to-date. Glycolysis is the main provider of energetic substrates to sustain cancer dissemination of PDAC. Accordingly, altering the glycolytic pathway is foreseen as a sound approach to trigger pancreatic cancer regression. Here, we show for the first time that high transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) expression in PDAC patients is associated with a poor outcome. We demonstrate that, although usually secreted by stromal cells, PDAC cells synthesize and secrete TGFBI in quantity correlated with their migratory capacity. Mechanistically, we show that TGFBI activates focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway through its binding to integrin αVβ5, leading to a significant enhancement of glycolysis and to the acquisition of an invasive phenotype. Finally, we show that TGFBI silencing significantly inhibits PDAC tumor development in a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay model. Our study highlights TGFBI as an oncogenic extracellular matrix interacting protein that bears the potential to serve as a target for new anti-PDAC therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunella Costanza
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Rademaker
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiamiou
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pascal De Tullio
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines, Metabolomics Group, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Justine Leenders
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines, Metabolomics Group, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Blomme
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Justine Bellier
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Elettra Bianchi
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital (CHU), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Andrei Turtoi
- Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Treatment Laboratory, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Delvenne
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital (CHU), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Akeila Bellahcène
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Peulen
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Castronovo
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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82
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Lu H, Yang D, Zhang L, Lu S, Ye J, Li M, Hu W. Linc-pint inhibits early stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth through TGF-β pathway activation. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:4633-4639. [PMID: 30944652 PMCID: PMC6444384 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA, p53 induced transcript (Linc-pint) is a newly identified long non-coding RNA, which has demonstrated antitumor activities in various types of cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Linc-pint in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Plasma samples from patients with PDAC, and PDAC and normal cell lines were used in the study. Gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to assess protein level. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) plasma level was determined by ELISA. Cancer cell proliferation was measured in vitro with the Cell Counting Kit-8 assy. The results demonstrated that Linc-pint plasma levels were significantly lower in patients with stage 0–1 PDAC compared with healthy controls. In addition, Linc-pint downregulation effectively distinguished patients with PDAC from healthy controls. Linc-pint and TGF-β1 plasma levels were positively correlated in patients with PDAC but not in healthy controls. Furthermore, Linc-pint overexpression upregulated TGF-β1 expression in PDAC cells but not in normal pancreatic ductal cells; however, exogenous TGF-β1 exhibited no significant effects on Linc-pint expression. Linc-pint overexpression and TGF-β1 both inhibited PDAC cell proliferation, whereas treatment with a TGF-β inhibitor reduced their inhibitory effects on cell proliferation. In conclusion, results from the present study suggested that Linc-pint may inhibit early stage PDAC growth through TGF-β pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Lu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Dujiang Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Weiming Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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83
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Luo J, Chen XQ, Li P. The Role of TGF-β and Its Receptors in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Transl Oncol 2019; 12:475-484. [PMID: 30594036 PMCID: PMC6314240 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of gastrointestinal tumors improves patient survival. However, patients with these tumors are typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and have poor prognosis. The incidence and mortality of gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, are increasing worldwide. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents are required to improve patient survival and quality of life. The tumor microenvironment, which contains nontumor cells, signaling molecules such as growth factors and cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins, plays a critical role in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling has dual roles in gastrointestinal tumor development and progression as both a tumor suppressor and tumor promoter. Here, we review the dynamic roles of TGF-β and its receptors in gastrointestinal tumors and provide evidence that targeting TGF-β signaling may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Luo
- Oncology Department, West China Hospital of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xu-Qiao Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Oncology Department, West China Hospital of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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84
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Zhou Q, Xia S, Guo F, Hu F, Wang Z, Ni Y, Wei T, Xiang H, Shang D. Transforming growth factor-β in pancreatic diseases: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:58-69. [PMID: 30682425 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic diseases, such as acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer, are common gastrointestinal diseases resulting in the development of local and systemic complications with a high risk of death. Numerous studies have examined pancreatic diseases over the past few decades; however, the pathogenesis remains unclear, and there is a lack of effective treatment options. Recently, emerging evidence has suggested that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) exerts controversial functions in apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and carcinogenesis, indicating its complex role in the pathogenesis of pancreas-associated disease. Therefore, a further understanding of relevant TGF-β signalling will provide new ideas and potential therapeutic targets for preventing disease progression. This is the first systematic review of recent data from animal and human clinical studies focusing on TGF-β signalling in pancreas damage and diseases. This information may aid in the development of therapeutic agents for regulating TGF-β in this pathology to prevent or treat pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shilin Xia
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fangyue Guo
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fenglin Hu
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhizhou Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yujia Ni
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tianfu Wei
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Xiang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Dong Shang
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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85
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Meng Q, Valentini D, Rao M, Moro CF, Paraschoudi G, Jäger E, Dodoo E, Rangelova E, Del Chiaro M, Maeurer M. Neoepitope targets of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes from patients with pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:97-108. [PMID: 30377343 PMCID: PMC6325142 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0262-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer exhibits a poor prognosis and often presents with metastasis at diagnosis. Immunotherapeutic approaches targeting private cancer mutations (neoantigens) are a clinically viable option to improve clinical outcomes. METHODS 3/40 TIL lines (PanTT26, PanTT39, PanTT77) were more closely examined for neoantigen recognition. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify non-synonymous somatic mutations. Mutant peptides were synthesised and assessed for antigen-specific IFN-γ production and specific tumour killing in a standard Cr51 assay. TIL phenotype was tested by flow cytometry. Lymphocytes and HLA molecules in tumour tissue were visualised by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS PanTT26 and PanTT39 TILs recognised and killed the autologous tumour cells. PanTT26 TIL recognised the KRASG12v mutation, while a PanTT39 CD4+ TIL clone recognised the neoepitope (GLLRYWRTERLF) from an aquaporin 1-like protein (gene: K7N7A8). Repeated stimulation of TILs with the autologous tumour cells line lead to focused recognition of several mutated targets, based on IFN-γ production. TILs and corresponding PBMCs from PanTT77 showed shared as well as mutually exclusively tumour epitope recognition (TIL-responsive or PBMC-responsive). CONCLUSION This study provides methods to robustly screen T-cell targets for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is immunogenic and immunotherapeutic approaches can be used to develop improved, targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingda Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Division of Therapeutic Immunology (TIM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Davide Valentini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Division of Therapeutic Immunology (TIM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Rao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Division of Therapeutic Immunology (TIM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Georgia Paraschoudi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Division of Therapeutic Immunology (TIM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elke Jäger
- Krankenhaus Nordwest, Division of Oncology and Haematology, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ernest Dodoo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Division of Therapeutic Immunology (TIM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Rangelova
- Department of Clinical Science, Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Division of Surgery, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Del Chiaro
- Department of Clinical Science, Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Division of Surgery, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Maeurer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LABMED), Division of Therapeutic Immunology (TIM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centre for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Oncology/Haematology, KHNW, Frankfurt, Germany & ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal.
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86
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Pancreatic cancer stem cells: A state or an entity? Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 53:223-231. [PMID: 30130664 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer, has a median overall survival of 6-12 months and a 5-year survival of less than 7%. While PDAC currently represents the 4th most frequent cause of death due to cancer worldwide, it is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. These alarming statistics are primarily due to both the inherent chemoresistant and metastatic nature of this tumor, and the existence of a subpopulation of highly plastic "stem"-like cells within the tumor, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Since their discovery in PDAC in 2007, we have come to realize that pancreatic CSCs have unique metabolic, autophagic, invasive, and chemoresistance properties that allow them to continuously self-renew and escape chemo-therapeutic elimination. More importantly, the concept of the CSC as a fixed entity within the tumor has also evolved, and current data suggest that CSCs are states rather than defined entities. Consequently, current treatments for the majority of PDAC patients are not effective, and do not significantly impact overall patient survival, as they do not adequately target the plastic CSC sub-population nor the transient/hybrid cells that can replenish the CSC pool. Thus, it is necessary that we improve our understanding of the characteristics and signals that maintain and drive the pancreatic CSC population in order to develop new therapies to target these cells. Herein, we will provide the latest updates and knowledge on the inherent characteristics of pancreatic CSCs and the CSC niche, specifically the cross-talk that exists between CSCs and niche resident cells. Lastly, we will address the question of whether a CSC is a state or an entity and discuss how the answer to this question can impact treatment approaches.
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87
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Chen Y, Tan W, Wang C. Tumor-associated macrophage-derived cytokines enhance cancer stem-like characteristics through epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:3817-3826. [PMID: 30013362 PMCID: PMC6038883 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s168317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a small population of cells with the potential for self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation and are an important source of cancer initiation, treatment resistance, and recurrence. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in which epithelial cells lose their epithelial phenotype and convert to mesenchymal cells. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells undergoing EMT can become stem-like cells. Many kinds of tumors are associated with chronic inflammation, which plays a role in tumor progression. Among the various immune cells mediating chronic inflammation, macrophages account for ~30%-50% of the tumor mass. Macrophages are highly infiltrative in the tumor microenvironment and secrete a series of inflammatory factors and cytokines, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, which promote EMT and enhance the stemness of cancer cells. This review summarizes and discusses recent research findings on some specific mechanisms of tumor-associated macrophage-derived cytokines in EMT and cancer stemness transition, which are emerging targets of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxu Chen
- Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China, .,School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China,
| | - Wei Tan
- Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China,
| | - Changjun Wang
- Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China, .,School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China,
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88
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Eser PÖ, Jänne PA. TGFβ pathway inhibition in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 184:112-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Dolcino M, Pelosi A, Fiore PF, Patuzzo G, Tinazzi E, Lunardi C, Puccetti A. Gene Profiling in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Reveals the Presence of Oncogenic Gene Signatures. Front Immunol 2018; 9:449. [PMID: 29559981 PMCID: PMC5845728 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by three pathogenetic hallmarks: vasculopathy, dysregulation of the immune system, and fibrosis. A particular feature of SSc is the increased frequency of some types of malignancies, namely breast, lung, and hematological malignancies. Moreover, SSc may also be a paraneoplastic disease, again indicating a strong link between cancer and scleroderma. The reason of this association is still unknown; therefore, we aimed at investigating whether particular genetic or epigenetic factors may play a role in promoting cancer development in patients with SSc and whether some features are shared by the two conditions. We therefore performed a gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients with limited and diffuse SSc, showing that the various classes of genes potentially linked to the pathogenesis of SSc (such as apoptosis, endothelial cell activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune response, and inflammation) include genes that directly participate in the development of malignancies or that are involved in pathways known to be associated with carcinogenesis. The transcriptional analysis was then complemented by a complex network analysis of modulated genes which further confirmed the presence of signaling pathways associated with carcinogenesis. Since epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), are believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of SSc, we also evaluated whether specific cancer-related miRNAs could be deregulated in the serum of SSc patients. We focused our attention on miRNAs already found upregulated in SSc such as miR-21-5p, miR-92a-3p, and on miR-155-5p, miR 126-3p and miR-16-5p known to be deregulated in malignancies associated to SSc, i.e., breast, lung, and hematological malignancies. miR-21-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-155-5p, and miR-16-5p expression was significantly higher in SSc sera compared to healthy controls. Our findings indicate the presence of modulated genes and miRNAs that can play a predisposing role in the development of malignancies in SSc and are important for a better risk stratification of patients and for the identification of a better individualized precision medicine strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Dolcino
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Immunology Area, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Tinazzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Puccetti
- Immunology Area, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine - Section of Histology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Sagini MN, Zepp M, Bergmann F, Bozza M, Harbottle R, Berger MR. The expression of genes contributing to pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression is influenced by the respective environment. Genes Cancer 2018; 9:114-129. [PMID: 30108682 PMCID: PMC6086001 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a highly aggressive malignancy with dismal prognosis and limited curative options. We investigated the influence of organ environments on gene expression in RNU rats by orthotopic and intraportal infusion of Suit2-007luc cells into the pancreas, liver and lung respectively. Tumor tissues from these sites were analyzed by chip array and histopathology. Generated data was analyzed by Chipster and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (±1.5 expression fold change and p<0.05). Further analysis of functional annotations derived from IPA, was based on selected genes with significant modulation of expression. Comparison of groups was performed by creating ratios from the mean expression values derived from pancreas and respective in vitro values, whereas those from liver and lung were related to pancreas, respectively. Genes of interest from three functional annotations for respective organs were identified by exclusion-overlap analyses. From the resulting six genes, transglutaminase2 (TGM2) was further investigated by various assays. Its knockdown with siRNA induced dose dependent inhibitory and stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and cell migration, respectively. DNA fragmentation indicated apoptotic cell death in response to TGM2 knockdown. Cell cycle analysis by FACS showed that TGM2 knockdown induced G1/S blockade. Therefore, TGM2 and its associated genes may be promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah N. Sagini
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Zepp
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Bergmann
- University Clinic of Heidelberg, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Bozza
- DNA Vectors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Harbottle
- DNA Vectors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin R. Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Rosenberg A, Mahalingam D. Immunotherapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma-overcoming barriers to response. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:143-159. [PMID: 29564181 PMCID: PMC5848027 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.01.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Despite multiple advances in targeted and immune therapies, the 5-year survival in advanced PAC remains poor. In this review, we discuss some of the unique aspects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in PAC that may contribute to its resistance to immune therapies, as well as opportunities to potentially overcome some of these inherent barriers. Furthermore, we discuss strategies to enable immune therapies in PAC such as cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy, cancer vaccines, cytokine based therapy, oncolytic viruses, and adoptive T-cell therapy. Finally, we address a variety of targeted therapies as a strategy to further amplify immune responses in PAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Chruścik A, Gopalan V, Lam AKY. The clinical and biological roles of transforming growth factor beta in colon cancer stem cells: A systematic review. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 97:15-22. [PMID: 29128131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multipurpose cytokine, which plays a role in many cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, cell adhesion and regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Despite many studies having observed the effect that TGF-β plays in colorectal cancer, its role in the colorectal stem cell population has not been widely observed. METHOD This systematic review will analyse the role of TGF-β in the stem cell population of colorectal cancer. RESULTS The effects on the stem cell phenotype are through the downstream proteins involved in activation of the TGF-β pathway. Its involvement in the initiation of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the effect of colorectal invasion and metastasis regulated through the Smad protein involvement in the EMT, initiation of angiogenesis, promotion of metastasis of colorectal cancer to the liver and its ability to cross-talk with other pathways. CONCLUSION TGF-β is a key player in angiogenesis, tumour growth and metastasis in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chruścik
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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