101
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Undesirable Status of Prostate Cancer Cells after Intensive Inhibition of AR Signaling: Post-AR Era of CRPC Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040414. [PMID: 33921329 PMCID: PMC8069212 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in prostate cancer (PC) research unveiled real androgen receptor (AR) functions in castration-resistant PC (CRPC). Moreover, AR still accelerates PC cell proliferation via the activation of several mechanisms (e.g., mutation, variants, and amplifications in CRPC). New-generation AR signaling-targeted agents, inhibiting extremely the activity of AR, were developed based on these incontrovertible mechanisms of AR-induced CRPC progression. However, long-term administration of AR signaling-targeted agents subsequently induces the major problem that AR (complete)-independent CRPC cells present neither AR nor prostate-specific antigen, including neuroendocrine differentiation as a subtype of AR-independent CRPC. Moreover, there are few treatments effective for AR-independent CRPC with solid evidence. This study focuses on the transformation mechanisms of AR-independent from AR-dependent CRPC cells and potential treatment strategy for AR-independent CRPC and discusses them based on a review of basic and clinical literature.
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102
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AKT-mediated regulation of chromatin ubiquitylation and tumorigenesis through Mel18 phosphorylation. Oncogene 2021; 40:2422-2436. [PMID: 33664452 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressor complex 1 (PRC1) is linked to the regulation of gene expression and histone ubiquitylation conformation, which contributes to carcinogenesis. However, the upstream regulators of PRC1 biogenesis machinery remain obscure. Here, we report that the polycomb group-related mammalian gene Mel18 is a target of the protein kinase AKT. AKT phosphorylates Mel18 at T334 to disrupt the interaction between Mel18 and other PRC1 members, leading to attenuated PRC1-dependent ubiquitylation of histone H2A at Lys119. As such, PRC1 target genes, many of which are known oncogenes, are derepressed upon T334-Mel18 phosphorylation, which promotes malignant behaviours, including cell proliferation, tumour formation, migration and invasion, bone and brain metastatic lesion formation. Notably, a positive correlation between AKT activity and pT334-Mel18 is observed, and prognostic models based on p-AKT and pT334-Mel18 that predicted overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival in breast cancer patients are established. These findings have implications for understanding the role of AKT and its associated proteins in chromatin ubiquitylation, and also indicate the AKT-Mel18-H2AK119ub axis as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer patients.
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103
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EZH2 inhibition activates a dsRNA-STING-interferon stress axis that potentiates response to PD-1 checkpoint blockade in prostate cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:444-456. [PMID: 33899001 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancers are considered to be immunologically 'cold' tumors given the very few patients who respond to checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy. Recently, enrichment of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) predicted a favorable response to CPI across various disease sites. The enhancer of zeste homolog-2 (EZH2) is overexpressed in prostate cancer and known to negatively regulate ISGs. In the present study, we demonstrate that EZH2 inhibition in prostate cancer models activates a double-stranded RNA-STING-ISG stress response upregulating genes involved in antigen presentation, Th1 chemokine signaling and interferon response, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1) that is dependent on STING activation. EZH2 inhibition substantially increased intratumoral trafficking of activated CD8+ T cells and increased M1 tumor-associated macrophages, overall reversing resistance to PD-1 CPI. Our study identifies EZH2 as a potent inhibitor of antitumor immunity and responsiveness to CPI. These data suggest EZH2 inhibition as a therapeutic direction to enhance prostate cancer response to PD-1 CPI.
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104
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Lee MW, Miljanic M, Triplett T, Ramirez C, Aung KL, Eckhardt SG, Capasso A. Current methods in translational cancer research. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:7-30. [PMID: 32929562 PMCID: PMC7897192 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in pre-clinical screening tools, that more reliably predict the clinical effects and adverse events of candidate therapeutic agents, has ushered in a new era of drug development and screening. However, given the rapid pace with which these models have emerged, the individual merits of these translational research tools warrant careful evaluation in order to furnish clinical researchers with appropriate information to conduct pre-clinical screening in an accelerated and rational manner. This review assesses the predictive utility of both well-established and emerging pre-clinical methods in terms of their suitability as a screening platform for treatment response, ability to represent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic drug properties, and lastly debates the translational limitations and benefits of these models. To this end, we will describe the current literature on cell culture, organoids, in vivo mouse models, and in silico computational approaches. Particular focus will be devoted to discussing gaps and unmet needs in the literature as well as current advancements and innovations achieved in the field, such as co-clinical trials and future avenues for refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Lee
- Department of Medical Education, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mihailo Miljanic
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Todd Triplett
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Craig Ramirez
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kyaw L Aung
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - S Gail Eckhardt
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Anna Capasso
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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105
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Samaržija I. Post-Translational Modifications That Drive Prostate Cancer Progression. Biomolecules 2021; 11:247. [PMID: 33572160 PMCID: PMC7915076 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While a protein primary structure is determined by genetic code, its specific functional form is mostly achieved in a dynamic interplay that includes actions of many enzymes involved in post-translational modifications. This versatile repertoire is widely used by cells to direct their response to external stimuli, regulate transcription and protein localization and to keep proteostasis. Herein, post-translational modifications with evident potency to drive prostate cancer are explored. A comprehensive list of proteome-wide and single protein post-translational modifications and their involvement in phenotypic outcomes is presented. Specifically, the data on phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, and lipidation in prostate cancer and the enzymes involved are collected. This type of knowledge is especially valuable in cases when cancer cells do not differ in the expression or mutational status of a protein, but its differential activity is regulated on the level of post-translational modifications. Since their driving roles in prostate cancer, post-translational modifications are widely studied in attempts to advance prostate cancer treatment. Current strategies that exploit the potential of post-translational modifications in prostate cancer therapy are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Samaržija
- Laboratory for Epigenomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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106
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Abstract
Metastasis is the most complex and deadly event. Tumor-stromal interface is a place where invasion of tumor cells in the form of single-cell or collective migration occurs, with the latter being less common but more efficient. Initiation of metastasis relies on the tumor cell cross-talking with stromal cells and taking an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in single cells, and a hybrid EMT in collective migratory cells. Stromal cross-talking along with an abnormal leaky vasculature facilitate intravasation of tumor cells, here the cells are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Tumor cells isolated from the primary tumor exploit several mechanisms to maintain their survival including rewiring metabolic demands to use sources available within the new environments, avoiding anoikis cell death when cells are detached from extracellular matrix (ECM), adopting flow mechanic by acquiring platelet shielding and immunosuppression by negating the activity of suppressor immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells. CTCs will adhere to the interstituim of the secondary organ/s, within which the newly arrived disseminative tumor cells (DTCs) undergo either dormancy or proliferation. Metastatic outgrowth is under the influence of several factors, such as the activity of macrophages, impaired autophagy and secondary site inflammatory events. Metastasis can be targeted by multiple ways, such as repressing the promoters of pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation, suppressing environmental contributors, such as hypoxia, oxidative and metabolic stressors, and targeting signaling and cell types that take major contribution to the whole process. These strategies can be used in adjuvant with other therapeutics, such as immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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107
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O'Connor T, Heikenwalder M. CCL2 in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1302:1-14. [PMID: 34286437 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-62658-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is a crucial mediator of immune cell recruitment during microbial infections and tissue damage. CCL2 is also frequently overexpressed in cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment, and a large body of evidence indicates that high CCL2 levels are associated with more aggressive malignancies, a higher probability of metastasis, and poorer outcomes in a wide range of cancers. CCL2 plays a role in recruiting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which adopt a pro-tumorigenic phenotype and support cancer cell survival, facilitate tumor cell invasion, and promote angiogenesis. CCL2 also has direct, TAM-independent effects on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, including recruitment of other myeloid subsets and non-myeloid cells, maintaining an immunosuppressive environment, stimulating tumor cell growth and motility, and promoting angiogenesis. CCL2 also plays important roles in the metastatic cascade, such as creating a pre-metastatic niche in distant organs and promoting tumor cell extravasation across endothelia. Due to its many roles in tumorigenesis and metastatic processes, the CCL2-CCR2 signaling axis is currently being pursued as a potential therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy O'Connor
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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108
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Polycomb group-mediated histone H2A monoubiquitination in epigenome regulation and nuclear processes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5947. [PMID: 33230107 PMCID: PMC7683540 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone posttranslational modifications are key regulators of chromatin-associated processes including gene expression, DNA replication and DNA repair. Monoubiquitinated histone H2A, H2Aub (K118 in Drosophila or K119 in vertebrates) is catalyzed by the Polycomb group (PcG) repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and reversed by the PcG-repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB)/BAP1 complex. Here we critically assess the current knowledge regarding H2Aub deposition and removal, its crosstalk with PcG repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated histone H3K27 methylation, and the recent attempts toward discovering its readers and solving its enigmatic functions. We also discuss mounting evidence of the involvement of H2A ubiquitination in human pathologies including cancer, while highlighting some knowledge gaps that remain to be addressed. Histone H2A monoubiquitination on lysine 119 in vertebrate and lysine 118 in Drosophila (H2Aub) is an epigenomic mark usually associated with gene repression by Polycomb group factors. Here the authors review the current knowledge on the deposition and removal of H2Aub, its function in transcription and other DNA-associated processes as well as its relevance to human disease.
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109
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Hou X, Zhang Y, Han S, Hou B. A novel DNA methylation 10-CpG prognostic signature of disease-free survival reveal that MYBL2 is associated with high risk in prostate cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:1107-1119. [PMID: 33073649 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1838280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy among men in the western world. However, heterogeneity remains a pressing clinical problem. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to screen the prognostic signature. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the target genes associated with high-risk characteristics. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to suggest the molecular mechanism of MYBL2 in PC. In addition, in vitro experiments were carried out to validate the role of MYBL2 in PC. RESULTS Ten DNA methylation sites were selected as the prognostic signature. A high expression of MYBL2 was associated with a poor prognosis in PC patients. The effect of MYBL2 in PC was related to KRAS, AKT, IL21, and ATM. MYBL2 facilitates the proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of PC cells. CONCLUSIONS We developed a DNA methylation 10-CpG prognostic signature to predict the prognosis of PC patients. And the high expression of MYBL2 in PC may be related to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Hou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Postgraduate, China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- School of Postgraduate, China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.,China Medical University , Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Baoxian Hou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shenyang Orthopaedics Hospital , Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
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110
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Feng Y, Pauklin S. Revisiting 3D chromatin architecture in cancer development and progression. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10632-10647. [PMID: 32941624 PMCID: PMC7641747 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development and progression are demarcated by transcriptional dysregulation, which is largely attributed to aberrant chromatin architecture. Recent transformative technologies have enabled researchers to examine the genome organization at an unprecedented dimension and precision. In particular, increasing evidence supports the essential roles of 3D chromatin architecture in transcriptional homeostasis and proposes its alterations as prominent causes of human cancer. In this article, we will discuss the recent findings on enhancers, enhancer-promoter interaction, chromatin topology, phase separation and explore their potential mechanisms in shaping transcriptional dysregulation in cancer progression. In addition, we will propose our views on how to employ state-of-the-art technologies to decode the unanswered questions in this field. Overall, this article motivates the study of 3D chromatin architecture in cancer, which allows for a better understanding of its pathogenesis and develop novel approaches for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Feng
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
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111
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Yang Q, Guo N, Zhou Y, Chen J, Wei Q, Han M. The role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor progression and relevant advance in targeted therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2156-2170. [PMID: 33304783 PMCID: PMC7714989 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages have a leading position in the tumor microenvironment (TME) which paves the way to carcinogenesis. Initially, monocytes and macrophages are recruited to the sites where the tumor develops. Under the guidance of different microenvironmental signals, macrophages would polarize into two functional phenotypes, named as classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). Contrary to the anti-tumor effect of M1, M2 exerts anti-inflammatory and tumorigenic characters. In progressive tumor, M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are in the majority, being vital regulators reacting upon TME. This review elaborates on the role of TAMs in tumor progression. Furthermore, prospective macrophage-focused therapeutic strategies, including drugs not only in clinical trials but also at primary research stages, are summarized followed by a discussion about their clinical application values. Nanoparticulate systems with efficient drug delivery and improved antitumor effect are also summed up in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyao Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ningning Guo
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiejian Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Han
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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112
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Chen Y, Li Y, Zheng G, Zhou P. Construction and analysis of macrophage infiltration related circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in hepatocellular carcinoma. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10198. [PMID: 33150086 PMCID: PMC7583625 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10198] [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: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophage play a crucial role in regulating tumor progression. This study intended to investigate the circular RNA (circRNA) regulatory network associated with macrophage infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The immune cell fractions of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium were calculated by Estimation of the Proportion of Immune and Cancer cells algorithm. The differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified from HCC and adjacent non-tumor cases of TCGA or Gene Expression Omnibus database. The DEmRNAs related to macrophage were selected by weighted gene co-expression network analysis and then utilized to generate the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. A hub circRNA regulatory network was established based on the co-expressed DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs owning contrary correlation with the clinical characteristics, survival and macrophage infiltration level. A gene signature based on the DEmRNAs in hub network was also generated for further evaluation. The circRNA binding bite for miRNA was detected by luciferase assay. RESULTS High macrophage fraction predicted good survival for HCC. A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed by 27 macrophage related DEmRNAs, 21 DEmiRNAs, and 15 DEcircRNAs. Among this network, the expression of hsa-miR-139-5p was negatively correlated with CDCA8, KPNA2, PRC1 or TOP2A. Hsa-miR-139-5p low or targeted DEmRNA high expression was associated with low macrophage infiltration, high grade, advanced stage and poor prognosis of HCC. Additionally, the risk score generated by 4-DEmRNA signature could reflect the macrophage infiltration status and function as an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Finally, hsa_circ_0007456 acting on hsa-miR-139-5p related network was viewed as the hub circRNA regulatory network. Taken together, some circRNA regulatory networks may be associated with macrophage infiltration, which provides clues for mechanism study and therapeutic strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yalin Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanglei Zheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peitao Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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113
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Hassani Najafabadi A, Zhang J, Aikins ME, Najaf Abadi ZI, Liao F, Qin Y, Okeke EB, Scheetz LM, Nam J, Xu Y, Adams D, Lester P, Hetrick T, Schwendeman A, Wicha MS, Chang AE, Li Q, Moon JJ. Cancer Immunotherapy via Targeting Cancer Stem Cells Using Vaccine Nanodiscs. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:7783-7792. [PMID: 32926633 PMCID: PMC7572838 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c03414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) proliferate extensively and drive tumor metastasis and recurrence. CSCs have been identified in over 20 cancer types to date, but it remains unknown how to target and eliminate CSCs in vivo. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a marker that has been used extensively for isolating CSCs. Here we present a novel approach to target and reduce the frequency of ALDHhigh CSCs by vaccination against ALDH. We have identified ALDH1-A1 and ALDH1-A3 epitopes from CSCs and developed synthetic high-density lipoprotein nanodiscs for vaccination against ALDHhigh CSCs. Nanodiscs increased antigen trafficking to lymph nodes and generated robust ALDH-specific T cell responses. Nanodisc vaccination against ALDHhigh CSCs combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy exerted potent antitumor efficacy and prolonged animal survival in multiple murine models. Overall, this is the first demonstration of a simple nanovaccine strategy against CSCs and may lead to new avenues for cancer immunotherapy against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Hassani Najafabadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Marisa E Aikins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zeynab Izadi Najaf Abadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Fei Liao
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Gastroenterology Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - You Qin
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Emeka B Okeke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lindsay M Scheetz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jutaek Nam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - David Adams
- Biomedical Research Core Facilities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Patrick Lester
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Taryn Hetrick
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Anna Schwendeman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Alfred E Chang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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114
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Gwak J, Jeong H, Lee K, Shin JY, Sim T, Na J, Kim J, Ju BG. SFMBT2-Mediated Infiltration of Preadipocytes and TAMs in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2718. [PMID: 32971847 PMCID: PMC7565541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infiltration of diverse cell types into tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in cancer progression including metastasis. We previously reported that SFMBT2 (Scm-like with four mbt domains 2) regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and migration and invasion of cancer cells in prostate cancer. Here we investigated whether the down-regulation of SFMBT2 regulates the infiltration of preadipocytes and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in prostate cancer. We found that the down-regulation of SFMBT2 promotes the infiltration of preadipocytes and TAMs through up-regulation of CXCL8, CCL2, CXCL10, and CCL20 expression in prostate cancer. Expression of CXCL8, CCL2, CXCL10, and CCL20 was also elevated in prostate cancer patients having a higher Gleason score (≥8), which had substantially lower SFMBT2 expression. We also found that the up-regulation of CXCL8, CCL2, CXCL10, and CCL20 expression is dependent on NF-κB activation in prostate cancer cells expressing a low level of SFMBT2. Moreover, increased IL-6 from infiltrated preadipocytes and TAMs promoted migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells expressing a low level of SFMBT2. Our study may suggest that SFMBT2 a critical regulator for the infiltration of preadipocytes and TAMs into the prostate tumor microenvironment. Thus, the regulation of SFMBT2 may provide a new therapeutic strategy to inhibit prostate cancer metastasis, and SFMBT2 could be used as a potential biomarker in prostate cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bong-Gun Ju
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea; (J.G.); (H.J.); (K.L.); (J.Y.S.); (T.S.); (J.N.); (J.K.)
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115
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Zhou P, Zheng G, Li Y, Wu D, Chen Y. Construction of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network Related to Macrophage Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:1026. [PMID: 33101367 PMCID: PMC7500212 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.01026] [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: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in regulating tumor progression. The circular RNA (circRNA) regulatory network involved in immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. In this study, the “estimate the proportion of immune and cancer cells” (EPIC) application is used to evaluate the fractions of immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells in HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Patients with a high macrophage fraction have better overall survival, and macrophage fraction is an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Next, the common differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) between paired tumor and non-tumor tissues are screened out from the TCGA and/or GEO databases. Through spearman correlation analysis, the macrophage-related DEmRNAs are identified to construct a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, which includes 6 DEcircRNAs, 7 DEmiRNAs, and 45 DEmRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis reveals that these DEmRNAs are mainly involved in immune-related processes. Furthermore, six hub DEmRNAs are identified to establish a hub circRNA regulatory network. Among the DEmRNAs in the network, PRC1 is identified as the most influential node. PRC1 high expression is correlated with poor prognosis and low macrophage infiltration in HCC. Taken together, we identify a certain circRNA regulatory network related to macrophage infiltration and provide novel insight into the mechanism of study and therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peitao Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanglei Zheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yalin Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dehua Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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116
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Zhang C, Chen T, Li Z, Liu A, Xu Y, Gao Y, Xu D. Depiction of tumor stemlike features and underlying relationships with hazard immune infiltrations based on large prostate cancer cohorts. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5898211. [PMID: 32856039 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer stemness (PCS) cells have been reported to drive tumor progression, recurrence and drug resistance. However, there is lacking systematical assessment of stemlike indices and associations with immunological properties in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). We thus collected 7 PRAD cohorts with 1465 men and calculated the stemlike indices for each sample using one-class logistic regression machine learning algorithm. We selected the mRNAsi to quantify the stemlike indices that correlated significantly with prognosis and accordingly identified 21 PCS-related CpG loci and 13 pivotal signature. The 13-gene based PCS model possessed high predictive significance for progression-free survival (PFS) that was trained and validated in 7 independent cohorts. Meanwhile, we conducted consensus clustering and classified the total cohorts into 5 PCS clusters with distinct outcomes. Samples in PCScluster5 possessed the highest stemness fractions and suffered from the worst prognosis. Additionally, we implemented the CIBERSORT algorithm to infer the differential abundance across 5 PCS clusters. The activated immune cells (CD8+ T cell and dendritic cells) infiltrated significantly less in PCScluster5 than other clusters, supporting the negative regulations between stemlike indices and anticancer immunity. High mRNAsi was also found to be associated with up-regulation of immunosuppressive checkpoints, like PDL1. Lastly, we used the Connectivity Map (CMap) resource to screen potential compounds for targeting PRAD stemness, including the top hits of cell cycle inhibitor and FOXM1 inhibitor. Taken together, our study comprehensively evaluated the PRAD stemlike indices based on large cohorts and established a 13-gene based classifier for predicting prognosis or potential strategies for stemness treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhe Chen
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongtai Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gaozhou People's Hospital, Gaozhou 525200, China
| | - Ao Liu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Danfeng Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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117
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BMI1 Inhibition Eliminates Residual Cancer Stem Cells after PD1 Blockade and Activates Antitumor Immunity to Prevent Metastasis and Relapse. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:238-253.e6. [PMID: 32697949 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PD1 blockade-based combination therapy has been approved as a first-line treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the response rate remains relatively low, and patients with HNSCC eventually relapse. Here, we show that the combination treatment of anti-PD1 and cisplatin enriched BMI1+ CSCs in HNSCC while inhibiting HNSCC growth. In contrast, the pharmacological and genetic inhibition of BMI1 eliminated BMI1+ CSCs and enabled PD1 blockade therapy, resulting in the inhibition of metastatic HNSCC and prevention of HNSCC relapses. BMI1 inhibition strongly induced tumor cell-intrinsic immune responses by recruiting and activating CD8+ T cells in addition to eliminating BMI1+ CSCs. Mechanistically, BMI1 inhibition induced CD8+ T cell-recruiting chemokines by stimulating IRF3-mediated transcription and erasing repressive H2A ubiquitination. Our results suggest that targeting BMI1 may enable immune checkpoint blockade to inhibit metastatic tumor growth and prevent tumor relapse by activating cell-intrinsic immunity, in addition to purging CSCs.
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118
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Immune escape: A critical hallmark in solid tumors. Life Sci 2020; 258:118110. [PMID: 32698074 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Incapacitated immune system is a characteristic hallmark of solid tumors. Immune system within a tumor undergoes an imbalance in cellular dispersion and functionality. Effector cells are precluded from the invasive margin of tumor; instead, immune suppressor cells are present at high fractions. Conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) like altered metabolism, chronic hypoxia and chronic inflammation are the known predisposing factors, implicated in the immune malfunctioning. Deficiency of innate immune sensing mediated by checkpoint receptors including programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1), CTL-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) hijacked by tumor cells takes a major part of the blame, requiring a need for appropriate strategies in order to bring back the balance in the immune system. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has been in the eye of the current research rendering promising results. The story is not, however, that easy in which it is not so effective for Cold tumors, it may cause severe adverse effects, and that patients may acquire resistance to such therapy; this requires for updating the current knowledge about the immune ecosystem, using tumor type dependent dose calculation and exploiting proper adjuvants in order for evolving desired responses.
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119
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Liu J, Muturi HT, Khuder SS, Helal RA, Ghadieh HE, Ramakrishnan SK, Kaw MK, Lester SG, Al-Khudhair A, Conran PB, Chin KV, Gatto-Weis C, Najjar SM. Loss of Ceacam1 promotes prostate cancer progression in Pten haploinsufficient male mice. Metabolism 2020; 107:154215. [PMID: 32209360 PMCID: PMC7283002 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE PTEN haploinsufficiency plays an important role in prostate cancer development in men. However, monoallelic deletion of Pten gene failed to induce high prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) until Pten+/- mice aged or fed a high-calorie diet. Because CEACAM1, a cell adhesion molecule with a potential tumor suppression activity, is induced in Pten+/- prostates, the study aimed at examining whether the rise of CEACAM1 limited neoplastic progression in Pten+/- prostates. METHODS Pten+/- were crossbred with Cc1-/- mice harboring a null deletion of Ceacam1 gene to produce Pten+/-/Cc1-/- double mutants. Prostates from 7-month old male mice were analyzed histologically and biochemically for PIN progression. RESULTS Deleting Ceacam1 in Pten+/- mice caused an early development of high-grade PIN in parallel to hyperactivation of PI3 kinase/Akt and Ras/MAP kinase pathways, with an increase in cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and inflammation relative to Pten+/- and Cc1-/- individual mutants. It also caused a remarkable increase in lipogenesis in prostate despite maintaining insulin sensitivity. Concomitant Ceacam1 deletion with Pten+/- activated the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways to suppress Irf-8 transcription that in turn, led to a decrease in the expression level of promyelocytic leukemia gene, a well characterized tumor suppressor in prostate. CONCLUSIONS Ceacam1 deletion accelerated high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia in Pten haploinsufficient mice while preserving insulin sensitivity. This demonstrated that the combined loss of Ceacam1 and Pten advanced prostate cancer by increasing lipogenesis and modifying the STAT3-dependent inflammatory microenvironment of prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehnan Liu
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Harrison T Muturi
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Saja S Khuder
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Raghd Abu Helal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Hilda E Ghadieh
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Sadeesh K Ramakrishnan
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Meenakshi K Kaw
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Sumona Ghosh Lester
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ahmed Al-Khudhair
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Philip B Conran
- Department of Pathology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Khew-Voon Chin
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Cara Gatto-Weis
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Sonia M Najjar
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; Diabetes Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
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120
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Aggarwal R, Romero GR, Friedl V, Weinstein A, Foye A, Huang J, Feng F, Stuart JM, Small EJ. Clinical and genomic characterization of Low PSA Secretors: a unique subset of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2020; 24:81-87. [PMID: 32286548 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-020-0228-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic disease burden out of proportion to serum PSA has been used as a marker of aggressive phenotype prostate cancer but is not well defined as a distinct subgroup. We sought to prospectively characterize the molecular features and clinical outcomes of Low PSA Secretors. METHODS Eligible metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients without prior small cell histology underwent metastatic tumor biopsy with molecular characterization. Low PSA secretion was defined as serum PSA < 2, 5, or 10 ng/mL plus >5 metastases with radiographic progression at study entry. Clinical and molecular features were compared between low PSA vs. normal secretors in a post-hoc fashion. RESULTS 183 patients were enrolled, including 15 (8%) identified as Low PSA Secretors using optimal PSA cut point of 5 ng/mL. Biopsies from Low PSA Secretors demonstrated higher t-SCNC and RB1 loss and lower AR transcriptional signature scores compared with normal secretors. Genomic loss of RB1 and/or TP53 was more common in Low PSA Secretors (80% vs. 41%). Overall survival (OS) was shorter in Low PSA Secretors (median OS = 26.7 vs. 46.0 months, hazard ratio = 2.465 (95% CI: 0.982-6.183). Progression-free survival (PFS) on post-biopsy treatment with AR-targeted therapy was shorter than with chemotherapy (median PFS 6.2 vs. 4.1 months). CONCLUSIONS Low PSA secretion in relation to metastatic tumor burden may be a readily available clinical selection tool for de-differentiated mCRPC with molecular features consistent with t-SCNC. Prospective validation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Aggarwal
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | - Verena Friedl
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Adam Foye
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Felix Feng
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Eric J Small
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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121
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Identification of hub genes in hepatocellular carcinoma using integrated bioinformatic analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:5439-5468. [PMID: 32213663 PMCID: PMC7138582 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remain largely undefined. Here, we identified 176 commonly upregulated genes in HCC tissues based on three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. We integrated survival and methylation analyses to further obtain 12 upregulated genes for validation. These genes were overexpressed in HCC tissues at the transcription and protein levels, and increased mRNA levels were related to higher tumor grades and cancer stages. The expression of all markers was negatively associated with overall and disease-free survival in HCC patients. Most of these hub genes can promote HCC proliferation and/or metastasis. These 12 hub genes were also overexpressed and had strong prognostic value in many other cancer types. Methylation and gene copy number analyses indicated that the upregulation of these hub genes was probably due to hypomethylation or increased gene copy numbers. Further, the methylation levels of three genes, KPNA2, MCM3, and LRRC1, were associated with HCC clinical features. Moreover, the levels of most hub genes were related to immune cell infiltration in HCC microenvironments. Finally, we identified three upregulated genes (KPNA2, TARBP1, and RNASEH2A) that could comprehensively and accurately provide diagnostic and prognostic value for HCC patients.
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122
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Obradovic AZ, Dallos MC, Zahurak ML, Partin AW, Schaeffer EM, Ross AE, Allaf ME, Nirschl TR, Liu D, Chapman CG, O'Neal T, Cao H, Durham JN, Guner G, Baena-Del Valle JA, Ertunc O, De Marzo AM, Antonarakis ES, Drake CG. T-Cell Infiltration and Adaptive Treg Resistance in Response to Androgen Deprivation With or Without Vaccination in Localized Prostate Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3182-3192. [PMID: 32173650 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies suggest that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) promotes antitumor immunity in prostate cancer. Whether a vaccine-based approach can augment this effect remains unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a neoadjuvant, randomized study to quantify the immunologic effects of a GM-CSF-secreting allogeneic cellular vaccine in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide (Cy/GVAX) followed by degarelix versus degarelix alone in patients with high-risk localized prostate adenocarcinoma who were planned for radical prostatectomy. RESULTS Both Cy/GVAX plus degarelix and degarelix alone led to significant increases in intratumoral CD8+ T-cell infiltration and PD-L1 expression as compared with a cohort of untreated, matched controls. However, the CD8+ T-cell infiltrate was accompanied by a proportional increase in regulatory T cells (Treg), suggesting that adaptive Treg resistance may dampen the immunogenicity of ADT. Although Cy/GVAX followed by degarelix was associated with a modest improvement in time-to-PSA progression and time-to-next treatment, as well as an increase in PD-L1, there was no difference in the CD8+ T-cell infiltrate as compared with degarelix alone. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that CHIT1, a macrophage marker, was differentially upregulated with Cy/GVAX plus degarelix compared with degarelix alone. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that ADT with or without Cy/GVAX induces a complex immune response within the prostate tumor microenvironment. These data have important implications for combining ADT with immunotherapy. In particular, our finding that ADT increases both CD8+ T cells and Tregs supports the development of regimens combining ADT with Treg-depleting agents in the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Z Obradovic
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Matthew C Dallos
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Marianna L Zahurak
- Department of Oncology and Biostatistics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alan W Partin
- Department of Urology, Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Edward M Schaeffer
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Mohamad E Allaf
- Department of Urology, Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thomas R Nirschl
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Liu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Maryland.,The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Carolyn G Chapman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tanya O'Neal
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Haiyi Cao
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennifer N Durham
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gunes Guner
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Onur Ertunc
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Angelo M De Marzo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emmanuel S Antonarakis
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charles G Drake
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York. .,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.,Department of Urology, Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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123
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Beltraminelli T, De Palma M. Biology and therapeutic targeting of tumour-associated macrophages. J Pathol 2020; 250:573-592. [PMID: 32086811 DOI: 10.1002/path.5403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages sustain tumour progression by facilitating angiogenesis, promoting immunosuppression, and enhancing cancer cell invasion and metastasis. They also modulate tumour response to anti-cancer therapy in pre-clinical models. This knowledge has motivated the development of agents that target tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), some of which have been investigated in early clinical trials. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biology and therapeutic targeting of TAMs, highlighting opportunities, setbacks, and new challenges that have emerged after a decade of intense translational and clinical research into these multifaceted immune cells. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Beltraminelli
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michele De Palma
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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124
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Yang Y, Shi Z, Bai R, Hu W. Heterogeneity of MSI-H gastric cancer identifies a subtype with worse survival. J Med Genet 2020; 58:12-19. [PMID: 32170001 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumour patients generally have a better prognosis than microsatellite-stable (MSS) ones due to the large number of non-synonymous mutations. However, an increasing number of studies have revealed that less than half of MSI-H patients gain survival benefits or symptom alleviation from immune checkpoint-blockade treatment. Thus, an in-depth inspection of heterogeneous MSI-H tumours is urgently required. METHODS Here, we used non-negative matrix factorisation (non-NMF)-based consensus clustering to define stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) MSI-H subtypes in samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas and an Asian cohort, GSE62254. RESULTS MSI-H STAD samples are basically clustered into two subgroups (MSI-H1 and MSI-H2). Further examination of the immune landscape showed that immune suppression factors were enriched in the MSI-H1 subgroup, which may be associated with the poor prognosis in this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Our results illustrate the genetic heterogeneity within MSI-H STADs, with important implications for cancer patient risk stratification, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetics, Ministry of Education, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhong Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Bai
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wangxiong Hu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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125
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Lobo J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Targeting the Immune system and Epigenetic Landscape of Urological Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030829. [PMID: 32012885 PMCID: PMC7037817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, we have witnessed remarkable advances in targeted therapies for cancer patients. There is a growing effort to either replace or reduce the dose of unspecific, systemic (chemo)therapies, given the associated short- and long-term side effects, by introducing more specific targeted therapies as single or combination agents. Due to the well-known implications of the immune system and epigenetic landscape in modulating cancer development, both have been explored as potential targets in several malignancies, including those affecting the genitourinary tract. As the immune system function is also epigenetically regulated, there is rationale for combining both strategies. However, this is still rather underexplored, namely in urological tumors. We aim to briefly review the use of immune therapies in prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer, and further describe studies providing supporting evidence on their combination with epigenetic-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (R.H.)
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Lempiäinen JK, Manjur ABMK, Malinen M, Ketola K, Niskanen EA, Palvimo JJ. BCOR-coupled H2A monoubiquitination represses a subset of androgen receptor target genes regulating prostate cancer proliferation. Oncogene 2020; 39:2391-2407. [PMID: 31925334 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have identified BCL6 corepressor (BCOR) as a hormone-dependent interaction partner of androgen receptor (AR), a key transcription factor in the development of normal and cancerous prostate. BCOR is often mutated in cancers and hematological diseases and as a component of a non-canonical polycomb repressive complex 1 (ncPRC1.1) required for arranging many facets of cellular differentiation. However, its role in androgen signaling or prostate cancer cells remains unknown. Here, our genome-wide analyses reveal that BCOR is recruited in an androgen-dependent fashion to majority of AR-binding chromatin sites in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells. Interestingly, depletion of BCOR has a significant effect on the expression of androgen-repressed genes linked to regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and development. At many of these genes, such as HOX genes, the depletion leads to a decrease in H2A K119 monoubiquitination and an increase in mRNA expression. Consistently, BCOR depletion impairs the proliferation and viability of CRPC cells, inducing their apoptosis. Collectively, our data indicate a key role for the BCOR-ncPRC1.1 complex in the corepression of an important subset of AR target genes and the regulation of prostate cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marjo Malinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Kirsi Ketola
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Einari A Niskanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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127
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Tian X, Wu Y, Yang Y, Wang J, Niu M, Gao S, Qin T, Bao D. Long noncoding RNA LINC00662 promotes M2 macrophage polarization and hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Mol Oncol 2019; 14:462-483. [PMID: 31785055 PMCID: PMC6998656 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages have important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have also been reported to be involved in HCC. In this study, we explored how lncRNA LINC00662 may influence HCC progression through both tumor cell-dependent and macrophage-dependent mechanisms. LINC00662 was found to be upregulated in HCC, and high LINC00662 levels correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. LINC00662 upregulated WNT3A expression and secretion via competitively binding miR-15a, miR-16, and miR-107. Through inducing WNT3A secretion, LINC00662 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC cells in an autocrine manner and further promoted HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and tumor cell invasion, while repressing HCC cell apoptosis. In addition, acting through WNT3A secretion, LINC00662 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in macrophages in a paracrine manner and further promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and M2 macrophages polarization, LINC00662 significantly promoted HCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Hence, targeting LINC00662 may provide novel therapeutic strategy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yating Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Menglan Niu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shanjun Gao
- Microbiome Laboratory, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dengke Bao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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128
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Abstract
In this issue of Cancer Cell, Su et al. demonstrate that epigenetic reprogramming by Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) promotes an inflammatory tumor microenvironment in a subtype of metastatic prostate cancer, and show that a PRC1 inhibitor can synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors to suppress metastasis in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Shen
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics and Development, Urology, and Systems Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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