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Xu Q, La T, Ye K, Wang L, Wang S, Hu Y, Teng L, Yan L, Li J, Zhang Z, Shao Z, Zhang YY, Zhao XH, Feng YC, Jin L, Baker M, Thorne RF, Zhang XD, Shao F, Cao H. KMT2A and chronic inflammation as potential drivers of sporadic parathyroid adenoma. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1734. [PMID: 38888967 PMCID: PMC11185127 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporadic parathyroid adenoma (PA) is the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism, yet the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. METHODS Surgically removed PA samples, along with normal parathyroid gland (PG) tissues that were incidentally dissected during total thyroidectomy, were analysed using single-cell RNA-sequencing with the 10× Genomics Chromium Droplet platform and Cell Ranger software. Gene set variation analysis was conducted to characterise hallmark pathway gene signatures, and single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering were utilised to analyse transcription factor regulons. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to validate cellular components of PA tissues. siRNA knockdown and gene overexpression, alongside quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and cell proliferation assays, were conducted for functional investigations. RESULTS There was a pervasive increase in gene transcription in PA cells (PACs) compared with PG cells. This is associated with high expression of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A). High KMT2A levels potentially contribute to promoting PAC proliferation through upregulation of the proto-oncogene CCND2, which is mediated by the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3). PA tissues are heavily infiltrated with myeloid cells, while fibroblasts, endothelial cells and macrophages in PA tissues are commonly enriched with proinflammatory gene signatures relative to their counterparts in PG tissues. CONCLUSIONS We revealed the previously underappreciated involvement of the KMT2A‒STAT3/GATA3‒CCND2 axis and chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of PA. These findings underscore the therapeutic promise of KMT2A inhibition and anti-inflammatory strategies, highlighting the need for future investigations to translate these molecular insights into practical applications. HIGHLIGHTS Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals a transcriptome catalogue comparing sporadic parathyroid adenomas (PAs) with normal parathyroid glands. PA cells show a pervasive increase in gene expression linked to KMT2A upregulation. KMT2A-mediated STAT3 and GATA3 upregulation is key to promoting PA cell proliferation via cyclin D2. PAs exhibit a proinflammatory microenvironment, suggesting a potential role of chronic inflammation in PA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Ting La
- National‐Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis & BiotherapyThe Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Kaihong Ye
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Li Wang
- School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Shasha Wang
- Department of NephrologyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yifeng Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Liu Teng
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Lei Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Jinming Li
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Zehua Shao
- Children's Heart CenterHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Yuan Yuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Xiao Hong Zhao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yu Chen Feng
- School of Medicine and Public HealthThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lei Jin
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- School of Medicine and Public HealthThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rick F. Thorne
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Feng‐Min Shao
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Huixia Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
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Yoshimoto S, Okamura K. Tumor microenvironment of ameloblastoma with a focus on osteoclastogenesis, cell migration, and malignant transformation. J Oral Biosci 2024; 66:314-319. [PMID: 38734178 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Odontogenic tumors arise in the jawbone and originate from cells associated with tooth development. Therefore, understanding odontogenic tumors requires knowledge of all aspects of dental research, including tooth development and eruption. Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor. HIGHLIGHT Although a benign tumor, ameloblastoma progresses with marked jawbone resorption. Because of its locally aggressive features, it can be treated surgically by resecting the surrounding bone. From a molecular pathology perspective, several genetic mutations and dysregulated signaling pathways involved in ameloblastoma tumorigenesis have been identified. Histopathologically, ameloblastomas consist of peripheral ameloblast-like cells and an inner stellate reticulum. The stromal region consists of fibrovascular connective tissue, showing a characteristic sparse myxoid histology. In general, the tumor microenvironment, including the surrounding non-tumor cells, contributes to tumorigenesis and progression. In this review, we focus on the tumor microenvironment of ameloblastomas. In addition, we present some of our recent studies on osteoclastogenesis, tubulin acetylation-induced cell migration, and hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ameloblastomas. CONCLUSION Further research on ameloblastomas can lead to the development of new treatments and improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Yoshimoto
- Section of Pathology, Department of Morphological Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan; Oral Medicine Research Center, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Okamura
- Section of Pathology, Department of Morphological Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
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Salminen A, Kaarniranta K, Kauppinen A. Tissue fibroblasts are versatile immune regulators: An evaluation of their impact on the aging process. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102296. [PMID: 38588867 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are abundant stromal cells which not only control the integrity of extracellular matrix (ECM) but also act as immune regulators. It is known that the structural cells within tissues can establish an organ-specific immunity expressing many immune-related genes and closely interact with immune cells. In fact, fibroblasts can modify their immune properties to display both pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities in a context-dependent manner. After acute insults, fibroblasts promote tissue inflammation although they concurrently recruit immunosuppressive cells to enhance the resolution of inflammation. In chronic pathological states, tissue fibroblasts, especially senescent fibroblasts, can display many pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and stimulate the activities of different immunosuppressive cells. In return, immunosuppressive cells, such as M2 macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), evoke an excessive conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, thus aggravating the severity of tissue fibrosis. Single-cell transcriptome studies on fibroblasts isolated from aged tissues have confirmed that tissue fibroblasts express many genes coding for cytokines, chemokines, and complement factors, whereas they lose some fibrogenic properties. The versatile immune properties of fibroblasts and their close cooperation with immune cells indicate that tissue fibroblasts have a crucial role in the aging process and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland.
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland; Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, KYS FI-70029, Finland
| | - Anu Kauppinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland
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104
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Qin Q, Yu R, Eriksson JE, Tsai HI, Zhu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216859. [PMID: 38615928 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid organ malignancy with a high mortality rate. Statistics indicate that its incidence has been increasing as well as the associated deaths. Most patients with PDAC show poor response to therapies making the clinical management of this cancer difficult. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the development of resistance to therapy in PDAC cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most prevalent stromal cells in the TME, promote a desmoplastic response, produce extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and directly influence the biological behavior of cancer cells. These multifaceted effects make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells from the body. As a result, CAF-targeting synergistic therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, due to the substantial heterogeneity in CAF origin, definition, and function, as well as high plasticity, majority of the available CAF-targeting therapeutic approaches are not effective, and in some cases, they exacerbate disease progression. This review primarily elucidates on the effect of CAFs on therapeutic efficiency of various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Strategies for CAF targeting therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FI-20520 Finland
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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105
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Yamashita K, Kumamoto Y. CAFs-Associated Genes (CAFGs) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Novel Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6003. [PMID: 38892190 PMCID: PMC11172745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive cancer with striking fibrosis, and its mortality rate is ranked second across human cancers. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a critical role in PDAC progression, and we reviewed the molecular understanding of PDAC CAFs and novel therapeutic potential at present. CAFs-associated genes (CAFGs) were tentatively classified into three categories by stroma specificity representing stroma/epithelia expression ratios (SE ratios). The recent classification using single cell transcriptome technology clarified that CAFs were composed of myofibroblasts (myCAFs), inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), and other minor ones (e.g., POSTN-CAFs and antigen presenting CAFs, apCAFs). LRRC15 is a myCAFs marker, and myCAFs depletion by diphtheria toxin induces the rapid accumulation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and therefore augment PDL1 antibody treatments. This finding proposes that myCAFs may be a critical regulator of tumor immunity in terms of PDAC progression. myCAFs are located in CAFs adjacent to tumor cells, while iCAFs marked by PDPN and/or COL14A1 are distant from tumor cells, where hypoxic and acidic environments being located in iCAFs putatively due to poor blood supply is consistent with HIF1A and GPR68 expressions. iCAFs may be shared with SASP (secretion-associated phenotypes) in senescent CAFs. myCAFs are classically characterized by CAFGs induced by TGFB1, while chemoresistant CAFs with SASP may dependent on IL6 expression and accompanied by STAT3 activation. Recently, it was found that the unique metabolism of CAFs can be targeted to prevent PDAC progression, where PDAC cells utilize glucose, whereas CAFs in turn utilize lactate, which may be epigenetically regulated, mediated by its target genes including CXCR4. In summary, CAFs have unique molecular characteristics, which have been rigorously clarified as novel therapeutic targets of PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishi Yamashita
- Division of Advanced Surgical Oncology, Research and Development Center for New Medical Frontiers, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kitasato 1-15-1, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0374, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kumamoto
- Department of General-Pediatric-Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara 252-0374, Japan;
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Dhungel N, Dragoi AM. Exploring the multifaceted role of direct interaction between cancer cells and fibroblasts in cancer progression. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1379971. [PMID: 38863965 PMCID: PMC11165130 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1379971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells is a complex and mutually beneficial system that leads to rapid cancer cells proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. It is now recognized that cancer cells are not isolated, and tumor progression is governed among others, by many components of the TME. The reciprocal cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment can be indirect through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and paracrine signaling through exosomes, cytokines, and growth factors, or direct by cell-to-cell contact mediated by cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules. Among TME components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of unique interest. As one of the most abundant components of the TME, CAFs play key roles in the reorganization of the extracellular matrix, facilitating metastasis and chemotherapy evasion. Both direct and indirect roles have been described for CAFs in modulating tumor progression. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding the role of direct contact between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in driving tumor development and metastasis. We also summarize recent findings on the role of direct contact between cancer cells and CAFs in chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
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Lior C, Barki D, Halperin C, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Kelsen D, Shouval RS. Mapping the tumor stress network reveals dynamic shifts in the stromal oxidative stress response. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114236. [PMID: 38758650 PMCID: PMC11156623 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) presents cells with challenges such as variable pH, hypoxia, and free radicals, triggering stress responses that affect cancer progression. In this study, we examine the stress response landscape in four carcinomas-breast, pancreas, ovary, and prostate-across five pathways: heat shock, oxidative stress, hypoxia, DNA damage, and unfolded protein stress. Using a combination of experimental and computational methods, we create an atlas of stress responses across various types of carcinomas. We find that stress responses vary within the TME and are especially active near cancer cells. Focusing on the non-immune stroma we find, across tumor types, that NRF2 and the oxidative stress response are distinctly activated in immune-regulatory cancer-associated fibroblasts and in a unique subset of cancer-associated pericytes. Our study thus provides an interactome of stress responses in cancer, offering ways to intersect survival pathways within the tumor, and advance cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lior
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Debra Barki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Coral Halperin
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Kelsen
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Scherz- Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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108
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Milosevic V, Östman A. Interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts and T-cells: functional crosstalk with targeting and biomarker potential. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10710. [PMID: 38863724 PMCID: PMC11165253 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous cell population recognized as a key component of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts are known to play an important role in maintaining and remodelling the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumour stroma, supporting cancer progression and inhibiting the immune system's response against cancer cells. This review aims to summarize the immunomodulatory roles of CAFs, particularly focussing on their T-cell suppressive effects. Cancer-associated fibroblasts have several ways by which they can affect the tumour's immune microenvironment (TIME). For example, their interactions with macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) create an immunosuppressive milieu that can indirectly affect T-cell anticancer immunity and enable immune evasion. In addition, a number of recent studies have confirmed CAF-mediated direct suppressive effects on T-cell anticancer capacity through ECM remodelling, promoting the expression of immune checkpoints, cytokine secretion and the release of extracellular vesicles. The consequential impact of CAFs on T-cell function is then reflected in affecting T-cell proliferation and apoptosis, migration and infiltration, differentiation and exhaustion. Emerging evidence highlights the existence of specific CAF subsets with distinct capabilities to modulate the immune landscape of TME in various cancers, suggesting the possibility of their exploitation as possible prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladan Milosevic
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Arne Östman
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Tansi FL, Schrepper A, Schwarzer M, Teichgräber U, Hilger I. Identifying the Morphological and Molecular Features of a Cell-Based Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model during Growth over Time. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5619. [PMID: 38891809 PMCID: PMC11171605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), characterized by hypovascularity, hypoxia, and desmoplastic stroma is one of the deadliest malignancies in humans, with a 5-year survival rate of only 7%. The anatomical location of the pancreas and lack of symptoms in patients with early onset of disease accounts for late diagnosis. Consequently, 85% of patients present with non-resectable, locally advanced, or advanced metastatic disease at diagnosis and rely on alternative therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and others. The response to these therapies highly depends on the stage of disease at the start of therapy. It is, therefore, vital to consider the stages of PDAC models in preclinical studies when testing new therapeutics and treatment modalities. We report a standardized induction of cell-based orthotopic pancreatic cancer models in mice and the identification of vital features of their progression by ultrasound imaging and histological analysis of the level of pancreatic stellate cells, mature fibroblasts, and collagen. The results highlight that early-stage primary tumors are secluded in the pancreas and advance towards infiltrating the omentum at week 5-7 post implantation of the BxPC-3 and Panc-1 models investigated. Late stages show extensive growth, the infiltration of the omentum and/or stomach wall, metastases, augmented fibroblasts, and collagen levels. The findings can serve as suggestions for defining growth parameter-based stages of orthotopic pancreatic cancer models for the preclinical testing of drug efficacy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felista L. Tansi
- Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Andrea Schrepper
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Michael Schwarzer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Ulf Teichgräber
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hilger
- Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Liu Y, Han X, Han Y, Bi J, Wu Y, Xiang D, Zhang Y, Bi W, Xu M, Li J. Integrated transcriptomic analysis systematically reveals the heterogeneity and molecular characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts in osteosarcoma. Gene 2024; 907:148286. [PMID: 38367852 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS), with a peak incidence during the adolescent growth spurt, is correlated with poor prognosis for its high malignancy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly complicated, with frequent interactions between tumor and stromal cells. The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME have been considered to actively involve in the progression, metastasis, and drug resistance of OS. This study aimed to characterize cellular heterogeneity and molecular characterization in CAFs subtypes and explore the potential targeting therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of OS patients. METHODS The single-cell atlas of human OS tumor lesions were constructed from the GEO database. Then significant marker genes and potential biological functions for each CAFs subtype were identified and explored using the Seurat R package. Next, by performing the survival analyses and constructing the risk scores for CAFs subtypes, we aimed to identify and characterize the prognostic values of specific marker genes and different CAFs subtypes. Furthermore, we explored the therapeutic targets and innovative drugs targeting different CAFs subtypes based on the GDSC database. Finally, prognoses related CAFs subtypes were further validated through immunohistochemistry (IHC) on clinical OS specimens. RESULTS Overall, nine main cell clusters and five subtypes of CAFs were identified. The differentially expressed marker genes for each CAFs clusters were then identified. Moreover, through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we defined the CAFs_2 (upregulated CXCL14 and C3), which was closely related to leukocyte migration and chemotaxis, as inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs). Likewise, we defined the CAFs_4 (upregulated CD74, HLA-DRA and HLA-DRB1), which was closely related to antigen process and presentation, as antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that CAFs_2 and CAFs_4 were correlated with poor clinical prognosis of OS patients. Meanwhile, therapeutic drugs targeting CAFs_2 and CAFs_4, such as 17-AAG/Docetaxel/Bleomycin and PHA-793887/NG-25/KIN001-102, were also explored, respectively. Finally, IHC assay confirmed the abundant CAFs_2 and CAFs_4 subtypes infiltration in the OS microenvironment compared with adjacent tissues. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the diversity, complexity, and heterogeneity of CAFs in OS, and complemented the single-cell atlas in OS TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China; Chinese PLA Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Xinli Han
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China
| | - Yuchen Han
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jingyou Bi
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yanan Wu
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Dongquan Xiang
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yinglong Zhang
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wenzhi Bi
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Jianxiong Li
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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Peng XL, Kharitonova EV, Xu Y, Kearney JF, Luan C, Chan PS, Hariharan A, McCabe IC, Leary JR, Morrison AB, Trembath HE, LaBella ME, Herera Loeza SG, Cliff A, Kim HJ, Belt BA, Panni RZ, Linehan DC, Damrauer JS, Iuga AC, Kim WY, Rashid NU, Yeh JJ. Determination of permissive and restraining cancer-associated fibroblast (DeCAF) subtypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594197. [PMID: 38798565 PMCID: PMC11118336 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subpopulations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been identified using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) with divergent characteristics, but their clinical relevance remains unclear. We translate scRNAseq-derived CAF cell-subpopulation-specific marker genes to bulk RNAseq data, and develop a single- sample classifier, DeCAF, for the classification of clinically rest raining and perm issive CAF subtypes. We validate DeCAF in 19 independent bulk transcriptomic datasets across four tumor types (PDAC, mesothelioma, bladder and renal cell carcinoma). DeCAF subtypes have distinct histology features, immune landscapes, and are prognostic and predict response to therapy across cancer types. We demonstrate that DeCAF is clinically replicable and robust for the classification of CAF subtypes in patients for multiple tumor types, providing a better framework for the future development and translation of therapies against permissive CAF subtypes and preservation of restraining CAF subtypes. Significance We introduce a replicable and robust classifier, DeCAF, that delineates the significance of the role of permissive and restraining CAF subtypes in cancer patients. DeCAF is clinically tractable, prognostic and predictive of treatment response in multiple cancer types and lays the translational groundwork for the preclinical and clinical development of CAF subtype specific therapies.
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113
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Kazakova AN, Lukina MM, Anufrieva KS, Bekbaeva IV, Ivanova OM, Shnaider PV, Slonov A, Arapidi GP, Shender VO. Exploring the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts: insights into mechanisms of drug resistance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1403122. [PMID: 38818409 PMCID: PMC11137237 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1403122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Among the various stromal cell types within the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as the predominant constituent, exhibiting a diverse array of oncogenic functions not intrinsic to normal fibroblasts. Their involvement spans across all stages of tumorigenesis, encompassing initiation, progression, and metastasis. Current understanding posits the coexistence of distinct subpopulations of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment across a spectrum of solid tumors, showcasing both pro- and antitumor activities. Recent advancements in single-cell transcriptomics have revolutionized our ability to meticulously dissect the heterogeneity inherent to CAF populations. Furthermore, accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of CAFs in conferring therapeutic resistance to tumors against various drug modalities. Consequently, efforts are underway to develop pharmacological agents specifically targeting CAFs. Methods: This review embarks on a comprehensive analysis, consolidating data from 36 independent single-cell RNA sequencing investigations spanning 17 distinct human malignant tumor types. Results: Our exploration centers on elucidating CAF population markers, discerning their prognostic relevance, delineating their functional contributions, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms orchestrating chemoresistance. Discussion: Finally, we deliberate on the therapeutic potential of harnessing CAFs as promising targets for intervention strategies in clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N. Kazakova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria M. Lukina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Ksenia S. Anufrieva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Bekbaeva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Olga M. Ivanova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina V. Shnaider
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Slonov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgij P. Arapidi
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria O. Shender
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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114
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Musiu C, Lupo F, Agostini A, Lionetto G, Bevere M, Paiella S, Carbone C, Corbo V, Ugel S, De Sanctis F. Cellular collusion: cracking the code of immunosuppression and chemo resistance in PDAC. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341079. [PMID: 38817612 PMCID: PMC11137177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still highly lethal. Therapeutic challenges reside in late diagnosis and establishment of peculiar tumor microenvironment (TME) supporting tumor outgrowth. This stromal landscape is highly heterogeneous between patients and even in the same patient. The organization of functional sub-TME with different cellular compositions provides evolutive advantages and sustains therapeutic resistance. Tumor progressively establishes a TME that can suit its own needs, including proliferation, stemness and invasion. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells, the main non-neoplastic cellular TME components, follow soluble factors-mediated neoplastic instructions and synergize to promote chemoresistance and immune surveillance destruction. Unveiling heterotypic stromal-neoplastic interactions is thus pivotal to breaking this synergism and promoting the reprogramming of the TME toward an anti-tumor milieu, improving thus the efficacy of conventional and immune-based therapies. We underscore recent advances in the characterization of immune and fibroblast stromal components supporting or dampening pancreatic cancer progression, as well as novel multi-omic technologies improving the current knowledge of PDAC biology. Finally, we put into context how the clinic will translate the acquired knowledge to design new-generation clinical trials with the final aim of improving the outcome of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Musiu
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Lupo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lionetto
- General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Institute, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Paiella
- General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Institute, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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115
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Sánchez-Ramírez D, Mendoza-Rodríguez MG, Alemán OR, Candanedo-González FA, Rodríguez-Sosa M, Montesinos-Montesinos JJ, Salcedo M, Brito-Toledo I, Vaca-Paniagua F, Terrazas LI. Impact of STAT-signaling pathway on cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and its role in immunosuppression. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1705-1724. [PMID: 38764833 PMCID: PMC11099434 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest types of cancer worldwide. CRC displays a desmoplastic reaction (DR) that has been inversely associated with poor prognosis; less DR is associated with a better prognosis. This reaction generates excessive connective tissue, in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical cells that form a part of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through different mechanisms. However, their role in immunosuppression in CRC is not well understood, and the precise role of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in mediating CAF activity in CRC remains unclear. Among the myriad chemical and biological factors that affect CAFs, different cytokines mediate their function by activating STAT signaling pathways. Thus, the harmful effects of CAFs in favoring tumor growth and invasion may be modulated using STAT inhibitors. Here, we analyze the impact of different STATs on CAF activity and their immunoregulatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Sánchez-Ramírez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mónica G Mendoza-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Omar R Alemán
- Department of Biology, Facultad de Quimica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando A Candanedo-González
- Department of Pathology, National Medical Center Century XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Miriam Rodríguez-Sosa
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan José Montesinos-Montesinos
- Laboratorio de Células Troncales Mesenquimales, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Salcedo
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina y Oncologia Genomica, Instituto Mexciano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 07300, Mexico
| | - Ismael Brito-Toledo
- Servicio de Colon y Recto, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Felipe Vaca-Paniagua
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Luis I Terrazas
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
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116
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Rauth S, Malafa M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Cancer Targeted Therapies: Harnessing Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Factors, and Metabolomics Insights. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04917-5. [PMID: 38759843 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment strategies for patients with GI tumors have focused on oncogenic molecular profiles associated with tumor cells. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor cell functions are modulated by its microenvironment, compromising fibroblasts, extracellular matrices, microbiome, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system. Along with the tumor microenvironment components, alterations in key metabolic pathways have emerged as a hallmark of tumor cells. From these perspectives, this review will highlight the functions of different cellular components of the GI tumor microenvironment and their implications for treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the major metabolic reprogramming in GI tumor cells and how understanding metabolic rewiring could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Finally, we briefly summarize the targeted agents currently being studied in GI cancers. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors during tumor progression is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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117
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Jamali M, Barar E, Shi J. Unveiling the Molecular Landscape of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights into the Role of the COMPASS-like Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5069. [PMID: 38791111 PMCID: PMC11121229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is poised to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Genetic and epigenetic alterations, including those involving the COMPASS-like complex genes, have emerged as critical drivers of PDAC progression. This review explores the genetic and epigenetic landscape of PDAC, focusing on the role of the COMPASS-like complex in regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Specifically, we delve into the functions of key components such as KDM6A, KMT2D, KMT2C, KMT2A, and KMT2B, highlighting their significance as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for developing novel treatment modalities for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Jamali
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Erfaneh Barar
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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118
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Abraham T, Armold M, McGovern C, Harms JF, Darok MC, Gigliotti C, Adair B, Gray JL, Kelly DF, Adair JH, Matters GL. CCK Receptor Inhibition Reduces Pancreatic Tumor Fibrosis and Promotes Nanoparticle Delivery. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1024. [PMID: 38790986 PMCID: PMC11118934 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients is due in part to the highly fibrotic nature of the tumors that impedes delivery of therapeutics, including nanoparticles (NPs). Our prior studies demonstrated that proglumide, a cholecystokinin receptor (CCKR) antagonist, reduced fibrosis pervading PanIN lesions in mice. Here, we further detail how the reduced fibrosis elicited by proglumide achieves the normalization of the desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) and improves nanoparticle uptake. One week following the orthotopic injection of PDAC cells, mice were randomized to normal or proglumide-treated water for 3-6 weeks. Tumors were analyzed ex vivo for fibrosis, vascularity, stellate cell activation, vascular patency, and nanoparticle distribution. The histological staining and three-dimensional imaging of tumors each indicated a reduction in stromal collagen in proglumide-treated mice. Proglumide treatment increased tumor vascularity and decreased the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Additionally, PANC-1 cells with the shRNA-mediated knockdown of the CCK2 receptor showed an even greater reduction in collagen, indicating the CCK2 receptors on tumor cells contribute to the desmoplastic TME. Proglumide-mediated reduction in fibrosis also led to functional changes in the TME as evidenced by the enhanced intra-tumoral distribution of small (<12 nm) Rhodamine-loaded nanoparticles. The documented in vivo, tumor cell-intrinsic anti-fibrotic effects of CCK2R blockade in both an immunocompetent syngeneic murine PDAC model as well as a human PDAC xenograft model demonstrates that CCK2R antagonists, such as proglumide, can improve the delivery of nano-encapsulated therapeutics or imaging agents to pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Abraham
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - Michael Armold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - Christopher McGovern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - John F. Harms
- Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA
| | - Matthew C. Darok
- Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA
| | - Christopher Gigliotti
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 407 Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bernadette Adair
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 407 Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Gray
- N-022 Millennium Science Complex, Materials Research Institute, Pollock Road, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Deborah F. Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Structural Oncology, 506 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | - James H. Adair
- Departments of Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Gail L. Matters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
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119
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Guinn S, Kinny-Köster B, Tandurella JA, Mitchell JT, Sidiropoulos DN, Loth M, Lyman MR, Pucsek AB, Zabransky DJ, Lee JW, Kartalia E, Ramani M, Seppälä TT, Cherry C, Suri R, Zlomke H, Patel J, He J, Wolfgang CL, Yu J, Zheng L, Ryan DP, Ting DT, Kimmelman A, Gupta A, Danilova L, Elisseeff JH, Wood LD, Stein-O’Brien G, Kagohara LT, Jaffee EM, Burkhart RA, Fertig EJ, Zimmerman JW. Transfer Learning Reveals Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Are Associated with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Inflammation in Cancer Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1517-1533. [PMID: 38587552 PMCID: PMC11065624 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment enriched with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). This study used a convergence approach to identify tumor cell and CAF interactions through the integration of single-cell data from human tumors with human organoid coculture experiments. Analysis of a comprehensive atlas of PDAC single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that CAF density is associated with increased inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cells. Transfer learning using transcriptional data from patient-derived organoid and CAF cocultures provided in silico validation of CAF induction of inflammatory and EMT epithelial cell states. Further experimental validation in cocultures demonstrated integrin beta 1 (ITGB1) and vascular endothelial factor A (VEGFA) interactions with neuropilin-1 mediating CAF-epithelial cell cross-talk. Together, this study introduces transfer learning from human single-cell data to organoid coculture analyses for experimental validation of discoveries of cell-cell cross-talk and identifies fibroblast-mediated regulation of EMT and inflammation. SIGNIFICANCE Adaptation of transfer learning to relate human single-cell RNA sequencing data to organoid-CAF cocultures facilitates discovery of human pancreatic cancer intercellular interactions and uncovers cross-talk between CAFs and tumor cells through VEGFA and ITGB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Guinn
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Benedict Kinny-Köster
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Joseph A. Tandurella
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jacob T. Mitchell
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Dimitrios N. Sidiropoulos
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Melanie Loth
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Melissa R. Lyman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alexandra B. Pucsek
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Daniel J. Zabransky
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jae W. Lee
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Emma Kartalia
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mili Ramani
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Toni T. Seppälä
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital
| | - Christopher Cherry
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Reecha Suri
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Haley Zlomke
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jignasha Patel
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jin He
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Jun Yu
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - David P. Ryan
- The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David T. Ting
- The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alec Kimmelman
- Department of Radiation Oncology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Anuj Gupta
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jennifer H. Elisseeff
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Laura D. Wood
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Genevieve Stein-O’Brien
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Luciane T. Kagohara
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Richard A. Burkhart
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jacquelyn W. Zimmerman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg Kimmel Immunology Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Hisano K, Mizuuchi Y, Ohuchida K, Kawata J, Torata N, Zhang J, Katayama N, Tsutsumi C, Nakamura S, Okuda S, Otsubo Y, Tamura K, Nagayoshi K, Ikenaga N, Shindo K, Nakata K, Oda Y, Nakamura M. Microenvironmental changes in familial adenomatous polyposis during colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. Cancer Lett 2024; 589:216822. [PMID: 38521200 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a heritable disease that increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) development because of heterozygous mutations in APC. Little is known about the microenvironment of FAP. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on matched normal tissues, adenomas, and carcinomas from four patients with FAP. We analyzed the transcriptomes of 56,225 unsorted single cells, revealing the heterogeneity of each cell type, and compared gene expression among tissues. Then we compared the gene expression with that of sporadic CRC. Furthermore, we analyzed specimens of 26 FAP patients and 40 sporadic CRC patients by immunohistochemistry. Immunosuppressiveness of myeloid cells, fibroblasts, and regulatory T cells was upregulated even in the early stages of carcinogenesis. CD8+ T cells became exhausted only in carcinoma, although the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells was gradually increased according to the carcinogenic step. When compared with those in the sporadic CRC microenvironment, the composition and function of each cell type in the FAP-derived CRC microenvironment had differences. Our findings indicate that an immunosuppressive microenvironment is constructed from a precancerous stage in FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Hisano
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mizuuchi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Jun Kawata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Anatomical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Torata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoki Katayama
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Chikanori Tsutsumi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shoichi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sho Okuda
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Otsubo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Tamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kinuko Nagayoshi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoki Ikenaga
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Shindo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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121
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Wehrli M, Guinn S, Birocchi F, Kuo A, Sun Y, Larson RC, Almazan AJ, Scarfò I, Bouffard AA, Bailey SR, Anekal PV, Llopis PM, Nieman LT, Song Y, Xu KH, Berger TR, Kann MC, Leick MB, Silva H, Salas-Benito D, Kienka T, Grauwet K, Armstrong TD, Zhang R, Zhu Q, Fu J, Schmidts A, Korell F, Jan M, Choi BD, Liss AS, Boland GM, Ting DT, Burkhart RA, Jenkins RW, Zheng L, Jaffee EM, Zimmerman JW, Maus MV. Mesothelin CAR T Cells Secreting Anti-FAP/Anti-CD3 Molecules Efficiently Target Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and its Stroma. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1859-1877. [PMID: 38393682 PMCID: PMC11062832 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Targeting solid tumors with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells remains challenging due to heterogenous target antigen expression, antigen escape, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a thick stroma generated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), which may contribute to the limited efficacy of mesothelin-directed CAR T cells in early-phase clinical trials. To provide a more favorable TME for CAR T cells to target pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we generated T cells with an antimesothelin CAR and a secreted T-cell-engaging molecule (TEAM) that targets CAF through fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and engages T cells through CD3 (termed mesoFAP CAR-TEAM cells). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using a suite of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo patient-derived models containing cancer cells and CAF, we examined the ability of mesoFAP CAR-TEAM cells to target PDAC cells and CAF within the TME. We developed and used patient-derived ex vivo models, including patient-derived organoids with patient-matched CAF and patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids. RESULTS We demonstrated specific and significant binding of the TEAM to its respective antigens (CD3 and FAP) when released from mesothelin-targeting CAR T cells, leading to T-cell activation and cytotoxicity of the target cell. MesoFAP CAR-TEAM cells were superior in eliminating PDAC and CAF compared with T cells engineered to target either antigen alone in our ex vivo patient-derived models and in mouse models of PDAC with primary or metastatic liver tumors. CONCLUSIONS CAR-TEAM cells enable modification of tumor stroma, leading to increased elimination of PDAC tumors. This approach represents a promising treatment option for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Wehrli
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Guinn
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Filippo Birocchi
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam Kuo
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Larson
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio J. Almazan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Scarfò
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda A. Bouffard
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefanie R. Bailey
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Linda T. Nieman
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuhui Song
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine H. Xu
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Trisha R. Berger
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael C. Kann
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark B. Leick
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harrison Silva
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diego Salas-Benito
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tamina Kienka
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Korneel Grauwet
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Todd D. Armstrong
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juan Fu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Schmidts
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Felix Korell
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Max Jan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bryan D. Choi
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew S. Liss
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Genevieve M. Boland
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - David T. Ting
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard A. Burkhart
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Russell W. Jenkins
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacquelyn W. Zimmerman
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcela V. Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
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122
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Zhang X, Zhu R, Yu D, Wang J, Yan Y, Xu K. Single-cell RNA sequencing to explore cancer-associated fibroblasts heterogeneity: "Single" vision for "heterogeneous" environment. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13592. [PMID: 38158643 PMCID: PMC11056715 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous stromal cell, are one of the most important components of the tumour microenvironment. Previous studies have consolidated it as a promising target against cancer. However, variable therapeutic efficacy-both protumor and antitumor effects have been observed not least owing to the strong heterogeneity of CAFs. Over the past 10 years, advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies had a dramatic effect on biomedical research, enabling the analysis of single cell transcriptomes with unprecedented resolution and throughput. Specifically, scRNA-seq facilitates our understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of diverse CAF subtypes. In this review, we discuss the up-to-date knowledge about CAF heterogeneity with a focus on scRNA-seq perspective to investigate the emerging strategies for integrating multimodal single-cell platforms. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical application of scRNA-seq on CAF research. We believe that the comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs form different visions will generate innovative solutions to cancer therapy and achieve clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjian Zhang
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ruiqiu Zhu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Die Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Juan Wang
- School of MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuxiang Yan
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouChina
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123
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George B, Kudryashova O, Kravets A, Thalji S, Malarkannan S, Kurzrock R, Chernyavskaya E, Gusakova M, Kravchenko D, Tychinin D, Savin E, Alekseeva L, Butusova A, Bagaev A, Shin N, Brown JH, Sethi I, Wang D, Taylor B, McFall T, Kamgar M, Hall WA, Erickson B, Christians KK, Evans DB, Tsai S. Transcriptomic-Based Microenvironment Classification Reveals Precision Medicine Strategies for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:859-871.e3. [PMID: 38280684 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The complex tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has hindered the development of reliable predictive biomarkers for targeted therapy and immunomodulatory strategies. A comprehensive characterization of the TME is necessary to advance precision therapeutics in PDAC. METHODS A transcriptomic profiling platform for TME classification based on functional gene signatures was applied to 14 publicly available PDAC datasets (n = 1657) and validated in a clinically annotated independent cohort of patients with PDAC (n = 79). Four distinct subtypes were identified using unsupervised clustering and assessed to evaluate predictive and prognostic utility. RESULTS TME classification using transcriptomic profiling identified 4 biologically distinct subtypes based on their TME immune composition: immune enriched (IE); immune enriched, fibrotic (IE/F); fibrotic (F); and immune depleted (D). The IE and IE/F subtypes demonstrated a more favorable prognosis and potential for response to immunotherapy compared with the F and D subtypes. Most lung metastases and liver metastases were subtypes IE and D, respectively, indicating the role of clonal phenotype and immune milieu in developing personalized therapeutic strategies. In addition, distinct TMEs with potential therapeutic implications were identified in treatment-naive primary tumors compared with tumors that underwent neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS This novel approach defines a distinct subgroup of PADC patients that may benefit from immunotherapeutic strategies based on their TME subtype and provides a framework to select patients for prospective clinical trials investigating precision immunotherapy in PDAC. Further, the predictive utility and real-world clinical applicability espoused by this transcriptomic-based TME classification approach will accelerate the advancement of precision medicine in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben George
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
| | | | | | - Samih Thalji
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | | | | | | | - Egor Savin
- BostonGene Corporation, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Nara Shin
- BostonGene Corporation, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | | | - Isha Sethi
- BostonGene Corporation, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Dandan Wang
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Bradley Taylor
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Thomas McFall
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Mandana Kamgar
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - William A Hall
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Beth Erickson
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kathleen K Christians
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Douglas B Evans
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Susan Tsai
- LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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124
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Mathieson L, Koppensteiner L, Dorward DA, O'Connor RA, Akram AR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing fibroblast activation protein and podoplanin in non-small cell lung cancer predict poor clinical outcome. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1758-1769. [PMID: 38582812 PMCID: PMC11130154 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a dominant cell type in the stroma of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fibroblast heterogeneity reflects subpopulations of CAFs, which can influence prognosis and treatment efficacy. We describe the subtypes of CAFs in NSCLC. METHODS Primary human NSCLC resections were assessed by flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence for markers of fibroblast activation which allowed identification of CAF subsets. Survival data were analysed for our NSCLC cohort consisting of 163 patients to understand prognostic significance of CAF subsets. RESULTS We identified five CAF populations, termed CAF S1-S5. CAF-S5 represents a previously undescribed population, and express FAP and PDPN but lack the myofibroblast marker αSMA, whereas CAF-S1 populations express all three. CAF-S5 are spatially further from tumour regions then CAF-S1 and scRNA data demonstrate an inflammatory phenotype. The presence of CAF-S1 or CAF-S5 is correlated to worse survival outcome in NSCLC, despite curative resection, highlighting the prognostic importance of CAF subtypes in NSCLC. TCGA data suggest the predominance of CAF-S5 has a poor prognosis across several cancer types. CONCLUSION This study describes the fibroblast heterogeneity in NSCLC and the prognostic importance of the novel CAF-S5 subset where its presence correlates to worse survival outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Mathieson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Lilian Koppensteiner
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - David A Dorward
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard A O'Connor
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Ahsan R Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Dr, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
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125
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Saleh O, Shihadeh H, Yousef A, Erekat H, Abdallh F, Al-Leimon A, Elsalhy R, Altiti A, Dajani M, AlBarakat MM. The Effect of Intratumor Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression and Treatment. Pancreas 2024; 53:e450-e465. [PMID: 38728212 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Even though many substantial improvements in the survival rates for other major cancer forms were made, pancreatic cancer survival rates have remained relatively unchanged since the 1960s. Even more, no standard classification system for pancreatic cancer is based on cellular biomarkers. This review will discuss and provide updates about the role of stem cells in the progression of PC, the genetic changes associated with it, and the promising biomarkers for diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The search process used PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases to identify the relevant and related articles. Articles had to be published in English to be considered. RESULTS The increasing number of studies in recent years has revealed that the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts is far greater than previously acknowledged, which highlights the need for further research to better understand the various cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations. Despite the huge diversity in pancreatic cancer, some common features can be noted to be shared among patients. Mutations involving CDKN2, P53, and K-RAS can be seen in a big number of patients, for example. Similarly, some patterns of genes and biomarkers expression and the level of their expression can help in predicting cancer behavior such as metastasis and drug resistance. The current trend in cancer research, especially with the advancement in technology, is to sequence everything in hopes of finding disease-related mutations. CONCLUSION Optimizing pancreatic cancer treatment requires clear classification, understanding CAF roles, and exploring stroma reshaping approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Saleh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | - Hana Erekat
- School of medicine, University of Jordan, Amman
| | - Fatima Abdallh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | | | - Majd Dajani
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | - Majd M AlBarakat
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Qin R, Ma X, Pu S, Shen C, Hu D, Liu C, Wang K, Wang Y. Identification and validation of a signature based on myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblast marker genes for predicting prognosis, immune infiltration, and therapeutic response in bladder cancer. Investig Clin Urol 2024; 65:263-278. [PMID: 38714517 PMCID: PMC11076800 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20230300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblasts (myCAFs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment closely associated with tumor stromal remodeling and immunosuppression. This study aimed to explore myCAFs marker gene biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and therapy for patients with bladder cancer (BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS BC single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Sequence Read Archive. Transcriptome and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Subsequently, univariate Cox and LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression) regression analyses were performed to construct a prognostic signature. Immune cell activity was estimated using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis whilst the TIDE (tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion) method was employed to assess patient response to immunotherapy. The chemotherapy response of patients with BC was evaluated using genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer. Furthermore, Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the correlation between MAP1B expression and immunotherapy efficacy. The scRNA-seq data were analyzed to identify myCAFs marker genes. RESULTS Combined with bulk RNA-sequencing data, we constructed a two-gene (COL6A1 and MAP1B) risk signature. In patients with BC, the signature demonstrated outstanding prognostic value, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy response. This signature served as a crucial guide for the selection of anti-tumor chemotherapy medications. Additionally, immunohistochemistry confirmed that MAP1B expression was significantly correlated with immunotherapy efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed a typical prognostic signature based on myCAF marker genes, which offers patients with BC a novel treatment target alongside theoretical justification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruize Qin
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaocheng Ma
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shi Pu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengquan Shen
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ding Hu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changxue Liu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kongjia Wang
- Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yonghua Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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127
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Ho NCW, Yap JYY, Zhao Z, Wang Y, Fernando K, Li CH, Kwang XL, Quah HS, Arcinas C, Iyer NG, Fong ELS. Bioengineered Hydrogels Recapitulate Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307129. [PMID: 38493497 PMCID: PMC11132030 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Recently mapped transcriptomic landscapes reveal the extent of heterogeneity in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) beyond previously established single-gene markers. Functional analyses of individual CAF subsets within the tumor microenvironment are critical to develop more accurate CAF-targeting therapeutic strategies. However, there is a lack of robust preclinical models that reflect this heterogeneity in vitro. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing datasets acquired from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tissues to predict microenvironmental and cellular features governing individual CAF subsets are leveraged. Some of these features are then incorporated into a tunable hyaluronan-based hydrogel system to culture patient-derived CAFs. Control over hydrogel degradability and integrin adhesiveness enabled derivation of the predominant myofibroblastic and inflammatory CAF subsets, as shown through changes in cell morphology and transcriptomic profiles. Last, using these hydrogel-cultured CAFs, microtubule dynamics are identified, but not actomyosin contractility, as a key mediator of CAF plasticity. The recapitulation of CAF heterogeneity in vitro using defined hydrogels presents unique opportunities for advancing the understanding of CAF biology and evaluation of CAF-targeting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ching Wei Ho
- Translational Tumor Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore119276Singapore
| | - Josephine Yu Yan Yap
- Translational Tumor Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore119276Singapore
| | - Zixuan Zhao
- The N.1 Institute for HealthNational University of SingaporeSingapore117456Singapore
| | - Yunyun Wang
- Translational Tumor Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore119276Singapore
| | - Kanishka Fernando
- Translational Tumor Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore119276Singapore
| | - Constance H Li
- Cancer Therapeutics Research LaboratoryNational Cancer Centre SingaporeSingapore168583Singapore
- Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolNational University of SingaporeSingapore169857Singapore
| | - Xue Lin Kwang
- Cancer Therapeutics Research LaboratoryNational Cancer Centre SingaporeSingapore168583Singapore
| | - Hong Sheng Quah
- Cancer Therapeutics Research LaboratoryNational Cancer Centre SingaporeSingapore168583Singapore
- Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolNational University of SingaporeSingapore169857Singapore
| | - Camille Arcinas
- Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolNational University of SingaporeSingapore169857Singapore
| | - N. Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Cancer Therapeutics Research LaboratoryNational Cancer Centre SingaporeSingapore168583Singapore
- Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolNational University of SingaporeSingapore169857Singapore
| | - Eliza Li Shan Fong
- Translational Tumor Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore119276Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for HealthNational University of SingaporeSingapore117456Singapore
- Cancer Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore117599Singapore
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128
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Kou Z, Liu C, Zhang W, Sun C, Liu L, Zhang Q. Heterogeneity of primary and metastatic CAFs: From differential treatment outcomes to treatment opportunities (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:54. [PMID: 38577950 PMCID: PMC11015919 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with primary tumor sites, metastatic sites appear more resistant to treatments and respond differently to the treatment regimen. It may be due to the heterogeneity in the microenvironment between metastatic sites and primary tumors. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are widely present in the tumor stroma as key components of the tumor microenvironment. Primary tumor CAFs (pCAFs) and metastatic CAFs (mCAFs) are heterogeneous in terms of source, activation mode, markers and functional phenotypes. They can shape the tumor microenvironment according to organ, showing heterogeneity between primary tumors and metastases, which may affect the sensitivity of these sites to treatment. It was hypothesized that understanding the heterogeneity between pCAFs and mCAFs can provide a glimpse into the difference in treatment outcomes, providing new ideas for improving the rate of metastasis control in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Kou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa Island 999078, Macau SAR, P.R. China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
- Department of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100007, P.R. China
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129
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Lee DU, Han BS, Jung KH, Hong SS. Tumor Stroma as a Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:281-290. [PMID: 38590092 PMCID: PMC11063484 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2024.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis owing to its desmoplastic stroma. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting this tumor stroma should be developed. In this study, we describe the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their diverse roles in the progression, immune evasion, and resistance to treatment of PDAC. We subclassified the spatial distribution and functional activity of CAFs to highlight their effects on prognosis and drug delivery. Extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronan are described for their roles in tumor behavior and treatment outcomes, implying their potential as therapeutic targets. We also discussed the roles of extracellular matrix (ECM) including matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in PDAC progression. Finally, we explored the role of the adaptive and innate immune systems in shaping the PDAC microenvironment and potential therapeutic strategies, with a focus on immune cell subsets, cytokines, and immunosuppressive mechanisms. These insights provide a comprehensive understanding of PDAC and pave the way for the development of prognostic markers and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Ui Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Han
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, The Graduate School, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, The Graduate School, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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130
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Ye Z, Li Q, Hu Y, Hu H, Xu J, Guo M, Zhang W, Lou X, Wang Y, Gao H, Jing D, Fan G, Qin Y, Zhang Y, Chen X, Chen J, Xu X, Yu X, Liu M, Ji S. The stromal microenvironment endows pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with spatially specific invasive and metastatic phenotypes. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216769. [PMID: 38438098 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in a variety of cancers. However, the role of tumor stroma in nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) is often neglected. Profiling the heterogeneity of CAFs can reveal the causes of malignant phenotypes in NF-PanNETs. Here, we found that patients with high stromal proportion had poor prognosis, especially for that with infiltrating stroma (stroma and tumor cells that presented an infiltrative growth pattern and no regular boundary). In addition, myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), characterized by FAP+ and α-SMAhigh, were spatially closer to tumor cells and promoted the EMT and tumor growth. Intriguingly, only tumor cells which were spatially closer to myCAFs underwent EMT. We further elucidated that myCAFs stimulate TGF-β expression in nearby tumor cells. Then, TGF-β promoted the EMT in adjacent tumor cells and promoted the expression of myCAFs marker genes in tumor cells, resulting in distant metastasis. Our results indicate that myCAFs cause spatial heterogeneity of EMT, which accounts for liver metastasis of NF-PanNETs. The findings of this study might provide possible targets for the prevention of liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr.15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuheng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haifeng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junfeng Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Muzi Guo
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Wuhu Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Heli Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Desheng Jing
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guixiong Fan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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131
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Raymant M, Astuti Y, Alvaro-Espinosa L, Green D, Quaranta V, Bellomo G, Glenn M, Chandran-Gorner V, Palmer DH, Halloran C, Ghaneh P, Henderson NC, Morton JP, Valiente M, Mielgo A, Schmid MC. Macrophage-fibroblast JAK/STAT dependent crosstalk promotes liver metastatic outgrowth in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3593. [PMID: 38678021 PMCID: PMC11055860 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47949-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease for which better therapies are urgently needed. Fibroblasts and macrophages are heterogeneous cell populations able to enhance metastasis, but the role of a macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk in regulating their pro-metastatic functions remains poorly understood. Here we deconvolve how macrophages regulate metastasis-associated fibroblast (MAF) heterogeneity in the liver. We identify three functionally distinct MAF populations, among which the generation of pro-metastatic and immunoregulatory myofibroblastic-MAFs (myMAFs) critically depends on macrophages. Mechanistically, myMAFs are induced through a STAT3-dependent mechanism driven by macrophage-derived progranulin and cancer cell-secreted leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF). In a reciprocal manner, myMAF secreted osteopontin promotes an immunosuppressive macrophage phenotype resulting in the inhibition of cytotoxic T cell functions. Pharmacological blockade of STAT3 or myMAF-specific genetic depletion of STAT3 restores an anti-tumour immune response and reduces metastases. Our findings provide molecular insights into the complex macrophage-fibroblast interactions in tumours and reveal potential targets to inhibit PDAC liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirion Raymant
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Yuliana Astuti
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Laura Alvaro-Espinosa
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Green
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Valeria Quaranta
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Gaia Bellomo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mark Glenn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Vatshala Chandran-Gorner
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Daniel H Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Christopher Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Paula Ghaneh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Research-UK Scotland Institute and School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Manuel Valiente
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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132
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Yamaguchi H, Miyazaki M. Heterocellular Adhesion in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis: Interactions between Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1636. [PMID: 38730588 PMCID: PMC11082996 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer invasion is a requisite for the most malignant progression of cancer, that is, metastasis. The mechanisms of cancer invasion were originally studied using in vitro cell culture systems, in which cancer cells were cultured using artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs). However, conventional culture systems do not precisely recapitulate in vivo cancer invasion because the phenotypes of cancer cells in tumor tissues are strongly affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant cell type in the TME and accelerate cancer progression through invasion, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune suppression. Thus, the reciprocal interactions between CAFs and cancer cells have been extensively studied, leading to the identification of factors that mediate cellular interactions, such as growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles. In addition, the importance of direct heterocellular adhesion between cancer cells and CAFs in cancer progression has recently been elucidated. In particular, CAFs are directly associated with cancer cells, allowing them to invade the ECM and metastasize to distant organs. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the direct heterocellular interaction in CAF-led cancer invasion and metastasis, with an emphasis on gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Yamaguchi
- Department of Cancer Cell Research, Sasaki Institute, Sasaki Foundation, 2-2 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan;
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133
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Waldron RT, Lugea A, Chang HH, Su HY, Quiros C, Lewis MS, Che M, Ramanujan VK, Rozengurt E, Eibl G, Pandol SJ. Upregulated Matrisomal Proteins and Extracellular Matrix Mechanosignaling Underlie Obesity-Associated Promotion of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1593. [PMID: 38672675 PMCID: PMC11048773 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet-induced obesity (DIO) promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in mice expressing KRasG12D in the pancreas (KC mice), but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we performed multiplex quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and further bioinformatic and spatial analysis of pancreas tissues from control-fed versus DIO KC mice after 3, 6, and 9 months. Normal pancreatic parenchyma and associated proteins were steadily eliminated and the novel proteins, phosphoproteins, and signaling pathways associated with PDAC tumorigenesis increased until 6 months, when most males exhibited cancer, but females did not. Differentially expressed proteins and phosphoproteins induced by DIO revealed the crucial functional role of matrisomal proteins, which implies the roles of upstream regulation by TGFβ, extracellular matrix-receptor signaling to downstream PI3K-Akt-mTOR-, MAPK-, and Yap/Taz activation, and crucial effects in the tumor microenvironment such as metabolic alterations and signaling crosstalk between immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor cells. Staining tissues from KC mice localized the expression of several prognostic PDAC biomarkers and elucidated tumorigenic features, such as robust macrophage infiltration, acinar-ductal metaplasia, mucinous PanIN, distinct nonmucinous atypical flat lesions (AFLs) surrounded by smooth muscle actin-positive CAFs, invasive tumors with epithelial-mesenchymal transition arising close to AFLs, and expanding deserted areas by 9 months. We next used Nanostring GeoMX to characterize the early spatial distribution of specific immune cell subtypes in distinct normal, stromal, and PanIN areas. Taken together, these data richly contextualize DIO promotion of Kras-driven PDAC tumorigenesis and provide many novel insights into the signaling pathways and processes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T. Waldron
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aurelia Lugea
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Hui-Hua Chang
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hsin-Yuan Su
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Crystal Quiros
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael S. Lewis
- Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Health System, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA;
| | - Mingtian Che
- Biobank and Research Pathology Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - V. Krishnan Ramanujan
- Biobank and Research Pathology Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Enrique Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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134
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Xue X, Wang X, Pang M, Yu L, Qian J, Li X, Tian M, Lu C, Xiao C, Liu Y. An exosomal strategy for targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts mediated tumors desmoplastic microenvironments. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:196. [PMID: 38644492 PMCID: PMC11032607 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors desmoplastic microenvironments are characterized by abundant stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant of all stromal cells, play significant role in mediating microenvironments, which not only remodel ECM to establish unique pathological barriers to hinder drug delivery in desmoplastic tumors, but also talk with immune cells and cancer cells to promote immunosuppression and cancer stem cells-mediated drug resistance. Thus, CAFs mediated desmoplastic microenvironments will be emerging as promising strategy to treat desmoplastic tumors. However, due to the complexity of microenvironments and the heterogeneity of CAFs in such tumors, an effective deliver system should be fully considered when designing the strategy of targeting CAFs mediated microenvironments. Engineered exosomes own powerful intercellular communication, cargoes delivery, penetration and targeted property of desired sites, which endow them with powerful theranostic potential in desmoplastic tumors. Here, we illustrate the significance of CAFs in tumors desmoplastic microenvironments and the theranostic potential of engineered exosomes targeting CAFs mediated desmoplastic microenvironments in next generation personalized nano-drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Xue
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiangpeng Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Mingshi Pang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Liuchunyang Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jinxiu Qian
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Meng Tian
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yuanyan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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135
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Numakura S, Kato M, Uozaki H. Discovery of YS-1 as a cell line of gastric inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:542. [PMID: 38642200 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) was first identified by co-culture of pancreatic stellate cells and tumor organoids. The key feature of iCAFs is IL-6high/αSMAlow. We examine this phenomenon in gastric cancer using two cell lines of gastric fibroblasts (HGF and YS-1). METHODS AND RESULTS HGF or YS-1 were co-cultured with MKN7 (a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) in Matrigel. IL-6 protein levels in the culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. The increased production of IL-6 was not observed in any of the combinations. Instead, the supernatant of YS-1 exhibited the higher levels of IL-6. YS-1 showed IL-6high/αSMA (ACTA2)low in real-time PCR, mRNA-seq and immunohistochemistry. In mRNA-seq, iCAFs-associated genes and signaling pathways were up-regulated in YS-1. No transition to myofibroblastic phenotype was observed by monolayer culture, or the exposure to sonic hedgehog (SHH) or TGF-β. YS-1 conditioned medium induced changes of morphology and stem-ness/differentiation in NUGC-3 (a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) and UBE6T-15 (a human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell line). CONCLUSIONS YS-1 is a stable cell line of gastric iCAFs. This discovery will promote further research on iCAFs for many researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoe Numakura
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Kato
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uozaki
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
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136
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Gou Z, Li J, Liu J, Yang N. The hidden messengers: cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNAs as key regulators of cancer malignancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378302. [PMID: 38694824 PMCID: PMC11061421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a class of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a key role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. CAFs mediate their activities by secreting soluble chemicals, releasing exosomes, and altering the extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contain various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. microRNA (miRNA), a 22-26 nucleotide non-coding RNA, can regulate the cellular transcription processes. Studies have shown that miRNA-loaded exosomes secreted by CAFs engage in various regulatory communication networks with other TME constituents. This study focused on the roles of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs in generating cancer malignant characteristics, including immune modulation, tumor growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and treatment resistance. This study thoroughly examines miRNA's dual regulatory roles in promoting and suppressing cancer. Thus, changes in the CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, and their specificity can be used to develop newer therapies. This review also discusses the pressing problems that require immediate attention, aiming to inspire researchers to explore more novel avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Gou
- Bethune First Clinical School of Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Wedig J, Jasani S, Mukherjee D, Lathrop H, Matreja P, Pfau T, D'Alesio L, Guenther A, Fenn L, Kaiser M, Torok MA, McGue J, Sizemore GM, Noonan AM, Dillhoff ME, Blaser BW, Frankel TL, Culp S, Hart PA, Cruz-Monserrate Z, Mace TA. CD200 is overexpressed in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and predictive of overall survival. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:96. [PMID: 38619621 PMCID: PMC11018596 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03678-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with a 5 year survival rate of 13%. This poor survival is attributed, in part, to limited and ineffective treatments for patients with metastatic disease, highlighting a need to identify molecular drivers of pancreatic cancer to target for more effective treatment. CD200 is a glycoprotein that interacts with the receptor CD200R and elicits an immunosuppressive response. Overexpression of CD200 has been associated with differential outcomes, depending on the tumor type. In the context of pancreatic cancer, we have previously reported that CD200 is expressed in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME), and that targeting CD200 in murine tumor models reduces tumor burden. We hypothesized that CD200 is overexpressed on tumor and stromal populations in the pancreatic TME and that circulating levels of soluble CD200 (sCD200) have prognostic value for overall survival. We discovered that CD200 was overexpressed on immune, stromal, and tumor populations in the pancreatic TME. Particularly, single-cell RNA-sequencing indicated that CD200 was upregulated on inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cytometry by time of flight analysis of PBMCs indicated that CD200 was overexpressed on innate immune populations, including monocytes, dendritic cells, and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. High sCD200 levels in plasma correlated with significantly worse overall and progression-free survival. Additionally, sCD200 correlated with the ratio of circulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 3 and MMP11/TIMP3. This study highlights the importance of CD200 expression in pancreatic cancer and provides the rationale for designing novel therapeutic strategies that target this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wedig
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Shrina Jasani
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Debasmita Mukherjee
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Hannah Lathrop
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Priya Matreja
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Timothy Pfau
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Liliana D'Alesio
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Abigail Guenther
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Lexie Fenn
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Morgan Kaiser
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Molly A Torok
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Jake McGue
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Anne M Noonan
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Mary E Dillhoff
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Bradley W Blaser
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Timothy L Frankel
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Stacey Culp
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Phil A Hart
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 420 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 420 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Thomas A Mace
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 420 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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138
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Silva LGDO, Lemos FFB, Luz MS, Rocha Pinheiro SL, Calmon MDS, Correa Santos GL, Rocha GR, de Melo FF. New avenues for the treatment of immunotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1134-1153. [PMID: 38660642 PMCID: PMC11037047 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by its extremely aggressive nature and ranks 14th in the number of new cancer cases worldwide. However, due to its complexity, it ranks 7th in the list of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of PC involves several complex processes, including familial genetic factors associated with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, and smoking. Mutations in genes such as KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 are linked to the appearance of malignant cells that generate pancreatic lesions and, consequently, cancer. In this context, some therapies are used for PC, one of which is immunotherapy, which is extremely promising in various other types of cancer but has shown little response in the treatment of PC due to various resistance mechanisms that contribute to a drop in immunotherapy efficiency. It is therefore clear that the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a huge impact on the resistance process, since cellular and non-cellular elements create an immunosuppressive environment, characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma with cancer-associated fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix, and immunosuppressive cells. Linked to this are genetic mutations in TP53 and immunosuppressive factors that act on T cells, resulting in a shortage of CD8+ T cells and limited expression of activation markers such as interferon-gamma. In this way, finding new strategies that make it possible to manipulate resistance mechanisms is necessary. Thus, techniques such as the use of TME modulators that block receptors and stromal molecules that generate resistance, the use of genetic manipulation in specific regions, such as microRNAs, the modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with T cells, and, above all, therapeutic models that combine these modulation techniques constitute the promising future of PC therapy. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the main mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in PC and new ways of manipulating this process, resulting in a more efficient therapy for cancer patients and, consequently, a reduction in the lethality of this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Samuel Luca Rocha Pinheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana dos Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lima Correa Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Reis Rocha
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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139
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Singh SP, Dosch AR, Mehra S, De Castro Silva I, Bianchi A, Garrido VT, Zhou Z, Adams A, Amirian H, Box EW, Sun X, Ban Y, Datta J, Nagathihalli NS, Merchant NB. Tumor Cell-Intrinsic p38 MAPK Signaling Promotes IL1α-Mediated Stromal Inflammation and Therapeutic Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1320-1332. [PMID: 38285896 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a KRAS-driven inflammatory program and a desmoplastic stroma, which contribute to the profoundly chemoresistant phenotype. The tumor stroma contains an abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), which engage in extensive paracrine cross-talk with tumor cells to perpetuate protumorigenic inflammation. IL1α, a pleiotropic, tumor cell-derived cytokine, plays a critical role in shaping the stromal landscape. To provide insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating IL1A expression in PDAC, we performed transcriptional profiling of The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets and pharmacologic screening in PDAC cells and identified p38α MAPK as a key positive regulator of IL1A expression. Both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of p38 MAPK significantly diminished IL1α production in vitro. Chromatin- and coimmunoprecipitation analyses revealed that p38 MAPK coordinates the transcription factors Sp1 and the p65 subunit of NFκB to drive IL1A overexpression. Single-cell RNA sequencing of a highly desmoplastic murine PDAC model, Ptf1aCre/+; LSL-KrasG12D/+; Tgfbr2flox/flox (PKT), confirmed that p38 MAPK inhibition significantly decreases tumor cell-derived Il1a and attenuates the inflammatory CAF phenotype in a paracrine IL1α-dependent manner. Furthermore, p38 MAPK inhibition favorably modulated intratumoral immunosuppressive myeloid populations and augmented chemotherapeutic efficacy to substantially reduce tumor burden and improve overall survival in PKT mice. These findings illustrate a cellular mechanism of tumor cell-intrinsic p38-p65/Sp1-IL1α signaling that is responsible for sustaining stromal inflammation and CAF activation, offering an attractive therapeutic approach to enhance chemosensitivity in PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE Inhibition of p38 MAPK suppresses tumor cell-derived IL1α and attenuates the inflammatory stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara P Singh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Austin R Dosch
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Siddharth Mehra
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Iago De Castro Silva
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Anna Bianchi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Vanessa T Garrido
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Zhiqun Zhou
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Andrew Adams
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Haleh Amirian
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Edmond W Box
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Xiaodian Sun
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Yuguang Ban
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Jashodeep Datta
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Nagaraj S Nagathihalli
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
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140
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Ten A, Kumeiko V, Farniev V, Gao H, Shevtsov M. Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2024; 13:682. [PMID: 38667297 PMCID: PMC11049026 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the process of tumorigenesis, regulating the growth, metabolism, proliferation, and invasion of cancer cells, as well as contributing to tumor resistance to the conventional chemoradiotherapies. Several types of cells with relatively stable phenotypes have been identified within the TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells, which have been shown to modulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and interaction with the immune system, thus promoting tumor heterogeneity. Growing evidence suggests that tumor-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), via the transfer of various molecules (e.g., RNA, proteins, peptides, and lipids), play a pivotal role in the transformation of normal cells in the TME into their tumor-associated protumorigenic counterparts. This review article focuses on the functions of EVs in the modulation of the TME with a view to how exosomes contribute to the transformation of normal cells, as well as their importance for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Ten
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Vadim Kumeiko
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Vladislav Farniev
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China;
| | - Maxim Shevtsov
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Nanotechnologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave., 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Personalized Medicine Centre, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova Str., 2, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technishe Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str., 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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141
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Ning L, Quan C, Wang Y, Wu Z, Yuan P, Xie N. scRNA-seq characterizing the heterogeneity of fibroblasts in breast cancer reveals a novel subtype SFRP4 + CAF that inhibits migration and predicts prognosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1348299. [PMID: 38686196 PMCID: PMC11056562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1348299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a diverse group of cells that significantly impact the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic responses in breast cancer (BC). Despite their importance, the comprehensive profile of CAFs in BC remains to be fully elucidated. Methods To address this gap, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate the CAF landscape within 14 BC normal-tumor paired samples. We further corroborated our findings by analyzing several public datasets, thereby validating the newly identified CAF subtype. Additionally, we conducted coculture experiments with BC cells to assess the functional implications of this CAF subtype. Results Our scRNA-seq analysis unveiled eight distinct CAF subtypes across five tumor and six adjacent normal tissue samples. Notably, we discovered a novel subtype, designated as SFRP4+ CAFs, which was predominantly observed in normal tissues. The presence of SFRP4+ CAFs was substantiated by two independent scRNA-seq datasets and a spatial transcriptomics dataset. Functionally, SFRP4+ CAFs were found to impede BC cell migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by secreting SFRP4, thereby modulating the WNT signaling pathway. Furthermore, we established that elevated expression levels of SFRP4+ CAF markers correlate with improved survival outcomes in BC patients, yet paradoxically, they predict a diminished response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cases of triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusion This investigation sheds light on the heterogeneity of CAFs in BC and introduces a novel SFRP4+ CAF subtype that hinders BC cell migration. This discovery holds promise as a potential biomarker for refined prognostic assessment and therapeutic intervention in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvwen Ning
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuntao Quan
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhijie Wu
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peixiu Yuan
- College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ni Xie
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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142
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Boelaars K, Rodriguez E, Huinen ZR, Liu C, Wang D, Springer BO, Olesek K, Goossens-Kruijssen L, van Ee T, Lindijer D, Tak W, de Haas A, Wehry L, Nugteren-Boogaard JP, Mikula A, de Winde CM, Mebius RE, Tuveson DA, Giovannetti E, Bijlsma MF, Wuhrer M, van Vliet SJ, van Kooyk Y. Pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts modulate macrophage differentiation via sialic acid-Siglec interactions. Commun Biol 2024; 7:430. [PMID: 38594506 PMCID: PMC11003967 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unresponsive due to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by the abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Once identified, CAF-mediated immune inhibitory mechanisms could be exploited for cancer immunotherapy. Siglec receptors are increasingly recognized as immune checkpoints, and their ligands, sialic acids, are known to be overexpressed by cancer cells. Here, we unveil a previously unrecognized role of sialic acid-containing glycans on PDAC CAFs as crucial modulators of myeloid cells. Using multiplex immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics, we show that PDAC stroma is enriched in sialic acid-containing glycans compared to tumor cells and normal fibroblasts, and characterized by ST3GAL4 expression. We demonstrate that sialic acids on CAF cell lines serve as ligands for Siglec-7, -9, -10 and -15, distinct from the ligands on tumor cells, and that these receptors are found on myeloid cells in the stroma of PDAC biopsies. Furthermore, we show that CAFs drive the differentiation of monocytes to immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages in vitro, and that CAF sialylation plays a dominant role in this process compared to tumor cell sialylation. Collectively, our findings unravel sialic acids as a mechanism of CAF-mediated immunomodulation, which may provide targets for immunotherapy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Boelaars
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ernesto Rodriguez
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zowi R Huinen
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chang Liu
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pulmonary Medicine, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Di Wang
- Leiden University Medical Center, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Babet O Springer
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Olesek
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Goossens-Kruijssen
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas van Ee
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitri Lindijer
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willemijn Tak
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aram de Haas
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laetitia Wehry
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joline P Nugteren-Boogaard
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aleksandra Mikula
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M de Winde
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Oncology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Leiden University Medical Center, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra J van Vliet
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette van Kooyk
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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143
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Huang Q, Ge Y, He Y, Wu J, Tong Y, Shang H, Liu X, Ba X, Xia D, Peng E, Chen Z, Tang K. The Application of Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3333-3365. [PMID: 38617796 PMCID: PMC11012801 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially in solid tumors. It has been confirmed that it can not only interact with tumor cells to promote cancer progression and metastasis, but also affect the infiltration and function of immune cells to induce chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. So, targeting CAF has been considered an important method in cancer treatment. The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a good perspective to improve the efficiency of targeting CAF. At present, more and more researches have focused on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting CAF. These studies explored the effects of different types of NPs on CAF and the multifunctional nanomedicines that can eliminate CAF are able to enhance the EPR effect which facilitate the anti-tumor effect of themselves. There also exist amounts of studies focusing on using NPs to inhibit the activation and function of CAF to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The application of NPs targeting CAF needs to be based on an understanding of CAF biology. Therefore, in this review, we first summarized the latest progress of CAF biology, then discussed the types of CAF-targeting NPs and the main strategies in the current. The aim is to elucidate the application of NPs in targeting CAF and provide new insights for engineering nanomedicine to enhance immune response in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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144
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Di Chiaro P, Nacci L, Arco F, Brandini S, Polletti S, Palamidessi A, Donati B, Soriani C, Gualdrini F, Frigè G, Mazzarella L, Ciarrocchi A, Zerbi A, Spaggiari P, Scita G, Rodighiero S, Barozzi I, Diaferia GR, Natoli G. Mapping functional to morphological variation reveals the basis of regional extracellular matrix subversion and nerve invasion in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:662-681.e10. [PMID: 38518775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Intratumor morphological heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) predicts clinical outcomes but is only partially understood at the molecular level. To elucidate the gene expression programs underpinning intratumor morphological variation in PDAC, we investigated and deconvoluted at single cell level the molecular profiles of histologically distinct clusters of PDAC cells. We identified three major morphological and functional variants that co-exist in varying proportions in all PDACs, display limited genetic diversity, and are associated with a distinct organization of the extracellular matrix: a glandular variant with classical ductal features; a transitional variant displaying abortive ductal structures and mixed endodermal and myofibroblast-like gene expression; and a poorly differentiated variant lacking ductal features and basement membrane, and showing neuronal lineage priming. Ex vivo and in vitro evidence supports the occurrence of dynamic transitions among these variants in part influenced by extracellular matrix composition and stiffness and associated with local, specifically neural, invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Di Chiaro
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
| | - Lucia Nacci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabiana Arco
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefania Brandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Polletti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Palamidessi
- IFOM, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Donati
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiara Soriani
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Gualdrini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Frigè
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Mazzarella
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zerbi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milano, Italy; Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele - Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Scita
- IFOM, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Simona Rodighiero
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giuseppe R Diaferia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
| | - Gioacchino Natoli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
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145
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Fan G, Yu B, Tang L, Zhu R, Chen J, Zhu Y, Huang H, Zhou L, Liu J, Wang W, Tao Z, Zhang F, Yu S, Lu X, Cao Y, Du S, Li H, Li J, Zhang J, Ren H, Gires O, Liu H, Wang X, Qin J, Wang H. TSPAN8 + myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblasts promote chemoresistance in patients with breast cancer. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj5705. [PMID: 38569015 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj5705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment that promote cancer progression and relapse. However, the heterogeneity and regulatory roles of CAFs underlying chemoresistance remain largely unclear. Here, we performed a single-cell analysis using high-dimensional flow cytometry analysis and identified a distinct senescence-like tetraspanin-8 (TSPAN8)+ myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF) subset, which is correlated with therapeutic resistance and poor survival in multiple cohorts of patients with breast cancer (BC). TSPAN8+ myCAFs potentiate the stemness of the surrounding BC cells through secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related factors IL-6 and IL-8 to counteract chemotherapy. NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) reduction was responsible for the senescence-like phenotype and tumor-promoting role of TSPAN8+ myCAFs. Mechanistically, TSPAN8 promoted the phosphorylation of ubiquitin E3 ligase retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) at Ser772 by recruiting MAPK11, thereby inducing SIRT6 protein destruction. In turn, SIRT6 down-regulation up-regulated GLS1 and PYCR1, which caused TSPAN8+ myCAFs to secrete aspartate and proline, and therefore proved a nutritional niche to support BC outgrowth. By demonstrating that TSPAN8+SIRT6low myCAFs were tightly associated with unfavorable disease outcomes, we proposed that the combined regimen of anti-TSPAN8 antibody and SIRT6 activator MDL-800 is a promising approach to overcome chemoresistance. These findings highlight that senescence contributes to CAF heterogeneity and chemoresistance and suggest that targeting TSPAN8+ myCAFs is a promising approach to circumvent chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjian Fan
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Tang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Rongxuan Zhu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - He Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200243, China
| | - Liying Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200243, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Breast-thyroid Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Breast-thyroid Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zhonghua Tao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Siwei Yu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lu
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030013, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Shaoqian Du
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province 271016, China
| | - Junjian Li
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 342500, China
| | - He Ren
- Center for GI Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Haikun Liu
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jun Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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146
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Dong C, Ma H, Mi N, Fu W, Yi J, Gao L, Wang H, Ren Y, Lin Y, Han F, Chen Z, Zhou W. Integrated analysis of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq reveals that GPRC5A is an important prognostic gene in pancreatic cancer and is associated with B-cell Infiltration in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1283164. [PMID: 38634049 PMCID: PMC11021786 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1283164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy with poor prognosis. This investigation aimed to determine the relevant genes that affect the prognosis of PC and investigate their relationship with immune infiltration. Methods : First, we acquired PC single-cell chip data from the GEO database to scrutinize dissimilarities in immune cell infiltration and differential genes between cancerous and adjacent tissues. Subsequently, we combined clinical data from TCGA to identify genes relevant to PC prognosis. Employing Cox and Lasso regression analyses, we constructed a multifactorial Cox prognostic model, which we subsequently confirmed. The prognostic gene expression in PC was authenticated using RT-PCR. Moreover, we employed the TIMER online database to examine the relationship between the expression of prognostic genes and T and B cell infiltration. Additionally, the expression of GPRC5A and its correlation with B cells infiltration and patient prognosis were ascertained in tissue chips using multiple immune fluorescence staining. Results The single-cell analysis unveiled dissimilarities in B-cell infiltration between cancerous and neighboring tissues. We developed a prognostic model utilizing three genes, indicating that patients with high-risk scores experienced a more unfavorable prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant correlation among YWHAZ, GPRC5A, and B cell immune infiltration. In tissue samples, GPRC5A exhibited substantial overexpression and a robust association with an adverse prognosis, demonstrating a positive correlation with B cell infiltration. Conclusion GPRC5A is an independent risk factor in PC and correlated with B cell immune infiltration in PC. These outcomes indicated that GPRC5A is a viable target for treating PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlu Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haidong Ma
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningning Mi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenkang Fu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianfeng Yi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Department of Surgery, The First School of Clinical Medicine of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Gao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanxian Ren
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fangfang Han
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhou Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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147
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Lu Q, Kou D, Lou S, Ashrafizadeh M, Aref AR, Canadas I, Tian Y, Niu X, Wang Y, Torabian P, Wang L, Sethi G, Tergaonkar V, Tay F, Yuan Z, Han P. Nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:16. [PMID: 38566199 PMCID: PMC10986145 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Dongquan Kou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenghan Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, USA
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Pedram Torabian
- Cumming School of Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, 138673, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Franklin Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
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148
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Pietras K, Sjölund J. Cellular plasticity in the breast cancer ecosystem. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10629. [PMID: 38571887 PMCID: PMC10989214 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay between genetically diverse tumor cells and their microenvironment significantly influences cancer progression and therapeutic responses. This review highlights recent findings on cellular plasticity and heterogeneity within the breast cancer ecosystem, focusing on the roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We discuss evidence suggesting that breast cancer cells exhibit phenotypic plasticity driven by both intrinsic genetic factors and external microenvironmental cues, impacting treatment responses and disease recurrence. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing studies reveal diverse subtypes of CAFs and TAMs, each with distinct functional gene expression programs and spatial organization within the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the hierarchical relationships and niche cues governing cellular phenotypes offers new opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions. By elucidating the organizational principles of the tumor ecosystem, future therapies may target phenotypic states or entire cellular niches, advancing precision medicine approaches in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Pietras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Sjölund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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149
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Fang B, Lu Y, Li X, Wei Y, Ye D, Wei G, Zhu Y. Targeting the tumor microenvironment, a new therapeutic approach for prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2024:10.1038/s41391-024-00825-z. [PMID: 38565910 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-024-00825-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies have shown that in addition to adaptive immune cells such as CD8 + T cells and CD4 + T cells, various other cellular components within prostate cancer (PCa) tumor microenvironment (TME), mainly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), have been increasingly recognized as important modulators of tumor progression and promising therapeutic targets. OBJECTIVE In this review, we aim to delineate the mechanisms by which TAMs, CAFs and MDSCs interact with PCa cells in the TME, summarize the therapeutic advancements targeting these cells and discuss potential new therapeutic avenues. METHODS We searched PubMed for relevant studies published through December 10 2023 on TAMs, CAFs and MDSCs in PCa. RESULTS TAMs, CAFs and MDSCs play a critical role in the tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis of PCa. Moreover, they substantially mediate therapeutic resistance against conventional treatments including anti-androgen therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therapeutic interventions targeting these cellular components have demonstrated promising effects in preclinical models and several clinical trials for PCa, when administrated alone, or combined with other anti-cancer therapies. However, the lack of reliable biomarkers for patient selection and incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interactions between these cellular components and PCa cells hinder their clinical translation and utility. CONCLUSION New therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, CAFs, and MDSCs in PCa hold promising prospects. Future research endeavors should focus on a more comprehensive exploration of the specific mechanisms by which these cells contribute to PCa, aiming to identify additional drug targets and conduct more clinical trials to validate the safety and efficacy of these treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangwei Fang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dingwei Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gonghong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Zhu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Genitourinary Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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150
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Yang H, Li M, Deng Y, Wen H, Luo M, Zhang W. Roles and interactions of tumor microenvironment components in medulloblastoma with implications for novel therapeutics. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2024; 63:e23233. [PMID: 38607297 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastomas, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors, can be classified into the wingless, sonic hedgehog (SHH), group 3, and group 4 subgroups. Among them, the SHH subgroup with the TP53 mutation and group 3 generally present with the worst patient outcomes due to their high rates of recurrence and metastasis. A novel and effective treatment for refractory medulloblastomas is urgently needed. To date, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to influence tumor growth, recurrence, and metastasis through immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and chronic inflammation. Treatments targeting TME components have emerged as promising approaches to the treatment of solid tumors. In this review, we summarize progress in research on medulloblastoma microenvironment components and their interactions. We also discuss challenges and future research directions for TME-targeting medulloblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjie Yang
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Deng
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huantao Wen
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minjie Luo
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangming Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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