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Guo J, Li L, Chen F, Fu M, Cheng C, Wang M, Hu J, Pei L, Sun J. Forces Bless You: Mechanosensitive Piezo Channels in Gastrointestinal Physiology and Pathology. Biomolecules 2024; 14:804. [PMID: 39062518 PMCID: PMC11274378 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070804] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an organ actively involved in mechanical processes, where it detects forces via a mechanosensation mechanism. Mechanosensation relies on specialized cells termed mechanoreceptors, which convert mechanical forces into electrochemical signals via mechanosensors. The mechanosensitive Piezo1 and Piezo2 are widely expressed in various mechanosensitive cells that respond to GI mechanical forces by altering transmembrane ionic currents, such as epithelial cells, enterochromaffin cells, and intrinsic and extrinsic enteric neurons. This review highlights recent research advances on mechanosensitive Piezo channels in GI physiology and pathology. Specifically, the latest insights on the role of Piezo channels in the intestinal barrier, GI motility, and intestinal mechanosensation are summarized. Additionally, an overview of Piezo channels in the pathogenesis of GI disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and GI cancers, is provided. Overall, the presence of mechanosensitive Piezo channels offers a promising new perspective for the treatment of various GI disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Li Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Feiyi Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Minhan Fu
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Meizi Wang
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Jun Hu
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Lixia Pei
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Jianhua Sun
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
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152
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Pereira BA, Ritchie S, Chambers CR, Gordon KA, Magenau A, Murphy KJ, Nobis M, Tyma VM, Liew YF, Lucas MC, Naeini MM, Barkauskas DS, Chacon-Fajardo D, Howell AE, Parker AL, Warren SC, Reed DA, Lee V, Metcalf XL, Lee YK, O’Regan LP, Zhu J, Trpceski M, Fontaine ARM, Stoehr J, Rouet R, Lin X, Chitty JL, Porazinski S, Wu SZ, Filipe EC, Cadell AL, Holliday H, Yang J, Papanicolaou M, Lyons RJ, Zaratzian A, Tayao M, Da Silva A, Vennin C, Yin J, Dew AB, McMillan PJ, Goldstein LD, Deveson IW, Croucher DR, Samuel MS, Sim HW, Batten M, Chantrill L, Grimmond SM, Gill AJ, Samra J, Jeffry Evans TR, Sasaki T, Phan TG, Swarbrick A, Sansom OJ, Morton JP, Pajic M, Parker BL, Herrmann D, Cox TR, Timpson P. Temporally resolved proteomics identifies nidogen-2 as a cotarget in pancreatic cancer that modulates fibrosis and therapy response. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1197. [PMID: 38959305 PMCID: PMC11221519 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by increasing fibrosis, which can enhance tumor progression and spread. Here, we undertook an unbiased temporal assessment of the matrisome of the highly metastatic KPC (Pdx1-Cre, LSL-KrasG12D/+, LSL-Trp53R172H/+) and poorly metastatic KPflC (Pdx1-Cre, LSL-KrasG12D/+, Trp53fl/+) genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer using mass spectrometry proteomics. Our assessment at early-, mid-, and late-stage disease reveals an increased abundance of nidogen-2 (NID2) in the KPC model compared to KPflC, with further validation showing that NID2 is primarily expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Using biomechanical assessments, second harmonic generation imaging, and birefringence analysis, we show that NID2 reduction by CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) in CAFs reduces stiffness and matrix remodeling in three-dimensional models, leading to impaired cancer cell invasion. Intravital imaging revealed improved vascular patency in live NID2-depleted tumors, with enhanced response to gemcitabine/Abraxane. In orthotopic models, NID2 CRISPRi tumors had less liver metastasis and increased survival, highlighting NID2 as a potential PDAC cotarget.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A. Pereira
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shona Ritchie
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cecilia R. Chambers
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katie A. Gordon
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Astrid Magenau
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kendelle J. Murphy
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Max Nobis
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Intravital Imaging Expertise Center, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Victoria M. Tyma
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ying Fei Liew
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Morghan C. Lucas
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marjan M. Naeini
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Genomics and Inherited Disease Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah S. Barkauskas
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- ACRF INCITe Intravital Imaging Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diego Chacon-Fajardo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna E. Howell
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amelia L. Parker
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean C. Warren
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel A. Reed
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Victoria Lee
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xanthe L. Metcalf
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Young Kyung Lee
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke P. O’Regan
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessie Zhu
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Trpceski
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela R. M. Fontaine
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- ACRF INCITe Intravital Imaging Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janett Stoehr
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Romain Rouet
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Immune Biotherapies Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xufeng Lin
- Data Science Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica L. Chitty
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean Porazinski
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sunny Z. Wu
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elysse C. Filipe
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonia L. Cadell
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Holly Holliday
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Yang
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Papanicolaou
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ruth J. Lyons
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anaiis Zaratzian
- Histopathology Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Tayao
- Histopathology Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Da Silva
- Histopathology Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Vennin
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia Yin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alysha B. Dew
- Centre for Advanced Histology & Microscopy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J. McMillan
- Centre for Advanced Histology & Microscopy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonard D. Goldstein
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Data Science Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ira W. Deveson
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Genomics and Inherited Disease Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David R. Croucher
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael S. Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance of SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hao-Wen Sim
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marcel Batten
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lorraine Chantrill
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean M. Grimmond
- Centre for Cancer Research and Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Gill
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaswinder Samra
- Department of Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas R. Jeffry Evans
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Tri G. Phan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Immunology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Swarbrick
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jennifer P. Morton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Marina Pajic
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin L. Parker
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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Nicolas E, Kosmider B, Cukierman E, Borghaei H, Golemis EA, Borriello L. Cancer treatments as paradoxical catalysts of tumor awakening in the lung. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10196-5. [PMID: 38963567 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Much of the fatality of tumors is linked to the growth of metastases, which can emerge months to years after apparently successful treatment of primary tumors. Metastases arise from disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), which disperse through the body in a dormant state to seed distant sites. While some DTCs lodge in pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) and rapidly develop into metastases, other DTCs settle in distinct microenvironments that maintain them in a dormant state. Subsequent awakening, induced by changes in the microenvironment of the DTC, causes outgrowth of metastases. Hence, there has been extensive investigation of the factors causing survival and subsequent awakening of DTCs, with the goal of disrupting these processes to decrease cancer lethality. We here provide a detailed overview of recent developments in understanding of the factors controlling dormancy and awakening in the lung, a common site of metastasis for many solid tumors. These factors include dynamic interactions between DTCs and diverse epithelial, mesenchymal, and immune cell populations resident in the lung. Paradoxically, among key triggers for metastatic outgrowth, lung tissue remodeling arising from damage induced by the treatment of primary tumors play a significant role. In addition, growing evidence emphasizes roles for inflammation and aging in opposing the factors that maintain dormancy. Finally, we discuss strategies being developed or employed to reduce the risk of metastatic recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Nicolas
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Beata Kosmider
- Center for Inflammation and Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Inflammation, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Hossein Borghaei
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Lucia Borriello
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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154
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Peng H, Yang M, Feng K, Lv Q, Zhang Y. Semaphorin 3C (Sema3C) reshapes stromal microenvironment to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:169. [PMID: 38956074 PMCID: PMC11220018 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01887-0] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 90% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases develop in the presence of fibrosis or cirrhosis, making the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC distinctive due to the intricate interplay between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), which collectively regulate HCC progression. However, the mechanisms through which CSCs orchestrate the dynamics of the tumor stroma during HCC development remain elusive. Our study unveils a significant upregulation of Sema3C in fibrotic liver, HCC tissues, peripheral blood of HCC patients, as well as sorafenib-resistant tissues and cells, with its overexpression correlating with the acquisition of stemness properties in HCC. We further identify NRP1 and ITGB1 as pivotal functional receptors of Sema3C, activating downstream AKT/Gli1/c-Myc signaling pathways to bolster HCC self-renewal and tumor initiation. Additionally, HCC cells-derived Sema3C facilitated extracellular matrix (ECM) contraction and collagen deposition in vivo, while also promoting the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mechanistically, Sema3C interacted with NRP1 and ITGB1 in HSCs, activating downstream NF-kB signaling, thereby stimulating the release of IL-6 and upregulating HMGCR expression, consequently enhancing cholesterol synthesis in HSCs. Furthermore, CAF-secreted TGF-β1 activates AP1 signaling to augment Sema3C expression in HCC cells, establishing a positive feedback loop that accelerates HCC progression. Notably, blockade of Sema3C effectively inhibits tumor growth and sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib in vivo. In sum, our findings spotlight Sema3C as a novel biomarker facilitating the crosstalk between CSCs and stroma during hepatocarcinogenesis, thereby offering a promising avenue for enhancing treatment efficacy and overcoming drug resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical. Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Kun Feng
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qingpeng Lv
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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155
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Capp JP, Catania F, Thomas F. From genetic mosaicism to tumorigenesis through indirect genetic effects. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300238. [PMID: 38736323 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300238] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Genetic mosaicism has long been linked to aging, and several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the potential connections between mosaicism and susceptibility to cancer. It has been proposed that mosaicism may disrupt tissue homeostasis by affecting intercellular communications and releasing microenvironmental constraints within tissues. The underlying mechanisms driving these tissue-level influences remain unidentified, however. Here, we present an evolutionary perspective on the interplay between mosaicism and cancer, suggesting that the tissue-level impacts of genetic mosaicism can be attributed to Indirect Genetic Effects (IGEs). IGEs can increase the level of cellular stochasticity and phenotypic instability among adjacent cells, thereby elevating the risk of cancer development within the tissue. Moreover, as cells experience phenotypic changes in response to challenging microenvironmental conditions, these changes can initiate a cascade of nongenetic alterations, referred to as Indirect non-Genetic Effects (InGEs), which in turn catalyze IGEs among surrounding cells. We argue that incorporating both InGEs and IGEs into our understanding of the process of oncogenic transformation could trigger a major paradigm shift in cancer research with far-reaching implications for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pascal Capp
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, INSA/University of Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, Toulouse, France
| | - Francesco Catania
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Kanayagawa, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- CREEC, UMR IRD 224-CNRS 5290-University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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156
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Zhu H, Jin RU. The role of the fibroblast in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:319-327. [PMID: 38626060 PMCID: PMC11155289 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001032] [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] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the number one risk factor for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a deadly cancer with limited treatment options that has been increasing in incidence in the US. In this report, we discuss current studies on the role of mesenchyme and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in BE and EAC, and we highlight translational prospects of targeting these cells. RECENT FINDINGS New insights through studies using single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) have revealed an important emerging role of the mesenchyme in developmental signaling and cancer initiation. BE and EAC share similar stromal gene expression, as functional classifications of nonepithelial cells in BE show a remarkable similarity to EAC CAFs. Several recent sc-RNA seq studies and novel organoid fibroblast co-culture systems have characterized the subgroups of fibroblasts in BE and EAC, and have shown that these cells can directly influence the epithelium to induce BE development and cancer progression. Targeting the CAFs in EAC with may be a promising novel therapeutic strategy. SUMMARY The fibroblasts in the surrounding mesenchyme may have a direct role in influencing altered epithelial plasticity during BE development and progression to EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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157
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Peeters F, Cappuyns S, Piqué-Gili M, Phillips G, Verslype C, Lambrechts D, Dekervel J. Applications of single-cell multi-omics in liver cancer. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101094. [PMID: 39022385 PMCID: PMC11252522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, more specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a significant global health problem associated with increasing incidence and mortality. Clinical, biological, and molecular heterogeneity are well-known hallmarks of cancer and HCC is considered one of the most heterogeneous tumour types, displaying substantial inter-patient, intertumoural and intratumoural variability. This heterogeneity plays a pivotal role in hepatocarcinogenesis, metastasis, relapse and drug response or resistance. Unimodal single-cell sequencing techniques have already revolutionised our understanding of the different layers of molecular hierarchy in the tumour microenvironment of HCC. By highlighting the cellular heterogeneity and the intricate interactions among cancer, immune and stromal cells before and during treatment, these techniques have contributed to a deeper comprehension of tumour clonality, hematogenous spreading and the mechanisms of action of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, major questions remain to be elucidated, with the identification of biomarkers predicting response or resistance to immunotherapy-based regimens representing an important unmet clinical need. Although the application of single-cell multi-omics in liver cancer research has been limited thus far, a revolution of individualised care for patients with HCC will only be possible by integrating various unimodal methods into multi-omics methodologies at the single-cell resolution. In this review, we will highlight the different established single-cell sequencing techniques and explore their biological and clinical impact on liver cancer research, while casting a glance at the future role of multi-omics in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Peeters
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Cappuyns
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta Piqué-Gili
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gino Phillips
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Verslype
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Centre for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Dekervel
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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158
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Rodríguez-Bejarano OH, Parra-López C, Patarroyo MA. A review concerning the breast cancer-related tumour microenvironment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 199:104389. [PMID: 38734280 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104389] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most common malignant tumour in women and one of the leading causes of their death around the world. New and increasingly personalised diagnostic and therapeutic tools have been introduced over the last few decades, along with significant advances regarding the study and knowledge related to BC. The tumour microenvironment (TME) refers to the tumour cell-associated cellular and molecular environment which can influence conditions affecting tumour development and progression. The TME is composed of immune cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and signalling molecules secreted by these different cell types. Ever deeper understanding of TME composition changes during tumour development and progression will enable new and more innovative therapeutic strategies to become developed for targeting tumours during specific stages of its evolution. This review summarises the role of BC-related TME components and their influence on tumour progression and the development of resistance to therapy. In addition, an account on the modifications in BC-related TME components associated with therapy is given, and the completed or ongoing clinical trials related to this topic are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Hernán Rodríguez-Bejarano
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222#55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia; Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Carlos Parra-López
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
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159
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Xu D, Zhuang X, Ma H, Li Z, Wei L, Luo J, Han H. Altered tumor microenvironment heterogeneity of penile cancer during progression from non-lymphatic to lymphatic metastasis. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70025. [PMID: 39003681 PMCID: PMC11246611 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70025] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic metastasis is the major challenge in the treatment of penile cancer. The prognosis of individuals with lymphatic metastasis is extremely poor. Therefore, early identification of disease progression and lymphatic metastasis is an urgent task for researchers in penile cancer worldwide. METHODS In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, an immune landscape was established for the cancer ecosystem based on 46,861 cells from six patients with penile cancer (four with lymphatic metastasis [stage IV] and two without lymphatic metastasis [stage I]). Using bulk RNA sequencing, the discrepancy between the cancers and their respective metastatic lymph nodes was depicted based on seven patients with penile cancer. RESULTS The interaction between epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and the functional cooperation among invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis were found to be important landscapes in the penile cancer ecosystem, playing important roles in progression of cancer and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to investigate the altered tumor microenvironment heterogeneity of penile cancer as it evolves from non-lymphatic to lymphatic metastasis and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying malignant progression, the premetastatic niche, and lymphatic metastasis in penile cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da‐Ming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Yu Zhuang
- Department of AnesthesiologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouP. R. China
| | - Hua‐Li Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of RadiologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Zai‐Shang Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's HospitalThe Second Clinic Medical College of Jinan UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Li‐Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Jun‐Hang Luo
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Hui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
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160
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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161
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Ito S, Koshino A, Wang C, Otani T, Komura M, Ueki A, Kato S, Takahashi H, Ebi M, Ogasawara N, Tsuzuki T, Kasai K, Kasugai K, Takiguchi S, Takahashi S, Inaguma S. Characterisation of colorectal cancer by hierarchical clustering analyses for five stroma-related markers. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e12386. [PMID: 38890810 PMCID: PMC11187867 DOI: 10.1002/2056-4538.12386] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Evidence for the tumour-supporting capacities of the tumour stroma has accumulated rapidly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumour stroma is composed of heterogeneous cells and components including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), small vessels, immune cells, and extracellular matrix proteins. The present study examined the characteristics of CAFs and collagen, major components of cancer stroma, by immunohistochemistry and Sirius red staining. The expression status of five independent CAF-related or stromal markers, decorin (DCN), fibroblast activation protein (FAP), podoplanin (PDPN), alpha-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), and collagen, and their association with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes were analysed. Patients with DCN-high tumours had a significantly worse 5-year survival rate (57.3% versus 79.0%; p = 0.044). Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analyses for these five markers identified three groups that showed specific characteristics: a solid group (cancer cell-rich, DCNLowPDPNLow); a PDPN-dominant group (DCNMidPDPNHigh); and a DCN-dominant group (DCNHighPDPNLow), with a significant association with patient survival (p = 0.0085). Cox proportional hazards model identified the PDPN-dominant group (hazard ratio = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26-0.96, p = 0.037) as a potential favourable factor compared with the DCN-dominant group. Of note, DCN-dominant tumours showed the most advanced pT stage and contained the lowest number of CD8+ and FOXP3+ immune cells. This study has revealed that immunohistochemistry and special staining of five stromal factors with hierarchical clustering analyses could be used for the prognostication of patients with CRC. Cancer stroma-targeting therapies may be candidate treatments for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Ito
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Akira Koshino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Chengbo Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Takahiro Otani
- Department of Public HealthNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Masayuki Komura
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Akane Ueki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Shunsuke Kato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Hiroki Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Masahide Ebi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Naotaka Ogasawara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Surgical PathologyAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of PathologyAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Kunio Kasugai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Shuji Takiguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
- Department of PathologyAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
- Department of PathologyNagoya City University East Medical CenterNagoyaJapan
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162
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Tharp KM, Kersten K, Maller O, Timblin GA, Stashko C, Canale FP, Menjivar RE, Hayward MK, Berestjuk I, Ten Hoeve J, Samad B, Ironside AJ, di Magliano MP, Muir A, Geiger R, Combes AJ, Weaver VM. Tumor-associated macrophages restrict CD8 + T cell function through collagen deposition and metabolic reprogramming of the breast cancer microenvironment. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:1045-1062. [PMID: 38831058 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tumor progression is accompanied by fibrosis, a condition of excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, which is associated with diminished antitumor immune infiltration. Here we demonstrate that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) respond to the stiffened fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) by initiating a collagen biosynthesis program directed by transforming growth factor-β. A collateral effect of this programming is an untenable metabolic milieu for productive CD8+ T cell antitumor responses, as collagen-synthesizing macrophages consume environmental arginine, synthesize proline and secrete ornithine that compromises CD8+ T cell function in female breast cancer. Thus, a stiff and fibrotic TME may impede antitumor immunity not only by direct physical exclusion of CD8+ T cells but also through secondary effects of a mechano-metabolic programming of TAMs, which creates an inhospitable metabolic milieu for CD8+ T cells to respond to anticancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tharp
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Kersten
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ori Maller
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Greg A Timblin
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Connor Stashko
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fernando P Canale
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Rosa E Menjivar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mary-Kate Hayward
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ilona Berestjuk
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Johanna Ten Hoeve
- UCLA Metabolomics Center, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bushra Samad
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Roger Geiger
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alexis J Combes
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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163
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Eum DY, Lee C, Tran CS, Lee J, Park SY, Jeong MS, Jin Y, Shim JW, Lee SR, Koh M, Vasileva EA, Mishchenko NP, Park SJ, Choi SH, Choi YJ, Yun H, Heo K. Regulatory role of Echinochrome A in cancer-associated fibroblast-mediated lung cancer cell migration. Toxicol Res 2024; 40:409-419. [PMID: 38911538 PMCID: PMC11187030 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-024-00232-5] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinochrome A (Ech A), a marine biosubstance isolated from sea urchins, is a strong antioxidant, and its clinical form, histochrome, is being used to treat several diseases, such as ophthalmic, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a component of the tumor stroma and induce phenotypes related to tumor malignancy, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stemness, through reciprocal interactions with cancer cells. Here, we investigated whether Ech A modulates the properties of CAFs and alleviates CAF-induced lung cancer cell migration. First, we observed that the expression levels of CAF markers, Vimentin and fibroblast-activating protein (FAP), were decreased in Ech A-treated CAF-like MRC5 cells. The mRNA transcriptome analysis revealed that in MRC5 cells, the expression of genes associated with cell migration was largely modulated after Ech A treatment. In particular, the expression and secretion of cytokine and chemokine, such as IL6 and CCL2, stimulating cancer cell metastasis was reduced through the inactivation of STAT3 and Akt in MRC5 cells treated with Ech A compared to untreated MRC5 cells. Moreover, while conditioned medium from MRC5 cells enhanced the migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells, conditioned medium from MRC5 cells treated with Ech A suppressed cancer cell migration. In conclusion, we suggest that Ech A might be a potent adjuvant that increases the efficacy of cancer treatments to mitigate lung cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Young Eum
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyoung Lee
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Cong So Tran
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Yong Park
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-So Jeong
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Yunho Jin
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Woong Shim
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Seoung Rak Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Minseob Koh
- Department of Chemistry, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Elena A. Vasileva
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 100 Let Vladivostoku Prosp., 159, Vladivostok, 690022 Russia
| | - Natalia P. Mishchenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 100 Let Vladivostoku Prosp., 159, Vladivostok, 690022 Russia
| | - Seong-Joon Park
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Si Ho Choi
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Choi
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
| | - Hwayoung Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Heo
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033 Republic of Korea
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164
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Ma R, Feng D, Chen J, Zhou J, Xia K, Kong X, Hu G, Lu P. Targeting Tumor Heterogeneity by Breaking a Stem Cell and Epithelial Niche Interaction Loop. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307452. [PMID: 38708713 PMCID: PMC11234407 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307452] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity, the presence of multiple distinct subpopulations of cancer cells between patients or among the same tumors, poses a major challenge to current targeted therapies. The way these different subpopulations interact among themselves and the stromal niche environment, and how such interactions affect cancer stem cell behavior has remained largely unknown. Here, it is shown that an FGF-BMP7-INHBA signaling positive feedback loop integrates interactions among different cell populations, including mammary gland stem cells, luminal epithelial and stromal fibroblast niche components not only in organ regeneration but also, with certain modifications, in cancer progression. The reciprocal dependence of basal stem cells and luminal epithelium is based on basal-derived BMP7 and luminal-derived INHBA, which promote their respective expansion, and is regulated by stromal-epithelial FGF signaling. Targeting this interaction loop, for example, by reducing the function of one or more of its components, inhibits organ regeneration and breast cancer progression. The results have profound implications for overcoming drug resistance because of tumor heterogeneity in future targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongze Ma
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of the School of Life Sciences, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute for Future Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Deyi Feng
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of the School of Life Sciences, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiecan Zhou
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of the School of Life Sciences, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Kun Xia
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of the School of Life Sciences, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xiangyin Kong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Guohong Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Pengfei Lu
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of the School of Life Sciences, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute for Future Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
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165
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Fernando PDSM, Ko DO, Piao MJ, Kang KA, Herath HMUL, Hyun JW. Protective effect of luteolin against oxidative stress‑mediated cell injury via enhancing antioxidant systems. Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:121. [PMID: 38757300 PMCID: PMC11129544 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13244] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Physiological stress such as excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may contribute normal fibroblasts activation into cancer‑associated fibroblasts, which serve a crucial role in certain types of cancer such as pancreatic, breast, liver and lung cancer. The present study aimed to examine the cytoprotective effects of luteolin (3',4',5,7‑tetrahydroxyflavone) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‑generated oxidative stress in lung fibroblasts. To examine the effects of luteolin against H2O2‑induced damages, cell viability, sub‑G1 cell population, nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342, lipid peroxidation and comet assays were performed. To evaluate the effects of luteolin on the protein expression level of apoptosis, western blot assay was performed. To assess the antioxidant effects of luteolin, detection of ROS using H2DCFDA staining, O2‑ and ·OH using electron spin resonance spectrometer and antioxidant enzyme activity was performed. In a cell‑free chemical system, luteolin scavenges superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase and the Fenton reaction (FeSO4/H2O2). Furthermore, Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79‑4) treated with H2O2 showed a significant increase in cellular ROS. Intracellular ROS levels and damage to cellular components such as lipids and DNA in H2O2‑treated cells were significantly decreased by luteolin pretreatment. Luteolin increased cell viability, which was impaired following H2O2 treatment and prevented H2O2‑mediated apoptosis. Luteolin suppressed active caspase‑9 and caspase‑3 levels while increasing Bcl‑2 expression and decreasing Bax protein levels. Additionally, luteolin restored levels of glutathione that was reduced in response to H2O2. Moreover, luteolin enhanced the activity and protein expressions of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and heme oxygenase‑1. Overall, these results indicated that luteolin inhibits H2O2‑mediated cellular damage by upregulating antioxidant enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dong Ok Ko
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, and Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Mei Jing Piao
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, and Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Ah Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, and Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jin Won Hyun
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, and Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
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166
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Ashworth JC, Cox TR. The importance of 3D fibre architecture in cancer and implications for biomaterial model design. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:461-479. [PMID: 38886573 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00704-8] [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] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The need for improved prediction of clinical response is driving the development of cancer models with enhanced physiological relevance. A new concept of 'precision biomaterials' is emerging, encompassing patient-mimetic biomaterial models that seek to accurately detect, treat and model cancer by faithfully recapitulating key microenvironmental characteristics. Despite recent advances allowing tissue-mimetic stiffness and molecular composition to be replicated in vitro, approaches for reproducing the 3D fibre architectures found in tumour extracellular matrix (ECM) remain relatively unexplored. Although the precise influences of patient-specific fibre architecture are unclear, we summarize the known roles of tumour fibre architecture, underlining their implications in cell-matrix interactions and ultimately clinical outcome. We then explore the challenges in reproducing tissue-specific 3D fibre architecture(s) in vitro, highlighting relevant biomaterial fabrication techniques and their benefits and limitations. Finally, we discuss imaging and image analysis techniques (focussing on collagen I-optimized approaches) that could hold the key to mapping tumour-specific ECM into high-fidelity biomaterial models. We anticipate that an interdisciplinary approach, combining materials science, cancer research and image analysis, will elucidate the role of 3D fibre architecture in tumour development, leading to the next generation of patient-mimetic models for mechanistic studies and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Ashworth
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.
- Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - T R Cox
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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167
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Yao H, Huang C, Zou J, Liang W, Zhao Y, Yang K, Zhong Z, Zhou S, Li J, Li Y, Xu L, Huang K, Lian G. Extracellular vesicle-packaged lncRNA from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes immune evasion by downregulating HLA-A in pancreatic cancer. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12484. [PMID: 39041344 PMCID: PMC11263977 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12484] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by immune evasion that contribute to poor prognosis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating the PDAC tumour microenvironment. We investigated the role of CAF-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-packaged long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in immune evasion and explored gene therapy using engineered EVs loading small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a potential therapeutic strategy. Our findings highlight the significance of EV-packaged lncRNA RP11-161H23.5 from CAF in promoting PDAC immune evasion by downregulating HLA-A expression, a key component of antigen presentation. Mechanistically, RP11-161H23.5 forms a complex with CNOT4, a subunit of the mRNA deadenylase CCR4-NOT complex, enhancing the degradation of HLA-A mRNA by shortening its poly(A) tail. This immune evasion mechanism compromises the anti-tumour immune response. To combat this, we propose an innovative approach utilising engineered EVs as natural and biocompatible nanocarriers for siRNA-based gene therapy and this strategy holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in PDAC. Overall, our study sheds light on the critical role of CAF-derived EV-packaged lncRNA RP11-161H23.5/CNOT4/HLA-A axis in PDAC immune evasion and presents a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanming Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chengzhi Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jinmao Zou
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Weiling Liang
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Kege Yang
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ziyi Zhong
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shurui Zhou
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiajia Li
- Department of NephrologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lishu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Kaihong Huang
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guoda Lian
- Department of GastroenterologySun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationSun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Coelho JQ, Ramos MJ, Ranchor R, Pichel R, Guerra L, Miranda H, Simões J, Azevedo SX, Febra J, Araújo A. What's new about the tumor microenvironment of urothelial carcinoma? Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:1549-1560. [PMID: 38332225 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03384-w] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma is a significant global health concern that accounts for a substantial part of cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide. The tumor microenvironment is a complex ecosystem composed of stromal cells, soluble factors, and altered extracellular matrix, that mutually interact in a highly immunomodulated environment, with a prominent role in tumor development, progression, and treatment resistance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the different cell populations that compose the tumor microenvironment of urothelial carcinoma, its main functions, and distinct interactions with other cellular and non-cellular components, molecular alterations and aberrant signaling pathways already identified. It also focuses on the clinical implications of these findings, and its potential to translate into improved quality of life and overall survival. Determining new targets or defining prognostic signatures for urothelial carcinoma is an ongoing challenge that could be accelerated through a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ridhi Ranchor
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pichel
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Laura Guerra
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Miranda
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Simões
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Joana Febra
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - António Araújo
- Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
- Oncology Research Unit, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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169
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Shi YX, Dai PH, Chen T, Yan JH. Comprehensive analysis and experimental verification reveal the molecular characteristics of EGLN3 in pan-cancer and its relationship with the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33206. [PMID: 39021988 PMCID: PMC11253545 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor 3 (EGLN3) is involved in the regulation of tumor microenvironment and tumor progression. However, its biological function and clinical significance in various cancers remain unclear. Methods RNA-seq, immunofluorescence, and single-cell sequencing were used to investigate the expression landscape of EGLN3 in pan-cancer. The TISCH2 and CancerSEA databases were used for single-cell function analysis of EGLN3 in tumors. TIMER2.0 database was used to explain the relationship between EGLN3 expression and immune cell infiltration. In addition, the LinkedOmics database was used to perform KEGG enrichment analysis of EGLN3 in pan-cancer. siRNA was used to silence gene expression. CCK8, transwell migration assay, flow cytometry analysis, RT-PCR, and western blotting were used to explore biological function of EGLN3. Results The results showed that EGLN3 was highly expressed in a variety of tumors, and was mainly localized to the cytosol. EGLN3 expression is associated with immunoinfiltration of a variety of immune cells, including macrophages in the tumor immune microenvironment and tumor-associated fibroblasts. Functional experiments revealed that EGLN3 knockdown could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and promote cell apoptosis. In addition, we found that Bax expression was up-regulated and Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated in the si-EGLN3 group. Taken together, as a potential oncogene, EGLN3 is involved in the regulation of tumor malignant process, especially tumor cell apoptosis. Conclusion We comprehensively investigated the expression pattern, single-cell function, immune infiltration level and regulated signaling pathway of EGLN3 in pan-cancer. We found that EGLN3 is an important hypoxia and immune-related gene that may serve as a potential target for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Xiang Shi
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng-Hui Dai
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian-Hua Yan
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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170
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Guo Z, Lei L, Zhang Z, Du M, Chen Z. The potential of vascular normalization for sensitization to radiotherapy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32598. [PMID: 38952362 PMCID: PMC11215263 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy causes apoptosis mainly through direct or indirect damage to DNA via ionizing radiation, leading to DNA strand breaks. However, the efficacy of radiotherapy is attenuated in malignant tumor microenvironment (TME), such as hypoxia. Tumor vasculature, due to the imbalance of various angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, leads to irregular morphology of tumor neovasculature, disordered arrangement of endothelial cells, and too little peripheral coverage. This ultimately leads to a TME characterized by hypoxia, low pH and high interstitial pressure. This deleterious TME further exacerbates the adverse effects of tumor neovascularization and weakens the efficacy of conventional radiotherapy. Whereas normalization of blood vessels improves TME and thus the efficacy of radiotherapy. In addition to describing the research progress of radiotherapy sensitization and vascular normalization, this review focuses on the strategy and application prospect of modulating vascular normalization to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhili Guo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hunan Veterans Administration Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lingling Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zenan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hunan Veterans Administration Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Meng Du
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
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Miti T, Desai B, Miroshnychenko D, Basanta D, Marusyk A. Dissecting the Spatially Restricted Effects of Microenvironment-Mediated Resistance on Targeted Therapy Responses. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2405. [PMID: 39001467 PMCID: PMC11240540 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132405] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The response of tumors to anti-cancer therapies is defined not only by cell-intrinsic therapy sensitivities but also by local interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Fibroblasts that make tumor stroma have been shown to produce paracrine factors that can strongly reduce the sensitivity of tumor cells to many types of targeted therapies. Moreover, a high stroma/tumor ratio is generally associated with poor survival and reduced therapy responses. However, in contrast to advanced knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for stroma-mediated resistance, its effect on the ability of tumors to escape therapeutic eradication remains poorly understood. To a large extent, this gap of knowledge reflects the challenge of accounting for the spatial aspects of microenvironmental resistance, especially over longer time frames. To address this problem, we integrated spatial inferences of proliferation-death dynamics from an experimental animal model of targeted therapy responses with spatial mathematical modeling. With this approach, we dissected the impact of tumor/stroma distribution, magnitude and distance of stromal effects. While all of the tested parameters affected the ability of tumor cells to resist elimination, spatial patterns of stroma distribution within tumor tissue had a particularly strong impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Miti
- Department of Integrative Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Bina Desai
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA (D.M.)
- Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Daria Miroshnychenko
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA (D.M.)
| | - David Basanta
- Department of Integrative Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Andriy Marusyk
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA (D.M.)
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Talia M, Cesario E, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, Mondino AA, Occhiuzzi MA, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Miglietta AM, Di Dio M, Capalbo C, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) gene signatures predict outcomes in breast and prostate tumor patients. J Transl Med 2024; 22:597. [PMID: 38937754 PMCID: PMC11210052 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05413-2] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, tumor-derived RNA expression signatures have been developed for the two most commonly diagnosed tumors worldwide, namely prostate and breast tumors, in order to improve both outcome prediction and treatment decision-making. In this context, molecular signatures gained by main components of the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), have been explored as prognostic and therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of the significance of CAFs-related gene signatures in breast and prostate cancers still remains to be disclosed. METHODS RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) was employed to profile and compare the transcriptome of CAFs isolated from patients affected by breast and prostate tumors. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) characterizing breast and prostate CAFs were intersected with data from public datasets derived from bulk RNA-seq profiles of breast and prostate tumor patients. Pathway enrichment analyses allowed us to appreciate the biological significance of the DEGs. K-means clustering was applied to construct CAFs-related gene signatures specific for breast and prostate cancer and to stratify independent cohorts of patients into high and low gene expression clusters. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were employed to predict differences in the outcome parameters of the clusters of patients. Decision-tree analysis was used to validate the clustering results and boosting calculations were then employed to improve the results obtained by the decision-tree algorithm. RESULTS Data obtained in breast CAFs allowed us to assess a signature that includes 8 genes (ITGA11, THBS1, FN1, EMP1, ITGA2, FYN, SPP1, and EMP2) belonging to pro-metastatic signaling routes, such as the focal adhesion pathway. Survival analyses indicated that the cluster of breast cancer patients showing a high expression of the aforementioned genes displays worse clinical outcomes. Next, we identified a prostate CAFs-related signature that includes 11 genes (IL13RA2, GDF7, IL33, CXCL1, TNFRSF19, CXCL6, LIFR, CXCL5, IL7, TSLP, and TNFSF15) associated with immune responses. A low expression of these genes was predictive of poor survival rates in prostate cancer patients. The results obtained were significantly validated through a two-step approach, based on unsupervised (clustering) and supervised (classification) learning techniques, showing a high prediction accuracy (≥ 90%) in independent RNA-seq cohorts. CONCLUSION We identified a huge heterogeneity in the transcriptional profile of CAFs derived from breast and prostate tumors. Of note, the two novel CAFs-related gene signatures might be considered as reliable prognostic indicators and valuable biomarkers for a better management of breast and prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Eugenio Cesario
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Adelina Assunta Mondino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Annunziata Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Michele Di Dio
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Annunziata Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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173
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Li X, González-Maroto C, Tavassoli M. Crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells in head and neck cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:303. [PMID: 38926351 PMCID: PMC11208506 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02053-9] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are amongst the most aggressive, complex, and heterogeneous malignancies. The standard of care treatments for HNC patients include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or their combination. However, around 50% do not benefit while suffering severe toxic side effects, costing the individuals and society. Decades have been spent to improve HNSCC treatment outcomes with only limited success. Much of the research in HNSCC treatment has focused on understanding the genetics of the HNSCC malignant cells, but it has become clear that tumour microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression as well as treatment response in HNSCC. Understanding the crosstalk between cancer cells and TME is crucial for inhibiting progression and treatment resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant component of stroma in HNSCC, serve as the primary source of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and various pro-tumoral composites in TME. The activation of CAFs in HNSCC is primarily driven by cancer cell-secreted molecules, which in turn induce phenotypic changes, elevated secretive status, and altered ECM production profile. Concurrently, CAFs play a pivotal role in modulating the cell cycle, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to targeted and chemoradiotherapy in HNSCC cells. This modulation occurs through interactions with secreted molecules or direct contact with the ECM or CAF. Co-culture and 3D models of tumour cells and other TME cell types allows to mimic the HNSCC tumour milieu and enable modulating tumour hypoxia and reprograming cancer stem cells (CSC). This review aims to provide an update on the development of HNSCC tumour models comprising CAFs to obtain better understanding of the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells, and for providing preclinical testing platforms of current and combination with emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Celia González-Maroto
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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174
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Golo M, Newman PLH, Kempe D, Biro M. Mechanoimmunology in the solid tumor microenvironment. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1489-1502. [PMID: 38856041 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231427] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that adjoins the cancer cells within solid tumors and comprises distinct components such as extracellular matrix, stromal and immune cells, blood vessels, and an abundance of signaling molecules. In recent years, the mechanical properties of the TME have emerged as critical determinants of tumor progression and therapeutic response. Aberrant mechanical cues, including altered tissue architecture and stiffness, contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Moreover, burgeoning immunotherapies hold great promise for harnessing the immune system to target and eliminate solid malignancies; however, their success is hindered by the hostile mechanical landscape of the TME, which can impede immune cell infiltration, function, and persistence. Consequently, understanding TME mechanoimmunology - the interplay between mechanical forces and immune cell behavior - is essential for developing effective solid cancer therapies. Here, we review the role of TME mechanics in tumor immunology, focusing on recent therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the mechanical properties of the TME to potentiate T cell immunotherapies, and innovative assays tailored to evaluate their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Golo
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter L H Newman
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Daryan Kempe
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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175
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Razavi-Mohseni M, Huang W, Guo YA, Shigaki D, Ho SWT, Tan P, Skanderup AJ, Beer MA. Machine learning identifies activation of RUNX/AP-1 as drivers of mesenchymal and fibrotic regulatory programs in gastric cancer. Genome Res 2024; 34:680-695. [PMID: 38777607 PMCID: PMC11216402 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278565.123] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and is a heterogeneous disease. Among GC subtypes, the mesenchymal phenotype (Mes-like) is more invasive than the epithelial phenotype (Epi-like). Although gene expression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been studied, the regulatory landscape shaping this process is not fully understood. Here we use ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data from a compendium of GC cell lines and primary tumors to detect drivers of regulatory state changes and their transcriptional responses. Using the ATAC-seq data, we developed a machine learning approach to determine the transcription factors (TFs) regulating the subtypes of GC. We identified TFs driving the mesenchymal (RUNX2, ZEB1, SNAI2, AP-1 dimer) and the epithelial (GATA4, GATA6, KLF5, HNF4A, FOXA2, GRHL2) states in GC. We identified DNA copy number alterations associated with dysregulation of these TFs, specifically deletion of GATA4 and amplification of MAPK9 Comparisons with bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data sets identified activation toward fibroblast-like epigenomic and expression signatures in Mes-like GC. The activation of this mesenchymal fibrotic program is associated with differentially accessible DNA cis-regulatory elements flanking upregulated mesenchymal genes. These findings establish a map of TF activity in GC and highlight the role of copy number driven alterations in shaping epigenomic regulatory programs as potential drivers of GC heterogeneity and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Razavi-Mohseni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Weitai Huang
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Yu A Guo
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Dustin Shigaki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Shamaine Wei Ting Ho
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetic Regulation, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Patrick Tan
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetic Regulation, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593
| | - Anders J Skanderup
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Michael A Beer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA;
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176
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Duhon BH, Thompson K, Fisher M, Kaul VF, Nguyen HT, Harris MS, Varadarajan V, Adunka OF, Prevedello DM, Kolipaka A, Ren Y. Tumor biomechanical stiffness by magnetic resonance elastography predicts surgical outcomes and identifies biomarkers in vestibular schwannoma and meningioma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14561. [PMID: 38914647 PMCID: PMC11196577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64597-1] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Variations in the biomechanical stiffness of brain tumors can not only influence the difficulty of surgical resection but also impact postoperative outcomes. In a prospective, single-blinded study, we utilize pre-operative magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to predict the stiffness of intracranial tumors intraoperatively and assess the impact of increased tumor stiffness on clinical outcomes following microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannomas (VS) and meningiomas. MRE measurements significantly correlated with intraoperative tumor stiffness and baseline hearing status of VS patients. Additionally, MRE stiffness was elevated in patients that underwent sub-total tumor resection compared to gross total resection and those with worse postoperative facial nerve function. Furthermore, we identify tumor microenvironment biomarkers of increased stiffness, including αSMA + myogenic fibroblasts, CD163 + macrophages, and HABP (hyaluronic acid binding protein). In a human VS cell line, a dose-dependent upregulation of HAS1-3, enzymes responsible for hyaluronan synthesis, was observed following stimulation with TNFα, a proinflammatory cytokine present in VS. Taken together, MRE is an accurate, non-invasive predictor of tumor stiffness in VS and meningiomas. VS with increased stiffness portends worse preoperative hearing and poorer postoperative outcomes. Moreover, inflammation-mediated hyaluronan deposition may lead to increased stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey H Duhon
- Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Otology, Neurotology, and Lateral Skull Base Surgery Program, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristin Thompson
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Melanie Fisher
- Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vivian F Kaul
- Otology, Neurotology, and Lateral Skull Base Surgery Program, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Han Tn Nguyen
- Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael S Harris
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Varun Varadarajan
- Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Oliver F Adunka
- Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel M Prevedello
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arunark Kolipaka
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Yin Ren
- Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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177
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Zhou P, Du X, Jia W, Feng K, Zhang Y. Engineered extracellular vesicles for targeted reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts to potentiate therapy of pancreatic cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:151. [PMID: 38910148 PMCID: PMC11194278 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01872-7] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadly malignancies with a significant mortality rate and there are currently few therapeutic options for it. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic cancer, distinguished by fibrosis and the existence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), exerts a pivotal influence on both tumor advancement and resistance to therapy. Recent advancements in the field of engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer novel avenues for targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to develop engineered EVs for the targeted reprogramming of CAFs and modulating the TME in pancreatic cancer. EVs obtained from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were loaded with miR-138-5p and the anti-fibrotic agent pirfenidone (PFD) and subjected to surface modification with integrin α5-targeting peptides (named IEVs-PFD/138) to reprogram CAFs and suppress their pro-tumorigenic effects. Integrin α5-targeting peptide modification enhanced the CAF-targeting ability of EVs. miR-138-5p directly inhibited the formation of the FERMT2-TGFBR1 complex, inhibiting TGF-β signaling pathway activation. In addition, miR-138-5p inhibited proline-mediated collagen synthesis by directly targeting the FERMT2-PYCR1 complex. The combination of miR-138-5p and PFD in EVs synergistically promoted CAF reprogramming and suppressed the pro-cancer effects of CAFs. Preclinical experiments using the orthotopic stroma-rich and patient-derived xenograft mouse models yielded promising results. In particular, IEVs-PFD/138 effectively reprogrammed CAFs and remodeled TME, which resulted in decreased tumor pressure, enhanced gemcitabine perfusion, tumor hypoxia amelioration, and greater sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Thus, the strategy developed in this study can improve chemotherapy outcomes. Utilizing IEVs-PFD/138 as a targeted therapeutic agent to modulate CAFs and the TME represents a promising therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuanlong Du
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weilu Jia
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Feng
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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178
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Lin S, Shu L, Guo Y, Yuan J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Yang Y, Yuan T. Cargo-eliminated osteosarcoma-derived small extracellular vesicles mediating competitive cellular uptake for inhibiting pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:360. [PMID: 38907233 PMCID: PMC11193292 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02636-9] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) derived small extracellular vesicles (OS-sEVs) have been shown to induce the formation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory factor expression and enhanced migratory and contractile abilities. These CAFs play a crucial role in priming lung metastasis by orchestrating the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) in the lung. Disrupting the communication between OS-sEVs and lung fibroblasts (LFs) emerges as a potent strategy to hinder OS pulmonary metastasis. Our previously established saponin-mediated cargo-elimination strategy effectively reduces the cancer-promoting ability of tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (TsEVs) while preserving their inherent targeting capability. In this study, we observed that cargo-eliminated OS-sEVs (CE-sEVs) display minimal pro-tumoral and LFs activation potential, yet retain their ability to target LFs. The uptake of OS-sEVs by LFs can be concentration-dependently suppressed by CE-sEVs, preventing the conversion of LFs into CAFs and thus inhibiting PMN formation and pulmonary metastasis of OS. In summary, this study proposes a potential strategy to prevent LFs activation, PMN formation in the lung, and OS pulmonary metastasis through competitive inhibition of OS-sEVs' function by CE-sEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyi Lin
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Longqiang Shu
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhang Guo
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ji Yuan
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juntao Zhang
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yunlong Yang
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ting Yuan
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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179
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Zhou Q, Jin X, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Tao M, Cao Y, Yin X. Melanoma-associated fibroblasts in tumor-promotion flammation and antitumor immunity: novel mechanisms and potential immunotherapeutic strategies. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1186-1193. [PMID: 38538564 PMCID: PMC11190611 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae056] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma, renowned for its aggressive behavior and resistance to conventional treatments, stands as a formidable challenge in the oncology landscape. The dynamic and complex interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment has gained significant attention, revealing Melanoma-Associated Fibroblasts (MAFs) as central players in disease progression. The heterogeneity of MAFs endows them with a dual role in melanoma. This exhaustive review seeks to not only shed light on the multifaceted roles of MAFs in orchestrating tumor-promoting inflammation but also to explore their involvement in antitumor immunity. By unraveling novel mechanisms underlying MAF functions, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of their impact on melanoma development. Additionally, it delves into the potential of leveraging MAFs for innovative immunotherapeutic strategies, offering new avenues for enhancing treatment outcomes in the challenging realm of melanoma therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiujun Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), #54 Youdian Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, #548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Xiaoliang Jin
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), #54 Youdian Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, #548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), #54 Youdian Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, #548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Yueping Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), #54 Youdian Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, #548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Maocan Tao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), #54 Youdian Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), #54 Youdian Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Xiaohu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), #54 Youdian Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
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180
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Micalet A, Upadhyay A, Javanmardi Y, de Brito CG, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U. Patient-specific colorectal-cancer-associated fibroblasts modulate tumor microenvironment mechanics. iScience 2024; 27:110060. [PMID: 38883829 PMCID: PMC11179580 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110060] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a major role in reorganizing the physical tumor micro-environment and changing tissue stiffness. Herein, using an engineered three-dimensional (3D) model that mimics the tumor's native biomechanical environment, we characterized the changes in matrix stiffness caused by six patient-specific colorectal CAF populations. After 21 days of culture, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was performed to precisely measure the local changes in tissue stiffness. Each CAF population exhibited heterogeneity in remodeling capabilities, with some patient-derived cells stiffening the matrix and others softening it. Tissue stiffening was mainly attributed to active contraction of the matrix by the cells, whereas the softening was due to enzymatic activity of matrix-cleaving proteins. This measured heterogeneity was lost when the CAFs were cocultured with colorectal cancer cells, as all samples significantly soften the tissue. The interplay between cancer cells and CAFs was critical as it altered any heterogeneity exhibited by CAFs alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auxtine Micalet
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anuja Upadhyay
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London W2 6LD, UK
| | - Umber Cheema
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
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181
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El-Sayed MM, Bianco JR, Li Y, Fabian Z. Tumor-Agnostic Therapy-The Final Step Forward in the Cure for Human Neoplasms? Cells 2024; 13:1071. [PMID: 38920700 PMCID: PMC11201516 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121071] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer accounted for 10 million deaths in 2020, nearly one in every six deaths annually. Despite advancements, the contemporary clinical management of human neoplasms faces a number of challenges. Surgical removal of tumor tissues is often not possible technically, while radiation and chemotherapy pose the risk of damaging healthy cells, tissues, and organs, presenting complex clinical challenges. These require a paradigm shift in developing new therapeutic modalities moving towards a more personalized and targeted approach. The tumor-agnostic philosophy, one of these new modalities, focuses on characteristic molecular signatures of transformed cells independently of their traditional histopathological classification. These include commonly occurring DNA aberrations in cancer cells, shared metabolic features of their homeostasis or immune evasion measures of the tumor tissues. The first dedicated, FDA-approved tumor-agnostic agent's profound progression-free survival of 78% in mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer paved the way for the accelerated FDA approvals of novel tumor-agnostic therapeutic compounds. Here, we review the historical background, current status, and future perspectives of this new era of clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zsolt Fabian
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK; (M.M.E.-S.); (J.R.B.); (Y.L.)
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182
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El Herch I, Tornaas S, Dongre HN, Costea DE. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-promoting roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1340024. [PMID: 38966131 PMCID: PMC11222324 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1340024] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a major influence on disease progression and therapy response. One of the predominant stromal cell types in the TME of HNSCC is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). CAF constitute a diverse cell population and we are only at the beginning of characterizing and understanding the functions of various CAF subsets. CAF have been shown to interact with tumor cells and other components of the TME to shape mainly a favourable microenvironment for HNSCC progression, although some studies report existence of tumor-restraining CAF subtypes. The numerous pathways used by CAF to promote tumorigenesis may represent potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes current knowledge on the origins, subtypes and mechanisms employed by CAF in HNSCC. The aim is to contribute to the understanding on how CAF actively influence the TME and modulate different immune cell types, as well as cancer cells, to establish a conducive setting for cancer growth. Although CAF are currently a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of other types of cancer, there is no significant therapeutic advancement in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane El Herch
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stian Tornaas
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Harsh Nitin Dongre
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Daniela Elena Costea
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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183
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Cao LZ, Yang FH, Zhang H, Jia AM, Li SP, Wen HL. Asperuloside inhibits the activation of pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts via activating transcription factor 6. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:234. [PMID: 38896161 PMCID: PMC11187058 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01095-w] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in tumor progression and immune evasion. Asperuloside (ASP) is an iridoid glycoside with potential anti-tumor properties. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of ASP on CAFs, particularly focusing on its effects on activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), a key regulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress. METHOD CAFs were treated with different concentrations of ASP (0, 1, 3, and 5 mM), and the role of ATF6 was investigated by over-expressing it in CAFs. Subsequently, western blot was used to detect ATF6, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibroblast activating protein (FAP), and vimentin protein levels in CAFs. The collagen gel contraction assay and Transwell assay were applied to evaluate the contraction and migration ability of CAFs. In addition, the interleukin (IL)-6, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-2, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-10 levels were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS CAFs had significantly higher expression levels of α-SMA, FAP, and vimentin compared to normal fibroblasts (NFs). ASP significantly inhibited the activation, contraction, and migration of CAFs in a concentration-dependent manner. ASP treatment also reduced the expression of cytokines (IL-6, CCL2, and CXCL10) and down-regulated ATF6 levels. Over-expression of ATF6 mitigated the inhibitory effects of ASP. CONCLUSION ASP exerts its anti-tumor effects by down-regulating ATF6, thereby inhibiting the activation and function of pancreatic CAFs. These findings suggest that ASP could be a promising therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Zhi Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan-Hui Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Min Jia
- Institute of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Su-Ping Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hu-Ling Wen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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184
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Yang N, Huang Y, Wang X, Wang D, Yao D, Ren G. Fibronectin-Targeting Dual-Modal MR/NIRF Imaging Contrast Agents for Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer and Peritoneal Metastasis. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:843-854. [PMID: 38775802 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence and fatality rates of gastric cancer (GC) remain elevated, with advanced stages presenting a grim prognosis. Noninvasive diagnosis of GC cancer often proves challenging until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage or metastasized. Initially, the level of fibronectin (FN) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of GC was at least 3.7 times higher than that in normal fibroblasts. Herein, two FN-targeting magnetic resonance/near-infrared fluorescence (MR/NIRF) imaging contrast agents were developed to detect GC and peritoneal metastasis noninvasively. The probes CREKA-Cy7-(Gd-DOTA) and CREKA-Cy7-(Gd-DOTA)3 demonstrated significant FN-targeting capability (with dissociation constants of 1.0 and 2.1 mM) and effective MR imaging performance (with proton relaxivity values of 9.66 and 27.44 mM-1 s-1 at 9.4 T, 37 °C). In vivo imaging revealed a high signal-to-noise ratio and successful visualization of GC metastasis using NIRF imaging as well as successful tumor detection in MR imaging. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of FN-targeting probes for GC diagnosis and aids in the advancement of new diagnostic strategies for the clinical detection of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxin Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuelin Huang
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dengbin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Defan Yao
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Gang Ren
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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185
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Nocquet L, Roul J, Lefebvre CC, Duarte L, Campone M, Juin PP, Souazé F. Low BCL-xL expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells favors chemotherapy efficacy, and this effect is limited by cancer-associated fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14177. [PMID: 38898061 PMCID: PMC11187150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64696-z] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) present a poor prognosis primarily due to their resistance to chemotherapy. This resistance is known to be associated with elevated expression of certain anti-apoptotic members within the proteins of the BCL-2 family (namely BCL-xL, MCL-1 and BCL-2). These regulate cell death by inhibiting pro-apoptotic protein activation through binding and sequestration and they can be selectively antagonized by BH3 mimetics. Yet the individual influences of BCL-xL, MCL-1, and BCL-2 on the sensitivity of TNBC cells to chemotherapy, and their regulation by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), major components of the tumor stroma and key contributors to therapy resistance remain to be delineated. Using gene editing or BH3 mimetics to inhibit anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in TNBC line MDA-MB-231, we show that BCL-xL and MCL-1 promote cancer cell survival through compensatory mechanisms. This cell line shows limited sensitivity to chemotherapy, in line with the clinical resistance observed in TNBC patients. We elucidate that BCL-xL plays a pivotal role in therapy response, as its depletion or pharmacological inhibition heightened chemotherapy effectiveness. Moreover, BCL-xL expression is associated with chemotherapy resistance in patient-derived tumoroids where its pharmacological inhibition enhances ex vivo response to chemotherapy. In a co-culture model of cancer cells and CAFs, we observe that even in a context where BCL-xL reduced expression renders cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, those in contact with CAFs display reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Thus CAFs exert a profound pro-survival effect in breast cancer cells, even in a setting highly favoring cell death through combined chemotherapy and absence of the main actor of chemoresistance, BCL-xL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nocquet
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Julie Roul
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Chloé C Lefebvre
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Laurine Duarte
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Mario Campone
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Philippe P Juin
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France.
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France.
| | - Frédérique Souazé
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France.
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186
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Zhang S, Xiao X, Yi Y, Wang X, Zhu L, Shen Y, Lin D, Wu C. Tumor initiation and early tumorigenesis: molecular mechanisms and interventional targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:149. [PMID: 38890350 PMCID: PMC11189549 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01848-7] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a multistep process, with oncogenic mutations in a normal cell conferring clonal advantage as the initial event. However, despite pervasive somatic mutations and clonal expansion in normal tissues, their transformation into cancer remains a rare event, indicating the presence of additional driver events for progression to an irreversible, highly heterogeneous, and invasive lesion. Recently, researchers are emphasizing the mechanisms of environmental tumor risk factors and epigenetic alterations that are profoundly influencing early clonal expansion and malignant evolution, independently of inducing mutations. Additionally, clonal evolution in tumorigenesis reflects a multifaceted interplay between cell-intrinsic identities and various cell-extrinsic factors that exert selective pressures to either restrain uncontrolled proliferation or allow specific clones to progress into tumors. However, the mechanisms by which driver events induce both intrinsic cellular competency and remodel environmental stress to facilitate malignant transformation are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the genetic, epigenetic, and external driver events, and their effects on the co-evolution of the transformed cells and their ecosystem during tumor initiation and early malignant evolution. A deeper understanding of the earliest molecular events holds promise for translational applications, predicting individuals at high-risk of tumor and developing strategies to intercept malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaosen Zhang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Xiao
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Yi
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxuan Zhu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong Shen
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- CAMS Oxford Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100006, Beijing, China.
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187
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Ho Thanh MT, Poudel A, Ameen S, Carroll B, Wu M, Soman P, Zhang T, Schwarz JM, Patteson AE. Vimentin promotes collective cell migration through collagen networks via increased matrix remodeling and spheroid fluidity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.17.599259. [PMID: 38948855 PMCID: PMC11212918 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The intermediate filament (IF) protein vimentin is associated with many diseases with phenotypes of enhanced cellular migration and aggressive invasion through the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues, but vimentin's role in in-vivo cell migration is still largely unclear. Vimentin is important for proper cellular adhesion and force generation, which are critical to cell migration; yet the vimentin cytoskeleton also hinders the ability of cells to squeeze through small pores in ECM, resisting migration. To identify the role of vimentin in collective cell migration, we generate spheroids of wide-type and vimentin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (mEFs) and embed them in a 3D collagen matrix. We find that loss of vimentin significantly impairs the ability of the spheroid to collectively expand through collagen networks and remodel the collagen network. Traction force analysis reveals that vimentin null spheroids exert less contractile force than their wild-type counterparts. In addition, spheroids made of mEFs with only vimentin unit length filaments (ULFs) exhibit similar behavior as vimentin-null spheroids, suggesting filamentous vimentin is required to promote 3D collective cell migration. We find the vimentin-mediated collective cell expansion is dependent on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) degradation of the collagen matrix. Further, 3D vertex model simulation of spheroid and embedded ECM indicates that wild-type spheroids behave more fluid-like, enabling more active pulling and reconstructing the surrounding collagen network. Altogether, these results signify that VIF plays a critical role in enhancing migratory persistence in 3D matrix environments through MMP transportation and tissue fluidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tri Ho Thanh
- Physics Department, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Arun Poudel
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Department, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Shabeeb Ameen
- Physics Department, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Bobby Carroll
- Physics Department, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - M Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University; Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Pranav Soman
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Department, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - J M Schwarz
- Physics Department, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- Indian Creek Farm, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Alison E Patteson
- Physics Department, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University; Syracuse, New York, USA
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188
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Chen X, Cheng G, Zhu L, Liu T, Yang X, Liu R, Ou Z, Zhang S, Tan W, Lin D, Wu C. Alarmin S100A8 imparts chemoresistance of esophageal cancer by reprogramming cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101576. [PMID: 38776909 PMCID: PMC11228400 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101576] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy remains the first-line treatment for advanced esophageal cancer. However, durable benefits are achieved by only a limited subset of individuals due to the elusive chemoresistance. Here, we utilize patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) from esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma to investigate chemoresistance mechanisms in preclinical settings. We observe that activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are enriched in the tumor microenvironment of PDXs resistant to chemotherapy. Mechanistically, we reveal that cancer-cell-derived S100A8 triggers the intracellular RhoA-ROCK-MLC2-MRTF-A pathway by binding to the CD147 receptor of CAFs, inducing CAF polarization and leading to chemoresistance. Therapeutically, we demonstrate that blocking the S100A8-CD147 pathway can improve chemotherapy efficiency. Prognostically, we found the S100A8 levels in peripheral blood can serve as an indicator of chemotherapy responsiveness. Collectively, our study offers a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance in esophageal cancer and highlights the potential value of S100A8 in the clinical management of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Chen
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Guoyu Cheng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Tianyuan Liu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Rucheng Liu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhengjie Ou
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shaosen Zhang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Wen Tan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; CAMS Oxford Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100006, China.
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189
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Talia M, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, De Rosis S, Miglietta AM, Capalbo C, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Grande F, Rizzuti B, Occhiuzzi MA, Fortino G, Guzzo A, Greco G, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The G Protein Estrogen Receptor (GPER) is involved in the resistance to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:171. [PMID: 38886784 PMCID: PMC11184778 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03096-7] [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: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cyclin D1-cyclin dependent kinases (CDK)4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy shows remarkable efficacy in the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, resistance to palbociclib frequently arises, highlighting the need to identify new targets toward more comprehensive therapeutic strategies in BC patients. METHODS BC cell lines resistant to palbociclib were generated and used as a model system. Gene silencing techniques and overexpression experiments, real-time PCR, immunoblotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies as well as cell viability, colony and 3D spheroid formation assays served to evaluate the involvement of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the resistance to palbociclib in BC cells. Molecular docking simulations were also performed to investigate the potential interaction of palbociclib with GPER. Furthermore, BC cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from mammary carcinoma, were used to investigate whether GPER signaling may contribute to functional cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment toward palbociclib resistance. Finally, by bioinformatics analyses and k-means clustering on clinical and expression data of large cohorts of BC patients, the clinical significance of novel mediators of palbociclib resistance was explored. RESULTS Dissecting the molecular events that characterize ER-positive BC cells resistant to palbociclib, the down-regulation of ERα along with the up-regulation of GPER were found. To evaluate the molecular events involved in the up-regulation of GPER, we determined that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) interacts with the promoter region of GPER and stimulates its expression toward BC cells resistance to palbociclib treatment. Adding further cues to these data, we ascertained that palbociclib does induce pro-inflammatory transcriptional events via GPER signaling in CAFs. Of note, by performing co-culture assays we demonstrated that GPER contributes to the reduced sensitivity to palbociclib also facilitating the functional interaction between BC cells and main components of the tumor microenvironment named CAFs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide novel insights on the molecular events through which GPER may contribute to palbociclib resistance in BC cells. Additional investigations are warranted in order to assess whether targeting the GPER-mediated interactions between BC cells and CAFs may be useful in more comprehensive therapeutic approaches of BC resistant to palbociclib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | | | - Giancarlo Fortino
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Antonella Guzzo
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Greco
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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190
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Stehbens SJ, Scarpa E, White MD. Perspectives in collective cell migration - moving forward. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261549. [PMID: 38904172 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261549] [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] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration, where cells move as a cohesive unit, is a vital process underlying morphogenesis and cancer metastasis. Thanks to recent advances in imaging and modelling, we are beginning to understand the intricate relationship between a cell and its microenvironment and how this shapes cell polarity, metabolism and modes of migration. The use of biophysical and mathematical models offers a fresh perspective on how cells migrate collectively, either flowing in a fluid-like state or transitioning to more static states. Continuing to unite researchers in biology, physics and mathematics will enable us to decode more complex biological behaviours that underly collective cell migration; only then can we understand how this coordinated movement of cells influences the formation and organisation of tissues and directs the spread of metastatic cancer. In this Perspective, we highlight exciting discoveries, emerging themes and common challenges that have arisen in recent years, and possible ways forward to bridge the gaps in our current understanding of collective cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Stehbens
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Elena Scarpa
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Melanie D White
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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191
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Srivastava P, Yadav VK, Chang TH, Su ECY, Lawal B, Wu ATH, Huang HS. In-silico analysis of TMEM2 as a pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cancer-associated fibroblast biomarker, and functional characterization of NSC777201, for targeted drug development. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:3010-3035. [PMID: 39005682 PMCID: PMC11236765 DOI: 10.62347/chxd6134] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), known as one of the deadliest cancers, is characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment, primarily comprised of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the extracellular matrix. These CAFs significantly alter the matrix by interacting with hyaluronic acid (HA) and the enzyme hyaluronidase, which degrades HA - an essential process for cancer progression and spread. Despite the critical role of this interaction, the specific functions of CAFs and hyaluronidase in PAAD development are not fully understood. Our study investigates this interaction and assesses NSC777201, a new anti-cancer compound targeting hyaluronidase. This research utilized computational methods to analyze gene expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, specifically GSE172096, comparing gene expression profiles of cancer-associated and normal fibroblasts. We conducted in-house sequencing of pancreatic cancer cells treated with NSC777201 to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed functional enrichment and pathway analysis. The identified DEGs were further validated using the TCGA-PAAD and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases for their diagnostic, prognostic, and survival implications, accompanied by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and molecular docking of NSC777201, in-vitro, and preclinical in-vivo validations. The result revealed 416 DEGs associated with CAFs and 570 DEGs related to NSC777201 treatment, with nine overlapping DEGs. A key finding was the transmembrane protein TMEM2, which strongly correlated with FAP, a CAF marker, and was associated with higher-risk groups in PAAD. NSC777201 treatment showed inhibition of TMEM2, validated by rescue assay, indicating the importance of targeting TMEM2. Further analyses, including IPA, demonstrated that NSC777201 regulates CAF cell senescence, enhancing its therapeutic potential. Both in-vitro and in-vivo studies confirmed the inhibitory effect of NSC777201 on TMEM2 expression, reinforcing its role in targeting PAAD. Therefore, TMEM2 has been identified as a theragnostic biomarker in PAAD, influenced by CAF activity and HA accumulation. NSC777201 exhibits significant potential in targeting and potentially reversing critical processes in PAAD progression, demonstrating its efficacy as a promising therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateeti Srivastava
- The Program for Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Vijesh Kumar Yadav
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho HospitalNew Taipei 23561, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hao Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
- Clinical Big Data Research Center, Taipei Medical University HospitalTaipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Emily Chia-Yu Su
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Bashir Lawal
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Alexander TH Wu
- The Program for Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical CenterTaipei 114, Taiwan
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Shan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical CenterTaipei 114, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 110, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Academia SinicaTaipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical CenterTaipei 11490, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 11031, Taiwan
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192
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Baniasadi A, Das JP, Prendergast CM, Beizavi Z, Ma HY, Jaber MY, Capaccione KM. Imaging at the nexus: how state of the art imaging techniques can enhance our understanding of cancer and fibrosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:567. [PMID: 38872212 PMCID: PMC11177383 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05379-1] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Both cancer and fibrosis are diseases involving dysregulation of cell signaling pathways resulting in an altered cellular microenvironment which ultimately leads to progression of the condition. The two disease entities share common molecular pathophysiology and recent research has illuminated the how each promotes the other. Multiple imaging techniques have been developed to aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of each disease, and given the commonalities between the pathophysiology of the conditions, advances in imaging one disease have opened new avenues to study the other. Here, we detail the most up-to-date advances in imaging techniques for each disease and how they have crossed over to improve detection and monitoring of the other. We explore techniques in positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), second generation harmonic Imaging (SGHI), ultrasound (US), radiomics, and artificial intelligence (AI). A new diagnostic imaging tool in PET/computed tomography (CT) is the use of radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI). SGHI uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deeper into the tissue, providing a more detailed view of the tumor microenvironment. Artificial intelligence with the aid of advanced deep learning (DL) algorithms has been highly effective in training computer systems to diagnose and classify neoplastic lesions in multiple organs. Ultimately, advancing imaging techniques in cancer and fibrosis can lead to significantly more timely and accurate diagnoses of both diseases resulting in better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Baniasadi
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Jeeban P Das
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Conor M Prendergast
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Zahra Beizavi
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hong Y Ma
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M Capaccione
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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193
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Gallant JP, Hintz HM, Gunaratne GS, Breneman MT, Recchia EE, West JL, Ott KL, Heninger E, Jackson AE, Luo NY, Rosenkrans ZT, Hernandez R, Zhao SG, Lang JM, Meimetis L, Kosoff D, LeBeau AM. Mechanistic Characterization of Cancer-associated Fibroblast Depletion via an Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1481-1494. [PMID: 38747612 PMCID: PMC11168342 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a prominent cell type within the tumor microenvironment (TME) where they are known to promote cancer cell growth and survival, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and immunosuppression. The transmembrane prolyl protease fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed on the surface of highly protumorigenic CAFs found in the stroma of nearly every cancer of epithelial origin. The widespread expression of FAP has made it an attractive therapeutic target based on the underlying hypothesis that eliminating protumorigenic CAFs will disrupt the cross-talk between components of TME resulting in cancer cell death and immune infiltration. This hypothesis, however, has never been directly proven. To eliminate FAP-expressing CAFs, we developed an antibody-drug conjugate using our anti-FAP antibody, huB12, coupled to a monomethyl auristatin E (huB12-MMAE) payload. After determining that huB12 was an effective targeting vector, we found that huB12-MMAE potently eliminated FAP-expressing cells as monocultures in vitro and significantly prolonged survival in vivo using a xenograft engineered to overexpress FAP. We investigated the effects of selectively eliminating CAFs using a layered, open microfluidic cell coculture platform, known as the Stacks. Analysis of mRNA and protein expression found that treatment with huB12-MMAE resulted in the increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL6 and IL8 by CAFs and an associated increase in expression of proinflammatory genes in cancer cells. We also detected increased secretion of CSF1, a cytokine involved in myeloid recruitment and differentiation. Our findings suggest that the mechanism of FAP-targeted therapies is through effects on the immune microenvironment and antitumor immune response. SIGNIFICANCE The direct elimination of FAP-expressing CAFs disrupts the cross-talk with cancer cells leading to a proinflammatory response and alterations in the immune microenvironment and antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P. Gallant
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Hallie M. Hintz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Gihan S. Gunaratne
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew T. Breneman
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Emma E. Recchia
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jayden L. West
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kendahl L. Ott
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Erika Heninger
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Abigail E. Jackson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Natalie Y. Luo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Zachary T. Rosenkrans
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Reinier Hernandez
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Shuang G. Zhao
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Joshua M. Lang
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Labros Meimetis
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David Kosoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- William S Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Aaron M. LeBeau
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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194
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Zhu Y, Xiang M, Brulois KF, Lazarus NH, Pan J, Butcher EC. Endothelial cell Notch signaling programs cancer-associated fibroblasts to promote tumor immune evasion. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4538031. [PMID: 38947054 PMCID: PMC11213189 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4538031/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Stromal cells within the tumor tissue promote immune evasion as a critical strategy for cancer development and progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we explore the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in the regulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Using mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) models, we found that canonical Notch signaling in endothelial cells suppresses the recruitment of antitumor T cells and promotes tumor progression by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Abrogation of endothelial Notch signaling modulates EC-derived angiocrine factors to enhance the pro-inflammatory activities of CAFs, which drive CXCL9/10-CXCR3-mediated T cell recruitment to inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, abrogation of endothelial Notch unleashed interferon gamma responses in the tumor microenvironment, upregulated PDL1 expression on tumor cells, and sensitized PDAC to PD1-based immunotherapy. Collectively, these data uncover a pivotal role of endothelial cells in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and suggest the potential of targeting EC-CAF interaction as a novel therapeutic modality to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Menglan Xiang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kevin F. Brulois
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nicole H. Lazarus
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Junliang Pan
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Eugene C. Butcher
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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195
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Peng Z, Fang C, Tong Z, Rao Q, Ren Z, Hu K. Crosstalk Between Cancer-associated Fibroblasts and Myeloid Cells Shapes the Heterogeneous Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:390-411. [PMID: 39323622 PMCID: PMC11420565 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029300608240531111743] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Targeted therapies have improved the clinical outcomes of most patients with cancer. However, the heterogeneity of gastric cancer remains a major hurdle for precision treatment. Further investigations into tumor microenvironment heterogeneity are required to resolve these problems. Methods In this study, bioinformatic analyses, including metabolism analysis, pathway enrichment, differentiation trajectory inference, regulatory network construction, and survival analysis, were applied to gain a comprehensive understanding of tumor microenvironment biology within gastric cancer using single-cell RNA-seq and public datasets and experiments were carried out to confirm the conclusions of these analyses. Results We profiled heterogeneous single-cell atlases and identified eight cell populations with differential expression patterns. We identified two cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) subtypes, with particular emphasis on the role of inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) in EMT and lipid metabolic crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment. Notably, we detected two differentiation states of iCAFs that existed in different tissues with discrepant expression of genes involved in immuno-inflammation or ECM remodeling. Moreover, investigation of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells has revealed the functional diversity of myeloid cell lineages in gastric cancer. Of which a proliferative cell lineage named C1QC+MKI67+TAMs was recognized with high immunosuppressive capacities, suggesting it has immune suppression and cell proliferation functions in the tumor niche. Finally, we explored regulatory networks based on ligand-receptor pairs and found crucial pro-tumor crosstalk between CAFs and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Conclusion These findings provide insights for future cancer treatments and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Peng
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Can Fang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Zhiwei Tong
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Qiufan Rao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Zihao Ren
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Kongwang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fuyang Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, Anhui 236000, China
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196
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Ryu KB, Seo JA, Lee K, Choi J, Yoo G, Ha JH, Ahn MR. Drug-Resistance Biomarkers in Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Organoid and Fibroblast Co-Culture System. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5794-5811. [PMID: 38921017 PMCID: PMC11202770 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060346] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer, the third most commonly occurring tumor worldwide, poses challenges owing to its high mortality rate and persistent drug resistance in metastatic cases. We investigated the tumor microenvironment, emphasizing the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the progression and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer. We used an indirect co-culture system comprising colorectal cancer organoids and cancer-associated fibroblasts to simulate the tumor microenvironment. Immunofluorescence staining validated the characteristics of both organoids and fibroblasts, showing high expression of epithelial cell markers (EPCAM), colon cancer markers (CK20), proliferation markers (KI67), and fibroblast markers (VIM, SMA). Transcriptome profiling was conducted after treatment with anticancer drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, to identify chemoresistance-related genes. Changes in gene expression in the co-cultured colorectal cancer organoids following anticancer drug treatment, compared to monocultured organoids, particularly in pathways related to interferon-alpha/beta signaling and major histocompatibility complex class II protein complex assembly, were identified. These two gene groups potentially mediate drug resistance associated with JAK/STAT signaling. The interaction between colorectal cancer organoids and fibroblasts crucially modulates the expression of genes related to drug resistance. These findings suggest that the interaction between colorectal cancer organoids and fibroblasts significantly influences gene expression related to drug resistance, highlighting potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for overcoming chemoresistance. Enhanced understanding of the interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment can lead to advancements in personalized medical research..
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ji-hye Ha
- Clinical Research Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju 28159, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (K.-B.R.)
| | - Mee Ryung Ahn
- Clinical Research Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju 28159, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (K.-B.R.)
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197
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Varveri A, Papadopoulou M, Papadovasilakis Z, Compeer EB, Legaki AI, Delis A, Damaskou V, Boon L, Papadogiorgaki S, Samiotaki M, Foukas PG, Eliopoulos AG, Hatzioannou A, Alissafi T, Dustin ML, Verginis P. Immunological synapse formation between T regulatory cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes tumour development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4988. [PMID: 38862534 PMCID: PMC11167033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49282-1] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as a dominant non-hematopoietic cell population in the tumour microenvironment, serving diverse functions in tumour progression. However, the mechanisms via which CAFs influence the anti-tumour immunity remain poorly understood. Here, using multiple tumour models and biopsies from cancer patients, we report that α-SMA+ CAFs can form immunological synapses with Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumours. Notably, α-SMA+ CAFs can phagocytose and process tumour antigens and exhibit a tolerogenic phenotype which instructs movement arrest, activation and proliferation in Tregs in an antigen-specific manner. Moreover, α-SMA+ CAFs display double-membrane structures resembling autophagosomes in their cytoplasm. Single-cell transcriptomic data showed an enrichment in autophagy and antigen processing/presentation pathways in α-SMA-expressing CAF clusters. Conditional knockout of Atg5 in α-SMA+ CAFs promoted inflammatory re-programming in CAFs, reduced Treg cell infiltration and attenuated tumour development. Overall, our findings reveal an immunosuppressive mechanism entailing the formation of synapses between α-SMA+ CAFs and Tregs in an autophagy-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Varveri
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Miranta Papadopoulou
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Zacharias Papadovasilakis
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ewoud B Compeer
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aigli-Ioanna Legaki
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Delis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileia Damaskou
- 2nd Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Martina Samiotaki
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre Alexander Fleming, Vari, Athens, 166 72, Greece
| | - Periklis G Foukas
- 2nd Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristides G Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Hatzioannou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Themis Alissafi
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael L Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Panayotis Verginis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Doldi V, Tortoreto M, Colecchia M, Maffezzini M, Percio S, Giammello F, Brandalise F, Gandellini P, Zaffaroni N. Repositioning of antiarrhythmics for prostate cancer treatment: a novel strategy to reprogram cancer-associated fibroblasts towards a tumor-suppressive phenotype. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:161. [PMID: 38858661 PMCID: PMC11165820 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03081-0] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a significant role in fueling prostate cancer (PCa) progression by interacting with tumor cells. A previous gene expression analysis revealed that CAFs up-regulate genes coding for voltage-gated cation channels, as compared to normal prostate fibroblasts (NPFs). In this study, we explored the impact of antiarrhythmic drugs, known cation channel inhibitors, on the activated state of CAFs and their interaction with PCa cells. METHODS The effect of antiarrhythmic treatment on CAF activated phenotype was assessed in terms of cell morphology and fibroblast activation markers. CAF contractility and migration were evaluated by 3D gel collagen contraction and scratch assays, respectively. The ability of antiarrhythmics to impair CAF-PCa cell interplay was investigated in CAF-PCa cell co-cultures by assessing tumor cell growth and expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. The effect on in vivo tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneously injecting PCa cells in SCID mice and intratumorally administering the medium of antiarrhythmic-treated CAFs or in co-injection experiments, where antiarrhythmic-treated CAFs were co-injected with PCa cells. RESULTS Activated fibroblasts show increased membrane conductance for potassium, sodium and calcium, consistently with the mRNA and protein content analysis. Antiarrhythmics modulate the expression of fibroblast activation markers. Although to a variable extent, these drugs also reduce CAF motility and hinder their ability to remodel the extracellular matrix, for example by reducing MMP-2 release. Furthermore, conditioned medium and co-culture experiments showed that antiarrhythmics can, at least in part, reverse the protumor effects exerted by CAFs on PCa cell growth and plasticity, both in androgen-sensitive and castration-resistant cell lines. Consistently, the transcriptome of antiarrhythmic-treated CAFs resembles that of tumor-suppressive NPFs. In vivo experiments confirmed that the conditioned medium or the direct coinjection of antiarrhythmic-treated CAFs reduced the tumor growth rate of PCa xenografts. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, such data suggest a new therapeutic strategy for PCa based on the repositioning of antiarrhythmic drugs with the aim of normalizing CAF phenotype and creating a less permissive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Doldi
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Monica Tortoreto
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Maurizio Colecchia
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital and Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Massimo Maffezzini
- Department of Urology, Hospitals of Legnano and Magenta, Milan, 20013, Italy
| | - Stefano Percio
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Gandellini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
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Cheon I, Lee S, Oh S, Ahn YH. miR-200-mediated inactivation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via targeting of NRP2-VEGFR signaling attenuates lung cancer invasion and metastasis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102194. [PMID: 38766528 PMCID: PMC11101731 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in promoting cancer cell motility, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis; therefore, extensive research has been conducted to determine their mode of activation. We aimed to identify whether miRNA-200 (miR-200), a widely recognized suppressor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, prevents CAFs from promoting cancer progression. Overexpression of miR-200 prevented CAFs from promoting lung cancer cell migration, invasion, tumorigenicity, and metastasis. Additionally, miR-200 suppressed the ability of CAFs to recruit and polarize macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, as well as the migration and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells. NRP2, a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), was confirmed to be a target of miR-200, which mediates the functional activity of miR-200 in CAFs. NRP2-VEGFR signaling facilitates the secretion of VEGF-D and pleiotrophin from CAFs, leading to the activation of cancer cell migration and invasion. These findings suggest that miR-200 remodels CAFs to impede cancer progression and metastasis and that miR-200 and NRP2 are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Cheon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Sieun Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Seonyeong Oh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
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200
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Li JP, Liu YJ, Li Y, Yin Y, Ye QW, Lu ZH, Dong YW, Zhou JY, Zou X, Chen YG. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of LMOD1 expression summarizes two modes of cell communication in colorectal cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:549. [PMID: 38849852 PMCID: PMC11161970 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05369-3] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication (CC) influences tumor development by mediating intercellular junctions between cells. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of CC in malignant transformation remain unknown. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of CC molecular expression during malignant transformation. It was found that although both tight junctions (TJs) and gap junctions (GJs) were involved in maintaining the tumor microenvironment (TME), they exhibited opposite characteristics. Mechanistically, for epithelial cells (parenchymal component), the expression of TJ molecules consistently decreased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. For fibroblasts (mesenchymal component), the expression of GJs consistently increased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. In addition, the molecular profiles of TJs and GJs were used to stratify colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, where subtypes characterized by high GJ levels and low TJ levels exhibited enhanced mesenchymal signals. Importantly, we propose that leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) is biphasic, with features of both TJs and GJs. LMOD1 not only promotes the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but also inhibits the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program in cancer cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the molecular heterogeneity of CC and provide new insights into further understanding of TME heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Pin Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian-Wen Ye
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Wei Dong
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Chinese & Western Medicine and Oncology Clinical Research, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yu-Gen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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