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Menche C, Schuhwerk H, Armstark I, Gupta P, Fuchs K, van Roey R, Mosa MH, Hartebrodt A, Hajjaj Y, Clavel Ezquerra A, Selvaraju MK, Geppert CI, Bärthel S, Saur D, Greten FR, Brabletz S, Blumenthal DB, Weigert A, Brabletz T, Farin HF, Stemmler MP. ZEB1-mediated fibroblast polarization controls inflammation and sensitivity to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:3406-3431. [PMID: 38937629 PMCID: PMC11315988 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00186-7] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The EMT-transcription factor ZEB1 is heterogeneously expressed in tumor cells and in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). While ZEB1 in tumor cells regulates metastasis and therapy resistance, its role in CAFs is largely unknown. Combining fibroblast-specific Zeb1 deletion with immunocompetent mouse models of CRC, we observe that inflammation-driven tumorigenesis is accelerated, whereas invasion and metastasis in sporadic cancers are reduced. Single-cell transcriptomics, histological characterization, and in vitro modeling reveal a crucial role of ZEB1 in CAF polarization, promoting myofibroblastic features by restricting inflammatory activation. Zeb1 deficiency impairs collagen deposition and CAF barrier function but increases NFκB-mediated cytokine production, jointly promoting lymphocyte recruitment and immune checkpoint activation. Strikingly, the Zeb1-deficient CAF repertoire sensitizes to immune checkpoint inhibition, offering a therapeutic opportunity of targeting ZEB1 in CAFs and its usage as a prognostic biomarker. Collectively, we demonstrate that ZEB1-dependent plasticity of CAFs suppresses anti-tumor immunity and promotes metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Menche
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fuchs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mohammed H Mosa
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Anne Hartebrodt
- Biomedical Network Science Lab, Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yussuf Hajjaj
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ana Clavel Ezquerra
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manoj K Selvaraju
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carol I Geppert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bärthel
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian R Greten
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- German Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David B Blumenthal
- Biomedical Network Science Lab, Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Henner F Farin
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
- German Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Li ZB, Li YZ, Sun ZP, Li WX, Xiao Z, Wang F. ZEB2 knockdown inhibits interleukin-1β-induced cartilage degradation and inflammatory response through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in human chondrocytes. Scand J Rheumatol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38899454 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2024.2358594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the joints characterized by inflammation and cartilage degeneration. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) contains various function domains that interact with multiple transcription factors involved in various cellular functions. However, the function of ZEB2 in OA has not been clearly illustrated. METHOD Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was used to establish an OA model in vitro. We quantified the ZEB2 expression in cartilage tissues from OA patients and IL-1β-induced chondrocytes through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. We then used functional assays to explore the function of ZEB2 during OA progression. RESULTS ZEB2 expression was increased in OA cartilage tissues and chondrocytes. The silencing of ZEB2 increased aggrecan and collagen II levels, and reduced the content of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-9, and MMP-13. ZEB2 knockdown inhibited the effects of IL-1β on the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. ZEB2 inhibition also suppressed the levels of IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α, and increased the IL-10 level in IL-1β-treated cells. Mechanically, ZEB2 knockdown blocked the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in chondrocytes. CONCLUSION Knockdown of ZEB2 alleviated IL-1β-induced cartilage degradation and the inflammatory response through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z B Li
- Trauma Ward 2, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Y Z Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shangluo Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shangluo, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Z P Sun
- Trauma Ward 2, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - W X Li
- Trauma Ward 2, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Z Xiao
- Trauma Ward 2, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - F Wang
- Trauma Ward 2, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
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3
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Durand S, Tang Y, Pommier RM, Benboubker V, Grimont M, Boivin F, Barbollat-Boutrand L, Cumunel E, Dupeuble F, Eberhardt A, Plaschka M, Dalle S, Caramel J. ZEB1 controls a lineage-specific transcriptional program essential for melanoma cell state transitions. Oncogene 2024; 43:1489-1505. [PMID: 38519642 PMCID: PMC11090790 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03010-7] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Cell plasticity sustains intra-tumor heterogeneity and treatment resistance in melanoma. Deciphering the transcriptional mechanisms governing reversible phenotypic transitions between proliferative/differentiated and invasive/stem-like states is required. Expression of the ZEB1 transcription factor is frequently activated in melanoma, where it fosters adaptive resistance to targeted therapies. Here, we performed a genome-wide characterization of ZEB1 transcriptional targets, by combining ChIP-sequencing and RNA-sequencing, upon phenotype switching in melanoma models. We identified and validated ZEB1 binding peaks in the promoter of key lineage-specific genes crucial for melanoma cell identity. Mechanistically, ZEB1 negatively regulates SOX10-MITF dependent proliferative/melanocytic programs and positively regulates AP-1 driven invasive and stem-like programs. Comparative analyses with breast carcinoma cells revealed lineage-specific ZEB1 binding, leading to the design of a more reliable melanoma-specific ZEB1 regulon. We then developed single-cell spatial multiplexed analyses to characterize melanoma cell states intra-tumoral heterogeneity in human melanoma samples. Combined with scRNA-Seq analyses, our findings confirmed increased ZEB1 expression in Neural-Crest-like cells and mesenchymal cells, underscoring its significance in vivo in both populations. Overall, our results define ZEB1 as a major transcriptional regulator of cell states transitions and provide a better understanding of lineage-specific transcriptional programs sustaining intra-tumor heterogeneity in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Durand
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Yaqi Tang
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Roxane M Pommier
- Fondation Synergie Lyon Cancer, Plateforme de bio-informatique Gilles Thomas, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Valentin Benboubker
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Maxime Grimont
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Felix Boivin
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Laetitia Barbollat-Boutrand
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Eric Cumunel
- Fondation Synergie Lyon Cancer, Plateforme de bio-informatique Gilles Thomas, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Florian Dupeuble
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Anaïs Eberhardt
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre Bénite, Cedex, France
| | - Maud Plaschka
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre Bénite, Cedex, France
| | - Julie Caramel
- "Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma" lab, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69008, Lyon, France.
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4
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Singh D, Siddique HR. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer progression: unraveling the immunosuppressive module driving therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:155-173. [PMID: 37775641 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10141-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo phenotypic switching (cancer cell plasticity) in response to microenvironmental cues, including exposure to therapy/treatment. Phenotypic plasticity enables the cancer cells to acquire more mesenchymal traits promoting cancer cells' growth, survival, therapy resistance, and disease recurrence. A significant program in cancer cell plasticity is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein a comprehensive reprogramming of gene expression occurs to facilitate the translational shift from epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotypes resulting in increased invasiveness and metastasis. In addition, EMT plays a pivotal role in facilitating cancer cells' escape from the body's immune system using several mechanisms, such as the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex-mediated antigen presentation, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and recruitment of immune-suppressive cells. Cancer cells' ability to undergo phenotypic switching and EMT-driven immune escape presents a formidable obstacle in cancer management, highlighting the need to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying these processes and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This article discusses the role of EMT in promoting immune evasion and therapy resistance. We also discuss the ongoing research on developing therapeutic approaches targeting intrinsic and induced cell plasticity within the immune suppressive microenvironment. We believe this review article will update the current research status and equip researchers, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals with valuable insights enhancing their existing knowledge and shedding light on promising directions for future cancer research. This will facilitate the development of innovative strategies for managing therapy-resistant cancers and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
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5
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Wu Y, Sun K, Tu Y, Li P, Hao D, Yu P, Chen A, Wan Y, Shi L. miR-200a-3p regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps by targeting ZEB1 via ERK/p38 pathway. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2024; 14:41-56. [PMID: 37318032 DOI: 10.1002/alr.23215] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several biological processes are regulated by miR-200a-3p, including cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study we aimed to uncover the diagnostic value and molecular mechanisms of miR-200a-3p in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). METHODS The expressions of miR-200a-3p were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) levels were examined by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. The interaction between miR-200a-3p and ZEB1 was predicted by TargetScan Human 8.0 and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. In addition, the effect of miR-200a-3p and ZEB1 on EMT-related makers and inflammation cytokines was assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting in human nasal epithelial cells (hNEpCs) and primary human nasal mucosal epithelial cells (hNECs). RESULTS We found that miR-200a-3p was downregulated in non-eosinophilic and eosinophilic CRSwNP patients when compared with controls. The diagnostic value of miR-200a-3p in serum is reflected by the receiver operating characteristic curve and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay identified ZEB1 as a target of miR-200a-3p. ZEB1 was more highly expressed in CRSwNP than in controls. Furthermore, miR-200a-3p inhibitor or ZEB1 overexpression significantly suppressed the epithelial marker E-cadherin; promoted the activation of vimentin, α-spinal muscle atrophy, and N-cadherin; and aggravated inflammation in hNEpCs. Knockdown of ZEB1 significantly alleviated the cellular remodeling caused by miR-200a-3p inhibitor via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p38 pathway in hNECs. CONCLUSIONS miR-200a-3p suppresses EMT and inflammation by regulating the expression of ZEB1 via the ERK/p38 pathway. Our study presents new ideas for protecting nasal epithelial cells from tissue remodeling and finding a possible target for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisha Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kaiyue Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanyi Tu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dingqian Hao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Aiping Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuzhu Wan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA. EMT-induced immune evasion: connecting the dots from mechanisms to therapy. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4265-4287. [PMID: 37966552 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic program crucial for organismal development and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, this program is often hijacked by epithelial tumors to facilitate metastasis. Beyond its role in cancer spread, EMT increases cancer cell survival by activating stem cell programs and bypassing apoptotic programs. Importantly, the capacity of EMT to enforce tumor progression by altering the tumor cell phenotype without triggering immune responses opens the intriguing possibility of a mechanistic link between EMT-driven cancers and immune evasion. Indeed, EMT has been acknowledged as a of driver immune evasion, but the mechanisms are still evolving. Here, we review recent insights into the influence of EMT on tumor immune evasion. Specifically, we focus on the mechanistic roles of EMT in immune escape as the basis that may provide a platform for innovative therapeutic approaches in advanced tumors. We summarize promising therapeutic approaches currently in clinical trials and trending preclinical studies aimed at reinvigorating the tumor microenvironment to create immune-permissive conditions that facilitates immune-mediated tumor clearance. We anticipate that this will assist researchers and pharmaceutical companies in understanding how EMT compromises the immune response, potentially paving the way for effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
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Deng S, Cheng D, Wang J, Gu J, Xue Y, Jiang Z, Qin L, Mao F, Cao Y, Cai K. MYL9 expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts regulate the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer and promotes tumor progression in an autocrine manner. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:294. [PMID: 37926835 PMCID: PMC10626665 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02863-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important factor that regulates the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main mesenchymal cells in the TME and play a vital role in tumor progression; however, the specific underlying mechanisms require further study. METHODS Multiple single-cell and transcriptome data were analyzed and validated. Primary CAFs isolation, CCK8 assay, co-culture assay, western blotting, multiple immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, ChIP, double luciferase, and animal experiments were used to explore the potential mechanism of MYL9 regulation in CRC. RESULTS Our findings revealed that MYL9 was predominantly localized and expressed in CAFs rather than in CRC cells, and bioinformatics analysis revealed that high MYL9 expression was strongly associated with poor overall and disease-free survival in various tumors. In addition, high MYL9 expression is closely associated with M2 macrophage infiltration, which can lead to an immunosuppressive microenvironment in CRC, making it insensitive to immunotherapy. Mechanically, MYL9 can regulate the secretion of CAFs on CCL2 and TGF-β1, thus affecting the immune microenvironment and progression of CRC. In addition, MYL9 bounded with IQGAP1 to regulate CCL2 and TGF-β1 secretion through the ERK 1/2 pathway, and CCL2 and TGF-β1 synergistically promoted CRC cells progression through the PI3K-AKT pathway. Furthermore, MYL9 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CRC. During the upstream regulation of MYL9 in CAFs, we found that the EMT transcription factor ZEB1 could bind to the MYL9 promoter in CAFs, enhancing the activity and function of MYL9. Therefore, MYL9 is predominantly expressed in CAFs and can indirectly influence tumor biology and EMT by affecting CAFs protein expression in CRC. CONCLUSIONS MYL9 regulates the secretion of cytokines and chemokines in CAFs, which can affect the immune microenvironment of CRC and promote CRC progression. The relationship between MYL9 expression and CRC clinical staging and immunotherapy is closer in CAFs than in tumor cells; therefore, studies using CAFs as a model deserve more attention when exploring tumor molecular targets in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghe Deng
- Center for Liver Transplantation, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Denglong Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Junnan Gu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yifan Xue
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhenxing Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Le Qin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Fuwei Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yinghao Cao
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Kailin Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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8
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Rithvik A, Samarpita S, Rasool M. Unleashing the pathological imprinting of cancer in autoimmunity: Is ZEB1 the answer? Life Sci 2023; 332:122115. [PMID: 37739160 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122115] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The intriguing scientific relationship between autoimmunity and cancer immunology have been traditionally indulged to throw spotlight on novel pathological targets. Understandably, these "slowly killing" diseases are on the opposite ends of the immune spectrum. However, the immune regulatory mechanisms between autoimmunity and cancer are not always contradictory and sometimes mirror each other based on disease stage, location, and timepoint. Moreover, the blockade of immune checkpoint molecules or signalling pathways that unleashes the immune response against cancer is being leveraged to preserve self-tolerance and treat many autoimmune disorders. Therefore, understanding the common crucial factors involved in cancer is of paramount importance to paint the autoimmune disease spectrum and validate novel drug candidates. In the current review, we will broadly describe how ZEB1, or Zinc-finger E-box Binding Homeobox 1, reinforces immune exhaustion in cancer or contributes to loss of self-tolerance in auto-immune conditions. We made an effort to exchange information about the molecular pathways and pathological responses (immune regulation, cell proliferation, senescence, autophagy, hypoxia, and circadian rhythm) that can be regulated by ZEB1 in the context of autoimmunity. This will help untwine the intricate and closely postured pathogenesis of ZEB1, that is less explored from the perspective of autoimmunity than its counterpart, cancer. This review will further consider several approaches for targeting ZEB1 in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arulkumaran Rithvik
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nādu, India
| | - Snigdha Samarpita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mahaboobkhan Rasool
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nādu, India.
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9
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Labossiere A, Ramsey M, Merritt J, Kreth J. Molecular commensalism-how to investigate underappreciated health-associated polymicrobial communities. mBio 2023; 14:e0134223. [PMID: 37754569 PMCID: PMC10653818 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01342-23] [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: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of human commensal bacteria began with the first observation of prokaryotes >340 years ago. Since then, the study of human-associated microbes has been justifiably biased toward the study of infectious pathogens. However, the role of commensal microbes has in recent years begun to be understood with some appreciation of them as potential protectors of host health rather than bystanders. As our understanding of these valuable microbes grows, it highlights how much more remains to be learned about them and their roles in maintaining health. We note here that a thorough framework for the study of commensals, both in vivo and in vitro is overall lacking compared to well-developed methodologies for pathogens. The modification and application of methods for the study of pathogens can work well for the study of commensals but is not alone sufficient to properly characterize their relationships. This is because commensals live in homeostasis with the host and within complex communities. One difficulty is determining which commensals have a quantifiable impact on community structure and stability as well as host health, vs benign microbes that may indeed serve only as bystanders. Human microbiomes are composed of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. This review focuses particularly on oral bacteria, yet many of the principles of commensal impacts on host health observed in the mouth can translate well to other host sites. Here, we discuss the value of commensals, the shortcomings involved in model systems for their study, and some of the more notable impacts they have upon not only each other but host health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Labossiere
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Matthew Ramsey
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Justin Merritt
- Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jens Kreth
- Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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10
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Waryah C, Alves E, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Thompson EW, Redfern A, Blancafort P. Unpacking the Complexity of Epithelial Plasticity: From Master Regulator Transcription Factors to Non-Coding RNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3152. [PMID: 37370762 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity in cancer enables adaptation to selective pressures and stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment. This plasticity facilitates the remodeling of cancer cell phenotype and function (such as tumor stemness, metastasis, chemo/radio resistance), and the reprogramming of the surrounding tumor microenvironment to enable immune evasion. Epithelial plasticity is one form of cellular plasticity, which is intrinsically linked with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Traditionally, EMT has been regarded as a binary state. Yet, increasing evidence suggests that EMT involves a spectrum of quasi-epithelial and quasi-mesenchymal phenotypes governed by complex interactions between cellular metabolism, transcriptome regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms. Herein, we review the complex cross-talk between the different layers of epithelial plasticity in cancer, encompassing the core layer of transcription factors, their interacting epigenetic modifiers and non-coding RNAs, and the manipulation of cancer immunogenicity in transitioning between epithelial and mesenchymal states. In examining these factors, we provide insights into promising therapeutic avenues and potential anti-cancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Eric Alves
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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11
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Omar FA, Brown TC, Gillanders WE, Fleming TP, Smith MA, Bremner RM, Sankpal NV. Cytosolic EpCAM cooperates with H-Ras to regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition through ZEB1. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285707. [PMID: 37192201 PMCID: PMC10187930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Next generation sequencing of human cancer mutations has identified novel therapeutic targets. Activating Ras oncogene mutations play a central role in oncogenesis, and Ras-driven tumorigenesis upregulates an array of genes and signaling cascades that can transform normal cells into tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the role of altered localization of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in Ras-expressing cells. Analysis of microarray data demonstrated that Ras expression induced EpCAM expression in normal breast epithelial cells. Fluorescent and confocal microscopy showed that H-Ras mediated transformation also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) together with EpCAM. To consistently localize EpCAM in the cytosol, we generated a cancer-associated EpCAM mutant (EpCAM-L240A) that is retained in the cytosol compartment. Normal MCF-10A cells were transduced with H-Ras together with EpCAM wild-type (WT) or EpCAM-L240A. WT-EpCAM marginally effected invasion, proliferation, and soft agar growth. EpCAM-L240A, however, markedly altered cells and transformed to mesenchymal phenotype. Ras-EpCAM-L240A expression also promoted expression of EMT factors FRA1, ZEB1 with inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL1. This altered morphology was reversed using MEK-specific inhibitors and to some extent JNK inhibition. Furthermore, these transformed cells were sensitized to apoptosis using paclitaxel and quercetin, but not other therapies. For the first time, we have demonstrated that EpCAM mutations can cooperate with H-Ras and promote EMT. Collectively, our results highlight future therapeutic opportunities in EpCAM and Ras mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma A. Omar
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Taylor C. Brown
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - William E. Gillanders
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Timothy P. Fleming
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Smith
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ross M. Bremner
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Narendra V. Sankpal
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
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12
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Zhang Y, Do KK, Wang F, Lu X, Liu JY, Li C, Ceresa BP, Zhang L, Dean DC, Liu Y. Zeb1 facilitates corneal epithelial wound healing by maintaining corneal epithelial cell viability and mobility. Commun Biol 2023; 6:434. [PMID: 37081200 PMCID: PMC10119281 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the outmost ocular tissue and plays an important role in protecting the eye from environmental insults. Corneal epithelial wounding provokes pain and fear and contributes to the most ocular trauma emergency assessments worldwide. ZEB1 is an essential transcription factor in development; but its roles in adult tissues are not clear. We identify Zeb1 is an intrinsic factor that facilitates corneal epithelial wound healing. In this study, we demonstrate that monoallelic deletion of Zeb1 significantly expedites corneal cell death and inhibits corneal epithelial EMT-related cell migration upon an epithelial debridement. We provide evidence that Zeb1-regulation of corneal epithelial wound healing is through the repression of genes required for Tnfa-induced epithelial cell death and the induction of genes beneficial for epithelial cell migration. We suggest utilizing TNF-α antagonists would reduce TNF/TNFR1-induced cell death in the corneal epithelium and inflammation in the corneal stroma to help corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- The Rosenberg School of Optometry, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Khoi K Do
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Fuhua Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Eye Institute and Eye Hospital of Shangdong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Lu
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- James Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - John Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Chi Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- James Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Brian P Ceresa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, 116033, Dalian, China
| | - Douglas C Dean
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- James Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Yongqing Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- James Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
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13
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Harnessing epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:318-340. [PMID: 36823234 PMCID: PMC10066239 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a powerful option for cancer treatment. Despite demonstrable progress, most patients fail to respond or achieve durable responses due to primary or acquired ICB resistance. Recently, tumor epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) was identified as a critical determinant in regulating immune escape and immunotherapy resistance in cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging role of tumor EMP in ICB resistance and the tumor-intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms by which tumors exploit EMP to achieve immunosuppression and immune escape. We discuss strategies to modulate tumor EMP to alleviate immune resistance and to enhance the efficiency of ICB therapy. Our discussion provides new prospects to enhance the ICB response for therapeutic gain in cancer patients.
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14
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Liu Z, Wang J, Li S, Li L, Li L, Li D, Guo H, Gao D, Liu S, Ruan C, Dang X. Prognostic prediction and immune infiltration analysis based on ferroptosis and EMT state in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1076045. [PMID: 36591279 PMCID: PMC9797854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1076045] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ferroptosis is one of the main mechanisms of sorafenib against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the heterogeneity, tumor metastasis, immunosuppressive microenvironment, and drug resistance of HCC. However, there are few studies looking into the relationship between ferroptosis and EMT and how they may affect the prognosis of HCC collectively. Methods We downloaded gene expression and clinical data of HCC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases for prognostic model construction and validation respectively. The Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was used for model construction. The predictive ability of the model was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We performed the expression profiles analysis to evaluate the ferroptosis and EMT state. CIBERSORT and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) methods were used for immune infiltration analysis. Results A total of thirteen crucial genes were identified for ferroptosis-related and EMT-related prognostic model (FEPM) stratifying patients into two risk groups. The high-FEPM group had shorter overall survivals than the low-FEPM group (p<0.0001 in the TCGA cohort and p<0.05 in the ICGC cohort). The FEPM score was proved to be an independent prognostic risk factor (HR>1, p<0.01). Furthermore, the expression profiles analysis suggested that the high-FEPM group appeared to have a more suppressive ferroptosis status and a more active EMT status than the low- FEPM group. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were highly enriched in the high-FEPM group. Finally, a nomogram enrolling FEPM score and TNM stage was constructed showing outstanding predictive capacity for the prognosis of patients in the two cohorts. Conclusion In conclusion, we developed a ferroptosis-related and EMT-related prognostic model, which could help predict overall survival for HCC patients. It might provide a new idea for predicting the response to targeted therapies and immunotherapies in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochen Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Budd-Chiari Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingju Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suxin Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Budd-Chiari Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Luhao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Budd-Chiari Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Budd-Chiari Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dingyang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Budd-Chiari Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huahu Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Budd-Chiari Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dute Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengyan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengshuo Ruan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Dang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Budd-Chiari Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiaowei Dang,
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15
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Poonaki E, Kahlert UD, Meuth SG, Gorji A. The role of the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis in CNS disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:275. [PMCID: PMC9675144 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a master modulator of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process whereby epithelial cells undergo a series of molecular changes and express certain characteristics of mesenchymal cells. ZEB1, in association with other EMT transcription factors, promotes neuroinflammation through changes in the production of inflammatory mediators, the morphology and function of immune cells, and multiple signaling pathways that mediate the inflammatory response. The ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of different CNS disorders, such as brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, and neuropathic pain, by promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness, formation of the hostile inflammatory micromilieu surrounding neuronal tissues, dysfunction of microglia and astrocytes, impairment of angiogenesis, and dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis could serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic target for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Poonaki
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany ,grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic for General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Transplantation Surgery, Otto-Von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ali Gorji
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany ,grid.512981.60000 0004 0612 1380Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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16
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Su X, Zhou R, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Lu M. Hsa_circ_0005529 promotes
ZEB1
expression by regulating miR‐873‐5p and enhancing proliferation, invasion, and migration in gastric cancer cell lines. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36. [DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobao Su
- Department of gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Ningbo Rehabilitation Hospital Ningbo China
| | - Yingjie Wu
- Department of gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Mengxiao Lu
- Department of gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University Ningbo China
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17
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Trelford CB, Dagnino L, Di Guglielmo GM. Transforming growth factor-β in tumour development. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:991612. [PMID: 36267157 PMCID: PMC9577372 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.991612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a ubiquitous cytokine essential for embryonic development and postnatal tissue homeostasis. TGFβ signalling regulates several biological processes including cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, immune function, and tissue repair following injury. Aberrant TGFβ signalling has been implicated in tumour progression and metastasis. Tumour cells, in conjunction with their microenvironment, may augment tumourigenesis using TGFβ to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, immune suppression, and autophagy. Therapies that target TGFβ synthesis, TGFβ-TGFβ receptor complexes or TGFβ receptor kinase activity have proven successful in tissue culture and in animal models, yet, due to limited understanding of TGFβ biology, the outcomes of clinical trials are poor. Here, we review TGFβ signalling pathways, the biology of TGFβ during tumourigenesis, and how protein quality control pathways contribute to the tumour-promoting outcomes of TGFβ signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B. Trelford
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lina Dagnino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gianni M. Di Guglielmo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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18
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Huang Y, Hong W, Wei X. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of EMT in tumor progression and metastasis. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:129. [PMID: 36076302 PMCID: PMC9461252 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. However, aberrant reactivation of EMT is associated with malignant properties of tumor cells during cancer progression and metastasis, including promoted migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is tightly regulated by a complex network which is orchestrated with several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including multiple transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. In this review, we described the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and the stages of tumorigenesis involved in the EMT process and discussed the dynamic non-binary process of EMT and its role in tumor metastasis. Finally, we summarized the challenges of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in EMT and proposed strategies for tumor therapy targeting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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19
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Cheng HY, Hsieh CH, Lin PH, Chen YT, Hsu DSS, Tai SK, Chu PY, Yang MH. Snail-regulated exosomal microRNA-21 suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activity to enhance cisplatin resistance. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004832. [PMID: 36002186 PMCID: PMC9413180 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with the precise targeting of drug-resistant mutant cancer cells, strategies for eliminating non-genetic adaptation-mediated resistance are limited. The pros and cons of the existence of inflammasomes in cancer have been reported. Nevertheless, the dynamic response of inflammasomes to therapies should be addressed. METHODS Tumor-derived exosomes were purified by differential ultracentrifugation and validated by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. A proximity ligation assay and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) level were used for detecting activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the exosomal RNAs. MIR21 knocked out human monocytic THP cells and mir21 knocked out murine oral cancer MTCQ1 cells were generated for confirming the exosomal delivery of microRNA (miR)-21. Syngeneic murine models for head and neck cancer (C57BLJ/6J), breast cancer (BALB/C) and lung cancer (C57BL/6J) were applied for examining the impact of Snail-miR21 axis on inflammasome activation in vivo. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used for analyzing the tumor-infiltrated immune cells. Head and neck patient samples were used for validating the findings in clinical samples. RESULTS We demonstrated that in cancer cells undergoing Snail-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor cells suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activities of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in response to chemotherapy through the delivery of exosomal miR-21. Mechanistically, miR-21 represses PTEN and BRCC3 to facilitate NLRP3 phosphorylation and lysine-63 ubiquitination, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Furthermore, the Snail-miR-21 axis shapes the post-chemotherapy tumor microenvironment (TME) by repopulating TAMs and by activating CD8+ T cells. In patients with head and neck cancer, the Snail-high cases lacked post-chemotherapy IL-1β surge and were correlated with a worse response. CONCLUSIONS This finding reveals the mechanism of EMT-mediated resistance beyond cancer stemness through modulation of post-treatment inflammasome activity. It also highlights the dynamic remodeling of the TME throughout metastatic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ying Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Hsieh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Han Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tung Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Shyh-Kuan Tai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pen-Yuan Chu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan .,Institute of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Divsion of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Kumar A, Taghi Khani A, Sanchez Ortiz A, Swaminathan S. GM-CSF: A Double-Edged Sword in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:901277. [PMID: 35865534 PMCID: PMC9294178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.901277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine that drives the generation of myeloid cell subsets including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells in response to stress, infections, and cancers. By modulating the functions of innate immune cells that serve as a bridge to activate adaptive immune responses, GM-CSF globally impacts host immune surveillance under pathologic conditions. As with other soluble mediators of immunity, too much or too little GM-CSF has been found to promote cancer aggressiveness. While too little GM-CSF prevents the appropriate production of innate immune cells and subsequent activation of adaptive anti-cancer immune responses, too much of GM-CSF can exhaust immune cells and promote cancer growth. The consequences of GM-CSF signaling in cancer progression are a function of the levels of GM-CSF, the cancer type, and the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we first discuss the secretion of GM-CSF, signaling downstream of the GM-CSF receptor, and GM-CSF’s role in modulating myeloid cell homeostasis. We then outline GM-CSF’s anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic effects both on the malignant cells and on the non-malignant immune and other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We provide examples of current clinical and preclinical strategies that harness GM-CSF’s anti-cancer potential while minimizing its deleterious effects. We describe the challenges in achieving the Goldilocks effect during administration of GM-CSF-based therapies to patients with cancer. Finally, we provide insights into how technologies that map the immune microenvironment spatially and temporally may be leveraged to intelligently harness GM-CSF for treatment of malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, United States
| | - Adeleh Taghi Khani
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, United States
| | - Ashly Sanchez Ortiz
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, United States
| | - Srividya Swaminathan
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, United States
- Department of Hematological Malignancies, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Srividya Swaminathan,
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21
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Kisia LE, Cheng Q, Raballah E, Munde EO, McMahon BH, Hengartner NW, Ong'echa JM, Chelimo K, Lambert CG, Ouma C, Kempaiah P, Perkins DJ, Schneider KA, Anyona SB. Genetic variation in CSF2 (5q31.1) is associated with longitudinal susceptibility to pediatric malaria, severe malarial anemia, and all-cause mortality in a high-burden malaria and HIV region of Kenya. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:41. [PMID: 35752805 PMCID: PMC9233820 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infections remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in holoendemic transmission areas. Located within region 5q31.1, the colony-stimulating factor 2 gene (CSF2) encodes granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a hematopoietic growth factor that mediates host immune responses. Since the effect of CSF2 variation on malaria pathogenesis remains unreported, we investigated the impact of two genetic variants in the 5q31.1 gene region flanking CSF2:g-7032 G > A (rs168681:G > A) and CSF2:g.64544T > C (rs246835:T > C) on the rate and timing of malaria and severe malarial anemia (SMA, Hb < 5.0 g/dL) episodes over 36 months of follow-up. Children (n = 1654, aged 2–70 months) were recruited from a holoendemic P. falciparum transmission area of western Kenya. Decreased incidence rate ratio (IRR) for malaria was conferred by inheritance of the CSF2:g.64544 TC genotype (P = 0.0277) and CSF2 AC/GC diplotype (P = 0.0015). Increased IRR for malaria was observed in carriers of the CSF2 AT/GC diplotype (P = 0.0237), while the inheritance of the CSF2 AT haplotype increased the IRR for SMA (P = 0.0166). A model estimating the longitudinal risk of malaria showed decreased hazard rates among CSF2 AC haplotype carriers (P = 0.0045). Investigation of all-cause mortality revealed that inheritance of the GA genotype at CSF2:g-7032 increased the risk of mortality (P = 0.0315). Higher risk of SMA and all-cause mortality were observed in younger children (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0015), HIV-1(+) individuals (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001), and carriers of HbSS (P = 0.0342 and P = 0.0019). Results from this holoendemic P. falciparum area show that variation in gene region 5q31.1 influences susceptibility to malaria, SMA, and mortality, as does age, HIV-1 status, and inheritance of HbSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily E Kisia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya.,University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
| | - Qiuying Cheng
- Center for Global Health, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Evans Raballah
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - Elly O Munde
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya.,Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kerugoya, Kenya
| | - Benjamin H McMahon
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Nick W Hengartner
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - John M Ong'echa
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kiprotich Chelimo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | | | - Collins Ouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya.,University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
| | - Prakasha Kempaiah
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Douglas J Perkins
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya.,Center for Global Health, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kristan A Schneider
- Department Applied Computer and Bio-Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Mittweida, Mittweida, Germany
| | - Samuel B Anyona
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya. .,Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya.
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22
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Jiang Y, Zhao L, Wu Y, Deng S, Cao P, Lei X, Yang X. The Role of NcRNAs to Regulate Immune Checkpoints in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:853480. [PMID: 35464451 PMCID: PMC9019622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.853480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, the incidence of cancer is becoming more and more common, but its treatment has always been a problem. Although a small number of cancers can be treated, the recurrence rates are generally high and cannot be completely cured. At present, conventional cancer therapies mainly include chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are the first-line therapies for most cancer patients, but there are palliatives. Approaches to cancer treatment are not as fast as cancer development. The current cancer treatments have not been effective in stopping the development of cancer, and cancer treatment needs to be imported into new strategies. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is a hot research topic at present. NcRNAs, which include microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), participate in all aspects of cancer biology. They are involved in the progression of tumors into a new form, including B-cell lymphoma, glioma, or the parenchymal tumors such as gastric cancer and colon cancer, among others. NcRNAs target various immune checkpoints to affect tumor proliferation, differentiation, and development. This might represent a new strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicun Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Leilei Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yiwen Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Sijun Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Pu Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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23
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Perez-Oquendo M, Gibbons DL. Regulation of ZEB1 Function and Molecular Associations in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081864. [PMID: 35454770 PMCID: PMC9031734 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor frequently expressed in carcinomas. ZEB1 orchestrates the transcription of genes in the control of several key developmental processes and tumor metastasis via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The biological function of ZEB1 is regulated through pathways that influence its transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Diverse signaling pathways converge to induce ZEB1 activity; however, only a few studies have focused on the molecular associations or functional changes of ZEB1 by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Due to the robust effect of ZEB1 as a transcription repressor of epithelial genes during EMT, the contribution of PTMs in the regulation of ZEB1-targeted gene expression is an active area of investigation. Herein, we review the pivotal roles that phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and other modifications have in regulating the molecular associations and behavior of ZEB1. We also outline several questions regarding the PTM-mediated regulation of ZEB1 that remain unanswered. The areas of research covered in this review are contributing to new treatment strategies for cancer by improving our mechanistic understanding of ZEB1-mediated EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Perez-Oquendo
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-792-6363
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24
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Benboubker V, Boivin F, Dalle S, Caramel J. Cancer Cell Phenotype Plasticity as a Driver of Immune Escape in Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:873116. [PMID: 35432344 PMCID: PMC9012258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.873116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies blocking negative immune checkpoints are now approved for the treatment of a growing number of cancers. However, even in metastatic melanoma, where sustained responses are observed, a significant number of patients still do not respond or display resistance. Increasing evidence indicates that non-genetic cancer cell-intrinsic alterations play a key role in resistance to therapies and immune evasion. Cancer cell plasticity, mainly associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in carcinoma, relies on transcriptional, epigenetic or translational reprogramming. In melanoma, an EMT-like dedifferentiation process is characterized by the acquisition of invasive or neural crest stem cell-like features. Herein, we discuss recent findings on the specific roles of phenotypic reprogramming of melanoma cells in driving immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapies. The mechanisms by which dedifferentiated melanoma cells escape T cell lysis, mediate T cell exclusion or remodel the immune microenvironment will be detailed. The expanded knowledge on tumor cell plasticity in melanoma should contribute to the development of novel therapeutic combination strategies to further improve outcomes in this deadly metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Benboubker
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma” team, Lyon, France
| | - Félix Boivin
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma” team, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma” team, Lyon, France
- Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite Cedex, France
| | - Julie Caramel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer cell Plasticity in Melanoma” team, Lyon, France
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25
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Plaschka M, Benboubker V, Grimont M, Berthet J, Tonon L, Lopez J, Le-Bouar M, Balme B, Tondeur G, de la Fouchardière A, Larue L, Puisieux A, Grinberg-Bleyer Y, Bendriss-Vermare N, Dubois B, Caux C, Dalle S, Caramel J. ZEB1 transcription factor promotes immune escape in melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003484. [PMID: 35288462 PMCID: PMC8921918 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy of immunotherapies in metastatic melanoma depends on a robust T cell infiltration. Oncogenic alterations of tumor cells have been associated to T cell exclusion. Identifying novel cancer cell-intrinsic non-genetic mechanisms of immune escape, the targeting of which would reinstate T cell recruitment, would allow to restore the response to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody therapy. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factor ZEB1 is a major regulator of melanoma cell plasticity, driving resistance to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) targeted therapies. We thus wondered whether ZEB1 signaling in melanoma cells may promote immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. Methods We evaluated the putative correlation between ZEB1 expression in melanoma cells and the composition of the immune infiltrate in a cohort of 60 human melanoma samples by combining transcriptomic (RNA-sequencing) and seven-color spatial multi-immunofluorescence analyses. Algorithm-based spatial reconstitution of tumors allowed the quantification of CD8+, CD4+ T cells number and their activation state (PD-1, Ki67). ZEB1 gain-of-function or loss-of-function approaches were then implemented in syngeneic melanoma mouse models, followed by monitoring of tumor growth, quantification of immune cell populations frequency and function by flow cytometry, cytokines secretion by multiplex analyses. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation was used to demonstrate the direct binding of this transcription factor on the promoters of cytokine-encoding genes. Finally, the sensitivity to anti-PD-1 antibody therapy upon ZEB1 gain-of-function or loss-of-function was evaluated. Results Combined spatial and transcriptomic analyses of the immune infiltrates in human melanoma samples demonstrated that ZEB1 expression in melanoma cells is associated with decreased CD8+ T cell infiltration, independently of β-catenin pathway activation. ZEB1 ectopic expression in melanoma cells impairs CD8+ T cell recruitment in syngeneic mouse models, resulting in tumor immune evasion and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that ZEB1 directly represses the secretion of T cell-attracting chemokines, including CXCL10. Finally, Zeb1 knock-out, by promoting CD8+ T cell infiltration, synergizes with anti-PD-1 antibody therapy in promoting tumor regression. Conclusions We identify the ZEB1 transcription factor as a key determinant of melanoma immune escape, highlighting a previously unknown therapeutic target to increase efficacy of immunotherapy in melanoma. Trial registration number NCT02828202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Plaschka
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Valentin Benboubker
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Maxime Grimont
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Justine Berthet
- Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Laboratory of Immunotherapy of Cancer of Lyon (LICL), Lyon, France
| | - Laurie Tonon
- Fondation Synergie Lyon Cancer, Plateforme de bio-informatique Gilles Thomas, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Jonathan Lopez
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Myrtille Le-Bouar
- Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Brigitte Balme
- Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Garance Tondeur
- Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Arnaud de la Fouchardière
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Lionel Larue
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | | | - Yenkel Grinberg-Bleyer
- Molecular Regulation of Immunity in Cancer, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Nathalie Bendriss-Vermare
- Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Laboratory of Immunotherapy of Cancer of Lyon (LICL), Lyon, France
| | - Bertrand Dubois
- Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Laboratory of Immunotherapy of Cancer of Lyon (LICL), Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Caux
- Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Laboratory of Immunotherapy of Cancer of Lyon (LICL), Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Dermatology Unit, Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Julie Caramel
- Cancer Cell Plasticity in Melanoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
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26
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Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 2 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Various Cancers and Its Correlation with Infiltrating Immune Cells in Ovarian Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:1203-1214. [PMID: 35723302 PMCID: PMC8947672 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the expression of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2), its prognostic significance in various cancers, and the correlation between ZEB2 and infiltrating immune cells and ZEB2-related proteins in ovarian cancer (OV). The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis tool was used to analyze RNA sequencing data and cancer survival rates, based on normal and tumor tissue data available in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The Kaplan–Meier plotter and PrognoScan databases were used to analyze the prognostic value of ZEB2 in OV (n = 1144). The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource was used to investigate the correlation between ZEB2 and infiltrating immune cells in various cancers, including OV. High ZEB2 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in OV. In OV, ZEB2 is positively correlated with CD8+T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cell invasion; and ZEB2 is negatively correlated with tumor-infiltrating B cells. The STRING database was used to investigate the correlations with ZEB2-related proteins. The results reveal that ZEB2 was positively correlated with SMAD1 and SMAD2 in OV. Our findings may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker, and provide novel insights into the tumor immunology in OV. Thus, ZEB2 may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in OV.
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27
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Marqués M, Sorolla MA, Urdanibia I, Parisi E, Hidalgo I, Morales S, Salud A, Sorolla A. Are Transcription Factors Plausible Oncotargets for Triple Negative Breast Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051101. [PMID: 35267409 PMCID: PMC8909618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have a selective and effective therapy. It is known that this cancer possesses high abundance of certain proteins called transcription factors, which are essential for their growth. However, inhibiting transcription factors is very difficult with common therapeutics due to their inaccessibility inside the cell and their molecular structure. In this work, we identified the most important transcription factors for the growth of triple negative breast cancers, and that can predict worse clinical outcome. Moreover, we described different strategies that have been utilised to inhibit them. A successful inhibition of these transcription factors could reduce the mortality and convalescence associated with triple negative breast cancers. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and one of the main causes of cancer deaths. BC is a heterogeneous disease composed of different BC intrinsic subtypes such as triple-negative BC (TNBC), which is one of the most aggressive subtypes and which lacks a targeted therapy. Recent comprehensive analyses across cell types and cancer types have outlined a vast network of protein–protein associations between transcription factors (TFs). Not surprisingly, protein–protein networks central to oncogenesis and disease progression are highly altered during TNBC pathogenesis and are responsible for the activation of oncogenic programs, such as uncontrollable proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. From the therapeutic viewpoint, inhibiting the interactions between TFs represents a very significant challenge, as the contact surfaces of TFs are relatively large and featureless. However, promising tools have emerged to offer a solution to the targeting problem. At the clinical level, some TF possess diagnostic and prognostic value in TNBC. In this review, we outline the recent advances in TFs relevant to TNBC growth and progression. Moreover, we highlight different targeting approaches to inhibit these TFs. Furthermore, the validity of such TFs as clinical biomarkers has been explored. Finally, we discuss how research is likely to evolve in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marqués
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Alba Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Izaskun Urdanibia
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Eva Parisi
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Iván Hidalgo
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Serafín Morales
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Antonieta Salud
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Anabel Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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EMT and Inflammation: Crossroads in HCC. J Gastrointest Cancer 2022; 54:204-212. [PMID: 35020133 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00801-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is associated with several inflammatory mediators, since 90% of HCCs occur based on chronic hepatitis B or C, alcoholism or increasingly metabolic syndrome-associated inflammation. EMT is a physiological process, with coordinated changes in epithelial gene signatures and is regulated by multiple factors, including cytokines and growth factors such as TGFβ, EGF, and FGF. Recent reports propose a strong association between EMT and inflammation, which is also correlated with tumor aggressiveness and poor outcomes. Cellular heterogeneity results collectively as an outcome of EMT, inflammation, and the tumor microenvironment, and it plays a fundamental role in the progression, complexity of cancer, and chemoresistance. In this review, we highlight recent developments concerning the association of EMT and inflammation in the context of HCC progression. Identifying potential EMT-related biomarkers and understanding EMT regulatory molecules will likely contribute to promising developments in clinical practice and will be a valuable tool for predicting metastasis in general and specifically in HCC.
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Zhou Y, Sun L, Zhang Y, Chen K. Micro ribonucleic acid-448 regulates zinc finger e-box binding homeobox 1 to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and increase their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2022; 77:100089. [PMID: 35905576 PMCID: PMC9335378 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2022.100089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) regulation by Micro Ribonucleic acid (miR)-448 on Breast Cancer (BC) cells and their sensitivity to chemotherapy. METHODS miR-448 and ZEB1 mRNA levels in BC and normal tissues were detected by qPCR, and ZEB1 protein was detected by Western Blotting (WB). The correlation between miR-448 and tumor metastasis, clinical staging, and ZEB1 expression was analyzed. MCF-7 cells were transfected or co-transfected with the miR-448 mimic, oe-ZEB1, or their negative controls. Changes in miR-448 and ZEB1 expression were detected by qPCR and WB. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assays, invasion changes were analyzed by Transwell assays, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS miR-448 expression in BC tissues was lower than that in normal tissues, while ZEB1 expression was increased in the former. ZEB1 expression was lower in BC patients with lymph node metastasis than in those without. In patients with clinical stage I-III BC, miR-448 expression decreased with an increase in tumor stage, which was negatively correlated with ZEB1 expression. Upregulation of miR-448 expression can suppress MCF-7 cell proliferation and invasion and promote apoptosis. Upregulation of ZEB1 expression in cells overexpressing miR-448 can partially reverse the inhibition of BC cell growth induced by miR-448. miR-448 can enhance the sensitivity of cells toward paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil. CONCLUSIONS miR-448 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion and promotes apoptosis by targeting ZEB1. Moreover, it can increase the sensitivity of cells toward paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Zhou
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangmei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, Jiangsu, China.
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30
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Han X, Long Y, Duan X, Liu Z, Hu X, Zhou J, Li N, Wang Y, Qin J. ZEB1 induces ROS generation through directly promoting MCT4 transcription to facilitate breast cancer. Exp Cell Res 2022; 412:113044. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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31
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Lobe C, Vallette M, Arbelaiz A, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Izquierdo L, Pellat A, Guedj N, Louis C, Paradis V, Banales JM, Coulouarn C, Housset C, Vaquero J, Fouassier L. Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 Promotes Cholangiocarcinoma Progression Through Tumor Dedifferentiation and Tumor-Stroma Paracrine Signaling. Hepatology 2021; 74:3194-3212. [PMID: 34297412 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a transcription factor that promotes metastatic and stem cell features, which has been associated with poor prognosis in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a desmoplastic cancer enriched in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We aimed to define ZEB1 regulatory functions in malignant and stromal compartments of CCA. APPROACH AND RESULTS Bioinformatic and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine correlations between ZEB1 and markers of progressiveness in human intrahepatic CCA (iCCA). Gain-of-function and loss-of-function models were generated in CCA cells and liver myofibroblasts as a model of CAFs. Conditioned media (CM) was used to unravel tumor-stroma interplay. In vivo experiments were performed using a xenograft CCA model. ZEB1 expression in tumor cells of human iCCA was associated with undifferentiated tumor and vascular invasion. In vitro, ZEB1 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness in tumor cells, leading to cell migration and spheroid formation. In vivo, ZEB1-overexpressing CCA cells formed larger tumors with more abundant stroma. Expression of cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2, encoding connective tissue growth factor [CTGF]) was increased in tumor cells from ZEB1-overexpressing xenografts and correlated with ZEB1 expression in human tumors. In vitro, CM from ZEB1-overexpressing tumor cells or recombinant CTGF induced myofibroblast proliferation. ZEB1 was also expressed by CAFs in human CCA, and its expression correlated with CCN2 in myofibroblasts and CCA stroma. In mice, cotransplantation of CCA cells with ZEB1-depleted myofibroblasts reduced CCA progressiveness compared to CCA cells/ZEB1-expressing myofibroblasts. Furthermore, ZEB1 controls the expression of paracrine signals (i.e., HGF and IL6) in tumor cells and myofibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS ZEB1 plays a key role in CCA progression by regulating tumor cell-CAF crosstalk, leading to tumor dedifferentiation and CAF activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Lobe
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Marie Vallette
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Ander Arbelaiz
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Ester Gonzalez-Sanchez
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.,TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Izquierdo
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute-Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Anna Pellat
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Guedj
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Corentin Louis
- INSERM, UMR 1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.,INSERM, UMR 1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Jesus M Banales
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute-Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Chantal Housset
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.,Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Antoine Hospital, ERN Rare-Liver, Paris, France
| | - Javier Vaquero
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.,TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,LPP, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Sud, Observatoire de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Laura Fouassier
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
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Changes in Exosomal miRNA Composition in Thyroid Cancer Cells after Prolonged Exposure to Real Microgravity in Space. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312841. [PMID: 34884646 PMCID: PMC8657878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As much as space travel and exploration have been a goal since humankind looked up to the stars, the challenges coming with it are manifold and difficult to overcome. Therefore, researching the changes the human organism undergoes following exposure to weightlessness, on a cellular or a physiological level, is imperative to reach the goal of exploring space and new planets. Building on the results of our CellBox-1 experiment, where thyroid cancer cells were flown to the International Space Station, we are now taking advantage of the newest technological opportunities to gain more insight into the changes in cell–cell communication of these cells. Analyzing the exosomal microRNA composition after several days of microgravity might elucidate some of the proteomic changes we have reported earlier. An array scan of a total of 754 miRNA targets revealed more than 100 differentially expressed miRNAs in our samples, many of which have been implicated in thyroid disease in other studies.
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33
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Wei X, Zhu J, Zhang Y, Zhao Q, Wang H, Gu K. miR-338-5p-ZEB2 axis in Diagnostic, Therapeutic Predictive and Prognostic Value of Gastric Cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:6756-6772. [PMID: 34659565 PMCID: PMC8518007 DOI: 10.7150/jca.58249] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs have been widely reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of cancers. So far, some studies have revealed that miR-338-5p has the functions of tumorigenesis and tumor suppression. However, the role of miR-338-5p in the pathogenesis, progression and treatment of gastric cancer (GC) has not been reported. MiRNAs microarray analysis showed for the first time that miR-338-5p was significantly lower-expression in cisplin-resistant GC cells SGC7901/DDP, and cell viability assay and flow cytometry confirmed that overexpression of miR-338-5p could significantly increase cisplatin-sensitivity of SGC7901/DDP and BGC823 cells. Subsequently, we found that the expression of miR-338-5p in postoperative cancer tissues of GC patients was also significantly lower than the corresponding paracancer tissues. The expression of miR-338-5p in peripheral blood serum of GC patients is generally lower than that of healthy people. Moreover, the low expression of miR-338-5p in the cancer tissues and serum of GC patients was closely associated with larger tumor volume, lymph node metastasis, later stage, and even poorer survival, which was confirmed by close 5-year cases follow-up. ZEB2, as a predictive target of miR-338-5p, its expression was negatively regulated by miR-338-5p and can promote cisplatin-resistance in SGC7901/DDP and BGC823 cells. The expression of ZEB2 in cisplatin-resistant SGC7901/DDP cells and GC tissues were significantly higher than SGC7901 cells and paracancer tissues, respectively. Moreover, the expression of ZEB2 in tumor tissues was negatively correlated with miR-338-5p in tumor tissues and peripheral blood serum of GC patients, and the abnormally high expression of ZEB2 in prospective case studies is positively related with more serious clinical pathology and worse survival. More meaningfully, in a retrospective case study, we found that high ZEB2 expression predicts worse clinical efficacy of platinum chemotherapy. Thus, miR-338-5p-ZEB2 axis have novel diagnostic, therapeutic predictive, and prognostic value in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Jiejie Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Qihong Zhao
- Department of Food and Nutrition Hygiene, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Kangsheng Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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Brabletz S, Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP. Dynamic EMT: a multi-tool for tumor progression. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108647. [PMID: 34459003 PMCID: PMC8441439 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is fundamental for embryonic morphogenesis. Cells undergoing it lose epithelial characteristics and integrity, acquire mesenchymal features, and become motile. In cancer, this program is hijacked to confer essential changes in morphology and motility that fuel invasion. In addition, EMT is increasingly understood to orchestrate a large variety of complementary cancer features, such as tumor cell stemness, tumorigenicity, resistance to therapy and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to these various classical and non-classical functions, and introduce EMT as a true tumorigenic multi-tool, involved in many aspects of cancer. We suggest that therapeutic targeting of the EMT process will-if acknowledging these complexities-be a possibility to concurrently interfere with tumor progression on many levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
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The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158334. [PMID: 34361105 PMCID: PMC8347315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.
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36
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Cai J, Cui Y, Yang J, Wang S. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition: When tumor cells meet myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188564. [PMID: 33974950 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous myeloid cell population characterized by protumoral functions in the tumor immune network. An increasing number of studies have focused on the biological functions of MDSCs in tumor immunity. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular plasticity process accompanied by a loss of epithelial phenotypes and an acquisition of mesenchymal phenotypes. In general, tumor cells that undergo EMT are more likely to invade and metastasize. Recently, extensive evidence suggests that EMT is closely related to a highly immunosuppressive environment. This review will summarize the immunosuppressive capacities of MDSC subsets and their distinct role in tumor EMT and further discuss immunotherapy for tumor EMT by targeting MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshan Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yudan Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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37
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Taki M, Abiko K, Ukita M, Murakami R, Yamanoi K, Yamaguchi K, Hamanishi J, Baba T, Matsumura N, Mandai M. Tumor Immune Microenvironment during Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4669-4679. [PMID: 33827891 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to play a critical role in tumor development from initiation to metastasis. EMT could be regarded as a continuum, with intermediate hybrid epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes having high plasticity. Classical EMT is characterized by the phenotype change of epithelial cells to cells with mesenchymal properties, but EMT is also associated with multiple other molecular processes, including tumor immune evasion. Some previous studies have shown that EMT is associated with the cell number of immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and the expression of immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death-ligand 1, in several cancer types. At the molecular level, EMT transcriptional factors, including Snail, Zeb1, and Twist1, produce or attract immunosuppressive cells or promote the expression of immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules via chemokine production, leading to a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. In turn, immunosuppressive factors induce EMT in tumor cells. This feedback loop between EMT and immunosuppression promotes tumor progression. For therapy directly targeting EMT has been challenging, the elucidation of the interactive regulation of EMT and immunosuppression is desirable for developing new therapeutic approaches in cancer. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting immunosuppressive cells could be a promising therapy for EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Taki
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Kaoru Abiko
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayo Ukita
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Murakami
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanoi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaguchi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junzo Hamanishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Baba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Noriomi Matsumura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Mandai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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Kubota SI, Takahashi K, Mano T, Matsumoto K, Katsumata T, Shi S, Tainaka K, Ueda HR, Ehata S, Miyazono K. Whole-organ analysis of TGF-β-mediated remodelling of the tumour microenvironment by tissue clearing. Commun Biol 2021; 4:294. [PMID: 33674758 PMCID: PMC7935961 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue clearing is one of the most powerful strategies for a comprehensive analysis of disease progression. Here, we established an integrated pipeline that combines tissue clearing, 3D imaging, and machine learning and applied to a mouse tumour model of experimental lung metastasis using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. This pipeline provided the spatial information of the tumour microenvironment. We further explored the role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in cancer metastasis. TGF-β-stimulated cancer cells enhanced metastatic colonization of unstimulated-cancer cells in vivo when both cells were mixed. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that expression of the genes related to coagulation and inflammation were up-regulated in TGF-β-stimulated cancer cells. Further, whole-organ analysis revealed accumulation of platelets or macrophages with TGF-β-stimulated cancer cells, suggesting that TGF-β might promote remodelling of the tumour microenvironment, enhancing the colonization of cancer cells. Hence, our integrated pipeline for 3D profiling will help the understanding of the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimpei I Kubota
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Mano
- Department of Systems Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Matsumoto
- Laboratory for Synthetic Biology, RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Katsumata
- Department of Systems Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoi Shi
- Department of Systems Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tainaka
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroki R Ueda
- Department of Systems Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Synthetic Biology, RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shogo Ehata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Environmental Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Nerve growth factor receptor increases the tumor growth and metastatic potential of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2021; 40:2165-2181. [PMID: 33627781 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity and the lack of metastatic biomarkers limit the diagnosis of and development of therapies for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Thus, development of new clinically relevant markers is urgently needed. By using RNA-seq analysis, we found that nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) was highly expressed in metastatic lung clones of MDA-MB-231 cells. This high level of NGFR expression was necessary for TNBC cells to grow into tumor spheres under nonadhesive conditions, resist anoikis, promote primary tumor growth and increase metastasis in mice. NGFR was also expressed at a high level in a greater number of TNBC patients (45%) than non-TNBC patients (23%), enriched in higher grade tumors, and negatively correlated with the overall survival of TNBC patients. Mechanistic analysis indicated that NGFR exerted its prometastatic effects by binding with neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (TrkC) mainly through a ligand-independent manner, which activated the MEK-ERK1-ZEB1 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, increased the level of fibronectin, and decreased the expression of PUMA. Notably, we observed that NGFR expression in TrkC-positive metastatic clones reduced cellular sensitivity to anti-Trk therapy. Moreover, WNT family member 5a (WNT5A) and TrkC activated NGFR transcription in a ZEB1-dependent manner. Taken together, this study identified NGFR as a novel driver for transforming TNBC into higher grade metastatic tumors. Our findings provide the basis for the future development of NGFR as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for determining the metastatic potential of TNBC and as a therapeutic target for treating TNBC patients.
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40
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Abstract
Despite the decline in death rate from breast cancer and recent advances in targeted therapies and combinations for the treatment of metastatic disease, metastatic breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-associated death in U.S. women. The invasion-metastasis cascade involves a number of steps and multitudes of proteins and signaling molecules. The pathways include invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, infiltration into a distant site to form a metastatic niche, and micrometastasis formation in a new environment. Each of these processes is regulated by changes in gene expression. Noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis by post-transcriptional regulation of target gene expression. miRNAs can stimulate oncogenesis (oncomiRs), inhibit tumor growth (tumor suppressors or miRsupps), and regulate gene targets in metastasis (metastamiRs). The goal of this review is to summarize some of the key miRNAs that regulate genes and pathways involved in metastatic breast cancer with an emphasis on estrogen receptor α (ERα+) breast cancer. We reviewed the identity, regulation, human breast tumor expression, and reported prognostic significance of miRNAs that have been documented to directly target key genes in pathways, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributing to the metastatic cascade. We critically evaluated the evidence for metastamiRs and their targets and miRNA regulation of metastasis suppressor genes in breast cancer progression and metastasis. It is clear that our understanding of miRNA regulation of targets in metastasis is incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J Petri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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41
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Ye DX, Wang SS, Huang Y, Wang XJ, Chi P. USP43 directly regulates ZEB1 protein, mediating proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:404-416. [PMID: 33391437 PMCID: PMC7738986 DOI: 10.7150/jca.48056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. In this study, we had examined the biological role of USP43 in colorectal cancer. USP43 protein and mRNA abundance in clinical tissues and five cell lines were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR test (qRT-PCR) and western blot. USP43 overexpression treated DLD1 cells and USP43 knockdown treated SW480 cells were used to study cell proliferation, migration, colony formation, invasion, and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) biomarkers. Moreover, ubiquitination related ZEB1 degradation was studied with qRT-PCR and western blot. The relationships between USP43 and ZEB1 were investigated with western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, migration, and invasion. USP43 was highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues. USP43 overexpression and knockdown treatments could affect cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and the expression of EMT associated biomarkers. Moreover, USP43 can regulate ZEB1 degradation through ubiquitination pathway. USP43 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer. Meanwhile, USP43 can deubiquitinate and stabilize the ZEB1 protein, which plays an important role in the function of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Xiong Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, China
| | - Si-Si Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, China
| | - Pan Chi
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, China
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42
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Moradpoor R, Salimi M. Crosstalk between Tumor Cells and Immune System Leads to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Induction and Breast Cancer Progression. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2021; 25:1-7. [PMID: 33129234 PMCID: PMC7748115 DOI: 10.29252/ibj.25.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we review the current findings of how a variety of accessory cells could participate in shaping the tumor microenvironment and supporting the mechanisms by which cancer cells undertake the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT, a complex of phenotypic changes, promotes cancer cell invasion and creates resistance to chemotherapies. Among the accessory cells present in the EMT, immune cells (both native and adaptive) can reciprocally influence the tumor cells features, promote EMT and negatively regulate the anticancer immune response. In this review, we look over the role of EMT in crosstalk between tumor cells and the immune system, with specific emphasis on breast tumors. Finally, we suggest that understanding the role of immune cells in cancer progression could create new opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cancer combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Moradpoor
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Salimi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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43
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Hu C, Li J, Du Y, Li J, Yang Y, Jia Y, Peng L, Qin Y, Wei Y. Impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia on the long non-coding RNA and mRNA expression profiles in myocardial infarction. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:421-433. [PMID: 33215878 PMCID: PMC7810970 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the primary feature of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in myocardial infarction (MI) pathogenesis have drawn considerable attention. However, whether CIH participates in the modulation of lncRNA profiles during MI is yet unclear. To investigate the influence of CIH on MI, cardiac damage was assessed by histology and echocardiography, and lncRNA and mRNA integrated microarrays were screened. MI mouse model showed myocardial hypertrophy, aggravated inflammation and fibrosis, and compromised left ventricle function under CIH. Compared with normoxia, 644 lncRNAs and 1084 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified following CIH for 4 weeks, whereas 1482 lncRNAs and 990 mRNAs were altered at 8 weeks. Strikingly, reoxygenation after CIH markedly affected 1759 lncRNAs and 778 mRNAs. Of these, 11 lncRNAs modulated by CIH were restored after reoxygenation and were validated by qPCR. The GO terms and KEGG pathways of genes varied significantly by CIH. lncRNA-mRNA correlation further showed that lncRNAs, NONMMUT032513 and NONMMUT074571 were positively correlated with ZEB1 and negatively correlated with Cmbl. The current results demonstrated a causal correlation between CIH and lncRNA alternations during MI, suggesting that lncRNAs might be responsible for MI aggravation under CIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaowei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Upper Airway Dysfunction‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Li
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of HypertensionBeijing Chaoyang HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yunhui Du
- Key Laboratory of Upper Airway Dysfunction‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Upper Airway Dysfunction‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Remodeling‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yunyun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Upper Airway Dysfunction‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Remodeling‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yifan Jia
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lu Peng
- Key Laboratory of Upper Airway Dysfunction‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yanwen Qin
- Key Laboratory of Upper Airway Dysfunction‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Remodeling‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yongxiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Upper Airway Dysfunction‐related Cardiovascular DiseasesBeijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Otolaryngological Department of Beijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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44
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Wang X, Li A, Raza SHA, Liang C, Zhang S, Mei C, Yang W, Zan L. Transcription Factors ZEB1 and CREB Promote the Transcription of Bovine ABHD5 Gene. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 40:219-230. [PMID: 33332227 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha/beta hydrolase domain 5 (ABHD5) plays a significant role in intracellular lipid metabolism, which is regulated by a complex network of transcription factors. The transcriptional regulation of the ABHD5 gene in cattle and other livestock, however, has not been previously investigated. Investigations in humans and animal models indicate that the transcription factors zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) may play important roles in the transcriptional regulation of ABHD5 in cattle. Our comparison of the sequence similarities in the transcription factor binding sites in Bos taurus, Bos indicus, Bos mutus, and Homo sapiens revealed high homology. Based on the data collected by the Cistrome Data Browser and its visualization window, we found that ZEB1 and CREB have significant ChIP-seq enrichments in the 5'-untranslated region (5' UTR) of the human ABHD5 gene. In bovine adipocytes, we detected ZEB1 and CREB binding sites in the ABHD5 gene. Mutations in the ZEB1 and CREB binding sites significantly reduced the promoter activity (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated the binding of the transcription factors in vivo and in vitro, respectively. And overexpression or silencing the expression of the ZEB1 and CREB, respectively, resulted in significant changes to the ABHD5 promoter activity. Collectively, these results indicate that ZEB1 and CREB are important transcription factors that regulate ABHD5 gene expression in bovine adipocytes. They further our understanding of the transcriptional regulation and biological functions of the bovine ABHD5 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Anning Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,National Beef Cattle Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengcheng Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chugang Mei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,National Beef Cattle Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wucai Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,National Beef Cattle Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Linsen Zan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,National Beef Cattle Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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45
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Vella V, De Francesco EM, Lappano R, Muoio MG, Manzella L, Maggiolini M, Belfiore A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Breast Cancer Metastasis: Focus on the Crucial Interplay Between Estrogen and Insulin/Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:608412. [PMID: 33364239 PMCID: PMC7753049 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.608412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of the great majority of breast cancers (BCs) are mainly dependent on the biological action elicited by estrogens through the classical estrogen receptor (ER), as well as the alternate receptor named G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In addition to estrogens, other hormones and growth factors, including the insulin and insulin-like growth factor system (IIGFs), play a role in BC. IIGFs cooperates with estrogen signaling to generate a multilevel cross-communication that ultimately facilitates the transition toward aggressive and life-threatening BC phenotypes. In this regard, the majority of BC deaths are correlated with the formation of metastatic lesions at distant sites. A thorough scrutiny of the biological and biochemical events orchestrating metastasis formation and dissemination has shown that virtually all cell types within the tumor microenvironment work closely with BC cells to seed cancerous units at distant sites. By establishing an intricate scheme of paracrine interactions that lead to the expression of genes involved in metastasis initiation, progression, and virulence, the cross-talk between BC cells and the surrounding microenvironmental components does dictate tumor fate and patients’ prognosis. Following (i) a description of the main microenvironmental events prompting BC metastases and (ii) a concise overview of estrogen and the IIGFs signaling and their major regulatory functions in BC, here we provide a comprehensive analysis of the most recent findings on the role of these transduction pathways toward metastatic dissemination. In particular, we focused our attention on the main microenvironmental targets of the estrogen-IIGFs interplay, and we recapitulated relevant molecular nodes that orientate shared biological responses fostering the metastatic program. On the basis of available studies, we propose that a functional cross-talk between estrogens and IIGFs, by affecting the BC microenvironment, may contribute to the metastatic process and may be regarded as a novel target for combination therapies aimed at preventing the metastatic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Muoio
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (A.O.U.) Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
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46
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Delaney LM, Farias N, Ghassemi Rad J, Fernando W, Annan H, Hoskin DW. The Natural Alkaloid Piperlongumine Inhibits Metastatic Activity and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Triple-Negative Mammary Carcinoma Cells. Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:2397-2410. [PMID: 33019824 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1825755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we determined the effect of low dose piperlongumine on the motility/invasive capacity and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and the metastasis of 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma cells. MTT assays measured the effect of piperlongumine on TNBC cell growth. Motility/invasiveness were determined by gap closure/transwell assays. Western blotting assessed ZEB1, Slug, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 expression. Interleukin (IL) 6 was detected by ELISA. MMP2, E-cadherin, and miR-200c expression was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by flow cytometry. The orthotopic 4T1 mouse model of breast cancer was used to examine metastasis. Piperlongumine-treated MDA-MB-231 cells showed reduced motility/invasiveness, decreased MMP2 and MMP9 expression, increased miR-200c expression, reduced IL-6 synthesis, decreased expression of ZEB1 and Slug, increased E-cadherin expression, and epithelial-like morphology. Piperlongumine also inhibited transforming growth factor β-induced ZEB1 and Slug expression. ROS accumulated in piperlongumine-treated cells, while changes in metastasis-associated gene expression were ablated by exogenous glutathione. Metastasis of 4T1 cells to the lungs of BALB/c mice was dramatically reduced in piperlongumine-treated animals. These findings reveal a previously unknown capacity of low dose piperlongumine to interfere with TNBC metastasis via an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Delaney
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Nathan Farias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Javad Ghassemi Rad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Henry Annan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David W Hoskin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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47
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Tsukamoto H, Kouwaki T, Oshiumi H. Aging-Associated Extracellular Vesicles Contain Immune Regulatory microRNAs Alleviating Hyperinflammatory State and Immune Dysfunction in the Elderly. iScience 2020; 23:101520. [PMID: 32927264 PMCID: PMC7495115 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging-associated changes in the immune system often lead to immune dysfunction; however, the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon have yet to be fully elucidated. This study found that the microRNA-192 (miR-192) is an aging-associated immune regulatory microRNA whose concentration was significantly increased in aged extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to the hyperinflammatory state of aged mice. Interestingly, EV miR-192 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages. In our aged mouse model, aging was associated with prolonged inflammation in the lung upon stimulation with inactivated influenza whole virus particles (WVP), whereas EV miR-192 alleviated the prolonged inflammation associated with aging. The hyperinflammatory state of aged mice resulted in reduced production of specific antibodies and efficacy of vaccination with WVP; however, EV miR-192 attenuated this hyperinflammatory state and improved vaccination efficacy in aged mice. Our data indicate that aged EVs constitute a negative feedback loop that alleviates aging-associated immune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotake Tsukamoto
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takahisa Kouwaki
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Oshiumi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
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48
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Zadka Ł, Grybowski DJ, Dzięgiel P. Modeling of the immune response in the pathogenesis of solid tumors and its prognostic significance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:539-575. [PMID: 32488850 PMCID: PMC7363737 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor initiation and subsequent progression are usually long-term processes, spread over time and conditioned by diverse aspects. Many cancers develop on the basis of chronic inflammation; however, despite dozens of years of research, little is known about the factors triggering neoplastic transformation under these conditions. Molecular characterization of both pathogenetic states, i.e., similarities and differences between chronic inflammation and cancer, is also poorly defined. The secretory activity of tumor cells may change the immunophenotype of immune cells and modify the extracellular microenvironment, which allows the bypass of host defense mechanisms and seems to have diagnostic and prognostic value. The phenomenon of immunosuppression is also present during chronic inflammation, and the development of cancer, due to its duration, predisposes patients to the promotion of chronic inflammation. The aim of our work was to discuss the above issues based on the latest scientific insights. A theoretical mechanism of cancer immunosuppression is also proposed. CONCLUSIONS Development of solid tumors may occur both during acute and chronic phases of inflammation. Differences in the regulation of immune responses between precancerous states and the cancers resulting from them emphasize the importance of immunosuppressive factors in oncogenesis. Cancer cells may, through their secretory activity and extracellular transport mechanisms, enhance deterioration of the immune system which, in turn, may have prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Zadka
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Damian J Grybowski
- Orthopedic Surgery, University of Illinois, 900 S. Ashland Avenue (MC944) Room 3356, Molecular Biology Research Building Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
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49
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Martins-Cardoso K, Almeida VH, Bagri KM, Rossi MID, Mermelstein CS, König S, Monteiro RQ. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) Promote Pro-Metastatic Phenotype in Human Breast Cancer Cells through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1542. [PMID: 32545405 PMCID: PMC7352979 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been associated with several steps of tumor progression, including primary growth and metastasis. One of the key features for the acquisition of the metastatic ability is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a complex cellular program. In this study, we evaluated the ability of isolated NETs in modulating the pro-metastatic phenotype of human breast cancer cells. Tumor cells were treated with isolated NETs and then samples were generated for cell migration, quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays. RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were assessed. NETs changed the typical epithelial morphology of MCF7 cells into a mesenchymal phenotype, a process that was accompanied by enhanced migratory properties. Additional EMT traits were observed: increased expression of N-cadherin and fibronectin, while the E-cadherin expression was repressed. Notably, NETs positively regulated the gene expression of several factors linked to the pro-inflammatory and pro-metastatic properties. Analyses of TCGA data showed that samples from breast cancer patients exhibit a significant correlation between pro-tumoral and neutrophil signature gene expression, including several EMT and pro-metastatic factors. Therefore, NETs drive pro-metastatic phenotype in human breast cancer cells through the activation of the EMT program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Martins-Cardoso
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.-C.); (V.H.A.)
| | - Vitor H. Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.-C.); (V.H.A.)
| | - Kayo M. Bagri
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Maria Isabel Doria Rossi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
- Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 913, Brazil
| | - Claudia S. Mermelstein
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Sandra König
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.B.); (M.I.D.R.); (C.S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Robson Q. Monteiro
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941 590, Brazil; (K.M.-C.); (V.H.A.)
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50
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Human Schlafen 5 regulates reversible epithelial and mesenchymal transitions in breast cancer by suppression of ZEB1 transcription. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:633-643. [PMID: 32488136 PMCID: PMC7435190 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0873-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Schlafen 5 (SLFN5) has been reported to inhibit or promote cell invasion in tumours depending on their origin. However, its role in breast cancer (BRCA) is undetermined. METHODS Differential expression analyses using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, clinical samples and cell lines were performed. Lentiviral knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed to detect changes in cell morphology, molecular markers and invasion. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and luciferase reporter assays were performed to detect the SLFN5-binding motif. RESULTS TCGA, clinical samples and cell lines showed that SLFN5 expression was negatively correlated with BRCA metastasis. SLFN5 knockdown induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhanced invasion in BRCA cell lines. However, overexpression triggered mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). SLFN5 inhibited the expression of ZEB1 but not ZEB2, SNAI1, SNAI2, TWIST1 or TWIST2. Knockdown and overexpression of ZEB1 indicated that it was a mediator of the SLFN5-governed phenotype and invasion changes. Moreover, SLFN5 inhibited ZEB1 transcription by directly binding to the SLFN5-binding motif on the ZEB1 promoter, but a SLFN5 C-terminal deletion mutant did not. CONCLUSION SLFN5 regulates reversible epithelial and mesenchymal transitions, and inhibits BRCA metastasis by suppression of ZEB1 transcription, suggesting that SLFN5 could be a potential target for BRCA therapy.
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