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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1095-1116. [PMID: 38602594 PMCID: PMC11300527 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhang YL, Tang TT, Wang B, Wen Y, Feng Y, Yin Q, Jiang W, Zhang Y, Li ZL, Wu M, Wu QL, Song J, Crowley SD, Lan HY, Lv LL, Liu BC. Identification of a Novel ECM Remodeling Macrophage Subset in AKI to CKD Transition by Integrative Spatial and Single-Cell Analysis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309752. [PMID: 39119903 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The transition from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a critical clinical issue. Although previous studies have suggested macrophages as a key player in promoting inflammation and fibrosis during this transition, the heterogeneity and dynamic characterization of macrophages are still poorly understood. Here, we used integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic to characterize the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of macrophages in murine AKI-to-CKD model of unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury. A marked increase in macrophage infiltration at day 1 was followed by a second peak at day 14 post AKI. Spatiotemporal profiling revealed that injured tubules and macrophages co-localized early after AKI, whereas in late chronic stages had spatial proximity to fibroblasts. Further pseudotime analysis revealed two distinct lineages of macrophages in this transition: renal resident macrophages differentiated into the pro-repair subsets, whereas infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages contributed to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. A novel macrophage subset, extracellular matrix remodeling-associated macrophages (EAMs) originating from monocytes, linked to renal fibrogenesis and communicated with fibroblasts via insulin-like growth factors (IGF) signalling. In sum, our study identified the spatiotemporal dynamics of macrophage heterogeneity with a unique subset of EAMs in AKI-to-CKD transition, which could be a potential therapeutic target for preventing CKD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Zhang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Tao-Tao Tang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yi Wen
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Ye Feng
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Zuo-Lin Li
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Min Wu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Qiu-Li Wu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Jing Song
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Steven D Crowley
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham VA Medical Centers, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Departments of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Lin-Li Lv
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Bi-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
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Ouyang Q, Wang C, Sang T, Tong Y, Zhang J, Chen Y, Wang X, Wu L, Wang X, Liu R, Chen P, Liu J, Shen W, Feng Z, Zhang L, Sun X, Cai G, Li LL, Chen X. Depleting profibrotic macrophages using bioactivated in vivo assembly peptides ameliorates kidney fibrosis. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:826-841. [PMID: 38871810 PMCID: PMC11291639 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01190-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Managing renal fibrosis is challenging owing to the complex cell signaling redundancy in diseased kidneys. Renal fibrosis involves an immune response dominated by macrophages, which activates myofibroblasts in fibrotic niches. However, macrophages exhibit high heterogeneity, hindering their potential as therapeutic cell targets. Herein, we aimed to eliminate specific macrophage subsets that drive the profibrotic immune response in the kidney both temporally and spatially. We identified the major profibrotic macrophage subset (Fn1+Spp1+Arg1+) in the kidney and then constructed a 12-mer glycopeptide that was designated as bioactivated in vivo assembly PK (BIVA-PK) to deplete these cells. BIVA-PK specifically binds to and is internalized by profibrotic macrophages. By inducing macrophage cell death, BIVA-PK reshaped the renal microenvironment and suppressed profibrotic immune responses. The robust efficacy of BIVA-PK in ameliorating renal fibrosis and preserving kidney function highlights the value of targeting macrophage subsets as a potential therapy for patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ouyang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
- Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Tian Sang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yan Tong
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yulan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Pu Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jiaona Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Wanjun Shen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Guangyan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Li-Li Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Li W, Yuan Q, Li M, He X, Shen C, Luo Y, Tai Y, Li Y, Deng Z, Luo Y. Research advances on signaling pathways regulating the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages in lung cancer microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1452078. [PMID: 39144141 PMCID: PMC11321980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1452078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common cancer worldwide. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are closely related to the stages of tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis. Macrophages are plastic and can differentiate into different phenotypes and functions under the influence of different signaling pathways in TME. The classically activated (M1-like) and alternatively activated (M2-like) represent the two polarization states of macrophages. M1 macrophages exhibit anti-tumor functions, while M2 macrophages are considered to support tumor cell survival and metastasis. Macrophage polarization involves complex signaling pathways, and blocking or regulating these signaling pathways to enhance macrophages' anti-tumor effects has become a research hotspot in recent years. At the same time, there have been new discoveries regarding the modulation of TAMs towards an anti-tumor phenotype by synthetic and natural drug components. Nanotechnology can better achieve combination therapy and targeted delivery of drugs, maximizing the efficacy of the drugs while minimizing side effects. Up to now, nanomedicines targeting the delivery of various active substances for reprogramming TAMs have made significant progress. In this review, we primarily provided a comprehensive overview of the signaling crosstalk between TAMs and various cells in the LC microenvironment. Additionally, the latest advancements in novel drugs and nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) that target macrophages were also reviewed. Finally, we discussed the prospects of macrophages as therapeutic targets and the barriers to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Mei Li
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Chen Shen
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yurui Luo
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunze Tai
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiping Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wang H, Liang Y, Liu Z, Zhang R, Chao J, Wang M, Liu M, Qiao L, Xuan Z, Zhao H, Lu L. POSTN + cancer-associated fibroblasts determine the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008721. [PMID: 39067872 PMCID: PMC11284881 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008721] [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] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant clinical challenge because the long-term benefits of immune checkpoint blockade therapy are limited. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance in HCC is imperative for improving patient prognosis. DESIGN In this study, to systematically investigate the characteristics of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subsets and the dynamic communication among the tumor microenvironment (TME) components regulated by CAF subsets, we generated an HCC atlas by compiling single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets on 220 samples from six datasets. We combined spatial transcriptomics with scRNA-seq and multiplexed immunofluorescence to identify the specific CAF subsets in the TME that determine the efficacy of immunotherapy in HCC patients. RESULTS Our findings highlight the pivotal role of POSTN+ CAFs as potent immune response barriers at specific tumor locations, as they hinder effective T-cell infiltration and decrease the efficacy of immunotherapy. Additionally, we elucidated the interplay between POSTN+ CAFs and SPP1+ macrophages, whereby the former recruits the latter and triggers increased SPP1 expression via the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated a spatial correlation between POSTN+ CAFs and SPP1+ macrophages, revealing an immunosuppressive microenvironment that limits the immunotherapy response. Notably, we found that patients with elevated expression levels of both POSTN+ CAFs and SPP1+ macrophages achieved less therapeutic benefit in an immunotherapy cohort. CONCLUSION Our research elucidates light on the role of a particular subset of CAFs in immunotherapy resistance, emphasizing the potential benefits of targeting specific CAF subpopulations to improve clinical responses to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiashuo Chao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingming Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mu Liu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Qiao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengfeng Xuan
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Qu J, Yan Z, Lei D, Zhong T, Fang C, Wen Z, Liu J, Lai Z, Yu XF, Zheng B, Geng S. Effect of Bioactive Black Phosphorus Nanomaterials on Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cancer. ACS NANO 2024; 18:19354-19368. [PMID: 38975953 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-stromal interactions and stromal heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment are critical factors that influence the progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we used spatial transcriptome technology to profile the gene expression landscape of primary PDAC and liver metastatic PDAC after bioactive black phosphorus nanomaterial (bioactive BP) treatment using a murine model of PDAC (LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; and Pdx-1-Cre mice). Bioinformatic and biochemical analyses showed that bioactive BP contributes to the tumor-stromal interplay by suppressing cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) activation. Our results showed that bioactive BP contributes to CAF heterogeneity by decreasing the amount of inflammatory CAFs and myofibroblastic CAFs, two CAF subpopulations. Our study demonstrates the influence of bioactive BP on tumor-stromal interactions and CAF heterogeneity and suggests bioactive BP as a potential PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Zilong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Defeng Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Tongning Zhong
- Central Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Chongzhou Fang
- Central Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Zonghua Wen
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Zhengquan Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital/Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xue-Feng Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano Biosensing, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Biao Zheng
- Department of Surgery, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, No. 42 Jiaoping Road, Tangxia Town, Dongguan 523710, China
| | - Shengyong Geng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano Biosensing, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Zhang Z, Hu J. DKK1 loss promotes endometrial fibrosis via autophagy and exosome-mediated macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition. J Transl Med 2024; 22:617. [PMID: 38961399 PMCID: PMC11223343 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05402-5] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) manifest as endometrial fibrosis, often causing infertility or recurrent miscarriage; however, their pathogenesis remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study assessed the role of Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1) and autophagy in endometrial fibrosis, using clinical samples as well as in vitro and in vivo experiments. METHODS Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blot were used to determine the localization and expression of DKK1 in endometrium; DKK1 silencing and DKK1 overexpression were used to detect the biological effects of DKK1 silencing or expression in endometrial cells; DKK1 gene knockout mice were used to observe the phenotypes caused by DKK1 gene knockout. RESULTS In patients with IUA, DKK1 and autophagy markers were down-regulated; also, α-SMA and macrophage localization were increased in the endometrium. DKK1 conditional knockout (CKO) mice showed a fibrotic phenotype with decreased autophagy and increased localization of α-SMA and macrophages in the endometrium. In vitro studies showed that DKK1 knockout (KO) suppressed the autophagic flux of endometrial stromal cells. In contrast, ectopic expression of DKK1 showed the opposite phenotype. Mechanistically, we discovered that DKK1 regulates autophagic flux through Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Further studies showed that DKK1 KO promoted the secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 in exosomes, thereby promoting macrophage proliferation and metastasis. Also, in DKK1 CKO mice, treatment with autophagy activator rapamycin partially restored the endometrial fibrosis phenotype. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that DKK1 was a potential diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanqin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, No. 76, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Xu D, Zhuang X, Ma H, Li Z, Wei L, Luo J, Han H. Altered tumor microenvironment heterogeneity of penile cancer during progression from non-lymphatic to lymphatic metastasis. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70025. [PMID: 39003681 PMCID: PMC11246611 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic metastasis is the major challenge in the treatment of penile cancer. The prognosis of individuals with lymphatic metastasis is extremely poor. Therefore, early identification of disease progression and lymphatic metastasis is an urgent task for researchers in penile cancer worldwide. METHODS In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, an immune landscape was established for the cancer ecosystem based on 46,861 cells from six patients with penile cancer (four with lymphatic metastasis [stage IV] and two without lymphatic metastasis [stage I]). Using bulk RNA sequencing, the discrepancy between the cancers and their respective metastatic lymph nodes was depicted based on seven patients with penile cancer. RESULTS The interaction between epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and the functional cooperation among invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis were found to be important landscapes in the penile cancer ecosystem, playing important roles in progression of cancer and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to investigate the altered tumor microenvironment heterogeneity of penile cancer as it evolves from non-lymphatic to lymphatic metastasis and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying malignant progression, the premetastatic niche, and lymphatic metastasis in penile cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da‐Ming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Yu Zhuang
- Department of AnesthesiologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouP. R. China
| | - Hua‐Li Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of RadiologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Zai‐Shang Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's HospitalThe Second Clinic Medical College of Jinan UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Li‐Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Jun‐Hang Luo
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Hui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
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McAndrews KM, Mahadevan KK, Kalluri R. Mouse Models to Evaluate the Functional Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression and Therapy Responses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041411. [PMID: 38191175 PMCID: PMC11216184 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of both cellular and noncellular components that functions to impact the evolution of cancer. Various aspects of the TME have been targeted for the control of cancer; however, TME composition is dynamic, with the overall abundance of immune cells, endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as subsets of TME components changing at different stages of progression and in response to therapy. To effectively treat cancer, an understanding of the functional role of the TME is needed. Genetically engineered mouse models have enabled comprehensive insight into the complex interactions within the TME ecosystem that regulate disease progression. Here, we review recent advances in mouse models that have been employed to understand how the TME regulates cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M McAndrews
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Krishnan K Mahadevan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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10
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Xiao Y, Wang Z, Gu M, Wei P, Wang X, Li W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: heterogeneity and their role in the tumor immune response. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:126. [PMID: 38864912 PMCID: PMC11169017 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, many reports have been published on the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME), among which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have received much attention. CAFs have different degrees of heterogeneity in terms of their origin, phenotype, and function and can be divided into different subpopulations. These subgroups may play different roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, CAFs are closely associated with tumor immunity and have been found to regulate immune cell activity and to suppress the tumor immune response. In this review, we systematize the heterogeneity and characteristics of CAFs, discuss how specific CAF subgroups contribute to cancer progression by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and finally, we examine the future clinical applications of CAF subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiying Li
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China.
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Gu W, Su H, Wang X, Wang X, Zhang J, Xu M, Sheng W. Unlocking the Crucial Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Metastasis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00220-0. [PMID: 38825314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor metastasis represents a stepwise progression and stands as a principal determinant of unfavorable prognoses among cancer patients. Consequently, an in-depth exploration of its mechanisms holds paramount clinical significance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), constituting the most abundant stromal cell population within the tumor microenvironment (TME), have garnered robust evidence support for their pivotal regulatory roles in tumor metastasis. AIM of Review This review systematically explores the roles of CAFs at eight critical stages of tumorigenic dissemination: 1) extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, 2) epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), 3) angiogenesis, 4) tumor metabolism, 5) perivascular migration, 6) immune escape, 7) dormancy, and 8) premetastatic niche (PMN) formation. Additionally, we provide a compendium of extant strategies aimed at targeting CAFs in cancer therapy. Key Scientific Concepts of Review This review delineates a structured framework for the interplay between CAFs and tumor metastasis while furnishing insights for the potential therapeutic developments. It contributes to a deeper understanding of cancer metastasis within the TME, facilitating the utilization of CAF-targeting therapies in anti-metastatic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Liu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenchao Gu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hui Su
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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12
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Shao Y, Li R, Chen G, Zhang L. Pan-Cancer Analysis of GALNT6 with Potential Implications for Prognosis and Tumor Microenvironment in Human Cancer Based on Bioinformatics and qPCR Verification. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:2187-2201. [PMID: 38770365 PMCID: PMC11104441 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s459953] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We explored the expression and prognostic value of GALNT6 and the tumor microenvironment of pan-cancer in humans. Methods In this study, we explored the expression pattern of GALNT6 pan-cancer across multiple databases. The prognostic value of GALNT6 was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The types and numbers of GALNT6 gene alterations were exhibited using the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal. The correlations between GALNT6 expression and immune infiltration in cancers were analyzed using the database Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2. We also used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the GALNT6 gene in tumorigenesis. The expression of GALNT6 was also further verified by qPCR in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Results In general, compared with normal tissue, tumor tissue had a higher expression level of GALNT6. GALNT6 showed a protective effect in colon carcinoma and other cancers; however, a high expression level of GALNT6 was detrimental to survival in bladder cancer and in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Mutation, amplification, and deep deletion were the three main types of GALNT6 mutations in tumors. There was a significant positive correlation between GALNT6 expression and immune infiltration of CD8+ T-cells in skin cutaneous melanoma metastasis, based on most of the algorithms used. Moreover, protein processing- and glycoprotein metabolic-associated functions were involved in the functional mechanisms of GALNT6. Conclusion This first pan-cancer study offers a relatively comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic roles of GALNT6 across different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangmei Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lichuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, People’s Republic of China
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Xia Y, Wu Y, Gong Y, Yue C, Tao L, Xin T, Shen C, Zhu Y, Shen M, Shen J. Brachyury promotes extracellular matrix synthesis through transcriptional regulation of Smad3 in nucleus pulposus. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1384-C1397. [PMID: 38690917 PMCID: PMC11371320 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00475.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the primary causes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the transcription factor Brachyury (Bry) has the potential to promote the synthesis of collagen II and aggrecan, while the specific mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) degeneration and a rat acupuncture IVDD model to elucidate the precise mechanism through which Bry affects collagen II and aggrecan synthesis in vitro and in vivo. First, we confirmed Bry expression decreased in degenerated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs). Knockdown of Bry exacerbated the decrease in collagen II and aggrecan expression in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NPCs degeneration in vitro model. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that Smad3 may participate in the regulatory pathway of ECM synthesis regulated by Bry. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR) and luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that Bry enhances the transcription of Smad3 by interacting with a specific motif on the promoter region. In addition, Western blot and reverse transcription-qPCR assays demonstrated that Smad3 positively regulates the expression of aggrecan and collagen II in NPCs. The following rescue experiments revealed that Bry-mediated regulation of ECM synthesis is partially dependent on Smad3 phosphorylation. Finally, the findings from the in vivo rat acupuncture-induced IVDD model were consistent with those obtained from in vitro assays. In conclusion, this study reveals that Bry positively regulates the synthesis of collagen II and aggrecan in NP through transcriptional activation of Smad3.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mechanically, in the nucleus, Bry enhances the transcription of Smad3, leading to increased expression of Smad3 protein levels; in the cytoplasm, elevated substrate levels further lead to an increase in the phosphorylation of Smad3, thereby regulating collagen II and aggrecan expression. Further in vivo experiments provide additional evidence that Bry can alleviate IVDD through this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhang Xia
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghui Wu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Gong
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Caichun Yue
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Linfeng Tao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianwen Xin
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghong Shen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
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Khorami-Sarvestani S, Vanaki N, Shojaeian S, Zarnani K, Stensballe A, Jeddi-Tehrani M, Zarnani AH. Placenta: an old organ with new functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385762. [PMID: 38707901 PMCID: PMC11066266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition from oviparity to viviparity and the establishment of feto-maternal communications introduced the placenta as the major anatomical site to provide nutrients, gases, and hormones to the developing fetus. The placenta has endocrine functions, orchestrates maternal adaptations to pregnancy at different periods of pregnancy, and acts as a selective barrier to minimize exposure of developing fetus to xenobiotics, pathogens, and parasites. Despite the fact that this ancient organ is central for establishment of a normal pregnancy in eutherians, the placenta remains one of the least studied organs. The first step of pregnancy, embryo implantation, is finely regulated by the trophoectoderm, the precursor of all trophoblast cells. There is a bidirectional communication between placenta and endometrium leading to decidualization, a critical step for maintenance of pregnancy. There are three-direction interactions between the placenta, maternal immune cells, and the endometrium for adaptation of endometrial immune system to the allogeneic fetus. While 65% of all systemically expressed human proteins have been found in the placenta tissues, it expresses numerous placenta-specific proteins, whose expression are dramatically changed in gestational diseases and could serve as biomarkers for early detection of gestational diseases. Surprisingly, placentation and carcinogenesis exhibit numerous shared features in metabolism and cell behavior, proteins and molecular signatures, signaling pathways, and tissue microenvironment, which proposes the concept of "cancer as ectopic trophoblastic cells". By extensive researches in this novel field, a handful of cancer biomarkers has been discovered. This review paper, which has been inspired in part by our extensive experiences during the past couple of years, highlights new aspects of placental functions with emphasis on its immunomodulatory role in establishment of a successful pregnancy and on a potential link between placentation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khorami-Sarvestani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Vanaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Shojaeian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kayhan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Rakina M, Larionova I, Kzhyshkowska J. Macrophage diversity in human cancers: New insight provided by single-cell resolution and spatial context. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28332. [PMID: 38571605 PMCID: PMC10988020 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28332] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
M1/M2 paradigm of macrophage plasticity has existed for decades. Now it becomes clear that this dichotomy doesn't adequately reflect the diversity of macrophage phenotypes in tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major population of innate immune cells in the TME that promotes tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, invasion and metastatic niche formation, as well as response to anti-tumor therapy. However, the fundamental restriction in therapeutic TAM targeting is the limited knowledge about the specific TAM states in distinct human cancer types. Here we summarized the results of the most recent studies that use advanced technologies (e.g. single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics) allowing to decipher novel functional subsets of TAMs in numerous human cancers. The transcriptomic profiles of these TAM subsets and their clinical significance were described. We emphasized the characteristics of specific TAM subpopulations - TREM2+, SPP1+, MARCO+, FOLR2+, SIGLEC1+, APOC1+, C1QC+, and others, which have been most extensively characterized in several cancers, and are associated with cancer prognosis. Spatial transcriptomics technologies defined specific spatial interactions between TAMs and other cell types, especially fibroblasts, in tumors. Spatial transcriptomics methods were also applied to identify markers of immunotherapy response, which are expressed by macrophages or in the macrophage-abundant regions. We highlighted the perspectives for novel techniques that utilize spatial and single cell resolution in investigating new ligand-receptor interactions for effective immunotherapy based on TAM-targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Militsa Rakina
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634009, Russia
| | - Irina Larionova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634009, Russia
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
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16
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Hussein NA, Ebid SA, Ahmad MA, Khedr GE, Saad DM. The possible correlation between miR-762, Hippo signaling pathway, TWIST1, and SMAD3 in lung cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8246. [PMID: 38589525 PMCID: PMC11001855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58704-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that have a significant role in translational repression and gene silencing through binding to downstream target mRNAs. MiR-762 can stimulate the proliferation and metastasis of various types of cancer. Hippo pathway is one of the pathways that regulate tissue development and carcinogenesis. Dysregulation of this pathway plays a vital role in the progression of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between miR-762, the Hippo signaling pathway, TWIST1, and SMAD3 in patients with lung cancer, as well as patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. The relative expression of miR-762, MST1, LATS2, YAP, TWIST1, and SMAD3 was determined in 50 lung cancer patients, 30 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, and 20 healthy volunteers by real-time PCR. The levels of YAP protein and neuron-specific enolase were estimated by ELISA and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. Compared to the control group, miR-762, YAP, TWIST1, and SMAD3 expression were significantly upregulated in lung cancer patients and chronic inflammatory patients, except SMAD3 was significantly downregulated in chronic inflammatory patients. MST1, LATS2, and YAP protein were significantly downregulated in all patients. MiR-762 has a significant negative correlation with MST1, LATS2, and YAP protein in lung cancer patients and with MST1 and LATS2 in chronic inflammatory patients. MiR-762 may be involved in the induction of malignant behaviors in lung cancer through suppression of the Hippo pathway. MiR-762, MST1, LATS2, YAP mRNA and protein, TWIST1, and SMAD3 may be effective diagnostic biomarkers in both lung cancer patients and chronic inflammatory patients. High YAP, TWIST1, SMA3 expression, and NSE level are associated with a favorable prognosis for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neveen A Hussein
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Samia A Ebid
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohammad A Ahmad
- Clinical Pathology Department, Military Medical Academy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamal E Khedr
- Clinical Pathology Department, Tanta Cancer Center, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina M Saad
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Pietras K, Sjölund J. Cellular plasticity in the breast cancer ecosystem. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10629. [PMID: 38571887 PMCID: PMC10989214 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay between genetically diverse tumor cells and their microenvironment significantly influences cancer progression and therapeutic responses. This review highlights recent findings on cellular plasticity and heterogeneity within the breast cancer ecosystem, focusing on the roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We discuss evidence suggesting that breast cancer cells exhibit phenotypic plasticity driven by both intrinsic genetic factors and external microenvironmental cues, impacting treatment responses and disease recurrence. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing studies reveal diverse subtypes of CAFs and TAMs, each with distinct functional gene expression programs and spatial organization within the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the hierarchical relationships and niche cues governing cellular phenotypes offers new opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions. By elucidating the organizational principles of the tumor ecosystem, future therapies may target phenotypic states or entire cellular niches, advancing precision medicine approaches in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Pietras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Sjölund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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18
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Hu X, Zhang Z, Long L, Gu M, Chen W, Pan B, Wu X, Wang C, Li C, Zheng L, Sheng P. Deconvolution of synovial myeloid cell subsets across pathotypes and role of COL3A1+ macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis remission. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1307748. [PMID: 38601143 PMCID: PMC11005452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1307748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Monocyte/macrophage (Mo/Mp) is a critical cell population involved in immune modulation of rheumatoid synovitis (RA) across different pathotypes. This study aims to investigate the contribution of Mo/Mp clusters to RA activity, and the biological function of particular subtypes in RA remission. Methods We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from 4 published and 1 in-house studies using Liger selected by comparison. We estimated the abundance of Mo/Mp subtypes in bulk RNA-seq data from the 81 patients of the Pathobiology of Early Arthritis Cohort (PEAC) using deconvolution analysis. Correlations between Mo/Mp subtypes and RA clinical metrics were assessed. A particular cell type was identified using multicolor immunofluorescence and flow cytometry in vivo and successfully induced from a cell line in vitro. Potential immune modulation function of it was performed using immunohistochemical staining, adhesion assay, and RT-qPCR. Results We identified 8 Mo/Mp clusters. As a particular subtype among them, COL3A1+ Mp (CD68+, COL3A1+, ACTA2-) enriched in myeloid pathotype and negatively correlated with RA severity metrics in all pathotypes. Flow cytometry and multicolor immunofluorescence evidenced the enrichment and M2-like phenotype of COL3A1+ Mp in the myeloid pathotype. Further assays suggested that COL3A1+ Mp potentially attenuates RA severity via expressing anti-inflammatory cytokines, enhancing Mp adhesion, and forming a physical barrier at the synovial lining. Conclusion This study reported unexplored associations between different pathologies and myeloid cell subtypes. We also identified a fibroblast-and-M2-like cluster named COL3A1+ Mp, which potentially contributes to synovial immune homeostasis. Targeting the development of COL3A1+ Mp may hold promise for inducing RA remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuantao Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziji Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingli Long
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghu Gu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weishen Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baiqi Pan
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengxin Li
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linli Zheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Puyi Sheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang W, Chen G, Zhang W, Zhang X, Huang M, Li C, Wang L, Lu Z, Xia J. The crucial prognostic signaling pathways of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were identified by single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data. Hum Genet 2024:10.1007/s00439-024-02663-4. [PMID: 38526745 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02663-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis and high mortality. Although a large number of studies have explored its potential prognostic markers using traditional RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data, they have not achieved good prediction effect. In order to explore the possible prognostic signaling pathways leading to the difference in prognosis, we identified differentially expressed genes from one scRNA-seq cohort and four GEO cohorts, respectively. Then Cox and Lasso regression analysis showed that 12 genes were independent prognostic factors for PDAC. AUC and calibration curve analysis showed that the prognostic model had good discrimination and calibration. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group had a higher proportion of gene mutations than the low-risk group. Immune infiltration analysis revealed differences in macrophages and monocytes between the two groups. Prognosis related genes were mainly distributed in fibroblasts, macrophages and type 2 ducts. The results of cell communication analysis showed that there was a strong communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and type 2 ductal cells, and collagen formation was the main interaction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Wang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Guo Chen
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xihua Zhang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Manli Huang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zifan Lu
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jielai Xia
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
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20
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Han F, Chen S, Zhang K, Zhang K, Wang M, Wang P. Single-cell transcriptomic sequencing data reveal aberrant DNA methylation in SMAD3 promoter region in tumor-associated fibroblasts affecting molecular mechanism of radiosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:288. [PMID: 38493128 PMCID: PMC10944599 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often exhibits resistance to radiotherapy, posing significant treatment challenges. This study investigates the role of SMAD3 in NSCLC, focusing on its potential in influencing radiosensitivity via the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt pathway. METHODS The study utilized gene expression data from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes related to radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC. Using the GSE37745 dataset, prognostic genes were identified through Cox regression and survival analysis. Functional roles of target genes were explored using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and co-expression analyses. Gene promoter methylation levels were assessed using databases like UALCAN, DNMIVD, and UCSC Xena, while the TISCH database provided insights into the correlation between target genes and CAFs. Experiments included RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry on NSCLC patient samples, in vitro studies on isolated CAFs cells, and in vivo nude mouse tumor models. RESULTS Fifteen key genes associated with radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC cells were identified. SMAD3 was recognized as an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC, linked to poor patient outcomes. High expression of SMAD3 was correlated with low DNA methylation in its promoter region and was enriched in CAFs. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that SMAD3 promotes radiotherapy resistance by activating the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION High expression of SMAD3 in NSCLC tissues, cells, and CAFs is closely associated with poor prognosis and increased radiotherapy resistance. SMAD3 is likely to enhance radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC cells by activating the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushi Han
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangwei Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Kunming Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Peijun Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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21
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Piwocka O, Piotrowski I, Suchorska WM, Kulcenty K. Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1343523. [PMID: 38455762 PMCID: PMC10918473 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1343523] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix components that profoundly influence cancer progression. Among the key players in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing attention for their diverse and influential roles. CAFs are activated fibroblasts found abundantly within the TME of various cancer types. CAFs contribute significantly to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and modulating immune cell infiltration. In order to influence the microenvironment, CAFs engage in cross-talk with immune cells, cancer cells, and other stromal components through paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. This cross-talk can result in immunosuppression, tumor cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs play a crucial role in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CAFs can modulate the tumor response to treatment by secreting factors that promote drug efflux, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and suppress apoptosis pathways. This paper aims to understand the multifaceted functions of CAFs within the TME, discusses cross-talk between CAFs with other TME cells, and sheds light on the contibution of CAFs to therapy resistance. Targeting CAFs or disrupting their cross-talk with other cells holds promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving the treatment efficacy of various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Piwocka
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Igor Piotrowski
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M. Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
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22
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Qi B, Li Y, Peng Z, Luo Z, Zhang X, Chen J, Li G, Sun Y. Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition as a Potential Origin for Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis After Injury via Complement System Activation. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:1083-1094. [PMID: 38384372 PMCID: PMC10880461 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s450599] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Acute skeletal muscle injury is common in sports. The injured muscle cannot fully recover due to fibrosis resulting from myofibroblasts. Understanding the origin of fibroblasts is, therefore, important for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies. Accumulating evidence shows that a mechanism called macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) can lead to tissue or organ fibrosis, yet it is still unclear whether MMT exists in skeletal muscle and the exact mechanisms. Methods Single-cell transcriptome of mice skeletal muscle after acute injury was analyzed with a specific attention on the process of MMT. Cell-cell interaction network, pseudotime trajectory analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) were conducted. A series of experiments in vivo and in vitro were launched for verification. Results Single cell transcriptomic analysis indicated that, following acute injury, there were much interactions between macrophages and myofibroblasts. A detailed analysis on macrophages indicated that, CD68+α-SMA+ cells, which represented the status of MMT, mainly appeared at five days post-injury. KEGG/GO analysis underlined the involvement of complement system, within which C3ar1, C1qa, C1qb, and C1qc were up-regulated. Trajectory analysis also confirmed a potential shift from macrophages to myofibroblasts. These findings were verified by histological study in mice skeletal muscle, that there were much MMT cells at five days, declined gradually, and vanished 14 days after trauma, when there was remarkable fibrosis formation within the injured muscle. Moreover, C3a stimulation could directly induce MMT in BMDMs. Conclusion Fibrosis following acute injury is disastrous to skeletal muscle, but the origin of myofibroblasts remains unclear. We proved that, following acute injury, macrophage-myofibroblast transition happened in skeletal muscle, which may contribute to fibrosis formation. This phenomenon mainly occurred at five days post-injury. The complement system can activate MMT. More evidence is needed to directly support the pro-fibrotic role of MMT in skeletal muscle fibrosis after acute injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beijie Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Li
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiwu Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoqi Li
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaying Sun
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Tang PMK, Lam EWF, Mussal F, Zhang D, Li C. Editorial: New insights into fibrotic signaling in cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1369457. [PMID: 38371624 PMCID: PMC10869620 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1369457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric W-F. Lam
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Francis Mussal
- Paediatric Oncology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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24
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Cao L, Meng X, Zhang Z, Liu Z, He Y. Macrophage heterogeneity and its interactions with stromal cells in tumour microenvironment. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:16. [PMID: 38303024 PMCID: PMC10832170 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01201-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages and tumour stroma cells account for the main cellular components in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Current advancements in single-cell analysis have revolutionized our understanding of macrophage diversity and macrophage-stroma interactions. Accordingly, this review describes new insight into tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) heterogeneity in terms of tumour type, phenotype, metabolism, and spatial distribution and presents the association between these factors and TAM functional states. Meanwhile, we focus on the immunomodulatory feature of TAMs and highlight the tumour-promoting effect of macrophage-tumour stroma interactions in the immunosuppressive TME. Finally, we summarize recent studies investigating macrophage-targeted therapy and discuss their therapeutic potential in improving immunotherapy by alleviating immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Cao
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyan Meng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Zhonglong Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yue He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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25
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Ahuja S, Zaheer S. Multifaceted TGF-β signaling, a master regulator: From bench-to-bedside, intricacies, and complexities. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:87-127. [PMID: 37859532 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12097] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Physiological embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis are regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an evolutionarily conserved family of secreted polypeptide factors, acting in an autocrine and paracrine manner. The role of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis and cancer, overexpressed TGF-β causes extracellular matrix deposition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer-associated fibroblast formation, and/or angiogenesis. In this review article, we have tried to dive deep into the mechanism of action of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. As TGF-β and its downstream signaling mechanism are implicated in fibrosis and carcinogenesis blocking this signaling mechanism appears to be a promising avenue. However, targeting TGF-β carries substantial risk as this pathway is implicated in multiple homeostatic processes and is also known to have tumor-suppressor functions. There is a need for careful dosing of TGF-β drugs for therapeutic use and patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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26
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Han H, Qian C, Song M, Zhong C, Zhao Y, Lu Y. Fibroblasts: invigorated targets in pre-metastatic niche formation. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1110-1124. [PMID: 38322116 PMCID: PMC10845297 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.87680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, tumor metastasis still remains the leading contributor to high recurrence and mortality in cancer patients. There have been no clinically effective therapeutic strategies for treating patients with metastatic cancer. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) plays a crucial role in driving tumor metastasis. Nevertheless, a clear and detailed understanding of the formation of PMN is still lacking given the fact that PMN formation involves in a wealth of complicated communications and underlying mechanisms between primary tumors and metastatic target organs. Despite that the roles of numerous components including tumor exosomes and extracellular vesicles in influencing the evolution of PMN have been well documented, the involvement of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment for controlling PMN formation is frequently overlooked. It has been increasingly recognized that fibroblasts trigger the formation of PMN by virtue of modulating exosomes, metabolism and so on. In this review, we mainly summarize the underlying mechanisms of fibroblasts from diverse origins in exerting impacts on PMN evolution, and further highlight the prospective strategies for targeting fibroblasts to prevent PMN formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkuan Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengyao Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chongjin Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yin Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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27
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Shen S, Zhang M, Wang X, Liu Q, Su H, Sun B, Guo Z, Tian B, Gan H, Gong C, Ma L. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals S100a9 hi macrophages promote the transition from acute inflammation to fibrotic remodeling after myocardial ischemia‒reperfusion. Theranostics 2024; 14:1241-1259. [PMID: 38323308 PMCID: PMC10845204 DOI: 10.7150/thno.91180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The transition from acute inflammation to fibrosis following myocardial ischemia‒reperfusion (MIR) significantly affects prognosis. Macrophages play a pivotal role in inflammatory damage and repair after MIR. However, the heterogeneity and transformation mechanisms of macrophages during this transition are not well understood. Methods: In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and mass cytometry to examine murine monocyte-derived macrophages after MIR to investigate macrophage subtypes and their roles in the MIR process. S100a9-/- mice were used to establish MIR model to clarify the mechanism of alleviating inflammation and fibrosis after MIR. Reinfusion of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) after macrophage depletion (MD) in mice subjected to MIR were performed to further examine the role of S100a9hi macrophages in MIR. Results: We identified a unique subtype of S100a9hi macrophages that originate from monocytes and are involved in acute inflammation and fibrosis. These S100a9hi macrophages infiltrate the heart as early as 2 h post-reperfusion and activate the Myd88/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, amplifying inflammatory responses. As the tissue environment shifts from proinflammatory to reparative, S100a9 activates transforming growth factor-β (Tgf-β)/p-smad3 signaling. This activation not only induces the transformation of myocardial fibroblasts to myofibroblasts but also promotes fibrosis via the macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT). Targeting S100a9 with a specific inhibitor could effectively mitigate acute inflammatory damage and halt the progression of fibrosis, including MMT. Conclusion: S100a9hi macrophages are a promising therapeutic target for managing the transition from inflammation to fibrosis after MIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichun Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohe Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiaoling Liu
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Huimin Su
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bingyi Sun
- The First Clinical Medical school of Anhui Medical university, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiqing Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Beiduo Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hong Gan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Likun Ma
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Tang PC, Chan MK, Chung JY, Chan AS, Zhang D, Li C, Leung K, Ng CS, Wu Y, To K, Lan H, Tang PM. Hematopoietic Transcription Factor RUNX1 is Essential for Promoting Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302203. [PMID: 37967345 PMCID: PMC10767400 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) is a newly discovered pathway for mass production of pro-tumoral cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in a TGF-β1/Smad3 dependent manner. Better understanding its regulatory signaling in tumor microenvironment (TME) may identify druggable target for the development of precision medicine. Here, by dissecting the transcriptome dynamics of tumor-associated macrophage at single-cell resolution, a crucial role of a hematopoietic transcription factor Runx1 in MMT formation is revealed. Surprisingly, integrative bioinformatic analysis uncovers Runx1 as a key regulator in the downstream of MMT-specific TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. Stromal Runx1 level positively correlates with the MMT-derived CAF abundance and mortality in NSCLC patients. Mechanistically, macrophage-specific Runx1 promotes the transcription of genes related to CAF signatures in MMT cells at genomic level. Importantly, macrophage-specific genetic deletion and systemic pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3/Runx1 signaling effectively prevent MMT-driven CAF and tumor formation in vitro and in vivo, representing a potential therapeutic target for clinical NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chiu‐Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Max Kam‐Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Jeff Yat‐Fai Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Alex Siu‐Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social SciencesThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHunghom999077Hong Kong
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Department of Head and Neck OncologyWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Kam‐Tong Leung
- Department of PaediatricsThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Calvin Sze‐Hang Ng
- Department of SurgeryThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to DiseasesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710061China
| | - Ka‐Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Hui‐Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Ming‐Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
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Peng X, Zheng J, Liu T, Zhou Z, Song C, Geng Y, Wang Z, Huang Y. Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity, Potential Therapeutic Avenues, and Emerging Therapies. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:288-307. [PMID: 37537777 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230712095021] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review describes the comprehensive portrait of tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we provided a panoramic perspective on the transformation and functions of the diverse constituents in TME, and the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance, beginning with the immune cells and metabolic dynamics within TME. Lastly, we summarized the most auspicious potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS TME is a unique realm crafted by malignant cells to withstand the onslaught of endogenous and exogenous therapies. Recent research has revealed many small-molecule immunotherapies exhibiting auspicious outcomes in preclinical investigations. Furthermore, some pro-immune mechanisms have emerged as a potential avenue. With the advent of nanosystems and precision targeting, targeted therapy has now transcended the "comfort zone" erected by cancer cells within TME. CONCLUSION The ceaseless metamorphosis of TME fosters the intransigent resilience and proliferation of tumors. However, existing therapies have yet to surmount the formidable obstacles posed by TME. Therefore, scientists should investigate potential avenues for therapeutic intervention and design innovative pharmacological and clinical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Peng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jingfan Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ziwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chen Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zichuan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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30
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Chen C, Guo Q, Liu Y, Hou Q, Liao M, Guo Y, Zang Y, Wang F, Liu H, Luan X, Liang Y, Guan Z, Li Y, Liu H, Dong X, Zhang X, Liu J, Xu Q. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal POSTN + cancer-associated fibroblasts correlated with immune suppression and tumour progression in non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1515. [PMID: 38115703 PMCID: PMC10731139 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are potential targets for cancer therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of CAFs, the influence of CAF subpopulations on the progression of lung cancer is still unclear, which impedes the translational advances in targeting CAFs. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on tumour, paired tumour-adjacent, and normal samples from 16 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. CAF subpopulations were analyzed after integration with published NSCLC scRNA-seq data. SpaTial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq) was applied in tumour and tumour-adjacent samples from seven NSCLC patients to map the architecture of major cell populations in tumour microenvironment (TME). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplexed IHC (mIHC) were used to validate marker gene expression and the association of CAFs with immune infiltration in TME. RESULTS A subcluster of myofibroblastic CAFs, POSTN+ CAFs, were significantly enriched in advanced tumours and presented gene expression signatures related to extracellular matrix remodeling, tumour invasion pathways and immune suppression. Stereo-seq and mIHC demonstrated that POSTN+ CAFs were in close localization with SPP1+ macrophages and were associated with the exhausted phenotype and lower infiltration of T cells. POSTN expression or the abundance of POSTN+ CAFs were associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a myofibroblastic CAF subpopulation, POSTN+ CAFs, which might associate with SPP1+ macrophages to promote the formation of desmoplastic architecture and participate in immune suppression. Furthermore, we showed that POSTN+ CAFs associated with cancer progression and poor clinical outcomes and may provide new insights on the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Qiang Guo
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yang Liu
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qinghua Hou
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Mengying Liao
- Department of PathologyPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Yanying Guo
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
| | - Yupeng Zang
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | | | - Huanyu Liu
- Department of PathologyPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Xinyu Luan
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Yanling Liang
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhuojue Guan
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanling Li
- Central Laboratory of Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Haozhen Liu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Xuan Dong
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBGI ResearchShenzhenChina
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBGI ResearchShenzhenChina
| | - Jixian Liu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Qumiao Xu
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBGI ResearchShenzhenChina
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Yuan T, Xia Y, Pan S, Li B, Ye Z, Yan X, Hu W, Li L, Song B, Yu W, Li H, Rao T, Lin F, Zhou X, Cheng F. STAT6 promoting oxalate crystal deposition-induced renal fibrosis by mediating macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition via inhibiting fatty acid oxidation. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:2111-2126. [PMID: 37924395 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01803-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Kidney stones commonly occur with a 50% recurrence rate within 5 years, and can elevate the risk of chronic kidney disease. Macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) is a newly discovered mechanism that leads to progressive fibrosis in different forms of kidney disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MMT in renal fibrosis in glyoxylate-induced kidney stone mice and the mechanism by which signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) regulates MMT. METHODS We collected non-functioning kidneys from patients with stones, established glyoxylate-induced calcium oxalate stone mice model and treated AS1517499 every other day in the treatment group, and constructed a STAT6-knockout RAW264.7 cell line. We first screened the enrichment pathway of the model by transcriptome sequencing; detected renal injury and fibrosis by hematoxylin eosin staining, Von Kossa staining and Sirius red staining; detected MMT levels by multiplexed immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; and verified the binding site of STAT6 at the PPARα promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and fibrosis-related genes were detected by western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS In this study, we found that FAO was downregulated, macrophages converted to myofibroblasts, and STAT6 expression was elevated in stone patients and glyoxylate-induced kidney stone mice. The promotion of FAO in macrophages attenuated MMT and upregulated fibrosis-related genes induced by calcium oxalate treatment. Further, inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) eliminated the effect of STAT6 deletion on FAO and fibrosis-associated protein expression. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT6 also prevented the development of renal injury, lipid accumulation, MMT, and renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, STAT6 transcriptionally represses PPARα and FAO through cis-inducible elements located in the promoter region of the gene, thereby promoting MMT and renal fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish a role for STAT6 in kidney stone injury-induced renal fibrosis, and suggest that STAT6 may be a therapeutic target for progressive renal fibrosis in patients with nephrolithiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhui Yuan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqi Xia
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengyu Pan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bojun Li
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zehua Ye
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinzhou Yan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Hu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Baofeng Song
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Yu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoyong Li
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Rao
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangyou Lin
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangjun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Fan Cheng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Zhu Y, Liu Y, Ma Y, Chen L, Huang H, Huang S, Zhang H, He Y, Tan C, He Y, Qiang L. Macrophage autophagy deficiency-induced CEBPB accumulation alleviates atopic dermatitis via impairing M2 polarization. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113430. [PMID: 37963021 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113430] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy plays a pivotal role in immune regulation. Its significance is evident in modulation of immune cell differentiation and maturation, physiologically and pathologically. Here, we investigate the role of macrophage autophagy on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). By employing an MC903-induced AD mice model, we observe reduced cutaneous inflammation in macrophage Atg5 cKO mice compared with WT mice. Notably, there is a decreased infiltration of M2 macrophages in lesional skin from Atg5 cKO mice. Furthermore, impaired STAT6 phosphorylation and diminished expression of M2 markers are detected in autophagy-deficient macrophages. Our mechanistic exploration reveals that CEBPB drives the transcription of SOCS1/3 and SQSTM1/p62-mediated autophagy degrades CEBPB normally. Autophagy deficiency leads to CEBPB accumulation, and further promotes the expression of SOCS1/3. This process inhibits JAK1-STAT6 pathway activation and M2 marker expression. Together, our study indicates that autophagy is required for M2 activation and macrophage autophagy may be a promising target for AD intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongcheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yunyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yuxiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Liu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - He Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201213, China.
| | - Siting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Huiling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuying He
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cheng Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Yuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Lei Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China.
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Tang PMK, Zhang D. Advance in Targeted Cancer Therapy and Mechanisms of Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16584. [PMID: 38068907 PMCID: PMC10705981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains one of the important clinical challenges, making cancer one of the leading causes of death worldwide [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Ji ZZ, Chan MKK, Chan ASW, Leung KT, Jiang X, To KF, Wu Y, Tang PMK. Tumour-associated macrophages: versatile players in the tumour microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1261749. [PMID: 37965573 PMCID: PMC10641386 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1261749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) are one of the pivotal components of the tumour microenvironment. Their roles in the cancer immunity are complicated, both pro-tumour and anti-cancer activities are reported, including not only angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immunosuppression, drug resistance but also phagocytosis and tumour regression. Interestingly, TAMs are highly dynamic and versatile in solid tumours. They show anti-cancer or pro-tumour activities, and interplay between the tumour microenvironment and cancer stem cells and under specific conditions. In addition to the classic M1/M2 phenotypes, a number of novel dedifferentiation phenomena of TAMs are discovered due to the advanced single-cell technology, e.g., macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) and macrophage-neuron transition (MNT). More importantly, emerging information demonstrated the potential of TAMs on cancer immunotherapy, suggesting by the therapeutic efficiency of the checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor engineered cells based on macrophages. Here, we summarized the latest discoveries of TAMs from basic and translational research and discussed their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential for solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoey Zeyuan Ji
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex Siu-Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Abu El-Asrar AM, De Hertogh G, Allegaert E, Nawaz MI, Abouelasrar Salama S, Gikandi PW, Opdenakker G, Struyf S. Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition Contributes to Myofibroblast Formation in Proliferative Vitreoretinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13510. [PMID: 37686317 PMCID: PMC10487544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis are key features of proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. We aimed to define the macrophage phenotype and investigate the role of macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in the contribution to myofibroblast populations present in epiretinal membranes. Vitreous samples from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and nondiabetic control patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from PDR patients and fibrocellular membranes from PVR patients, human retinal Müller glial cells and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were studied by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis. Myofibroblasts expressing α-SMA, fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1) were present in all membranes. The majority of CD68+ monocytes/macrophages co-expressed the M2 macrophage marker CD206. In epiretinal membranes, cells undergoing MMT were identified by co-expression of the macrophage marker CD68 and myofibroblast markers α-SMA and FSP-1. Further analysis revealed that CD206+ M2 macrophages co-expressed α-SMA, FSP-1, FAP-α and ß-catenin. Soluble (s) CD206 and sFAP-α levels were significantly higher in vitreous samples from PDR and PVR patients than in nondiabetic control patients. The proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the hypoxia mimetic agent cobalt chloride induced upregulation of sFAP-α in culture media of Müller cells but not of HRMECs. The NF-ĸß inhibitor BAY11-7085 significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of sFAP-α in Müller cells. Our findings suggest that the process of MMT might contribute to myofibroblast formation in epiretinal membranes, and this transition involved macrophages with a predominant M2 phenotype. In addition, sFAP-α as a vitreous biomarker may be derived from M2 macrophages transitioned to myofibroblasts and from Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Research Chair in Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gert De Hertogh
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eef Allegaert
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohd I. Nawaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Sara Abouelasrar Salama
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Priscilla W. Gikandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Struyf
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
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Knipper K, Lyu SI, Quaas A, Bruns CJ, Schmidt T. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Its Influence on the Extracellular Matrix and the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13482. [PMID: 37686288 PMCID: PMC10487587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment comprises multiple cell types, like cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. In recent years, there have been massive research efforts focusing not only on cancer cells, but also on other cell types of the tumor microenvironment, thereby aiming to expand and determine novel treatment options. Fibroblasts represent a heterogenous cell family consisting of numerous subtypes, which can alter immune cell fractions, facilitate or inhibit tumor growth, build pre-metastatic niches, or stabilize vessels. These effects can be achieved through cell-cell interactions, which form the extracellular matrix, or via the secretion of cytokines or chemokines. The pro- or antitumorigenic fibroblast phenotypes show variability not only among different cancer entities, but also among intraindividual sites, including primary tumors or metastatic lesions. Commonly prescribed for arterial hypertension, the inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system have recently been described as having an inhibitory effect on fibroblasts. This inhibition leads to modified immune cell fractions and increased tissue stiffness, thereby contributing to overcoming therapy resistance and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. However, it is important to note that the inhibition of fibroblasts can also have the opposite effect, potentially resulting in increased tumor growth. We aim to summarize the latest state of research regarding fibroblast heterogeneity and its intricate impact on the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix. Specifically, we focus on highlighting recent advancements in the comprehension of intraindividual heterogeneity and therapy options within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Knipper
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Christiane J. Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
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Xie J, Huang H, Li X, Ouyang L, Wang L, Liu D, Wei X, Tan P, Tu P, Hu Z. The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2023; 51:1627-1651. [PMID: 37638827 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x2350074x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development of tumors. Immunoregulatory cells and cytokines facilitate cancer cells to avoid immune surveillance. Overexpression of immune checkpoint molecules such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibits immune function and enables cancer cells to avoid clearance by the immune system. Thus, minimizing tumor immunosuppression could be an important strategy for cancer therapy. Currently, many immune checkpoint-targeted drugs, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have been approved for marketing and have shown unique advantages in the clinical treatment of cancers. The concept of "strengthening resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is consistent with the immunotherapy of cancer. According to previous studies, the role of TCM in tumor immunotherapy is mainly associated with the positive regulation of natural killer cells, CD8/CD4 T cells, dendritic cells, M2 macrophages, interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text], and IFN-[Formula: see text], as well as with the negative regulation of Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, PD-1/PD-L1, transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text], and tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text]. This paper summarizes the current research on the effect of TCM targeting the TME, and further introduces the research progress on studying the effects of TCM on immune checkpoints. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that TCM can directly or indirectly affect the TME by inhibiting the overexpression of immune checkpoint molecules and enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. TCM with immunomodulatory stimulation could be the key factor to achieve benefits from immunotherapy for patients with non-inflammatory, or "cold", tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Xie
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Huiming Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, P. R. China
| | - Lishan Ouyang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Longyan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Dongxiao Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xuejiao Wei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Peng Tan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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Wang Q, Xiong F, Wu G, Wang D, Liu W, Chen J, Qi Y, Wang B, Chen Y. SMAD Proteins in TGF-β Signalling Pathway in Cancer: Regulatory Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2769. [PMID: 37685308 PMCID: PMC10487229 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) family proteins are central to one of the most versatile cytokine signalling pathways in metazoan biology, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. The TGF-β pathway is widely known for its dual role in cancer progression as both an inhibitor of tumour cell growth and an inducer of tumour metastasis. This is mainly mediated through SMAD proteins and their cofactors or regulators. SMAD proteins act as transcription factors, regulating the transcription of a wide range of genes, and their rich post-translational modifications are influenced by a variety of regulators and cofactors. The complex role, mechanisms, and important functions of SMAD proteins in tumours are the hot topics in current oncology research. In this paper, we summarize the recent progress on the effects and mechanisms of SMAD proteins on tumour development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and provide clues for subsequent research on SMAD proteins in tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Guanhua Wu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Yongqiang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China;
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
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Yang D, Liu J, Qian H, Zhuang Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: from basic science to anticancer therapy. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-01013-0. [PMID: 37394578 PMCID: PMC10394065 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as a central component of the tumor microenvironment in primary and metastatic tumors, profoundly influence the behavior of cancer cells and are involved in cancer progression through extensive interactions with cancer cells and other stromal cells. Furthermore, the innate versatility and plasticity of CAFs allow their education by cancer cells, resulting in dynamic alterations in stromal fibroblast populations in a context-dependent manner, which highlights the importance of precise assessment of CAF phenotypical and functional heterogeneity. In this review, we summarize the proposed origins and heterogeneity of CAFs as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating the diversity of CAF subpopulations. We also discuss current strategies to selectively target tumor-promoting CAFs, providing insights and perspectives for future research and clinical studies involving stromal targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakai Yang
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Microbiology and Immunity Department, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicines, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Qian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qin Zhuang
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
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Han J, Dong L, Wu M, Ma F. Dynamic polarization of tumor-associated macrophages and their interaction with intratumoral T cells in an inflamed tumor microenvironment: from mechanistic insights to therapeutic opportunities. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1160340. [PMID: 37251409 PMCID: PMC10219223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1160340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has brought a paradigm shift in the treatment of tumors in recent decades. However, a significant proportion of patients remain unresponsive, largely due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play crucial roles in shaping the TME by exhibiting dual identities as both mediators and responders of inflammation. TAMs closely interact with intratumoral T cells, regulating their infiltration, activation, expansion, effector function, and exhaustion through multiple secretory and surface factors. Nevertheless, the heterogeneous and plastic nature of TAMs renders the targeting of any of these factors alone inadequate and poses significant challenges for mechanistic studies and clinical translation of corresponding therapies. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms by which TAMs dynamically polarize to influence intratumoral T cells, with a focus on their interaction with other TME cells and metabolic competition. For each mechanism, we also discuss relevant therapeutic opportunities, including non-specific and targeted approaches in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies. Our ultimate goal is to develop macrophage-centered therapies that can fine-tune tumor inflammation and empower immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashu Han
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
| | - Luochu Dong
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
| | - Mengwei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Center for National Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Geng F, Zhao L, Cai Y, Zhao Y, Jin F, Li Y, Li T, Yang X, Li S, Gao X, Cai W, Mao N, Sun Y, Xu H, Wei Z, Yang F. Quercetin Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis in Silicotic Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Transition and TGF-β-Smad2/3 Pathway. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3087-3101. [PMID: 37185726 PMCID: PMC10136623 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a pulmonary disease caused by the inhalation of silica. There is a lack of early and effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods, and addressing silicotic fibrosis is crucial. Quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, is known to have a suppressive effect on fibrosis. The present study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of quercetin on silicotic mice and macrophage polarity. We found that quercetin suppressed silicosis in mice. It was observed that SiO2 activated macrophage polarity and the macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) by transforming the growth factor-β (TGF-β)-Smad2/3 signaling pathway in silicotic mice and MH-S cells. Quercetin also attenuated the MMT and the TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. The present study demonstrated that quercetin is a potential therapeutic agent for silicosis, which acts by regulating macrophage polarity and the MMT through the TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Geng
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Yuhao Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Ying Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
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Chung JYF, Tang PCT, Chan MKK, Xue VW, Huang XR, Ng CSH, Zhang D, Leung KT, Wong CK, Lee TL, Lam EWF, Nikolic-Paterson DJ, To KF, Lan HY, Tang PMK. Smad3 is essential for polarization of tumor-associated neutrophils in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1794. [PMID: 37002229 PMCID: PMC10066366 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are dynamic with their phenotype and function shaped by the microenvironment, such as the N1 antitumor and N2 pro-tumor states within the tumor microenvironment (TME), but its regulation remains undefined. Here we examine TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling in tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients. Smad3 activation in N2 TANs is negatively correlate with the N1 population and patient survival. In experimental lung carcinoma, TANs switch from a predominant N2 state in wild-type mice to an N1 state in Smad3-KO mice which associate with enhanced neutrophil infiltration and tumor regression. Neutrophil depletion abrogates the N1 anticancer phenotype in Smad3-KO mice, while adoptive transfer of Smad3-KO neutrophils reproduces this protective effect in wild-type mice. Single-cell analysis uncovers a TAN subset showing a mature N1 phenotype in Smad3-KO TME, whereas wild-type TANs mainly retain an immature N2 state due to Smad3. Mechanistically, TME-induced Smad3 target genes related to cell fate determination to preserve the N2 state of TAN. Importantly, genetic deletion and pharmaceutical inhibition of Smad3 enhance the anticancer capacity of neutrophils against NSCLC via promoting their N1 maturation. Thus, our work suggests that Smad3 signaling in neutrophils may represent a therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Yat-Fai Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Vivian Weiwen Xue
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Carson International Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Calvin Sze-Hang Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tin-Lap Lee
- Reproduction, Development and Endocrinology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - David J Nikolic-Paterson
- Department of Nephrology and Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Masoudi-Khoram N, Soheilifar MH, Ghorbanifar S, Nobari S, Hakimi M, Hassani M. Exosomes derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts mediate response to cancer therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 185:103967. [PMID: 36965647 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the prominent stromal cell population in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which play an indispensable role in cancer progression and response to therapy. CAFs provide communication between tumor cells and surrounding cells by secreting soluble biomolecules and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Exosomes are small membrane-bound EVs that contain various cargos, including growth factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), cytokines, and chemokines. These biomolecules can be transferred between cells within the TME and alter the behavior of recipient cells. Some studies have shown that exosomes secreted by CAFs contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review focuses on CAF-derived exosomes in different types of tumors, with emphasis on resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Masoudi-Khoram
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shima Ghorbanifar
- Department of Medical Laser, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Nobari
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Hakimi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hassani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wright K, Ly T, Kriet M, Czirok A, Thomas SM. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Master Tumor Microenvironment Modifiers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061899. [PMID: 36980785 PMCID: PMC10047485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells rely on the tumor microenvironment (TME), a composite of non-malignant cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM), for survival, growth, and metastasis. The ECM contributes to the biomechanical properties of the surrounding tissue, in addition to providing signals for tissue development. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are stromal cells in the TME that are integral to cancer progression. Subtypes of CAFs across a variety of cancers have been revealed, and each play a different role in cancer progression or suppression. CAFs secrete signaling molecules and remodel the surrounding ECM by depositing its constituents as well as degrading enzymes. In cancer, a remodeled ECM can lead to tumor-promoting effects. Not only does the remodeled ECM promote growth and allow for easier metastasis, but it can also modulate the immune system. A better understanding of how CAFs remodel the ECM will likely yield novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the key factors secreted by CAFs that facilitate tumor progression, ECM remodeling, and immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen Wright
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Thuc Ly
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Matthew Kriet
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Andras Czirok
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Barungi S, Hernández-Camarero P, Moreno-Terribas G, Villalba-Montoro R, Marchal JA, López-Ruiz E, Perán M. Clinical implications of inflammation in atheroma formation and novel therapies in cardiovascular diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1148768. [PMID: 37009489 PMCID: PMC10061140 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1148768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Among all CVD, the most common is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD results from the complications promoted by atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques that limit and block the blood flow of the arteries involved in heart oxygenation. Atherosclerotic disease is usually treated by stents implantation and angioplasty, but these surgical interventions also favour thrombosis and restenosis which often lead to device failure. Hence, efficient and long-lasting therapeutic options that are easily accessible to patients are in high demand. Advanced technologies including nanotechnology or vascular tissue engineering may provide promising solutions for CVD. Moreover, advances in the understanding of the biological processes underlying atherosclerosis can lead to a significant improvement in the management of CVD and even to the development of novel efficient drugs. To note, over the last years, the observation that inflammation leads to atherosclerosis has gained interest providing a link between atheroma formation and oncogenesis. Here, we have focused on the description of the available therapy for atherosclerosis, including surgical treatment and experimental treatment, the mechanisms of atheroma formation, and possible novel therapeutic candidates such as the use of anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivan Barungi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Elena López-Ruiz
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Elena López-Ruiz, ; Macarena Perán,
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Elena López-Ruiz, ; Macarena Perán,
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Yuan Z, Li Y, Zhang S, Wang X, Dou H, Yu X, Zhang Z, Yang S, Xiao M. Extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression and immune escape: from mechanisms to treatments. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:48. [PMID: 36906534 PMCID: PMC10007858 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01744-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The malignant tumor is a multi-etiological, systemic and complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and distant metastasis. Anticancer treatments including adjuvant therapies and targeted therapies are effective in eliminating cancer cells but in a limited number of patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in tumor development through changes in macromolecule components, degradation enzymes and stiffness. These variations are under the control of cellular components in tumor tissue via the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, the interaction of the ECM components to multiple surface receptors, and mechanical impact. Additionally, the ECM shaped by cancer regulates immune cells which results in an immune suppressive microenvironment and hinders the efficacy of immunotherapies. Thus, the ECM acts as a barrier to protect cancer from treatments and supports tumor progression. Nevertheless, the profound regulatory network of the ECM remodeling hampers the design of individualized antitumor treatment. Here, we elaborate on the composition of the malignant ECM, and discuss the specific mechanisms of the ECM remodeling. Precisely, we highlight the impact of the ECM remodeling on tumor development, including proliferation, anoikis, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune escape. Finally, we emphasize ECM "normalization" as a potential strategy for anti-malignant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yingpu Li
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Sifan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - He Dou
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.,Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Metabolic Disorder and Cancer Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
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48
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Liang C, Ji D, Qin F, Chen G. CAF signature predicts the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients: A retrospective study based on bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing data. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33149. [PMID: 36897717 PMCID: PMC9997814 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033149] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate and mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third and second globally. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major constituent of the stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are closely associated with patients' prognoses. Our study intended to establish a prognostic model for CRC using hallmark genes of CAFs. The expression values of genes and clinicopathological characteristics of patients were enrolled from the cancer genome atlas database as well as the gene expression omnibus database. The single-cell RNA sequencing data were collected and analyzed in the deeply integrated human single-cell omics database and cancer single-cell expression map databases. The ESTIMATE algorithm was applied to access the infiltration levels of immune and stromal cells. The prognostic genes were selected by the Cox regression analysis and the prognostic signature was constructed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. gene set enrichment analysis was used to explore the enriched gene sets. In this study, based on bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing data, and we found that more CAFs were infiltrated in the tumor microenvironment and consisted of 3 subtypes. Then we constructed a prognostic signature for CRC using hallmark genes of CAFs and proved that this signature exhibited high values to predict the overall survival of CRC patients in independent training and validating cohorts. Besides, function enrichment analysis revealed that our prognostic model was significantly associated with immune regulation. Further analysis showed that the infiltrated levels of tumor-suppressing immune cells and the expression of higher immune checkpoint genes in CRC tissues were higher in patients with high-risk scores. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis exhibited that these genes in our prognostic signature were markedly upregulated in CRC tissues. We first constructed a signature based on CAFs hallmark genes to predict the survival of CRC patients and further revealed that the tumor-suppressing microenvironment and dysregulated immune checkpoint genes in CRC tissues were partly responsible for the poor prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongze Ji
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Qin
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Liu X, Ni G, Zhang P, Li H, Li J, Cavallazzi Sebold B, Wu X, Chen G, Yuan S, Wang T. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing and deep tissue proteomics reveal distinct tumour microenvironment in stage-I and II cervical cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:28. [PMID: 36683048 PMCID: PMC9869594 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) is the 3rd most common cancer in women and the 4th leading cause of deaths in gynaecological malignancies, yet the exact progression of CC is inconclusive, mainly due to the high complexity of the changing tumour microenvironment (TME) at different stages of tumorigenesis. Importantly, a detailed comparative single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis of tumour microenvironment (TME) of CC patients at different stages is lacking. METHODS In this study, a total of 42,928 and 29,200 nuclei isolated from the tumour tissues of stage-I and II CC patients and subjected to single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis. The cell heterogeneity and functions were comparatively investigated using bioinformatic tools. In addition, label-free quantitative mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis was carried out. The proteome profiles of stage-I and II CC patients were compared, and an integrative analysis with the snRNA-seq was performed. RESULTS Compared with the stage-I CC (CCI) patients, the immune response relevant signalling pathways were largely suppressed in various immune cells of the stage-II CC (CCII) patients, yet the signalling associated with cell and tissue development was enriched, as well as metabolism for energy production suggested by the upregulation of genes associated with mitochondria. This was consistent with the quantitative proteomic analysis that showed the dominance of proteins promoting cell growth and intercellular matrix development in the TME of CCII group. The interferon-α and γ responses appeared the most activated pathways in many cell populations of the CCI patients. Several collagens, such as COL12A1, COL5A1, COL4A1 and COL4A2, were found significantly upregulated in the CCII group, suggesting their roles in diagnosing CC progression. A novel transcript AC244205.1 was detected as the most upregulated gene in CCII patients, and its possible mechanistic role in CC may be investigated further. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides important resources for decoding the progression of CC and set the foundation for developing novel approaches for diagnosing CC and tackling the immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicineof, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoying Ni
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicineof, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hejie Li
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Junjie Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicineof, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Xiaolian Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoqiang Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Songhua Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
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Zhang J, Lu S, Lu T, Han D, Zhang K, Gan L, Wu X, Li Y, Zhao X, Li Z, Shen Y, Hu S, Yang F, Wen W, Qin W. Single-cell analysis reveals the COL11A1 + fibroblasts are cancer-specific fibroblasts that promote tumor progression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1121586. [PMID: 36744260 PMCID: PMC9894880 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1121586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor progression through extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and extensive communication with other cells in tumor microenvironment. However, most CAF-targeting strategies failed in clinical trials due to the heterogeneity of CAFs. Hence, we aimed to identify the cluster of tumor-promoting CAFs, elucidate their function and determine their specific membrane markers to ensure precise targeting. Methods: We integrated multiple single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets across different tumors and adjacent normal tissues to identify the tumor-promoting CAF cluster. We analyzed the origin of these CAFs by pseudotime analysis, and tried to elucidate the function of these CAFs by gene regulatory network analysis and cell-cell communication analysis. We also performed cell-type deconvolution analysis to examine the association between the proportion of these CAFs and patients' prognosis in TCGA cancer cohorts, and validated that through IHC staining in clinical tumor tissues. In addition, we analyzed the membrane molecules in different fibroblast clusters, trying to identify the membrane molecules that were specifically expressed on these CAFs. Results: We found that COL11A1+ fibroblasts specifically exist in tumor tissues but not in normal tissues and named them cancer-specific fibroblasts (CSFs). We revealed that these CSFs were transformed from normal fibroblasts. CSFs represented a more activated CAF cluster and may promote tumor progression through the regulation on ECM remodeling and antitumor immune responses. High CSF proportion was associated with poor prognosis in bladder cancer (BCa) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and IHC staining of COL11A1 confirmed their specific expression in tumor stroma in clinical BCa samples. We also identified that CSFs specifically express the membrane molecules LRRC15, ITGA11, SPHK1 and FAP, which could distinguish CSFs from other fibroblasts. Conclusion: We identified that CSFs is a tumor specific cluster of fibroblasts, which are in active state, may promote tumor progression through the regulation on ECM remodeling and antitumor immune responses. Membrane molecules LRRC15, ITGA11, SPHK1 and FAP could be used as therapeutic targets for CSF-targeting cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tong Lu
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Donghui Han
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Keying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lunbiao Gan
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinjie Wu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhao
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhengxuan Li
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yajie Shen
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Sijun Hu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fa Yang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Weijun Qin, ; Weihong Wen, ; Fa Yang,
| | - Weihong Wen
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Weijun Qin, ; Weihong Wen, ; Fa Yang,
| | - Weijun Qin
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Weijun Qin, ; Weihong Wen, ; Fa Yang,
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