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Alhaddad H, Ospina OE, Khaled ML, Ren Y, Vallebuona E, Boozo MB, Forsyth PA, Pina Y, Macaulay R, Law V, Tsai KY, Cress WD, Fridley B, Smalley I. Spatial transcriptomics analysis identifies a tumor-promoting function of the meningeal stroma in melanoma leptomeningeal disease. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101606. [PMID: 38866016 PMCID: PMC11228800 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101606] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) remains a rapidly lethal complication for late-stage melanoma patients. Here, we characterize the tumor microenvironment of LMD and patient-matched extra-cranial metastases using spatial transcriptomics in a small number of clinical specimens (nine tissues from two patients) with extensive in vitro and in vivo validation. The spatial landscape of melanoma LMD is characterized by a lack of immune infiltration and instead exhibits a higher level of stromal involvement. The tumor-stroma interactions at the leptomeninges activate tumor-promoting signaling, mediated through upregulation of SERPINA3. The meningeal stroma is required for melanoma cells to survive in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and promotes MAPK inhibitor resistance. Knocking down SERPINA3 or inhibiting the downstream IGR1R/PI3K/AKT axis results in tumor cell death and re-sensitization to MAPK-targeting therapy. Our data provide a spatial atlas of melanoma LMD, identify the tumor-promoting role of meningeal stroma, and demonstrate a mechanism for overcoming microenvironment-mediated drug resistance in LMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Alhaddad
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Oscar E Ospina
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Mariam Lotfy Khaled
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yuan Ren
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ethan Vallebuona
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Peter A Forsyth
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of NeuroOncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Yolanda Pina
- Department of NeuroOncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Robert Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vincent Law
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of NeuroOncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - W Douglas Cress
- Department of Molecular Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Brooke Fridley
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Division of Health Services & Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
| | - Inna Smalley
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Talia M, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, De Rosis S, Miglietta AM, Capalbo C, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Grande F, Rizzuti B, Occhiuzzi MA, Fortino G, Guzzo A, Greco G, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The G Protein Estrogen Receptor (GPER) is involved in the resistance to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:171. [PMID: 38886784 PMCID: PMC11184778 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cyclin D1-cyclin dependent kinases (CDK)4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy shows remarkable efficacy in the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, resistance to palbociclib frequently arises, highlighting the need to identify new targets toward more comprehensive therapeutic strategies in BC patients. METHODS BC cell lines resistant to palbociclib were generated and used as a model system. Gene silencing techniques and overexpression experiments, real-time PCR, immunoblotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies as well as cell viability, colony and 3D spheroid formation assays served to evaluate the involvement of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the resistance to palbociclib in BC cells. Molecular docking simulations were also performed to investigate the potential interaction of palbociclib with GPER. Furthermore, BC cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from mammary carcinoma, were used to investigate whether GPER signaling may contribute to functional cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment toward palbociclib resistance. Finally, by bioinformatics analyses and k-means clustering on clinical and expression data of large cohorts of BC patients, the clinical significance of novel mediators of palbociclib resistance was explored. RESULTS Dissecting the molecular events that characterize ER-positive BC cells resistant to palbociclib, the down-regulation of ERα along with the up-regulation of GPER were found. To evaluate the molecular events involved in the up-regulation of GPER, we determined that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) interacts with the promoter region of GPER and stimulates its expression toward BC cells resistance to palbociclib treatment. Adding further cues to these data, we ascertained that palbociclib does induce pro-inflammatory transcriptional events via GPER signaling in CAFs. Of note, by performing co-culture assays we demonstrated that GPER contributes to the reduced sensitivity to palbociclib also facilitating the functional interaction between BC cells and main components of the tumor microenvironment named CAFs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide novel insights on the molecular events through which GPER may contribute to palbociclib resistance in BC cells. Additional investigations are warranted in order to assess whether targeting the GPER-mediated interactions between BC cells and CAFs may be useful in more comprehensive therapeutic approaches of BC resistant to palbociclib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | | | - Giancarlo Fortino
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Antonella Guzzo
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Greco
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Chen X, Peng H, Zhang Z, Yang C, Liu Y, Chen Y, Yu F, Wu S, Cao L. SPDYC serves as a prognostic biomarker related to lipid metabolism and the immune microenvironment in breast cancer. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09505-5. [PMID: 38890248 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09505-5] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most common malignant carcinoma among women globally and is resistant to several therapeutic agents. There is a need for novel targets to improve the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to explore potentially relevant prognostic genes in breast cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Gene subtypes were categorized by machine learning algorithms. The machine learning-related breast cancer (MLBC) score was evaluated through principal component analysis (PCA) of clinical patients' pathological statuses and subtypes. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the xCell and CIBERSORT algorithms. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis elucidated regulatory pathways related to speedy/RINGO cell cycle regulator family member C (SPDYC) in breast cancer. The biological functions and lipid metabolic status of breast cancer cell lines were validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) assays, western blotting, CCK-8 assays, PI‒Annexin V fluorescence staining, transwell assays, wound healing assays, and Oil Red O staining. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in breast cancer from the TCGA and GEO databases were screened and utilized to establish the MLBC score. Moreover, the MLBC score we established was negatively correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, the impacts of SPDYC on the tumor immune microenvironment and lipid metabolism in breast cancer were revealed and validated. SPDYC is closely related to activated dendritic cells and macrophages and is simultaneously correlated with the immune checkpoints CD47, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and poliovirus receptor (PVR). SPDYC strongly correlated with C-C motif chemokine ligand 7 (CCL7), a chemokine that influences breast cancer patient prognosis. A significant relationship was discovered between key genes involved in lipid metabolism and SPDYC, such as ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2), malic enzyme 1 (ME1), and squalene epoxidase (SQLE). Potent inhibitors targeting SPDYC in breast cancer were also discovered, including JNK inhibitor VIII, AICAR, and JW-7-52-1. Downregulation of SPDYC expression in vitro decreased proliferation, increased the apoptotic rate, decreased migration, and reduced lipid droplets. SPDYC possibly influences the tumor immune microenvironment and regulates lipid metabolism in breast cancer. Hence, this study identified SPDYC as a pivotal biomarker for developing therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haojie Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Changnian Yang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingqi Liu
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanzhen Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lixue Cao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Mu W, Gu P, Li H, Zhou J, Jian Y, Jia W, Ge Y. Exposure of benzo[a]pyrene induces HCC exosome-circular RNA to activate lung fibroblasts and trigger organotropic metastasis. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024. [PMID: 38840551 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12574] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogen pollutant produced by combustion processes, is present in the western diet with grilled meats. Chronic exposure of B[a]P in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells promotes metastasis rather than primary proliferation, implying an unknown mechanism of B[a]P-induced malignancy. Given that exosomes carry bioactive molecules to distant sites, we investigated whether and how exosomes mediate cancer-stroma communications for a toxicologically associated microenvironment. METHOD Exosomes were isolated from B[a]P stimulated BEL7404 HCC cells (7404-100Bap Exo) at an environmental relevant dose (100 nmol/L). Lung pre-education animal model was prepared via injection of exosomes and cytokines. The inflammatory genes of educated lungs were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR array. HCC LM3 cells transfected with firefly luciferase were next injected to monitor tumor burdens and organotropic metastasis. Profile of B[a]P-exposed exosomes were determined by ceRNA microarray. Interactions between circular RNA (circRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were detected using RNA pull-down in target lung fibroblasts. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to evaluate the "on-off" interaction of circRNA-miRNA pairs. We further developed an adeno-associated virus inhalation model to examine mRNA expression specific in lung, thereby exploring the mRNA targets of B[a]P induced circRNA-miRNA cascade. RESULTS Lung fibroblasts exert activation phenotypes, including focal adhesion and motility were altered by 7404-100Bap Exo. In the exosome-educated in vivo model, fibrosis factors and pro-inflammatory molecules of are up-regulated when injected with exosomes. Compared to non-exposed 7404 cells, circ_0011496 was up-regulated following B[a]P treatment and was mainly packaged into 7404-100Bap Exo. Exosomal circ_0011496 were delivered and competitively bound to miR-486-5p in recipient fibroblasts. The down-regulation of miR-486-5p converted fibroblast to cancer-associated fibroblast via regulating the downstream of Twinfilin-1 (TWF1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) cascade. Additionally, increased TWF1, specifically in exosomal circ_0011496 educated lungs, could promote cancer-stroma crosstalk via activating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These modulated fibroblasts promoted endothelial cells angiogenesis and recruited primary HCC cells invasion, as a consequence of a pre-metastatic niche formation. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that B[a]P-induced tumor exosomes can deliver circ_0011496 to activate miR-486-5p/TWF1/MMP9 cascade in the lung fibroblasts, generating a feedback loop that promoted HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mu
- School of Public Health, Center for Single-cell Omics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Gu
- School of Public Health, Center for Single-cell Omics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Huating Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jinjin Zhou
- School of Public Health, Center for Single-cell Omics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yulun Jian
- School of Public Health, Center for Single-cell Omics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Weiping Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yang Ge
- School of Public Health, Center for Single-cell Omics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Wu J, Lu Q, Zhao J, Wu W, Wang Z, Yu G, Tian G, Gao Z, Wang Q. Enhancing the Inhibition of Breast Cancer Growth Through Synergistic Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment Using Combined Nano-Delivery Systems. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5125-5138. [PMID: 38855730 PMCID: PMC11162247 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s460874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, and malignancy is closely linked to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we prepared mixed nano-sized formulations composed of pH-sensitive liposomes (Ber/Ru486@CLPs) and small-sized nano-micelles (Dox@CLGs). These liposomes and nano-micelles were modified by chondroitin sulfate (CS) to selectively target breast cancer cells. Methods Ber/Ru486@CLPs and Dox@CLGs were prepared by thin-film dispersion and ethanol injection, respectively. To mimic actual TME, the in vitro "condition medium of fibroblasts + MCF-7" cell model and in vivo "4T1/NIH-3T3" co-implantation mice model were established to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of drugs. Results The physicochemical properties showed that Dox@CLGs and Ber/Ru486@CLPs were 28 nm and 100 nm in particle size, respectively. In vitro experiments showed that the mixed formulations significantly improved drug uptake and inhibited cell proliferation and migration. The in vivo anti-tumor studies further confirmed the enhanced anti-tumor capabilities of Dox@CLGs + Ber/Ru486@CLPs, including smaller tumor volumes, weak collagen deposition, and low expression levels of α-SMA and CD31 proteins, leading to a superior anti-tumor effect. Conclusion In brief, this combination therapy based on Dox@CLGs and Ber/Ru486@CLPs could effectively inhibit tumor development, which provides a promising approach for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Wu
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Lu
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialin Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wendi Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guohua Yu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guixiang Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, 261000, People’s Republic of China
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Chen Z, Yam JWP, Mao X. The multifaceted roles of small extracellular vesicles in metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironments. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300021. [PMID: 38171844 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The link between metabolism and tumor progression has been extensively researched for a long time. With the increasing number of studies uncovering the multiple functions of metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironments, the regulatory network seems to become even more intricate at the same time. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV), as crucial mediators facilitating intercellular communications, exhibit significant involvement in regulating metabolic reprogramming within the complicated network of tumor microenvironments. sEV derived from tumor cells and those released by other cell populations such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can mutually influence each other, giving rise to diverse complex feedback loops. This review includes multiple studies conducted in recent years to summarize the functions of sEV in altering metabolism in various cell types within tumor microenvironments. Additionally, it aims to highlight potential therapeutic targets based on the commonly observed mechanisms identified in different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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Chen X, Ma C, Li Y, Liang Y, Chen T, Han D, Luo D, Zhang N, Zhao W, Wang L, Yang Q. COL5A1 promotes triple-negative breast cancer progression by activating tumor cell-macrophage crosstalk. Oncogene 2024; 43:1742-1756. [PMID: 38609499 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03030-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an exceptionally aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Despite the recognized interplay between tumors and tumor-associated macrophages in fostering drug resistance and disease progression, the precise mechanisms leading these interactions remain elusive. Our study revealed that the upregulation of collagen type V alpha 1 (COL5A1) in TNBC tissues, particularly in chemoresistant samples, was closely linked to an unfavorable prognosis. Functional assays unequivocally demonstrated that COL5A1 played a pivotal role in fueling cancer growth, metastasis, and resistance to doxorubicin, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that the cytokine IL-6, produced by COL5A1-overexpressing TNBC cells actively promoted M2 macrophage polarization. In turn, TGFβ from M2 macrophages drived TNBC doxorubicin resistance through the TGFβ/Smad3/COL5A1 signaling pathway, establishing a feedback loop between TNBC cells and macrophages. Mechanistically, COL5A1 interacted with TGM2, inhibiting its K48-linked ubiquitination-mediated degradation, thereby enhancing chemoresistance and increasing IL-6 secretion. In summary, our findings underscored the significant contribution of COL5A1 upregulation to TNBC progression and chemoresistance, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chenao Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yaming Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yiran Liang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Dianwen Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Research Institute of Breast Cancer, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Akinpelu A, Akinsipe T, Avila LA, Arnold RD, Mistriotis P. The impact of tumor microenvironment: unraveling the role of physical cues in breast cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:823-844. [PMID: 38238542 PMCID: PMC11156564 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10166-x] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of breast cancer-related fatalities. Although the contribution of genetic and epigenetic modifications to breast cancer progression has been widely acknowledged, emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of physical stimuli in driving breast cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the changes in the mechanics of the breast cancer microenvironment and describe the various forces that impact migrating and circulating tumor cells throughout the metastatic process. We also discuss the mechanosensing and mechanotransducing molecules responsible for promoting the malignant phenotype in breast cancer cells. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanobiology of breast cancer carries substantial potential to propel progress in prognosis, diagnosis, and patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - L Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Robert D Arnold
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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González-Callejo P, García-Astrain C, Herrero-Ruiz A, Henriksen-Lacey M, Seras-Franzoso J, Abasolo I, Liz-Marzán LM. 3D Bioprinted Tumor-Stroma Models of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells for Preclinical Targeted Therapy Evaluation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:27151-27163. [PMID: 38764168 PMCID: PMC11145592 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a pivotal role in therapy resistance and tumor relapse, emphasizing the need for reliable in vitro models that recapitulate the complexity of the CSC tumor microenvironment to accelerate drug discovery. We present a bioprinted breast CSC tumor-stroma model incorporating triple-negative breast CSCs (TNB-CSCs) and stromal cells (human breast fibroblasts), within a breast-derived decellularized extracellular matrix bioink. Comparison of molecular signatures in this model with different clinical subtypes of bioprinted tumor-stroma models unveils a unique molecular profile for artificial CSC tumor models. We additionally demonstrate that the model can recapitulate the invasive potential of TNB-CSC. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering imaging allowed us to monitor the invasive potential of tumor cells in deep z-axis planes, thereby overcoming the depth-imaging limitations of confocal fluorescence microscopy. As a proof-of-concept application, we conducted high-throughput drug testing analysis to assess the efficacy of CSC-targeted therapy in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic compounds. The results highlight the usefulness of tumor-stroma models as a promising drug-screening platform, providing insights into therapeutic efficacy against CSC populations resistant to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara García-Astrain
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Ada Herrero-Ruiz
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Malou Henriksen-Lacey
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Joaquín Seras-Franzoso
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Clinical
Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d’Hebron
Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron
University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Department
of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Ibane Abasolo
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Clinical
Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d’Hebron
Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron
University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Clinical
Biochemistry Service, Vall d’Hebron
University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Luis M. Liz-Marzán
- CIC
biomaGUNE, Basque Research
and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48009, Spain
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10
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Dhungel N, Dragoi AM. Exploring the multifaceted role of direct interaction between cancer cells and fibroblasts in cancer progression. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1379971. [PMID: 38863965 PMCID: PMC11165130 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1379971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells is a complex and mutually beneficial system that leads to rapid cancer cells proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. It is now recognized that cancer cells are not isolated, and tumor progression is governed among others, by many components of the TME. The reciprocal cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment can be indirect through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and paracrine signaling through exosomes, cytokines, and growth factors, or direct by cell-to-cell contact mediated by cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules. Among TME components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of unique interest. As one of the most abundant components of the TME, CAFs play key roles in the reorganization of the extracellular matrix, facilitating metastasis and chemotherapy evasion. Both direct and indirect roles have been described for CAFs in modulating tumor progression. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding the role of direct contact between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in driving tumor development and metastasis. We also summarize recent findings on the role of direct contact between cancer cells and CAFs in chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
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11
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Li K, Lin H, Liu A, Qiu C, Rao Z, Wang Z, Chen S, She X, Zhu S, Li P, Liu L, Wu Q, Wang G, Xu F, Li S. SOD1-high fibroblasts derived exosomal miR-3960 promotes cisplatin resistance in triple-negative breast cancer by suppressing BRSK2-mediated phosphorylation of PIMREG. Cancer Lett 2024; 590:216842. [PMID: 38582395 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Platinum-based neoadjuvant therapy represented by cisplatin is widely employed in treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Nevertheless, the emergence of cisplatin resistance presents a formidable challenge to clinical chemotherapy efficacy. Herein, we revealed the critical role of tumor microenvironment (TME) derived exosomal miR-3960 and phosphorylation at the S16 site of PIMREG in activating NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting cisplatin resistance of TNBC. Detailed regulatory mechanisms revealed that SOD1-upregulated fibroblasts secrete miR-3960 and are then transported into TNBC cells via exosomes. Within TNBC cells, miR-3960 targets and inhibits the expression of BRSK2, an AMPK protein kinase family member. Furthermore, we emphasized that BRSK2 contributes to ubiquitination degradation of PIMREG and modulates subsequent activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by mediating PIMREG phosphorylation at the S16 site, ultimately affects the cisplatin resistance of TNBC. In conclusion, our research demonstrated the crucial role of SOD1high fibroblast, exosomal miR-3960 and S16 site phosphorylated PIMREG in regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway and cisplatin resistance of TNBC. These findings provided significant potential as biomarkers for accurately diagnosing cisplatin-resistant TNBC patients and guiding chemotherapy strategy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangdi Li
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anyi Liu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Cheng Qiu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zejun Rao
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhihong Wang
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Siqi Chen
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaowei She
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shengyu Zhu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lang Liu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi Wu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Guihua Wang
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Feng Xu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shaotang Li
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Poskus MD, McDonald J, Laird M, Li R, Norcoss K, Zervantonakis IK. Rational design of HER2-targeted combination therapies to reverse drug resistance in fibroblast-protected HER2+ breast cancer cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.18.594826. [PMID: 38798591 PMCID: PMC11118562 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.18.594826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Fibroblasts, an abundant cell type in the breast tumor microenvironment, interact with cancer cells and orchestrate tumor progression and drug resistance. However, the mechanisms by which fibroblast-derived factors impact drug sensitivity remain poorly understood. Here, we develop rational combination therapies that are informed by proteomic profiling to overcome fibroblast-mediated therapeutic resistance in HER2+ breast cancer cells. Methods Drug sensitivity to the HER2 kinase inhibitor lapatinib was characterized under conditions of monoculture and exposure to breast fibroblast-conditioned medium. Protein expression was measured using reverse phase protein arrays. Candidate targets for combination therapy were identified using differential expression and multivariate regression modeling. Follow-up experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of HER2 kinase combination therapies in fibroblast-protected cancer cell lines and fibroblasts. Results Compared to monoculture, fibroblast-conditioned medium increased the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI1) and cell cycle regulator polo like kinase 1 (PLK1) in lapatinib-treated breast cancer cells. Combination therapy of lapatinib with inhibitors targeting either PAI1 or PLK1, eliminated fibroblast-protected cancer cells, under both conditions of direct coculture with fibroblasts and protection by fibroblast-conditioned medium. Analysis of publicly available, clinical transcriptomic datasets revealed that HER2-targeted therapy fails to suppress PLK1 expression in stroma-rich HER2+ breast tumors and that high PAI1 gene expression associates with high stroma density. Furthermore, we showed that an epigenetics-directed approach using a bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitor to globally target fibroblast-induced proteomic adaptions in cancer cells, also restored lapatinib sensitivity. Conclusions Our data-driven framework of proteomic profiling in breast cancer cells identified the proteolytic degradation regulator PAI1 and the cell cycle regulator PLK1 as predictors of fibroblast-mediated treatment resistance. Combination therapies targeting HER2 kinase and these fibroblast-induced signaling adaptations eliminates fibroblast-protected HER2+ breast cancer cells.
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13
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Buonvino S, Di Giuseppe D, Filippi J, Martinelli E, Seliktar D, Melino S. 3D Cell Migration Chip (3DCM-Chip): A New Tool toward the Modeling of 3D Cellular Complex Systems. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400040. [PMID: 38739022 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
3D hydrogel-based cell cultures provide models for studying cell behavior and can efficiently replicate the physiologic environment. Hydrogels can be tailored to mimic mechanical and biochemical properties of specific tissues and allow to produce gel-in-gel models. In this system, microspheres encapsulating cells are embedded in an outer hydrogel matrix, where cells are able to migrate. To enhance the efficiency of such studies, a lab-on-a-chip named 3D cell migration-chip (3DCM-chip) is designed, which offers substantial advantages over traditional methods. 3DCM-chip facilitates the analysis of biochemical and physical stimuli effects on cell migration/invasion in different cell types, including stem, normal, and tumor cells. 3DCM-chip provides a smart platform for developing more complex cell co-cultures systems. Herein the impact of human fibroblasts on MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells' invasiveness is investigated. Moreover, how the presence of different cellular lines, including mesenchymal stem cells, normal human dermal fibroblasts, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, affects the invasive behavior of cancer cells is investigated using 3DCM-chip. Therefore, predictive tumoroid models with a more complex network of interactions between cells and microenvironment are here produced. 3DCM-chip moves closer to the creation of in vitro systems that can potentially replicate key aspects of the physiological tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Buonvino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Davide Di Giuseppe
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Joanna Filippi
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Eugenio Martinelli
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Dror Seliktar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Sonia Melino
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome, 00133, Italy
- NAST Center- University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della ricerca scientifica, Rome, 00133, Italy
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14
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Fang Z, Han YL, Gao ZJ, Yao F. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived gene signature discriminates distinct prognoses by integrated single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analyses in breast cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:8279-8305. [PMID: 38728370 PMCID: PMC11132004 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most predominant cellular subpopulations in the tumor stroma and play an integral role in cancer occurrence and progression. However, the prognostic role of CAFs in breast cancer remains poorly understood. METHODS We identified a number of CAF-related biomarkers in breast cancer by combining single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analyses. Based on univariate Cox regression as well as Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis, a novel CAF-associated prognostic model was developed. Breast cancer patients were grouped according to the median risk score and further analyzed for outcome, clinical characteristic, pathway activity, genomic feature, immune landscape, and drug sensitivity. RESULTS A total of 341 CAF-related biomarkers were identified from single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analyses. We eventually screened eight candidate prognostic genes, including CERCAM, EMP1, SDC1, PRKG1, XG, TNN, WLS, and PDLIM4, and constructed the novel CAF-related prognostic model. Grouped by the median risk score, high-risk patients showed a significantly worse prognosis and exhibited distinct pathway activities such as uncontrolled cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and activation of glycolysis. In addition, the combined risk score and tumor mutation burden significantly improved the ability to predict patient prognosis. Importantly, patients in the high-risk group had a higher infiltration of M2 macrophages and a lower infiltration of CD8+ T cells and activated NK cells. Finally, we calculated the IC50 for a range of anticancer drugs and personalized the treatment regimen for each patient. CONCLUSION Integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analyses, we identified a list of compositive CAF-associated biomarkers and developed a novel CAF-related prognostic model for breast cancer. This robust CAF-derived gene signature acts as an excellent predictor of patient outcomes and treatment responses in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Fang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Ling Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Jie Gao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Feng Yao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
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15
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Kundu M, Butti R, Panda VK, Malhotra D, Das S, Mitra T, Kapse P, Gosavi SW, Kundu GC. Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and mechanism of immunotherapy-based drug resistance in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:92. [PMID: 38715072 PMCID: PMC11075356 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most frequent female malignancy, is often curable when detected at an early stage. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is more challenging and may be unresponsive to conventional therapy. Immunotherapy is crucial for treating metastatic breast cancer, but its resistance is a major limitation. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is vital in modulating the immunotherapy response. Various tumor microenvironmental components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are involved in TME modulation to cause immunotherapy resistance. This review highlights the role of stromal cells in modulating the breast tumor microenvironment, including the involvement of CAF-TAM interaction, alteration of tumor metabolism leading to immunotherapy failure, and other latest strategies, including high throughput genomic screening, single-cell and spatial omics techniques for identifying tumor immune genes regulating immunotherapy response. This review emphasizes the therapeutic approach to overcome breast cancer immune resistance through CAF reprogramming, modulation of TAM polarization, tumor metabolism, and genomic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Brainware University, West Bengal, 700125, India
| | - Ramesh Butti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Venketesh K Panda
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Diksha Malhotra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Sumit Das
- National Centre for Cell Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Tandrima Mitra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Prachi Kapse
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Suresh W Gosavi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
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16
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Kou Z, Liu C, Zhang W, Sun C, Liu L, Zhang Q. Heterogeneity of primary and metastatic CAFs: From differential treatment outcomes to treatment opportunities (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:54. [PMID: 38577950 PMCID: PMC11015919 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with primary tumor sites, metastatic sites appear more resistant to treatments and respond differently to the treatment regimen. It may be due to the heterogeneity in the microenvironment between metastatic sites and primary tumors. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are widely present in the tumor stroma as key components of the tumor microenvironment. Primary tumor CAFs (pCAFs) and metastatic CAFs (mCAFs) are heterogeneous in terms of source, activation mode, markers and functional phenotypes. They can shape the tumor microenvironment according to organ, showing heterogeneity between primary tumors and metastases, which may affect the sensitivity of these sites to treatment. It was hypothesized that understanding the heterogeneity between pCAFs and mCAFs can provide a glimpse into the difference in treatment outcomes, providing new ideas for improving the rate of metastasis control in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Kou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa Island 999078, Macau SAR, P.R. China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
- Department of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100007, P.R. China
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17
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Chen C, Liu J, Lin X, Xiang A, Ye Q, Guo J, Rui T, Xu J, Hu S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and regulated cell death in tumors: insights into apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:189. [PMID: 38649701 PMCID: PMC11035635 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main stromal component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play multifaceted roles in cancer progression through paracrine signaling, exosome transfer, and cell interactions. Attractively, recent evidence indicates that CAFs can modulate various forms of regulated cell death (RCD) in adjacent tumor cells, thus involving cancer proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion. Here, we present a brief introduction to CAFs and basic knowledge of RCD, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. In addition, we further summarize the different types of RCD in tumors that are mediated by CAFs, as well as the effects of these modes of RCD on CAFs. This review will deepen our understanding of the interactions between CAFs and RCD and might offer novel therapeutic avenues for future cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aizhai Xiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianwei Ye
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jufeng Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Rui
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shufang Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
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18
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Xue X, Wang X, Pang M, Yu L, Qian J, Li X, Tian M, Lu C, Xiao C, Liu Y. An exosomal strategy for targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts mediated tumors desmoplastic microenvironments. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:196. [PMID: 38644492 PMCID: PMC11032607 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors desmoplastic microenvironments are characterized by abundant stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant of all stromal cells, play significant role in mediating microenvironments, which not only remodel ECM to establish unique pathological barriers to hinder drug delivery in desmoplastic tumors, but also talk with immune cells and cancer cells to promote immunosuppression and cancer stem cells-mediated drug resistance. Thus, CAFs mediated desmoplastic microenvironments will be emerging as promising strategy to treat desmoplastic tumors. However, due to the complexity of microenvironments and the heterogeneity of CAFs in such tumors, an effective deliver system should be fully considered when designing the strategy of targeting CAFs mediated microenvironments. Engineered exosomes own powerful intercellular communication, cargoes delivery, penetration and targeted property of desired sites, which endow them with powerful theranostic potential in desmoplastic tumors. Here, we illustrate the significance of CAFs in tumors desmoplastic microenvironments and the theranostic potential of engineered exosomes targeting CAFs mediated desmoplastic microenvironments in next generation personalized nano-drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Xue
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiangpeng Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Mingshi Pang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Liuchunyang Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jinxiu Qian
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Meng Tian
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yuanyan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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19
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Fu W, Feng Q, Tao R. Machine learning developed a fibroblast-related signature for predicting clinical outcome and drug sensitivity in ovarian cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37783. [PMID: 38640321 PMCID: PMC11030012 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037783] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer death. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) is involved in wound healing and inflammatory processes, tumor occurrence and progression, and chemotherapy resistance in OC. GSE184880 dataset was used to identify CAF-related genes in OC. CAF-related signature (CRS) was constructed using integrative 10 machine learning methods with the datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE14764, GSE26193, GSE26712, GSE63885, and GSE140082. The performance of CRS in predicting immunotherapy benefits was verified using 3 immunotherapy datasets (GSE91061, GSE78220, and IMvigor210) and several immune calculating scores. The Lasso + StepCox[forward] method-based predicting model having a highest average C index of 0.69 was referred as the optimal CRS and it had a stable and powerful performance in predicting clinical outcome of OC patients, with the 1-, 3-, and 5-year area under curves were 0.699, 0.708, and 0.767 in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. The C index of CRS was higher than that of tumor grade, clinical stage, and many developed signatures. Low CRS score demonstrated lower tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion score, lower immune escape score, higher PD1&CTLA4 immunophenoscore, higher tumor mutation burden score, higher response rate and better prognosis in OC, suggesting a better immunotherapy response. OC patients with low CRS score had a lower half maximal inhibitory concentration value of some drugs (Gemcitabine, Tamoxifen, and Nilotinib, etc) and lower score of some cancer-related hallmarks (Notch signaling, hypoxia, and glycolysis, etc). The current study developed an optimal CRS in OC, which acted as an indicator for the prognosis, stratifying risk and guiding treatment for OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fu
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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20
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Wang ZB, Zhang X, Fang C, Liu XT, Liao QJ, Wu N, Wang J. Immunotherapy and the ovarian cancer microenvironment: Exploring potential strategies for enhanced treatment efficacy. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 38618976 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13793] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in cancer immunotherapy, ovarian cancer (OC) prognosis continues to be disappointing. Recent studies have shed light on how not just tumour cells, but also the complex tumour microenvironment, contribute to this unfavourable outcome of OC immunotherapy. The complexities of the immune microenvironment categorize OC as a 'cold tumour'. Nonetheless, understanding the precise mechanisms through which the microenvironment influences the effectiveness of OC immunotherapy remains an ongoing scientific endeavour. This review primarily aims to dissect the inherent characteristics and behaviours of diverse cells within the immune microenvironment, along with an exploration into its reprogramming and metabolic changes. It is expected that these insights will elucidate the operational dynamics of the immune microenvironment in OC and lay a theoretical groundwork for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in OC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiu Zhang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Liu
- The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Qian-Jin Liao
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
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21
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Aljagthmi WA, Alasmari MA, Daghestani MH, Al-Kharashi LA, Al-Mohanna FH, Aboussekhra A. Decorin (DCN) Downregulation Activates Breast Stromal Fibroblasts and Promotes Their Pro-Carcinogenic Effects through the IL-6/STAT3/AUF1 Signaling. Cells 2024; 13:680. [PMID: 38667295 PMCID: PMC11049637 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080680] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Decorin (DCN), a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan gene family, is secreted from stromal fibroblasts with non-cell-autonomous anti-breast-cancer effects. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to elucidate the function of decorin in breast stromal fibroblasts (BSFs). We first showed DCN downregulation in active cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) compared to their adjacent tumor counterpart fibroblasts at both the mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, breast cancer cells and the recombinant IL-6 protein, both known to activate fibroblasts in vitro, downregulated DCN in BSFs. Moreover, specific DCN knockdown in breast fibroblasts modulated the expression/secretion of several CAF biomarkers and cancer-promoting proteins (α-SMA, FAP- α, SDF-1 and IL-6) and enhanced the invasion/proliferation abilities of these cells through activation of the STAT3/AUF1 signaling. Furthermore, DCN-deficient fibroblasts promoted the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness processes in BC cells in a paracrine manner, which increased their resistance to cisplatin. These DCN-deficient fibroblasts also enhanced angiogenesis and orthotopic tumor growth in mice in a paracrine manner. On the other hand, ectopic expression of DCN in CAFs suppressed their active features and their paracrine pro-carcinogenic effects. Together, the present findings indicate that endogenous DCN suppresses the pro-carcinogenic and pro-metastatic effects of breast stromal fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa A. Aljagthmi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal A. Alasmari
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha H. Daghestani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Layla A. Al-Kharashi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Falah H. Al-Mohanna
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelilah Aboussekhra
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Niu Z, Wu J, Zhao Q, Zhang J, Zhang P, Yang Y. CAR-based immunotherapy for breast cancer: peculiarities, ongoing investigations, and future strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385571. [PMID: 38680498 PMCID: PMC11045891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy have improved the overall survival and postoperative recurrence rates of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-positive breast cancers but treatment modalities for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with poor prognosis remain limited. The effective application of the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in hematological tumors provides new ideas for the treatment of breast cancer. Choosing suitable and specific targets is crucial for applying CAR-T therapy for breast cancer treatment. In this paper, we summarize CAR-T therapy's effective targets and potential targets in different subtypes based on the existing research progress, especially for TNBC. CAR-based immunotherapy has resulted in advancements in the treatment of breast cancer. CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be more effective and safer for treating solid tumors, such as breast cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast tumors and the side effects of CAR-T therapy pose challenges to CAR-based immunotherapy. CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells-derived exosomes are advantageous in tumor therapy. Exosomes carrying CAR for breast cancer immunotherapy are of immense research value and may provide a treatment modality with good treatment effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the development and challenges of CAR-based immunotherapy in treating different subtypes of breast cancer and discuss the progress of CAR-expressing exosomes for breast cancer treatment. We elaborate on the development of CAR-T cells in TNBC therapy and the prospects of using CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-MSCs for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipu Niu
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyuan Wu
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengyu Zhang
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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23
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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7. [PMID: 38602594 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 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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24
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Gu Q, Ma Z, Wang Q, Dai Y, Shi W, Jiao Z. Knockout of Shcbp1 sensitizes immunotherapy by regulating α-SMA positive cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:601-616. [PMID: 38169303 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23675] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The crucial role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in promoting T-cell exclusion has a significant impact on tumor immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. Therefore, enhancing T-cell infiltration into solid tumors has emerged as a pivotal area of research. We achieved a conventional knockout of Shcbp1 (Shcbp1-/- ) through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and crossed these mice with spontaneous breast cancer MMTV-PyMT mice, resulting in PyMT Shcbp1-/- mice. The different CAF subtypes were detected by flow cytometry analysis (FCA). We evaluated collagen and CAFs levels using Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Primary tumor cells and CAFs were isolated from both PyMT Shcbp1+/+ and PyMT Shcbp1-/- mice. We analyzed CAFs' proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Transwell coculture experiments were performed with primary tumor cells and CAFs to evaluate the role of CAFs in increasing the sensitivity of tumor cells to Erdafitinib. Tumors from PyMT Shcbp1+/+ and PyMT Shcbp1-/- mice were orthotopically transplanted to assess the therapeutic effect of the Erdafitinib and PD-1 combination. CAFs and T-cell infiltration in these tumors were assessed using FCA and IF. Knockout of Shcbp1 leads to a significant reduction in tumor burden, promotes longer survival, and decreases CAFs in MMTV-PyMT. Moreover, knockout of Shcbp1 enhances the sensitivity of Erdafitinib, leading to effective inhibition of CAFs' proliferation and invasion, as well as the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, it results in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in vitro. Meanwhile, Shcbp1-/- CAFs change the sensitivity of Shcbp1-/- tumor cells to Erdafitinib compared to Shcbp1+/+ CAFs. Importantly, knockout of Shcbp1 boosts the effectiveness of Erdafitinib in combination with immune checkpoint blockade therapy by augmenting T-cell infiltration through CAFs regulation in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that knockout of Shcbp1 holds significant potential in enhancing the therapeutic response of Erdafitinib combined with PD-1 antibody treatment, offering promising prospects for future breast cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianlin Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Zhijian Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Qiaoyan Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yiwei Dai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Wengui Shi
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- Biobank of Tumors from Plateau of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Zuoyi Jiao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- Biobank of Tumors from Plateau of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- The Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
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25
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Libring S, Berestesky ED, Reinhart-King CA. The movement of mitochondria in breast cancer: internal motility and intercellular transfer of mitochondria. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-024-10269-3. [PMID: 38489056 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10269-3] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
As a major energy source for cells, mitochondria are involved in cell growth and proliferation, as well as migration, cell fate decisions, and many other aspects of cellular function. Once thought to be irreparably defective, mitochondrial function in cancer cells has found renewed interest, from suggested potential clinical biomarkers to mitochondria-targeting therapies. Here, we will focus on the effect of mitochondria movement on breast cancer progression. Mitochondria move both within the cell, such as to localize to areas of high energetic need, and between cells, where cells within the stroma have been shown to donate their mitochondria to breast cancer cells via multiple methods including tunneling nanotubes. The donation of mitochondria has been seen to increase the aggressiveness and chemoresistance of breast cancer cells, which has increased recent efforts to uncover the mechanisms of mitochondrial transfer. As metabolism and energetics are gaining attention as clinical targets, a better understanding of mitochondrial function and implications in cancer are required for developing effective, targeted therapeutics for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Libring
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 440 Engineering and Science Building, 1212 25thAvenue South, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Emily D Berestesky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 440 Engineering and Science Building, 1212 25thAvenue South, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 440 Engineering and Science Building, 1212 25thAvenue South, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
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26
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Kim HS, Noh YK, Min KW, Kim DH, Kwon MJ, Pyo JS, Lee JY. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Together with a Decline in CD8+ T Cells Predict a Worse Prognosis for Breast Cancer Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:2114-2126. [PMID: 38093168 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in tumor microenvironment regulation and cancer progression. This study assessed the significance and predictive potential of CAFs in breast cancer prognosis. METHODS The study included 1503 breast cancer patients. Cancer-associated fibroblasts were identified using morphologic features from hematoxylin and eosin slides. The study analyzed clinicopathologic parameters, survival rates, immune cells, gene sets, and prognostic models using gene-set enrichment analysis, in silico cytometry, pathway analysis, in vitro drug-screening, and gradient-boosting machine (GBM)-learning. RESULTS The presence of CAFs correlated significantly with young age, lymphatic invasion, and perineural invasion. In silico cytometry showed altered leukocyte subsets in the presence of CAFs, with decreased CD8+ T cells. Gene-set enrichment analysis showed associations with critical processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune modulation. Drug sensitivity analysis in breast cancer cell lines with varying fibroblast activation protein-α expression suggested that CAF-targeted therapies might enhance the efficacy of certain anticancer drugs including ARRY-520, ispinesib-mesylate, paclitaxel, and docetaxel. Integrating CAF presence with machine-learning improved survival prediction. For breast cancer patients, CAFs were independent prognostic markers for worse disease-specific survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the significance of CAFs in breast cancer biology and provided compelling evidence of their impact on patient outcomes and treatment response. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential of CAFs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers and support the development of CAF-targeted therapies to improve breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Suk Kim
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung-Kyun Noh
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Computational Sciences, Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Soo Pyo
- Department of Pathology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Yeon Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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27
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Cao L, Ouyang H. Intercellular crosstalk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts via exosomes in gastrointestinal tumors. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1374742. [PMID: 38463229 PMCID: PMC10920350 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1374742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors are a significant global health threat, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Exosomes contain various biologically active molecules like nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids and can serve as messengers for intercellular communication. They play critical roles in the exchange of information between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME consists of mesenchymal cells and components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with fibroblasts being the most abundant cell type in the tumor mesenchyme. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are derived from normal fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells that are activated in the TME. CAFs can secrete exosomes to modulate cell proliferation, invasion, migration, drug resistance, and other biological processes in tumors. Additionally, tumor cells can manipulate the function and behavior of fibroblasts through direct cell-cell interactions. This review provides a summary of the intercellular crosstalk between GI tumor cells and CAFs through exosomes, along with potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyang Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Peoples' Hospital of Hangzhou Linan District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Peoples' Hospital of Hangzhou Linan District, Hangzhou, China
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28
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Cui M, Dong H, Duan W, Wang X, Liu Y, Shi L, Zhang B. The relationship between cancer associated fibroblasts biomarkers and prognosis of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16958. [PMID: 38410801 PMCID: PMC10896086 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16958] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To elucidate the relationship between cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) biomarkers and the prognosis of breast cancer patients for individualized CAFs-targeting treatment. Methodology PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for CAFs-related studies of breast cancer patients from their inception to September, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.2 software. Sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess the publication bias. Results Twenty-seven studies including 6,830 patients were selected. Univariate analysis showed that high expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) (P = 0.0055), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) (P < 0.0001), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 (P < 0.0001), MMP 11 (P < 0.0001) and MMP 13 (P = 0.0009) in CAFs were correlated with reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS)/disease-free survival (DFS)/metastasis-free survival (MFS)/event-free survival (EFS) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that high expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (P = 0.0002), podoplanin (PDPN) (P = 0.0008), and PDGFR-β (P = 0.0470) in CAFs was associated with reduced RFS/DFS/MFS/EFS respectively. Furthermore, PDPN and PDGFR-β expression in CAFs of poorly differentiated breast cancer patients were higher than that of patients with relatively better differentiated breast cancer. In addition, there is a positive correlation between the expression of PDPN and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2). Conclusions The high expression of α-SMA, PDPN, PDGFR-β in CAFs leads to worse clinical outcomes in breast cancer, indicating their roles as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meimei Cui
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Wanli Duan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xuejie Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yongping Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Baogang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
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29
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Ponomarenko I, Pasenov K, Churnosova M, Sorokina I, Aristova I, Churnosov V, Ponomarenko M, Reshetnikov E, Churnosov M. Sex-Hormone-Binding Globulin Gene Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Risk in Caucasian Women of Russia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2182. [PMID: 38396861 PMCID: PMC10888713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042182] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In our work, the associations of GWAS (genome-wide associative studies) impact for sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)-level SNPs with the risk of breast cancer (BC) in the cohort of Caucasian women of Russia were assessed. The work was performed on a sample of 1498 women (358 BC patients and 1140 control (non BC) subjects). SHBG correlated in previously GWAS nine polymorphisms such as rs780093 GCKR, rs17496332 PRMT6, rs3779195 BAIAP2L1, rs10454142 PPP1R21, rs7910927 JMJD1C, rs4149056 SLCO1B1, rs440837 ZBTB10, rs12150660 SHBG, and rs8023580 NR2F2 have been genotyped. BC risk effects of allelic and non-allelic SHBG-linked gene SNPs interactions were detected by regression analysis. The risk genetic factor for BC developing is an SHBG-lowering allele variant C rs10454142 PPP1R21 ([additive genetic model] OR = 1.31; 95%CI = 1.08-1.65; pperm = 0.024; power = 85.26%), which determines 0.32% of the cancer variance. Eight of the nine studied SHBG-related SNPs have been involved in cancer susceptibility as part of nine different non-allelic gene interaction models, the greatest contribution to which is made by rs10454142 PPP1R21 (included in all nine models, 100%) and four more SNPs-rs7910927 JMJD1C (five models, 55.56%), rs17496332 PRMT6 (four models, 44.44%), rs780093 GCKR (four models, 44.44%), and rs440837 ZBTB10 (four models, 44.44%). For SHBG-related loci, pronounced functionality in the organism (including breast, liver, fibroblasts, etc.) was predicted in silico, having a direct relationship through many pathways with cancer pathophysiology. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the involvement of SHBG-correlated genes polymorphisms in BC risk in Caucasian women in Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mikhail Churnosov
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia; (I.P.); (K.P.); (M.C.); (I.S.); (I.A.); (V.C.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
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Neagu AN, Whitham D, Bruno P, Arshad A, Seymour L, Morrissiey H, Hukovic AI, Darie CC. Onco-Breastomics: An Eco-Evo-Devo Holistic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1628. [PMID: 38338903 PMCID: PMC10855488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031628] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Known as a diverse collection of neoplastic diseases, breast cancer (BC) can be hyperbolically characterized as a dynamic pseudo-organ, a living organism able to build a complex, open, hierarchically organized, self-sustainable, and self-renewable tumor system, a population, a species, a local community, a biocenosis, or an evolving dynamical ecosystem (i.e., immune or metabolic ecosystem) that emphasizes both developmental continuity and spatio-temporal change. Moreover, a cancer cell community, also known as an oncobiota, has been described as non-sexually reproducing species, as well as a migratory or invasive species that expresses intelligent behavior, or an endangered or parasite species that fights to survive, to optimize its features inside the host's ecosystem, or that is able to exploit or to disrupt its host circadian cycle for improving the own proliferation and spreading. BC tumorigenesis has also been compared with the early embryo and placenta development that may suggest new strategies for research and therapy. Furthermore, BC has also been characterized as an environmental disease or as an ecological disorder. Many mechanisms of cancer progression have been explained by principles of ecology, developmental biology, and evolutionary paradigms. Many authors have discussed ecological, developmental, and evolutionary strategies for more successful anti-cancer therapies, or for understanding the ecological, developmental, and evolutionary bases of BC exploitable vulnerabilities. Herein, we used the integrated framework of three well known ecological theories: the Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development, the Vannote's River Continuum Concept (RCC), and the Ecological Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Eco-Evo-Devo) theory, to explain and understand several eco-evo-devo-based principles that govern BC progression. Multi-omics fields, taken together as onco-breastomics, offer better opportunities to integrate, analyze, and interpret large amounts of complex heterogeneous data, such as various and big-omics data obtained by multiple investigative modalities, for understanding the eco-evo-devo-based principles that drive BC progression and treatment. These integrative eco-evo-devo theories can help clinicians better diagnose and treat BC, for example, by using non-invasive biomarkers in liquid-biopsies that have emerged from integrated omics-based data that accurately reflect the biomolecular landscape of the primary tumor in order to avoid mutilating preventive surgery, like bilateral mastectomy. From the perspective of preventive, personalized, and participatory medicine, these hypotheses may help patients to think about this disease as a process governed by natural rules, to understand the possible causes of the disease, and to gain control on their own health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, Carol I bvd. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Danielle Whitham
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Pathea Bruno
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Aneeta Arshad
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Logan Seymour
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Hailey Morrissiey
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Angiolina I. Hukovic
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Costel C. Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
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31
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Ndlovu H, Lawal IO, Mokoala KMG, Sathekge MM. Imaging Molecular Targets and Metabolic Pathways in Breast Cancer for Improved Clinical Management: Current Practice and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1575. [PMID: 38338854 PMCID: PMC10855575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Timely decision-making that enables implementation of the most appropriate therapy or therapies is essential for achieving the best clinical outcomes in breast cancer. While clinicopathologic characteristics and immunohistochemistry have traditionally been used in decision-making, these clinical and laboratory parameters may be difficult to ascertain or be equivocal due to tumor heterogeneity. Tumor heterogeneity is described as a phenomenon characterized by spatial or temporal phenotypic variations in tumor characteristics. Spatial variations occur within tumor lesions or between lesions at a single time point while temporal variations are seen as tumor lesions evolve with time. Due to limitations associated with immunohistochemistry (which requires invasive biopsies), whole-body molecular imaging tools such as standard-of-care [18F]FDG and [18F]FES PET/CT are indispensable in addressing this conundrum. Despite their proven utility, these standard-of-care imaging methods are often unable to image a myriad of other molecular pathways associated with breast cancer. This has stimulated interest in the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting other molecular pathways and processes. In this review, we discuss validated and potential roles of these standard-of-care and novel molecular approaches. These approaches' relationships with patient clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics as well as their influence on patient management will be discussed in greater detail. This paper will also introduce and discuss the potential utility of novel PARP inhibitor-based radiopharmaceuticals as non-invasive biomarkers of PARP expression/upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honest Ndlovu
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (H.N.); (K.M.G.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Private Bag X169, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Ismaheel O. Lawal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Private Bag X169, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kgomotso M. G. Mokoala
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (H.N.); (K.M.G.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Private Bag X169, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Mike M. Sathekge
- Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (H.N.); (K.M.G.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Private Bag X169, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
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Hachey SJ, Hatch CJ, Gaebler D, Mocherla A, Nee K, Kessenbrock K, Hughes CCW. Targeting tumor-stromal interactions in triple-negative breast cancer using a human vascularized micro-tumor model. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:5. [PMID: 38183074 PMCID: PMC10768273 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with limited available treatments. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial in TNBC progression; however, understanding the molecular basis of stromal cell activation and tumor-stromal crosstalk in TNBC is limited. To investigate therapeutic targets in the TNBC stromal niche, we used an advanced human in vitro microphysiological system called the vascularized micro-tumor (VMT). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we revealed that normal breast tissue stromal cells activate neoplastic signaling pathways in the TNBC TME. By comparing interactions in VMTs with clinical data, we identified therapeutic targets at the tumor-stromal interface with potential clinical significance. Combining treatments targeting Tie2 signaling with paclitaxel resulted in vessel normalization and increased efficacy of paclitaxel in the TNBC VMT. Dual inhibition of HER3 and Akt also showed efficacy against TNBC. These data demonstrate the potential of inducing a favorable TME as a targeted therapeutic approach in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Hachey
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | | | - Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aneela Mocherla
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Nee
- Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kai Kessenbrock
- Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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33
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Sari D, Gozuacik D, Akkoc Y. Role of autophagy in cancer-associated fibroblast activation, signaling and metabolic reprograming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1274682. [PMID: 38234683 PMCID: PMC10791779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors not only consist of cancerous cells, but they also harbor several normal-like cell types and non-cellular components. cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of these cellular components that are found predominantly in the tumor stroma. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and quality control mechanism, and recent studies provided evidence that autophagy played a critical role in CAF formation, metabolic reprograming and tumor-stroma crosstalk. Therefore, shedding light on the autophagy and its role in CAF biology might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the exploitation of more efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, we provide an overview about the involvement of autophagy in CAF-related pathways, including transdifferentiation and activation of CAFs, and further discuss the implications of targeting tumor stroma as a treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyana Sari
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Devrim Gozuacik
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Biotechnology, SUNUM Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yunus Akkoc
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
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35
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Li C, Yang L, Zhang Y, Hou Q, Wang S, Lu S, Tao Y, Hu W, Zhao L. Integrating single-cell and bulk transcriptomic analyses to develop a cancer-associated fibroblast-derived biomarker for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1307588. [PMID: 38235137 PMCID: PMC10791883 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1307588] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the progression and treatment of breast cancer (BRCA); however, risk signatures and molecular targets based on CAFs are limited. This study aims to identify novel CAF-related biomarkers to develop a risk signature for predicting the prognosis and therapeutic response of patients with BRCA. Methods CAF-related genes (CAFRGs) and a risk signature based on these genes were comprehensively analyzed using publicly available bulk and single-cell transcriptomic datasets. Modular genes identified from bulk sequencing data were intersected with CAF marker genes identified from single-cell analysis to obtain reliable CAFRGs. Signature CAFRGs were screened via Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses. Multiple patient cohorts were used to validate the prognosis and therapeutic responsiveness of high-risk patients stratified based on the CAFRG-based signature. In addition, the relationship between the CAFRG-based signature and clinicopathological factors, tumor immune landscape, functional pathways, chemotherapy sensitivity and immunotherapy sensitivity was examined. External datasets were used and sample experiments were performed to examine the expression pattern of MFAP4, a key CAFRG, in BRCA. Results Integrated analyses of single-cell and bulk transcriptomic data as well as prognostic screening revealed a total of 43 prognostic CAFRGs; of which, 14 genes (TLN2, SGCE, SDC1, SAV1, RUNX1, PDLIM4, OSMR, NT5E, MFAP4, IGFBP6, CTSO, COL12A1, CCDC8 and C1S) were identified as signature CAFRGs. The CAFRG-based risk signature exhibited favorable efficiency and accuracy in predicting survival outcomes and clinicopathological progression in multiple BRCA cohorts. Functional enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of the immune system, and the immune infiltration landscape significantly differed between the risk groups. Patients with high CAF-related risk scores (CAFRSs) exhibited tumor immunosuppression, enhanced cancer hallmarks and hyposensitivity to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Five compounds were identified as promising therapeutic agents for high-CAFRS BRCA. External datasets and sample experiments validated the downregulation of MFAP4 and its strong correlation with CAFs in BRCA. Conclusions A novel CAF-derived gene signature with favorable predictive performance was developed in this study. This signature may be used to assess prognosis and guide individualized treatment for patients with BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhen Li
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lanjie Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunyan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianshan Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyi Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoteng Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Tao
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesia Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyuan Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Singh S, Singh AP, Mitra R. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Major Co-Conspirators in Tumor Development. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:211. [PMID: 38201638 PMCID: PMC10778099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical determinant of tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic outcomes [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangi Singh
- Department of International Studies (Global Health), College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
| | - Ajay P. Singh
- Cancer Biology Program, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36617, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Ranjana Mitra
- Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA
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Kang SH, Oh SY, Lee KY, Lee HJ, Kim MS, Kwon TG, Kim JW, Lee ST, Choi SY, Hong SH. Differential effect of cancer-associated fibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles on cisplatin resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma via miR-876-3p. Theranostics 2024; 14:460-479. [PMID: 38169528 PMCID: PMC10758057 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87329] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Platinum-based chemotherapy is commonly used for treating solid tumors, but drug resistance often limits its effectiveness. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived extracellular vesicle (EV), which carry various miRNAs, have been implicated in chemotherapy resistance. However, the molecular mechanism through which CAFs modulate cisplatin resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not well understood. We employed two distinct primary CAF types with differential impacts on cancer progression: CAF-P, representing a more aggressive cancer-promoting category, and CAF-D, characterized by properties that moderately delay cancer progression. Consequently, we sought to investigate whether the two CAF types differentially affect cisplatin sensitivity and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: The secretion profile was examined by utilizing an antibody microarray with conditioned medium obtained from the co-culture of OSCC cells and two types of primary CAFs. The effect of CAF-dependent factors on cisplatin resistance was investigated by utilizing conditioned media (CM) and extracellular vesicle (EVs) derived from CAFs. The impacts of candidate genes were confirmed using gain- and loss-of-function analyses in spheroids and organoids, and a mouse xenograft. Lastly, we compared the expression pattern of the candidate genes in tissues from OSCC patients exhibiting different responses to cisplatin. Results: When OSCC cells were cultured with conditioned media (CM) from the two different CAF groups, cisplatin resistance increased only under CAF-P CM. OSCC cells specifically expressed insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) after co-culture with CAF-D. Meanwhile, IGFBP3-knockdown OSCC cells acquired cisplatin resistance in CAF-D CM. IGFBP3 expression was promoted by GATA-binding protein 1 (GATA1), a transcription factor targeted by miR-876-3p, which was enriched only in CAF-P-derived EV. Treatment with CAF-P EV carrying miR-876-3p antagomir decreased cisplatin resistance compared to control miRNA-carrying CAF-P EV. On comparing the staining intensity between cisplatin-sensitive and -insensitive tissues from OSCC patients, there was a positive correlation between IGFBP3 and GATA1 expression and cisplatin sensitivity in OSCC tissues from patients. Conclusion: These results provide insights for overcoming cisplatin resistance, especially concerning EVs within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the expression levels of GATA1 and miR-876-3p, along with IGFBP3, could aid in the prediction of cisplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hyun Kang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Su Young Oh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Kah-Young Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Heon-Jin Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Mee-Seon Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Tae-Geon Kwon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Jin-Wook Kim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Sung-Tak Lee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - So-Young Choi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Hong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea
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Chamorro DF, Somes LK, Hoyos V. Engineered Adoptive T-Cell Therapies for Breast Cancer: Current Progress, Challenges, and Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:124. [PMID: 38201551 PMCID: PMC10778447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010124] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, and novel treatment approaches are critically needed. This review presents an in-depth analysis of engineered adoptive T-cell therapies (E-ACTs), an innovative frontier in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on their application in breast cancer. We explore the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies, highlighting their potential and challenges in targeting breast cancer. The review addresses key obstacles such as target antigen selection, the complex breast cancer tumor microenvironment, and the persistence of engineered T-cells. We discuss the advances in overcoming these barriers, including strategies to enhance T-cell efficacy. Finally, our comprehensive analysis of the current clinical trials in this area provides insights into the future possibilities and directions of E-ACTs in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Chamorro
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Lauren K. Somes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Valera PS, Plou J, García I, Astobiza I, Viera C, M. Aransay A, Martin JE, Sasselli IR, Carracedo A, Liz-Marzán LM. SERS analysis of cancer cell-secreted purines reveals a unique paracrine crosstalk in MTAP-deficient tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311674120. [PMID: 38109528 PMCID: PMC10756296 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311674120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic pseudoorgan that shapes the development and progression of cancers. It is a complex ecosystem shaped by interactions between tumor and stromal cells. Although the traditional focus has been on the paracrine communication mediated by protein messengers, recent attention has turned to the metabolic secretome in tumors. Metabolic enzymes, together with exchanged substrates and products, have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, traditional techniques for profiling secreted metabolites in complex cellular contexts are limited. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its nontargeted nature and simplicity of operation. Although SERS has demonstrated its potential for detecting metabolites in biological settings, its application in deciphering metabolic interactions within multicellular systems like the TME remains underexplored. In this study, we introduce a SERS-based strategy to investigate the secreted purine metabolites of tumor cells lacking methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), a common genetic event associated with poor prognosis in various cancers. Our SERS analysis reveals that MTAP-deficient cancer cells selectively produce methylthioadenosine (MTA), which is taken up and metabolized by fibroblasts. Fibroblasts exposed to MTA exhibit: i) molecular reprogramming compatible with cancer aggressiveness, ii) a significant production of purine derivatives that could be readily recycled by cancer cells, and iii) the capacity to secrete purine derivatives that induce macrophage polarization. Our study supports the potential of SERS for cancer metabolism research and reveals an unprecedented paracrine crosstalk that explains TME reprogramming in MTAP-deleted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo S. Valera
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio48160, Spain
- Departamento de Química Aplicada, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Universitatea (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastián20018, Spain
| | - Javier Plou
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- Center for Cooperative Research in Nanoscience (CIC nanoGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián20018, Spain
| | - Isabel García
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
| | - Ianire Astobiza
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio48160, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC),Madrid28029, Spain
| | - Cristina Viera
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio48160, Spain
| | - Ana M. Aransay
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio48160, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in hepatic diseases, Derio48160, Spain
| | - José E. Martin
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio48160, Spain
| | - Ivan R. Sasselli
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- Centro de Fisica de Materiales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas-Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Universitatea (CSIC-UPV)/EHU), Donostiarra-San Sebastián20018, Spain
| | - Arkaitz Carracedo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio48160, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC),Madrid28029, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao48009, Spain
- Translational Prostate Cancer Research Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences-Basurto, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Derio48160, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Universitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa48940, Spain
| | - Luis M. Liz-Marzán
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Donostia-San Sebastián20014, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao48009, Spain
- Cinbio, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo36310, Spain
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Wang H, Wei L, Mao D, Che X, Ye X, Liu Y, Chen Y. Combination of oxymatrine (Om) and astragaloside IV (As) enhances the infiltration and function of TILs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111026. [PMID: 37866315 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111026] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype and has a poor response to treatment due to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Chinese Medicine effective constituents such as oxymatrine (Om) and astragaloside IV (As) have shown promise in cancer treatment by providing anti-fibrosis and immune-enhancing effects. However, the potential combined effect of Om and As on TNBC and its mechanism is still uncertain. This study focuses on exploring the impact of Om and As on enhancing the immunosuppressive microenvironment of TNBC and uncovering the potential mechanism behind it. In this study, a trans-Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) infiltration system of T cells was utilized to investigate the potential benefits of Om, while the impact of As on the morphology and quantity of mitochondria in T cells was examined in a co-culture system with tumor cells. Further to investigate the combined effects of Om and As on tumor suppression and immunosuppressive microenvironment improvement, this study established an in situ TNBC mouse model with 4 T1-luc. In vitro, our findings indicate that Om can effectively suppress the activation of CAFs by downregulating the expression of FAP and α-SMA, and also promoting the infiltration of T cells trans CAFs. It was discovered that the mitochondrial activity of T cells could be improved by increasing the number of mitochondria and cristae. In vivo, the optimal ratio of Om and As (2:1) was found to increase the apoptosis rate of tumor cells in a co-culture system and enhance the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as confirmed by Flow Cytometry results. Our study suggests that Om and As could enhance the immune system's ability to treat TNBC by improving the infiltration and increasing the anti-tumor function of TILs. This intervention may lead to a promising therapeutic direction for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Liangyin Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Dengxuan Mao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Xiaoyu Che
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Xietao Ye
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China.
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Poskus MD, Wang T, Deng Y, Borcherding S, Atkinson J, Zervantonakis IK. Fabrication of 3D-printed molds for polydimethylsiloxane-based microfluidic devices using a liquid crystal display-based vat photopolymerization process: printing quality, drug response and 3D invasion cell culture assays. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:140. [PMID: 37954040 PMCID: PMC10632127 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00607-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic platforms enable more precise control of biological stimuli and environment dimensionality than conventional macroscale cell-based assays; however, long fabrication times and high-cost specialized equipment limit the widespread adoption of microfluidic technologies. Recent improvements in vat photopolymerization three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies such as liquid crystal display (LCD) printing offer rapid prototyping and a cost-effective solution to microfluidic fabrication. Limited information is available about how 3D printing parameters and resin cytocompatibility impact the performance of 3D-printed molds for the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic platforms for cellular studies. Using a low-cost, commercially available LCD-based 3D printer, we assessed the cytocompatibility of several resins, optimized fabrication parameters, and characterized the minimum feature size. We evaluated the response to both cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted kinase therapies in microfluidic devices fabricated using our 3D-printed molds and demonstrated the establishment of flow-based concentration gradients. Furthermore, we monitored real-time cancer cell and fibroblast migration in a 3D matrix environment that was dependent on environmental signals. These results demonstrate how vat photopolymerization LCD-based fabrication can accelerate the prototyping of microfluidic platforms with increased accessibility and resolution for PDMS-based cell culture assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Poskus
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Yuxuan Deng
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Sydney Borcherding
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jake Atkinson
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Ioannis K. Zervantonakis
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Dong H, Yang C, Chen X, Sun H, He X, Wang W. Breast cancer-derived exosomal lncRNA SNHG14 induces normal fibroblast activation to cancer-associated fibroblasts via the EBF1/FAM171A1 axis. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:1028-1040. [PMID: 37653187 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes released from cancer cells can activate normal fibroblasts (NFs) into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which promotes cancer development. Our study aims to explore the role and potential mechanisms of breast cancer exosomes-delivered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG14 in regulating CAFs transformation. METHODS Adjacent normal tissues, cancerous and serum specimens were gathered in breast cancer patients. Exosomes and NFs were separated from breast cancer cells (SKBR-3) and normal tissues of patients, respectively. Cell viability and migration were measured with CCK-8 and Transwell assays. CAFs markers, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected for assessing CAFs activation. The interactions between molecules were evaluated using dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS SNHG14 and FAM171A1 were upregulated in breast cancer. Exosomes secreted by SKBR-3 cells induced NFs activation in CAFs, as indicated by upregulating CAFs marker levels and facilitated cell viability and migration. Exosomal SNHG14 silencing in SKBR-3 cells inhibited CAFs activation. SNHG14 positively regulated FAM171A1 expression through EBF1. FAM171A1 overexpression eliminated the inhibition effect of exosomal SNHG14 silencing in CAFs transformation. CONCLUSION Breast cancer-derived exosomal SNHG14 contributed to NFs transformation into CAFs by the EBF1/FAM171A1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No 19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570311, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Changcheng Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No 19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570311, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hening Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No 19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570311, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xionghui He
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No 19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570311, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, No 19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, 570311, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Akshaya RL, Saranya I, Selvamurugan N. MicroRNAs mediated interaction of tumor microenvironment cells with breast cancer cells during bone metastasis. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:910-925. [PMID: 37578597 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) bone metastasis is primarily osteolytic and has limited therapeutic options. Metastasized BC cells prime the secondary environment in bone by forming a tumor niche, which favors their homing and colonization. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is primarily generated by the cancer cells. Bone TME is an intricate network of multiple cells, including altered bone, tumor, stromal, and immune cells. Recent findings highlight the significance of small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in influencing TME during tumor metastasis. MiRNAs from TME-resident cells facilitate the interaction between the tumor and its microenvironment, thereby regulating the biological processes of tumors. These miRNAs can serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Hence, both miRNA inhibitors and mimics are extensively utilized in pre-clinical trials for modulating the phenotypes of tumor cells and associated stromal cells. This review briefly summarizes the recent developments on the functional role of miRNAs secreted directly or indirectly from the TME-resident cells in facilitating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. This information would be beneficial in developing novel targeted therapies for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Akshaya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - I Saranya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Selvamurugan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Vazquez E, Lipovka Y, Cervantes-Arias A, Garibay-Escobar A, Haby MM, Queiroga FL, Velazquez C. Canine Mammary Cancer: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3147. [PMID: 37835752 PMCID: PMC10571550 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193147] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammary cancer is the most frequently diagnosed neoplasia in women and non-spayed female dogs and is one of the leading causes of death in both species. Canines develop spontaneous mammary tumors that share a significant number of biological, clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics with human breast cancers. This review provides a detailed description of the histological, molecular and clinical aspects of mammary cancer in canines; it discusses risk factors and currently available diagnostic and treatment options, as well as remaining challenges and unanswered questions. The incidence of mammary tumors is highly variable and is impacted by biological, pathological, cultural and socioeconomic factors, including hormonal status, breed, advanced age, obesity and diet. Diagnosis is mainly based on histopathology, although several efforts have been made to establish a molecular classification of canine mammary tumors to widen the spectrum of treatment options, which today rely heavily on surgical removal of tumors. Lastly, standardization of clinical study protocols, development of canine-specific biological tools, establishment of adequate dog-specific disease biomarkers and identification of targets for the development of new therapies that could improve survival and have less adverse effects than chemotherapy are among the remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Vazquez
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico; (E.V.); (Y.L.); (A.G.-E.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Yulia Lipovka
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico; (E.V.); (Y.L.); (A.G.-E.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Alejandro Cervantes-Arias
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, The National University of Mexico (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Investigación Científica 3000, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04360, Mexico;
| | - Adriana Garibay-Escobar
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico; (E.V.); (Y.L.); (A.G.-E.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Michelle M. Haby
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico; (E.V.); (Y.L.); (A.G.-E.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos Velazquez
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico; (E.V.); (Y.L.); (A.G.-E.); (M.M.H.)
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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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Andrianto A, Sudiana IK, Suprabawati DGA, Notobroto HB. Immune system and tumor microenvironment in early-stage breast cancer: different mechanisms for early recurrence after mastectomy and chemotherapy on ductal and lobular types. F1000Res 2023; 12:841. [PMID: 38046195 PMCID: PMC10692586 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.134302.2] [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] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The most common type of breast cancer is the ductal type (IDC), followed by lobular type (ILC). Surgery is the main therapy for early-stage breast cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy might be given to those at high risk of recurrence. Recurrence is still possible after mastectomy and chemotherapy and most often occurs in the first two years. We aimed to determine the mechanisms in early local recurrence in both types. Methods: We used an observational method with a cross-sectional study design. The samples were patients with early-stage IDC and ILC, who underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and got adjuvant chemotherapy with taxan and anthracycline base, and experienced recurrence in the first two years after surgery. The materials in this study were paraffin blocks from surgical specimens; we examined vimentin, α-SMA and MMP1, PDGF and CD95 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Data analysis was done using OpenEpi 3.0.1 and EZR. We used pathway analysis with linear regression. Results: There were 25 samples with local recurrence and 25 samples without recurrence in the ductal type group. The lobular type group consisted of six subjects without recurrence and seven with recurrence. There were significant differences in the expression of vimentin (p=0.000 and 0.021, respectively), PDGF (p=0.000 and 0.002) and CD95 (p=0.000 and 0.045) in ductal and lobular cancer types, respectively. MMP1 (p=0.000) and α-SMA (p=0.000) only showed a significant difference in the ductal type. The pathway analysis showed that in the ductal type, the mechanism of recurrence was enabled by two factors: α-SMA and CD95. Meanwhile, for the lobular type, the recurrence mechanism was through the CD95 pathway. Conclusions: Local recurrence in early-stage IDC and ILC had different mechanisms. These findings are expected to make cancer treatment in both types more focused and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Andrianto
- Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - I Ketut Sudiana
- Department of Pathology Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Desak Gede Agung Suprabawati
- Division of Oncology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Hari Basuki Notobroto
- Department of Biostatistics and Population, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
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Cirillo F, Talia M, Santolla MF, Pellegrino M, Scordamaglia D, Spinelli A, De Rosis S, Giordano F, Muglia L, Zicarelli A, Di Dio M, Rigiracciolo DC, Miglietta AM, Filippelli G, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Lappano R, Maggiolini M. GPER deletion triggers inhibitory effects in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells through the JNK/c-Jun/p53/Noxa transduction pathway. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:353. [PMID: 37749101 PMCID: PMC10520078 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates estrogen action in different pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. GPER expression and signaling have been found to join in the progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), even though controversial data have been reported. In present study, we aimed at providing new mechanistic and biological discoveries knocking out (KO) GPER expression by CRISPR/Cas9 technology in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. GPER KO whole transcriptome respect to wild type (WT) MDA-MB-231 cells was determined through total RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. We ascertained that anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic gene signatures characterize GPER KO MDA-MB-231 cells. Thereafter, we determined that these cells exhibit a reduced proliferative, clonogenic and self-renewal potential along with an increased mitochondria-dependent apoptosis phenotype. In addition, we recognized that decreased cAMP levels trigger the JNK/c-Jun/p53/Noxa axis, which in turn orchestrates the pro-apoptotic effects observed in GPER KO cells. In accordance with these data, survival analyses in TNBC patients of the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset indicated that high Noxa expression correlates with improved outcomes in TNBC patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GPER KO in TNBC cells impairs the expression and secretion of the well-acknowledged GPER target gene named CTGF, thus resulting in the inhibition of migratory effects in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Overall, the present study provides novel mechanistic and biological insights on GPER KO in TNBC cells suggesting that GPER may be considered as a valuable target in comprehensive therapeutic approaches halting TNBC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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Hu D, Zhuo W, Gong P, Ji F, Zhang X, Chen Y, Mao M, Ju S, Pan Y, Shen J. Biological differences between normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19803. [PMID: 37810030 PMCID: PMC10559169 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19803] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute the primary constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and exert significant influences on cancer progression. However, adequate comprehension of CAF profiles in breast cancer, as well as the precise mechanisms underlying their promotion of cancer, remains lacking. Objectives To discerns the biological differences between normal fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs in breast cancer and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Three pairs of CAFs and NFs were isolated from breast cancer patients of diverse subtypes who had not undergone prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Morphological characteristics of CAFs and NFs were assessed through optical and electron microscopy, their biological attributes were examined using cell counting kits and transwell assays, and their impact on breast cancer cells was simulated using a coculture system. Furthermore, the miRNA profiles of CAFs and NFs were sequenced via an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Results CAFs exhibited higher growth rate and motility than NFs and a stronger potential to promote the malignancy of breast cancer cells. RNA sequencing of both NFs and CAFs revealed differentially expressed miRNAs with notable variability among distinct patients within their NFs and CAFs, while the enrichment of the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs within both GO terms and KEGG pathways demonstrated significant similarity across patients with different profiles. Conclusion CAFs have greater malignancy and higher potential to influence the growth, migration, invasion and chemoresistance of cocultured breast cancer cells than NFs. In addition, the miRNAs that are differentially expressed in CAFs when compared to NFs display substantial variability across patients with distinct breast cancer subtypes, while the enrichment of target genes regulated by these miRNAs, within GO terms and KEGG pathways, remains remarkably consistent among patients with varying profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengdi Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenying Zhuo
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peirong Gong
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feiyang Ji
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongxia Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Misha Mao
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siwei Ju
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuehong Pan
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
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Proto MC, Fiore D, Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Rimonabant and Cannabidiol Rewrite the Interactions between Breast Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13427. [PMID: 37686233 PMCID: PMC10487984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713427] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of breast cancer to distant sites is the major cause of death in breast cancer patients. Increasing evidence supports the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancers, and its pathologic assessment has become a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. In the TME, a bidirectional interplay between tumor and stromal cells occurs, both at the primary and metastatic site. Hundreds of molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, contribute to this fine interaction to promote tumor spreading. Here, we investigated the effects of Rimonabant and Cannabidiol, known for their antitumor activity, on reprogramming the breast TME. Both compounds directly affect the activity of several pathways involved in breast cancer progression. To mimic tumor-stroma interactions during breast-to-lung metastasis, we investigated the effect of the compounds on growth factor secretion from metastatic breast cancer cells and normal and activated lung fibroblasts. In this setting, we demonstrated the anti-metastatic potential of the two compounds, and the membrane array analyses highlighted their ability to alter the release of factors involved in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune reprogramming. The results enforce the antitumor potential of Rimonabant and Cannabidiol, providing a novel potential tool for breast cancer TME management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
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50
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Ye F, Liang Y, Wang Y, Le Yang R, Luo D, Li Y, Jin Y, Han D, Chen B, Zhao W, Wang L, Chen X, Ma T, Kong X, Yang Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts facilitate breast cancer progression through exosomal circTBPL1-mediated intercellular communication. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:471. [PMID: 37495592 PMCID: PMC10372047 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05986-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the major common malignancy worldwide among women. Previous studies reported that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) showed pivotal roles in regulating tumor progression via exosome-mediated cellular communication. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the exosomal circRNA from CAFs in breast cancer progression remains ambiguous. Here, exosomal circRNA profiling of breast cancer-derived CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) was detected by high-throughput sequencing, and upregulated circTBPL1 expression was identified in CAF exosomes. The exosomal circTBPL1 from CAFs could be transferred to breast cancer cells and promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Consistently, circTBPL1 knockdown in CAFs attenuated their tumor-promoting ability. Further exploration identified miR-653-5p as an inhibitory target of circTBPL1, and ectopic expression of miR-653-5p could partially reverse the malignant phenotypes induced by circTBPL1 overexpression in breast cancer. Additionally, TPBG was selected as a downstream target gene, and circTBPL1 could protect TPBG from miR-653-5p-mediated degradation, leading to enhanced breast cancer progression. Significantly, the accelerated tumor progression triggered by exosomal circTBPL1 from CAFs was confirmed in xenograft models. Taken together, these results revealed that exosomal circTBPL1 derived from CAFs contributed to cancer progression via miR-653-5p/TPBG pathway, indicating the potential of exosomal circTBPL1 as a biomarker and novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Ye
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Yiran Liang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Robert Le Yang
- Shandong Experimental High School, 250001, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Dan Luo
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Yaming Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Yuhan Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Dianwen Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bing Chen
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Kong
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Research Institute of Breast Cancer, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China.
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