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Zhang C, Li H, Jiang M, Zhang Q, Chen J, Jia J, Zhang Z, Yu H, Zhang J, Zhang J. Hypoxic microenvironment promotes dermal fibroblast migration and proliferation via a BNIP3-autophagy pathway. FEBS J 2024; 291:358-375. [PMID: 37873601 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16985] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Upon injury, nearby cells, including fibroblasts at the wound edge, are often found in a hypoxic microenvironment. Nevertheless, the influence of hypoxia on skin fibroblasts is poorly understood. Using previously established mouse full-thickness wounds, we show that Bcl-2 and adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) expression was significantly elevated at the wound edge, and hypoxia treatment enhanced BNIP3 expression in fibroblasts. Interestingly, BNIP3 promoted the migration and proliferation, as well as the activation of autophagy, in fibroblasts under hypoxia. The hypoxia-induced autophagy was found to induce the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, a process that could be reversed by knocking down the autophagy-related gene for autophagy protein 5, ATG5. Furthermore, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) was significantly upregulated in fibroblasts under hypoxia treatment, and HIF-1α knockdown attenuated the hypoxia-induced expression of BNIP3 and the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts. Altogether, our results establish the hypoxia-BNIP3-autophagy signaling axis as a newly identified regulatory mechanism of skin fibroblast migration and proliferation upon wounding. Autophagy intervening might thus represent a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic refractory wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Oncology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jigang Chen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiezhi Jia
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Huiqing Yu
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Department of Palliative Care, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaping Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Junhui Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Department of Palliative Care, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
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2
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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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Lv Y, Hu J, Zheng W, Shan L, Bai B, Zhu H, Dai S. A WGCNA-based cancer-associated fibroblast risk signature in colorectal cancer for prognosis and immunotherapy response. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2256-2275. [PMID: 37859738 PMCID: PMC10583018 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are notably involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment failure. In this article, we report the in silico development of a CAF-related prognostic signature for CRC. Methods We separately downloaded CRC transcription data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Deconvolution algorithms, including Estimating the Proportions of Immune and Cancer Cells and the Microenvironment Cell Population-counter, were used to calculate CAF abundance, while the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression algorithm was used to calculate the stromal score. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were used to identify CAF-related genes and prognostic signatures. Results We identified a three-gene, prognostic, CAF-related signature and defined risk groups based on the Riskscores. Multidimensional validations were applied to evaluate the robustness of the signature and its correlation with clinical parameters. We utilized Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and oncoPredict algorithms to predict therapy responses and found that patients in low-risk groups are more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Finally, we used the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Human Protein Atlas databases to evaluate the mRNA and protein levels encoded by the signature genes. Conclusions This novel CAF-related three-gene signature is expected to become a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC and predict chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses. It may be of considerable value for studying the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lv
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Zheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingjun Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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4
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Affo S, Filliol A, Gores GJ, Schwabe RF. Fibroblasts in liver cancer: functions and therapeutic translation. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:748-759. [PMID: 37385282 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of fibroblasts in the premalignant or malignant liver is a characteristic feature of liver cancer, but has not been therapeutically leveraged despite evidence for pathophysiologically relevant roles in tumour growth. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a largely non-desmoplastic tumour, in which fibroblasts accumulate predominantly in the pre-neoplastic fibrotic liver and regulate the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma development through a balance of tumour-suppressive and tumour-promoting mediators. By contrast, cholangiocarcinoma is desmoplastic, with cancer-associated fibroblasts contributing to tumour growth. Accordingly, restoring the balance from tumour-promoting to tumour-suppressive fibroblasts and mediators might represent a strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma prevention, whereas in cholangiocarcinoma, fibroblasts and their mediators could be leveraged for tumour treatment. Importantly, fibroblast mediators regulating hepatocellular carcinoma development might exert opposite effects on cholangiocarcinoma growth. This Review translates the improved understanding of tumour-specific, location-specific, and stage-specific roles of fibroblasts and their mediators in liver cancer into novel and rational therapeutic concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affo
- Department of Liver, Digestive System, and Metabolism, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aveline Filliol
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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5
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Gonzalez-Melero L, Hernandez RM, Santos-Vizcaino E, Igartua M. Tumour-derived extracellular vesicle based vaccines for melanoma treatment. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1520-1542. [PMID: 37022605 PMCID: PMC10102154 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01328-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The interest of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer immunotherapy is increasing every day. EVs are lipid bilayer vesicles released by most cells, which contain the molecular signature of their parent cell. Melanoma-derived EVs present antigens specific to this aggressive type of cancer, but they also exert immunomodulatory and pro-metastatic activity. Until now, most reviews focus on the immunoevasive characteristics of tumour-derived EVs, but do not help to overcome the issues related to them. In this review, we describe isolation methods of EVs from melanoma patients and most interesting markers to oversee their effect if they are used as antigen carriers. We also discuss the methods developed so far to overcome the lack of immunogenicity of melanoma-derived EVs, which includes EV modification or adjuvant co-administration. In summary, we conclude that EVs can be an interesting antigen source for immunotherapy development once EV obtaining is optimised and the understanding of the mechanisms behind their multiple effects is further understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Gonzalez-Melero
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Hernandez
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Edorta Santos-Vizcaino
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Manoli Igartua
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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7
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Breast cancer tumor microenvironment affects Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis: Molecular and therapeutic perspectives. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:132-157. [PMID: 36816749 PMCID: PMC9922830 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a variety of immune cells, among which T cells exert a prominent axial role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in patients with breast cancer (BC). High or low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, in the absence or presence of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), delineate the fate of T cells toward either regulatory T (Treg) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells, respectively. The transitional state of RORγt+Foxp3+ Treg (IL-17-producing Treg) resides in the middle of this reciprocal polarization, which is known as Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis. TME secretome, including microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, can significantly affect this axis. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used to reconstruct immune cells; however, some of these novel therapies may favor tumor development. Therefore, understanding secretory and cell-associated factors involved in their differentiation or polarization and functions may be targeted for BC management. This review discusses microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles (as secretome), as well as transcription factors and immune checkpoints (as cell-associated factors), which influence the Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis in BC. Furthermore, approved or ongoing clinical trials related to the modulation of this axis in the TME of BC are described to broaden new horizons of promising therapeutic approaches.
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8
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Tan Y, Tang F, Li J, Yu H, Wu M, Wu Y, Zeng H, Hou K, Zhang Q. Tumor-derived exosomes: the emerging orchestrators in melanoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112832. [PMID: 35325853 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive cancer type derived from melanocytes and its incidence has rapidly increased worldwide. Despite the vast improvement in therapy, melanoma is still confronted with high invasion, metastasis, and recurrence rate. Recent studies have confirmed that the exosomes are naturally occurring membranous extracellular vesicles with nano-sized lipid bilayers, performing as information messagers within cellular reciprocal action. Exosomes are unquestionably endowed with multifaceted roles in various diseases, including melanoma. Notably, tumor-derived exosomes play a pivotal role in conditioning the tumor microenvironment to promote the growth, metastasis, immune escape, and even drug-resistance of melanoma by transferring carcinogenic nucleic acids and proteins. Clinically, the dynamic expressions of exosomal components and loadings in melanoma patients with different tumor stages confer the clinical application of melanoma exosomes as diagnostic biomarkers. Hence, this review highlights the recent complicated roles and mechanisms of melanoma exosomes, as well as their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in melanoma. The in-depth insights into the properties and behaviors of melanoma exosomes are of great potential to yield attractive therapeutic methods for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Tan
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jieming Li
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Honghao Yu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yiping Wu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Kai Hou
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Simon T, Salhia B. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Subpopulations With Diverse and Dynamic Roles in the Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:183-192. [PMID: 34670861 PMCID: PMC9306405 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Close interactions between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have repeatedly been reported to support tumor progression. Yet, targeting CAFs has so far failed to show a real benefit in cancer treatment, as preclinical studies have shown that such a strategy can enhance tumor growth. Accordingly, recent paradigm-shifting data suggest that certain CAF subpopulations could also show tumor-inhibitory capabilities. The present review aims to provide an in-depth description of the cellular heterogeneity of the CAF compartment in tumors. Through combining information from different cancer types, here we define 4 main CAF subpopulations that might cohabitate in any tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, a model for the evolution of CAFs during tumor development is introduced. Moreover, the presence of tumor-inhibitory CAFs in the TME as well as their molecular characteristics are extensively discussed. Finally, the potential cellular origins of these distinct CAF subpopulations are reviewed. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at establishing a broad but comprehensive classification of CAF subpopulations. Altogether, the present manuscript aims to provide the latest developments and innovative insights that could help refine future therapeutic targeting of CAFs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simon
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Corresponding Author: Bodour Salhia, Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Phone: 323-442-3099; E-mail:
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10
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Avagliano A, Arcucci A. Insights into Melanoma Fibroblast Populations and Therapeutic Strategy Perspectives: Friends or Foes? Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:6159-6168. [PMID: 35726413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220620124138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an aggressive and highly metastatic solid tumor associated with drug resistance. Before 2011, despite therapies based on cytokines or molecules inhibiting DNA synthesis, metastatic melanoma led to patient death within 18 months from diagnosis. However, recent studies on bidirectional interactions between melanoma cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) have had a significant impact on the development of new therapeutic strategies represented by targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In particular, the heterogeneous stromal fibroblast populations, including fibroblasts, fibroblast aggregates, myofibroblasts, and melanoma associated fibroblasts (MAFs), represent the most abundant cell population of TME and regulate cancer growth differently. Therefore, in this perspective article, we have highlighted the different impacts of fibroblast populations on cancer development and growth. In particular, we focused on the role of MAFs in sustaining melanoma cell survival, proliferation, migration and invasion, drug resistance, and immunoregulation. The important role of constitutively activated MAFs in promoting CM growth and immunoediting makes this cell type a promising target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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11
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Boussadia Z, Gambardella AR, Mattei F, Parolini I. Acidic and Hypoxic Microenvironment in Melanoma: Impact of Tumour Exosomes on Disease Progression. Cells 2021; 10:3311. [PMID: 34943819 PMCID: PMC8699343 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of melanoma progression have been extensively studied in the last decade, and despite the diagnostic and therapeutic advancements pursued, malignant melanoma still accounts for 60% of skin cancer deaths. Therefore, research efforts are required to better define the intercellular molecular steps underlying the melanoma development. In an attempt to represent the complexity of the tumour microenvironment (TME), here we analysed the studies on melanoma in acidic and hypoxic microenvironments and the interactions with stromal and immune cells. Within TME, acidity and hypoxia force melanoma cells to adapt and to evolve into a malignant phenotype, through the cooperation of the tumour-surrounding stromal cells and the escape from the immune surveillance. The role of tumour exosomes in the intercellular crosstalk has been generally addressed, but less studied in acidic and hypoxic conditions. Thus, this review aims to summarize the role of acidic and hypoxic microenvironment in melanoma biology, as well as the role played by melanoma-derived exosomes (Mexo) under these conditions. We also present a perspective on the characteristics of acidic and hypoxic exosomes to disclose molecules, to be further considered as promising biomarkers for an early detection of the disease. An update on the use of exosomes in melanoma diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment will be also provided and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Boussadia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Adriana Rosa Gambardella
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mattei
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Isabella Parolini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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12
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Romano V, Belviso I, Venuta A, Ruocco MR, Masone S, Aliotta F, Fiume G, Montagnani S, Avagliano A, Arcucci A. Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Fibroblast Population Plasticity on Melanoma Growth, Therapy Resistance and Immunoescape. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5283. [PMID: 34067929 PMCID: PMC8157224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) tissue represents a network constituted by cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). A key feature of CM is the high structural and cellular plasticity of TME, allowing its evolution with disease and adaptation to cancer cell and environmental alterations. In particular, during melanoma development and progression each component of TME by interacting with each other and with cancer cells is subjected to dramatic structural and cellular modifications. These alterations affect extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, phenotypic profile of stromal cells, cancer growth and therapeutic response. The stromal fibroblast populations of the TME include normal fibroblasts and melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) that are highly abundant and flexible cell types interacting with melanoma and stromal cells and differently influencing CM outcomes. The shift from the normal microenvironment to TME and from normal fibroblasts to MAFs deeply sustains CM growth. Hence, in this article we review the features of the normal microenvironment and TME and describe the phenotypic plasticity of normal dermal fibroblasts and MAFs, highlighting their roles in normal skin homeostasis and TME regulation. Moreover, we discuss the influence of MAFs and their secretory profiles on TME remodelling, melanoma progression, targeted therapy resistance and immunosurveillance, highlighting the cellular interactions, the signalling pathways and molecules involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Romano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Immacolata Belviso
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Alessandro Venuta
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Stefania Masone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Federica Aliotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
- Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
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14
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Lichtenberger BM, Kasper M. Cellular heterogeneity and microenvironmental control of skin cancer. J Intern Med 2021; 289:614-628. [PMID: 32976658 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Healthy tissues harbour a surprisingly high number of cells that carry well-known cancer-causing mutations without impacting their physiological function. In recent years, strong evidence accumulated that the immediate environment of mutant cells profoundly impact their prospect of malignant progression. In this review, focusing on the skin, we investigate potential key mechanisms that ensure tissue homeostasis despite the presence of mutant cells, as well as critical factors that may nudge the balance from homeostasis to tumour formation. Functional in vivo studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses have revealed a tremendous cellular heterogeneity and plasticity within epidermal (stem) cells and their respective niches, revealing for example wild-type epithelial cells, fibroblasts or immune-cell subsets as critical in preventing cancer formation and malignant progression. It's the same cells, however, that can drive carcinogenesis. Therefore, understanding the abundance and molecular variation of cell types in health and disease, and how they interact and modulate the local signalling environment will thus be key for new therapeutic avenues in our battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Lichtenberger
- From the, Skin and Endothelium Research Division, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kasper
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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15
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Dai L, Li M, Zhang WL, Tang YJ, Tang YL, Liang XH. Fibroblasts in cancer dormancy: foe or friend? Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:184. [PMID: 33771156 PMCID: PMC7995785 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer dormancy is defined that the residual cancer cells could enter into a state of quiescence and patients remain asymptomatic for years or even decades after anti-tumor therapies. Fibroblasts, which represent a predominant cell type in tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in determining the ultimate fate of tumor cells. This review recapitulates the pleiotropic roles of fibroblasts which are divided into normal, senescent, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and circulation CAFs in tumor dormancy, relapse, metastasis and resistance to therapy to help the treatment of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Jie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Ya-ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin-hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Shelton M, Anene CA, Nsengimana J, Roberts W, Newton-Bishop J, Boyne JR. The role of CAF derived exosomal microRNAs in the tumour microenvironment of melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188456. [PMID: 33153973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes play a crucial role in the crosstalk between cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and cancer cells, contributing to carcinogenesis and the tumour microenvironment. Recent studies have revealed that CAFs, normal fibroblasts and cancer cells all secrete exosomes that contain miRNA, establishing a cell-cell communication network within the tumour microenvironment. For example, miRNA dysregulation in melanoma has been shown to promote CAF activation via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which in turn alters the secretory phenotype of CAFs in the stroma. This review assesses the roles of melanoma exosomal miRNAs in CAF formation and how CAF exosome-mediated feedback signalling to melanoma lead to tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, efforts to exploit exosomal miRNA-mediated network communication between tumour cells and their microenvironment, and their potential as prognostic biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets in melanoma will also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shelton
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH. United Kingdom
| | - C A Anene
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - J Nsengimana
- Population Health Sciences, Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - W Roberts
- School of Clinical and Applied Science, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, United Kingdom
| | | | - J R Boyne
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH. United Kingdom.
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17
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Papale M. A Review of Proteomics Strategies to Study T-Cell Activation and Function in Cancer Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2325:125-136. [PMID: 34053055 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1507-2_9] [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] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-cells play a key role in natural response to cancer and in immunotherapy. Understanding in an ever more thorough and complete way the mechanisms underlying their activation and/or those that prevent it is a crucial challenge for the success of the therapy. Proteomics can make a decisive contribution to achieving this goal as it brings together a range of technologies that potentially allow the expression levels of thousands of proteins to be analyzed at the same time. In the first part of this chapter, after an overview of the main mechanisms that determine T-cell dysfunction, new MS-based approaches to characterizing T-cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment will be described. The second part of the chapter will focus on the main strategies for cancer immunotherapy, from the selective blockage of inhibitory receptor to CAR T therapy. Examples of proteomics application to tumor microenvironment analysis will be reported to illustrate how these innovative approaches can contribute significantly to understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate an effective response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Papale
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Policlinic University Hospital "Riuniti", Foggia, Italy.
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18
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Bellei B, Migliano E, Picardo M. A Framework of Major Tumor-Promoting Signal Transduction Pathways Implicated in Melanoma-Fibroblast Dialogue. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113400. [PMID: 33212834 PMCID: PMC7697272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma cells reside in a complex stromal microenvironment, which is a critical component of disease onset and progression. Mesenchymal or fibroblastic cell type are the most abundant cellular element of tumor stroma. Factors secreted by melanoma cells can activate non-malignant associated fibroblasts to become melanoma associate fibroblasts (MAFs). MAFs promote tumorigenic features by remodeling the extracellular matrix, supporting tumor cells proliferation, neo-angiogenesis and drug resistance. Additionally, environmental factors may contribute to the acquisition of pro-tumorigenic phenotype of fibroblasts. Overall, in melanoma, perturbed tissue homeostasis contributes to modulation of major oncogenic intracellular signaling pathways not only in tumor cells but also in neighboring cells. Thus, targeted molecular therapies need to be considered from the reciprocal point of view of melanoma and stromal cells. Abstract The development of a modified stromal microenvironment in response to neoplastic onset is a common feature of many tumors including cutaneous melanoma. At all stages, melanoma cells are embedded in a complex tissue composed by extracellular matrix components and several different cell populations. Thus, melanomagenesis is not only driven by malignant melanocytes, but also by the altered communication between melanocytes and non-malignant cell populations, including fibroblasts, endothelial and immune cells. In particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), also referred as melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) in the case of melanoma, are the most abundant stromal cells and play a significant contextual role in melanoma initiation, progression and metastasis. As a result of dynamic intercellular molecular dialogue between tumor and the stroma, non-neoplastic cells gain specific phenotypes and functions that are pro-tumorigenic. Targeting MAFs is thus considered a promising avenue to improve melanoma therapy. Growing evidence demonstrates that aberrant regulation of oncogenic signaling is not restricted to transformed cells but also occurs in MAFs. However, in some cases, signaling pathways present opposite regulation in melanoma and surrounding area, suggesting that therapeutic strategies need to carefully consider the tumor–stroma equilibrium. In this novel review, we analyze four major signaling pathways implicated in melanomagenesis, TGF-β, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin and Hyppo signaling, from the complementary point of view of tumor cells and the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0652666246
| | - Emilia Migliano
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Picardo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy;
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19
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Lee YT, Tan YJ, Falasca M, Oon CE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Intervention in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2949. [PMID: 33066013 PMCID: PMC7600259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in the solid tumour microenvironment. These cells are positively linked to breast cancer progression. Breast CAFs can be categorised into distinct subtypes according to their roles in breast carcinogenesis. Epigenetic modifications change gene expression patterns as a consequence of altered chromatin configuration and DNA accessibility to transcriptional machinery, without affecting the primary structure of DNA. Epigenetic dysregulation in breast CAFs may enhance breast cancer cell survival and ultimately lead to therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence has described epigenetic modulators that target histones, DNA, and miRNA as a promising approach to treat cancer. This review aims to summarise the current findings on the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation in breast CAFs and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies via targeting these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeuan Ting Lee
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Chern Ein Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
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20
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Hu X, Yuan L, Ma T. Mechanisms of JAK-STAT signaling pathway mediated by CXCL8 gene silencing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human cutaneous melanoma cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:1973-1981. [PMID: 32724443 PMCID: PMC7377181 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Effect of CXCL8 gene silencing-mediated JAK-STAT signaling pathway on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human cutaneous melanoma cells was explored. Eighty patients with cutaneous melanoma were enrolled in the study. Cells were transfected accordingly and divided into five groups: The blank group (human cutaneous melanoma cells), NC group (human cutaneous melanoma cells + blank vector plasmid transfection), CXCL8 siRNA group (human cutaneous melanoma cells + CXCL8 silent expression vector plasmid transfection), AG490 group (human cutaneous melanoma cells + JAK-STAT signal pathway inhibitor transfection), CXCL8 siRNA + AG490 group (human cutaneous melanoma cells + JAK-STAT signaling pathway inhibitor + CXCL8 silent expression vector plasmid transfection). The expression levels of CXCL8, JAK2, STAT3, epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), neurotrophic cadherin (N-cadherin) and vimentin in tissues and cells were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Compared with adjacent normal tissues, the expression of E-cadherin in human cutaneous melanoma tissues was significantly decreased, whereas the expression of CXCL8, JAK2, STAT3, vimentin and N-cadherin was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, CXCL8 siRNA group and CXCL8 siRNA + AG490 group had significantly lower expression of CXCL8 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, vimentin and N-cadherin in CXCL8 siRNA group, AG490 group and CXCL8 siRNA + AG490 group were decreased, the expression of E-cadherin was increased, the cell proliferation ability was decreased and apoptosis was increased (P<0.05). Compared with CXCL8 siRNA group, the expression of JAK2, STAT3, vimentin and N-cadherin in CXCL8 siRNA + AG490 group were significantly decreased, the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased, cell proliferation ability was decreased and apoptosis was increased (P<0.05). In conclusion, CXCL8 gene expression silencing may inhibit EMT and cell proliferation while promoting cell apoptosis of human cutaneous melanoma cells by inhibiting the activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Hu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Gansu 750001, P.R. China
| | - Lili Yuan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Qingyang People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Qingyang, Gansu 745000, P.R. China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Traumatic Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Gansu 750001, P.R. China
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21
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Sano M, Hirakawa S, Suzuki M, Sakabe JI, Ogawa M, Yamamoto S, Hiraide T, Sasaki T, Yamamoto N, Inuzuka K, Tanaka H, Saito T, Sugisawa R, Katahashi K, Yata T, Kayama T, Urano T, Tokura Y, Sato K, Setou M, Takeuchi H, Konno H, Unno N. Potential role of transforming growth factor-beta 1/Smad signaling in secondary lymphedema after cancer surgery. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2620-2634. [PMID: 32412154 PMCID: PMC7385355 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary lymphedema often develops after cancer surgery, and over 250 million patients suffer from this complication. A major symptom of secondary lymphedema is swelling with fibrosis, which lowers the patient's quality of life, even if cancer does not recur. Nonetheless, the pathophysiology of secondary lymphedema remains unclear, with therapeutic approaches limited to physical or surgical therapy. There is no effective pharmacological therapy for secondary lymphedema. Notably, the lack of animal models that accurately mimic human secondary lymphedema has hindered pathophysiological investigations of the disease. Here, we developed a novel rat hindlimb model of secondary lymphedema and showed that our rat model mimics human secondary lymphedema from early to late stages in terms of cell proliferation, lymphatic fluid accumulation, and skin fibrosis. Using our animal model, we investigated the disease progression and found that transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGFB1) was produced by macrophages in the acute phase and by fibroblasts in the chronic phase of the disease. TGFB1 promoted the transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and accelerated collagen synthesis, resulting in fibrosis, which further indicates that myofibroblasts and TGFB1/Smad signaling play key roles in fibrotic diseases. Furthermore, the presence of myofibroblasts in skin samples from lymphedema patients after cancer surgery emphasizes the role of these cells in promoting fibrosis. Suppression of myofibroblast‐dependent TGFB1 production may therefore represent an effective pharmacological treatment for inhibiting skin fibrosis in human secondary lymphedema after cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Sano
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hirakawa
- Institute for NanoSuit Research, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Minoru Suzuki
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Sakabe
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Mikako Ogawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiji Yamamoto
- Department of Innovative Medical Photonics, Applied Medical Photonics Laboratory, Medical Photonics Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takanori Hiraide
- Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sasaki
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naoto Yamamoto
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kazunori Inuzuka
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Medical Physiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takaaki Saito
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ryota Sugisawa
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kazuto Katahashi
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Yata
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kayama
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tetsumei Urano
- Department of Medical Physiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Tokura
- Department of Dermatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kohji Sato
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Setou
- Department of Systems Molecular Anatomy, Basic Medical Photonics Laboratory, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroya Takeuchi
- Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Konno
- Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naoki Unno
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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22
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Avagliano A, Fiume G, Pelagalli A, Sanità G, Ruocco MR, Montagnani S, Arcucci A. Metabolic Plasticity of Melanoma Cells and Their Crosstalk With Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2020; 10:722. [PMID: 32528879 PMCID: PMC7256186 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a highly aggressive and drug resistant solid tumor, showing an impressive metabolic plasticity modulated by oncogenic activation. In particular, melanoma cells can generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during cancer progression by both cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments, although CM energetic request mostly relies on glycolysis. The upregulation of glycolysis is associated with constitutive activation of BRAF/MAPK signaling sustained by BRAFV600E kinase mutant. In this scenario, the growth and progression of CM are strongly affected by melanoma metabolic changes and interplay with tumor microenvironment (TME) that sustain tumor development and immune escape. Furthermore, CM metabolic plasticity can induce a metabolic adaptive response to BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), associated with the shift from glycolysis toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Therefore, in this review article we survey the metabolic alterations and plasticity of CM, its crosstalk with TME that regulates melanoma progression, drug resistance and immunosurveillance. Finally, we describe hallmarks of melanoma therapeutic strategies targeting the shift from glycolysis toward OXPHOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Sanità
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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23
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Liu T, Zhou L, Yang K, Iwasawa K, Kadekaro AL, Takebe T, Andl T, Zhang Y. The β-catenin/YAP signaling axis is a key regulator of melanoma-associated fibroblasts. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2019; 4:63. [PMID: 31885878 PMCID: PMC6928146 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
β-catenin is a multifunctional protein that plays crucial roles in embryonic development, physiological homeostasis, and a wide variety of human cancers. Previously, we showed that in vivo targeted ablation of β-catenin in melanoma-associated fibroblasts after melanoma formation significantly suppressed tumor growth. However, when the expression of β-catenin was ablated in melanoma-associated fibroblasts before tumor initiation, melanoma development was surprisingly accelerated. How stromal β-catenin deficiency leads to opposite biological effects in melanoma progression is not completely understood. Here, we report that β-catenin is indispensable for the activation of primary human stromal fibroblasts and the mediation of fibroblast-melanoma cell interactions. Using coimmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays, we identified Yes-associated protein (YAP) as an important β-catenin-interacting partner in stromal fibroblasts. YAP is highly expressed in the nuclei of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in both human and murine melanomas. Mechanistic investigation revealed that YAP nuclear translocation is significantly modulated by Wnt/β-catenin activity in fibroblasts. Blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling in stromal fibroblasts inhibited YAP nuclear translocation. In the absence of YAP, the ability of stromal fibroblasts to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) was inhibited, which is consistent with the phenotype observed in cells with β-catenin deficiency. Further studies showed that the expression of ECM proteins and enzymes required for remodeling the ECM was suppressed in stromal fibroblasts after YAP ablation. Collectively, our data provide a new paradigm in which the β-catenin-YAP signaling axis regulates the activation and tumor-promoting function of stromal fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Linli Zhou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Kun Yang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Kentaro Iwasawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Ana Luisa Kadekaro
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Takanori Takebe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biological Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816 USA
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
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24
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Development of a Stromal Microenvironment Experimental Model Containing Proto-Myofibroblast Like Cells and Analysis of Its Crosstalk with Melanoma Cells: A New Tool to Potentiate and Stabilize Tumor Suppressor Phenotype of Dermal Myofibroblasts. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111435. [PMID: 31739477 PMCID: PMC6912587 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive solid tumors and includes a stromal microenvironment that regulates cancer growth and progression. The components of stromal microenvironment such as fibroblasts, fibroblast aggregates and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can differently influence the melanoma growth during its distinct stages. In this work, we have developed and studied a stromal microenvironment model, represented by fibroblasts, proto-myofibroblasts, myofibroblasts and aggregates of inactivated myofibroblasts, such as spheroids. In particular, we have generated proto-myofibroblasts from primary cutaneous myofibroblasts. The phenotype of proto-myofibroblasts is characterized by a dramatic reduction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels, as well as an enhancement of cell viability and migratory capability compared with myofibroblasts. Furthermore, proto-myofibroblasts display the mesenchymal marker vimentin and less developed stress fibers, with respect to myofibroblasts. The analysis of crosstalk between the stromal microenvironment and A375 or A2058 melanoma cells has shown that the conditioned medium of proto-myofibroblasts is cytotoxic, mainly for A2058 cells, and dramatically reduces the migratory capability of both cell lines compared with the melanoma-control conditioned medium. An array analysis of proto-myofibroblast and melanoma cell-conditioned media suggests that lower levels of some cytokines and growth factors in the conditioned medium of proto-myofibroblasts could be associated with their anti-tumor activity. Conversely, the conditioned media of melanoma cells do not influence the cell viability, outgrowth, and migration of proto-myofibroblasts from spheroids. Interestingly, the conditioned medium of proto-myofibroblasts does not alter the cell viability of both BJ-5ta fibroblast cells and myofibroblasts. Hence, proto-myofibroblasts could be useful in the study of new therapeutic strategies targeting melanoma.
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25
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Olova N, Simpson DJ, Marioni RE, Chandra T. Partial reprogramming induces a steady decline in epigenetic age before loss of somatic identity. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12877. [PMID: 30450724 PMCID: PMC6351826 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), with their unlimited regenerative capacity, carry the promise for tissue replacement to counter age-related decline. However, attempts to realize in vivo iPSC have invariably resulted in the formation of teratomas. Partial reprogramming in prematurely aged mice has shown promising results in alleviating age-related symptoms without teratoma formation. Does partial reprogramming lead to rejuvenation (i.e., "younger" cells), rather than dedifferentiation, which bears the risk of cancer? Here, we analyse the dynamics of cellular age during human iPSC reprogramming and find that partial reprogramming leads to a reduction in the epigenetic age of cells. We also find that the loss of somatic gene expression and epigenetic age follows different kinetics, suggesting that they can be uncoupled and there could be a safe window where rejuvenation can be achieved with a minimized risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Olova
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Daniel J. Simpson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Riccardo E. Marioni
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Tamir Chandra
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
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26
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Maimela NR, Liu S, Zhang Y. Fates of CD8+ T cells in Tumor Microenvironment. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2018; 17:1-13. [PMID: 30581539 PMCID: PMC6297055 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have reported a positive correlation between elevated CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and good prognosis in cancer. However, the mechanisms linking T cell tumor-infiltration and tumor rejection are yet to be fully understood. The cells and factors of the TME facilitate tumor development in various ways. CD8+ T cell function is influenced by a number of factors, including CD8+ T cell trafficking and localization into tumor sites; as well as CD8+ T cell growth and differentiation. This review highlights recent literature as well as currently evolving concepts regarding the fates of CD8+ T cells in the TME from three different aspects CD8+ T cell trafficking, differentiation and function. A thorough understanding of factors contributing to the fates of CD8+ T cells will allow researchers to develop new strategies and improve on already existing strategies to facilitate CD8+ T cell mediated anti-tumor function, impede T cell dysfunction and modulate the TME into a less immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shasha Liu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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27
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Shu SL, Yang Y, Allen CL, Maguire O, Minderman H, Sen A, Ciesielski MJ, Collins KA, Bush PJ, Singh P, Wang X, Morgan M, Qu J, Bankert RB, Whiteside TL, Wu Y, Ernstoff MS. Metabolic reprogramming of stromal fibroblasts by melanoma exosome microRNA favours a pre-metastatic microenvironment. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12905. [PMID: 30150674 PMCID: PMC6110845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Local acidification of stroma is proposed to favour pre-metastatic niche formation but the mechanism of initiation is unclear. We investigated whether Human Melanoma-derived exosomes (HMEX) could reprogram human adult dermal fibroblasts (HADF) and cause extracellular acidification. HMEX were isolated from supernatants of six melanoma cell lines (3 BRAF V600E mutant cell lines and 3 BRAF wild-type cell lines) using ultracentrifugation or Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Rapid uptake of exosomes by HADF was demonstrated following 18 hours co-incubation. Exposure of HDAF to HMEX leads to an increase in aerobic glycolysis and decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in HADF, consequently increasing extracellular acidification. Using a novel immuno-biochip, exosomal miR-155 and miR-210 were detected in HMEX. These miRNAs were present in HMEX from all six melanoma cell lines and were instrumental in promoting glycolysis and inhibiting OXPHOS in tumour cells. Inhibition of miR-155 and miR-210 activity by transfection of miRNA inhibitors into HMEX reversed the exosome-induced metabolic reprogramming of HADF. The data indicate that melanoma-derived exosomes modulate stromal cell metabolism and may contribute to the creation of a pre-metastatic niche that promotes the development of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin La Shu
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yunchen Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Cheryl L Allen
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Orla Maguire
- Flow and Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hans Minderman
- Flow and Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Arindam Sen
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Michael J Ciesielski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Katherine A Collins
- Immune Analysis Facility, Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Peter J Bush
- South Campus Instrumentation Center, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Prashant Singh
- Genomics Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xue Wang
- New York Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Martin Morgan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jun Qu
- Genomics Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Richard B Bankert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Theresa L Whiteside
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Marc S Ernstoff
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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28
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Alkasalias T, Moyano-Galceran L, Arsenian-Henriksson M, Lehti K. Fibroblasts in the Tumor Microenvironment: Shield or Spear? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051532. [PMID: 29883428 PMCID: PMC5983719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a complex process involving dynamic interactions between malignant cells and their surrounding stroma, including both the cellular and acellular components. Within the stroma, fibroblasts represent not only a predominant cell type, but also a major source of the acellular tissue microenvironment comprising the extracellular matrix (ECM) and soluble factors. Normal fibroblasts can exert diverse suppressive functions against cancer initiating and metastatic cells via direct cell-cell contact, paracrine signaling by soluble factors, and ECM integrity. The loss of such suppressive functions is an inherent step in tumor progression. A tumor cell-induced switch of normal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), in turn, triggers a range of pro-tumorigenic signals accompanied by distraction of the normal tissue architecture, thus creating an optimal niche for cancer cells to grow extensively. To further support tumor progression and metastasis, CAFs secrete factors such as ECM remodeling enzymes that further modify the tumor microenvironment in combination with the altered adhesive forces and cell-cell interactions. These paradoxical tumor suppressive and promoting actions of fibroblasts are the focus of this review, highlighting the heterogenic molecular properties of both normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as their main mechanisms of action, including the emerging impact on immunomodulation and different therapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Twana Alkasalias
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University, Irbil 44002, Kurdistan-Iraq.
| | - Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marie Arsenian-Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology and Medicum, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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29
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Zhou L, Yang K, Dunaway S, Abdel-Malek Z, Andl T, Kadekaro AL, Zhang Y. Suppression of MAPK signaling in BRAF-activated PTEN-deficient melanoma by blocking β-catenin signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 31:297-307. [PMID: 29045061 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment have been associated with formation of a dynamic and optimized niche for tumor cells to grow and evade cell death induced by therapeutic agents. We recently reported that ablation of β-catenin expression in stromal fibroblasts and CAFs disrupted their biological activities in in vitro studies and in an in vivo B16F10 mouse melanoma model. Here, we show that the development of a BRAF-activated PTEN-deficient mouse melanoma was significantly suppressed in vivo after blocking β-catenin signaling in CAFs. Further analysis revealed that expression of phospho-Erk1/2 and phospho-Akt was greatly reduced, effectively abrogating the activating effects and abnormal cell cycle progression induced by Braf and Pten mutations. In addition, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like process was also suppressed in melanoma cells. Taken together, our data highlight an important crosstalk between CAFs and the RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade in BRAF-activated melanoma and may offer a new approach to abrogate host-dependent drug resistance in targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Zhou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kun Yang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Spencer Dunaway
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zalfa Abdel-Malek
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biological Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Ana Luisa Kadekaro
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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30
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He X, Liu H, Guo F, Feng Y, Gao Y, Sun F, Song B, Lu H, Li Y. Long non-coding RNA Z38 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in human renal cell carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:5489-5494. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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31
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Precise role of dermal fibroblasts on melanocyte pigmentation. J Dermatol Sci 2017; 88:159-166. [PMID: 28711237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dermal fibroblasts are traditionally recognized as synthesizing, remodeling and depositing collagen and extracellular matrix, the structural framework for tissues, helping to bring thickness and firmness to the skin. However, the role of fibroblasts on skin pigmentation arouses concern recently. More is known about the interactions between epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes. This review highlights the importance of fibroblast-derived melanogenic paracrine mediators in the regulation of melanocyte activities. Fibroblasts act on melanocytes directly and indirectly through neighboring cells by secreting a large number of cytokines (SCF), proteins (DKK1, sFRP, Sema7a, CCN, FAP-α) and growth factors (KGF, HGF, bFGF, NT-3, NRG-1, TGF-β) which bind to receptors and modulate intracellular signaling cascades (MAPK/ERK, cAMP/PKA, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt) related to melanocyte functions. These factors influence the growth, the pigmentation of melanocytes via the expression of melanin-producing enzymes and melanosome transfer, as well as their dendricity, mobility and adhesive properties. Thus, fibroblasts are implicated in both skin physiological and pathological pigmentation. In order to investigate their contribution, various in vitro models have been developed, based on cellular senescence. UV exposure, a major factor implicated in pigmentary disorders, may affect the secretory crosstalk between dermal and epithelial cells. Therefore, identification of the interactions between fibroblasts and melanocytes could provide novel insights not only for the development of melanogenic agents in the clinical and cosmetic fields, but also for a better understanding of the melanocyte biology and melanogenesis regulation.
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32
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Kaur A, Webster MR, Weeraratna AT. In the Wnt-er of life: Wnt signalling in melanoma and ageing. Br J Cancer 2016; 115:1273-1279. [PMID: 27764844 PMCID: PMC5129830 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the clinical landscape of melanoma is improving rapidly, metastatic melanoma remains a deadly disease. Age remains one of the greatest risk factors for melanoma, and patients older than 55 have a much poorer prognosis than younger individuals, even when the data are controlled for grade and stage. The reasons for this disparity have not been fully uncovered, but there is some recent evidence that Wnt signalling may have a role. Wnt signalling is known to have roles both in cancer progression as well as in organismal ageing. In melanoma, the interplay of Wnt signalling pathways is complex, with different members of the Wnt family guiding different aspects of invasion and proliferation. Here, we will briefly review the current literature addressing the roles of different Wnt pathways in melanoma pathogenesis, provide an overview of Wnt signalling during ageing, and discuss the intersection between melanoma and ageing in terms of Wnt signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanpreet Kaur
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marie R Webster
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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33
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Zhou L, Yang K, Wickett RR, Kadekaro AL, Zhang Y. Targeted deactivation of cancer-associated fibroblasts by β-catenin ablation suppresses melanoma growth. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:14235-14248. [PMID: 27571738 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the crucial components of the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which not only supports the growth and metastasis of melanoma but also contributes to drug resistance in melanoma treatment. We recently discovered that loss of β-catenin signaling deactivated stromal fibroblasts and reduced the production of paracrine factors and extracellular matrix proteins. Based on this finding, we aimed to determine whether melanoma growth could be suppressed by targeted deactivation of CAFs via β-catenin ablation using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches. Using an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor co-culture model, we showed that β-catenin-deficient fibroblasts lost the ability to respond to melanoma cell stimulation and to support the growth of B16F10 melanoma cells. To determine the in vivo effects of CAF deactivation on melanoma growth, we designed a novel genetic approach to ablate β-catenin expression in melanoma-associated fibroblasts only after melanoma tumor was formed. As expected, our observation showed that development of B16F10 melanoma was significantly delayed when β-catenin expression was ablated in CAFs. We determined that inhibition of tumor growth was due to decreased melanoma cell proliferation and increased cell death. Further analysis revealed that CAF deactivation caused the downregulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade and S and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in B16F10 melanoma cells. Overall, our data emphasize the significance of targeting CAFs as a potential novel therapeutic approach to improve melanoma treatment by creating a tumor-suppressive microenvironment through tumor-stroma interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Zhou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Kun Yang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - R Randall Wickett
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Ana Luisa Kadekaro
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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34
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CD133-positive dermal papilla-derived Wnt ligands regulate postnatal hair growth. Biochem J 2016; 473:3291-305. [PMID: 27462123 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Active Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the dermal papilla (DP) is required for postnatal hair cycling. In addition, maintenance of the hair-inducing ability of DP cells in vitro requires external addition of Wnt molecules. However, whether DP cells are a critical source of Wnt ligands and induce both autocrine and paracrine signaling cascades to promote adult hair follicle growth and regeneration remains elusive. To address this question, we generated an animal model that allows inducible ablation of Wntless (Wls), a transmembrane Wnt exporter protein, in CD133-positive (CD133+) DP cells. CD133+ cells have been shown to be a specific subpopulation of cells in the DP, which possesses the hair-inducing capability. Here, we show that ablation of Wls expression in CD133+ DP cells results in a shortened period of postnatal hair growth. Mutant hair follicles were unable to enter full anagen (hair growth stage) and progressed toward a rapid regression. Notably, reduced size of the DP and decreased expression of anagen DP marker, versican, were observed in hair follicles when CD133+ DP cells lost Wls expression. Further analysis showed that Wls-deficient CD133+ DP cells led to reduced proliferation and differentiation in matrix keratinocytes and melanocytes that are needed for the generation of the hair follicle structure and a pigmented hair shaft. These findings clearly demonstrate that Wnt ligands produced by CD133+ DP cells play an important role in postnatal hair growth by maintaining the inductivity of DP cells and mediating the signaling cross-talk between the mesenchyme and the epithelial compartment.
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35
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Zhou L, Yang K, Randall Wickett R, Zhang Y. Dermal fibroblasts induce cell cycle arrest and block epithelial-mesenchymal transition to inhibit the early stage melanoma development. Cancer Med 2016; 5:1566-79. [PMID: 27061029 PMCID: PMC4944884 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal fibroblasts are an integral part of the tumor stroma and constantly interact with cancer cells to promote their initiation and progression. However, the role and function of dermal fibroblasts during the early stage of melanoma development remain poorly understood. We, therefore, designed a novel genetic approach to deactivate stromal fibroblasts at the onset of melanoma formation by targeted ablation of β-catenin. To our surprise, melanoma tumors formed from β-catenin-deficient group (B16F10 mixed with β-catenin-deficient fibroblasts) appeared earlier than tumors formed from control group (B16F10 mixed with normal dermal fibroblasts). At the end point when tumors were collected, mutant tumors were bigger and heavier than control tumors. Further analysis showed that there were fewer amounts of stromal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts inside mutant tumor stroma. Melanoma tumors from control group showed reduced proliferation, down-regulated expression of cyclin D1 and increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16, suggesting dermal fibroblasts blocked the onset of melanoma tumor formation by inducing a cell cycle arrest in B16F10 melanoma cells. Furthermore, we discovered that dermal fibroblasts prevented epithelial-mesenchymal transition in melanoma cells. Overall, our findings demonstrated that dermal fibroblasts crosstalk with melanoma cells to regulate in vivo tumor development via multiple mechanisms, and the outcomes of their reciprocal interactions depend on activation states of stromal fibroblasts and stages of melanoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Zhou
- Division of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhio45267
| | - Kun Yang
- Division of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhio45267
| | - R. Randall Wickett
- Division of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhio45267
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhio45267
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