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Pan S, Yin R, Zhu H, Shen S, Li Z, Liu B. Prostate cancer cancer-associated fibroblasts with stable markers post-androgen deprivation therapy associated with tumor progression and castration resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 38970292 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The specificity and clinical relevance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in prostate cancer (PCa), as well as the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on CAFs, remain to be fully elucidated. Using cell lineage diversity and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we pinpointed a unique CAF signature exclusive to PCa. The specificity of this CAF signature was validated through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), cell line RNA sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. This signature associates CAFs with tumor progression, elevated Gleason scores, and the emergence of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Using scRNA-seq on collected samples, we demonstrated that the CAF-specific signature is not altered by ADT, maintaining its peak signal output. Identifying a PCa-specific CAF signature and observing signaling changes in CAFs after ADT lay essential groundwork for further PCa studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Yin
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hehe Zhu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Siang Shen
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bitian Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Lai X, Fu G, Du H, Xie Z, Lin S, Li Q, Lin K. Identification of a cancer-associated fibroblast classifier for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35005. [PMID: 37746966 PMCID: PMC10519496 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable prognostic gene signatures for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are still lacking, and the underlying genetic principles remain unclear. Therefore, the 2 main aims of our study were to establish a reliable CAFs prognostic gene signature that can be used to stratify patients with LUSC and to identify promising potential targets for more effective and individualized therapies. Clinical information and mRNA expression were accessed of the cancer genome atlas-LUSC cohort (n = 501) and GSE157011 cohort (n = 484). CAFs abundance were quantified by the multi-estimated algorithms. Stromal CAF-related genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression method was utilized to identify the most relevant CAFs candidates for predicting prognosis. Chemotherapy sensitivity scores were calculated using the "pRRophetic" package in R software, and the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion algorithm was employed to evaluate immunotherapy response. Gene set enrichment analysis and the Search Tool for Interaction of Chemicals database were applied to clarify the molecular mechanisms. In this study, we identified 288 hub CAF-related candidate genes by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Next, 34 potential prognostic CAFs candidate genes were identified by univariate Cox regression in the cancer genome atlas-LUSC cohort. We prioritized the top 8 CAFs prognostic genes (DCBLD1, SLC24A3, ILK, SMAD7, SERPINE1, SNX9, PDGFA, and KLF10) by a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model, and these genes were used to identify low- and high-risk subgroups for unfavorable survival. In silico drug screening identified 6 effective compounds for high-risk CAFs-related LUSC: TAK-715, GW 441756, OSU-03012, MP470, FH535, and KIN001-266. Additionally, search tool for interaction of chemicals database highlighted PI3K-Akt signaling as a potential target pathway for high-risk CAFs-related LUSC. Overall, our findings provide a molecular classifier for high-risk CAFs-related LUSC and suggest that treatment with PI3K-Akt signaling inhibitors could benefit these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Lai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gangze Fu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Du
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zuoliu Xie
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Saifeng Lin
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kuailu Lin
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Qin Y, Zu X, Li Y, Han Y, Tan J, Cai C, Shen E, Liu P, Deng G, Feng Z, Wu W, Peng Y, Liu Y, Ma J, Zeng S, Chen Y, Shen H. A cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes-based signature enables the evaluation of immunotherapy response and prognosis in bladder cancer. iScience 2023; 26:107722. [PMID: 37694141 PMCID: PMC10485638 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most prevalent and heterogeneous urinary malignant tumors. Previous researches have reported a significant association between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and poor prognosis of tumor patients. However, uncertainty surrounds the role of CAFs in the BLCA tumor microenvironment, necessitating further investigation into the CAFs-related gene signatures in BLCA. In this study, we identified three CAF subtypes in BLCA according to single-cell RNA-seq data and constructed CAFs-related risk score (CRRS) by screening 102,714 signatures. The survival analysis, ROC curves, and nomogram suggested that CRRS was a valuable predictor in 2,042 patients from 9 available public datasets and Xiangya real-world cohort. We further revealed the significant correlation between CRRS and clinicopathological characteristics, genome alterations, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A high CRRS indicated a non-inflamed phenotype and a lower remission rate of immunotherapy in BLCA. In conclusion, the CRRS had the potential to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of BLCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Qin
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiongbing Zu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Edward Shen
- Department of Life Science, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, ON, Canada
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ganlu Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, Guangxi, China
| | - Ziyang Feng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yinghui Peng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yongting Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jiayao Ma
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yihong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
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Gu L, Ding D, Wei C, Zhou D. Cancer-associated fibroblasts refine the classifications of gastric cancer with distinct prognosis and tumor microenvironment characteristics. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1158863. [PMID: 37404754 PMCID: PMC10316023 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1158863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are essential tumoral components of gastric cancer (GC), contributing to the development, therapeutic resistance and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of GC. This study aimed to explore the factors related to matrix CAFs and establish a CAF model to evaluate the prognosis and therapeutic effect of GC. Methods Sample information from the multiply public databases were retrieved. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify CAF-related genes. EPIC algorithm was used to construct and verify the model. Machine-learning methods characterized CAF risk. Gene set enrichment analysis was employed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of CAF in the development of GC. Results A three-gene (GLT8D2, SPARC and VCAN) prognostic CAF model was established, and patients were markedly divided according to the riskscore of CAF model. The high-risk CAF clusters had significantly worse prognoses and less significant responses to immunotherapy than the low-risk group. Additionally, the CAF risk score was positively associated with CAF infiltration in GC. Moreover, the expression of the three model biomarkers were significantly associated with the CAF infiltration. GSEA revealed significant enrichment of cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix receptors and focal adhesions in patients at a high risk of CAF. Conclusion The CAF signature refines the classifications of GC with distinct prognosis and clinicopathological indicators. The three-gene model could effectively aid in determining the prognosis, drug resistance and immunotherapy efficacy of GC. Thus, this model has promising clinical significance for guiding precise GC anti-CAF therapy combined with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Navy/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuicui Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Donglei Zhou
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang Z, Wang T, Wu G, Zhu L, Zhang J. Clinical Significance and Tumor Microenvironment Characterization of a Novel Immune-Related Gene Signature in Bladder Cancer. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051892. [PMID: 36902678 PMCID: PMC10003605 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy plays a crucial role in bladder cancer (BC) progression. Increasing evidence has elucidated the clinicopathologic significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in predicting outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. This study sought to establish a comprehensive analysis of the immune-gene signature combined with TME to assist in BC prognosis. We selected sixteen immune-related genes (IRGs) after a weighted gene co-expression network and survival analysis. Enrichment analysis revealed that these IRGs were actively involved in Mitophagy and Renin secretion pathways. After multivariable COX analysis, the IRGPI comprising NCAM1, CNTN1, PTGIS, ADRB3, and ANLN was established to predict the overall survival of BC, which was validated in both TCGA and GSE13507 cohorts. In addition, a TME gene signature was developed for molecular and prognosis subtyping with unsupervised clustering, followed by a panoramic landscape characterization of BC. In summary, the IRGPI model developed in our study provided a valuable tool with an improved prognosis for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Advanced Biological Screening Facility, BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Gangfeng Wu
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
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Liu Y, Jian J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Liu X, Chen Z. Construction of cancer- associated fibroblasts related risk signature based on single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data in bladder urothelial carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1170893. [PMID: 37124542 PMCID: PMC10140328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1170893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ability of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to encourage angiogenesis, tumor cell spread, and increase treatment resistance makes them pro-tumorigenic. We aimed to investigate the CAF signature in Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) and, for clinical application, to build a CAF-based risk signature to decipher the immune landscape and screen for suitable treatment BLCA samples. Methods CAF-related genes were discovered by superimposing CAF marker genes discovered from single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data taken from the GEO database with CAF module genes discovered by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using bulk RNA-seq data from TCGA. After identifying prognostic genes related with CAF using univariate Cox regression, Lasso regression was used to build a risk signature. With microarray data from the GEO database, prognostic characteristics were externally verified. For high and low CAF-risk categories, immune cells and immunotherapy responses were analyzed. Finally, a nomogram model based on the risk signature and prospective chemotherapeutic drugs were examined. Results Combining scRNA-seq and bulk-seq data analysis yielded a total of 124 CAF-related genes. LRP1, ANXA5, SERPINE2, ECM1, RBP1, GJA1, and FKBP10 were the seven BLCA prognostic genes that remained after univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses. Then, based on these genes, prognostic characteristics were created and validated to predict survival in BLCA patients. Additionally, risk signature had a strong correlation with known CAF scores, stromal scores, and certain immune cells. The CAF-risk signature was identified as an independent prognostic factor for BLCA using multifactorial analysis, and its usefulness in predicting immunotherapy response was confirmed. Based on risk classification, we projected six highly sensitive anticancer medicines for the high-risk group. Conclusion The prognosis of BLCA may be accurately predicted using CAF-based risk signature. With a thorough understanding of the BLCA CAF-signature, it might be able to explain the BLCA patients' response to immunotherapy and identify a potential target for BLCA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxun Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Jian
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuheng Liu, ; Zhiyuan Chen,
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuheng Liu, ; Zhiyuan Chen,
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Xu A, Xu XN, Luo Z, Huang X, Gong RQ, Fu DY. Identification of prognostic cancer-associated fibroblast markers in luminal breast cancer using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1191660. [PMID: 37207166 PMCID: PMC10191114 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1191660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in cancer progression and are known to mediate endocrine and chemotherapy resistance through paracrine signaling. Additionally, they directly influence the expression and growth dependence of ER in Luminal breast cancer (LBC). This study aims to investigate stromal CAF-related factors and develop a CAF-related classifier to predict the prognosis and therapeutic outcomes in LBC. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were utilized to obtain mRNA expression and clinical information from 694 and 101 LBC samples, respectively. CAF infiltrations were determined by estimating the proportion of immune and cancer cells (EPIC) method, while stromal scores were calculated using the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumors using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify stromal CAF-related genes. A CAF risk signature was developed through univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method (LASSO) Cox regression model. The Spearman test was used to evaluate the correlation between CAF risk score, CAF markers, and CAF infiltrations estimated through EPIC, xCell, microenvironment cell populations-counter (MCP-counter), and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithms. The TIDE algorithm was further utilized to assess the response to immunotherapy. Additionally, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the findings. Results We constructed a 5-gene prognostic model consisting of RIN2, THBS1, IL1R1, RAB31, and COL11A1 for CAF. Using the median CAF risk score as the cutoff, we classified LBC patients into high- and low-CAF-risk groups and found that those in the high-risk group had a significantly worse prognosis. Spearman correlation analyses demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the CAF risk score and stromal and CAF infiltrations, with the five model genes showing positive correlations with CAF markers. In addition, the TIDE analysis revealed that high-CAF-risk patients were less likely to respond to immunotherapy. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified significant enrichment of ECM receptor interaction, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and TGF-β signaling pathway gene sets in the high-CAF-risk group patients. Conclusion The five-gene prognostic CAF signature presented in this study was not only reliable for predicting prognosis in LBC patients, but it was also effective in estimating clinical immunotherapy response. These findings have significant clinical implications, as the signature may guide tailored anti-CAF therapy in combination with immunotherapy for LBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Xu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang-Nan Xu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhou Luo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong-Quan Gong
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - De-Yuan Fu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: De-Yuan Fu,
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Sánchez-Baizán N, Ribas L, Piferrer F. Improved biomarker discovery through a plot twist in transcriptomic data analysis. BMC Biol 2022; 20:208. [PMID: 36153614 PMCID: PMC9509653 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01398-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcriptomic analysis is crucial for understanding the functional elements of the genome, with the classic method consisting of screening transcriptomics datasets for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Additionally, since 2005, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) has emerged as a powerful method to explore relationships between genes. However, an approach combining both methods, i.e., filtering the transcriptome dataset by DEGs or other criteria, followed by WGCNA (DEGs + WGCNA), has become common. This is of concern because such approach can affect the resulting underlying architecture of the network under analysis and lead to wrong conclusions. Here, we explore a plot twist to transcriptome data analysis: applying WGCNA to exploit entire datasets without affecting the topology of the network, followed with the strength and relative simplicity of DEG analysis (WGCNA + DEGs). We tested WGCNA + DEGs against DEGs + WGCNA to publicly available transcriptomics data in one of the most transcriptomically complex tissues and delicate processes: vertebrate gonads undergoing sex differentiation. We further validate the general applicability of our approach through analysis of datasets from three distinct model systems: European sea bass, mouse, and human. Results In all cases, WGCNA + DEGs clearly outperformed DEGs + WGCNA. First, the network model fit and node connectivity measures and other network statistics improved. The gene lists filtered by each method were different, the number of modules associated with the trait of interest and key genes retained increased, and GO terms of biological processes provided a more nuanced representation of the biological question under consideration. Lastly, WGCNA + DEGs facilitated biomarker discovery. Conclusions We propose that building a co-expression network from an entire dataset, and only thereafter filtering by DEGs, should be the method to use in transcriptomic studies, regardless of biological system, species, or question being considered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01398-w.
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Pan S, Li S, Zhan Y, Chen X, Sun M, Liu X, Wu B, Li Z, Liu B. Immune status for monitoring and treatment of bladder cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:963877. [PMID: 36159866 PMCID: PMC9492838 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.963877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The high recurrence rate of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (BC) and poor prognosis of advanced BC are therapeutic challenges that need to be solved. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) perfusion was the pioneer immunotherapy for early BC, and the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors has created a new chapter in the treatment of advanced BC. The benefit of immunotherapy is highly anticipated, but its effectiveness still needs to be improved. In this review, we collated and analysed the currently available information and explored the mechaisms by which the internal immune imbalance of BC leads to tumour progression. The relationship between immunity and progression and the prognosis of BC has been explored through tests using body fluids such as blood and urine. These analytical tests have attempted to identify specific immuyne cells and cytokines to predict treatment outcomes and recurrence. The diversity and proportion of immune and matrix cells in BC determine the heterogeneity and immune status of tumours. The role and classification of immune cells have also been redefined, e.g., CD4 cells having recognised cytotoxicity in BC. Type 2 immunity, including that mediated by M2 macrophages, Th2 cells, and interleukin (IL)-13, plays an important role in the recurrence and progression of BC. Pathological fibrosis, activated by type 2 immunity and cancer cells, enhances the rate of cancer progression and irreversibility. Elucidating the immune status of BC and clarifying the mechanisms of action of different cells in the tumour microenvironment is the research direction to be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Pan
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yunhong Zhan
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaonan Chen
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming Sun
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bitian Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Bitian Liu, ;
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Feng S, Xu Y, Dai Z, Yin H, Zhang K, Shen Y. Integrative Analysis From Multicenter Studies Identifies a WGCNA-Derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Signature for Ovarian Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951582. [PMID: 35874760 PMCID: PMC9304893 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major contributor to tumor stromal crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and boost tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This study aimed to identify prognostic genes associated with CAFs that lead to high morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. We performed bioinformatics analysis in 16 multicenter studies (2,742 patients) and identified CAF-associated hub genes using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A machine learning methodology was used to identify COL16A1, COL5A2, GREM1, LUM, SRPX, and TIMP3 and construct a prognostic signature. Subsequently, a series of bioinformatics algorithms indicated risk stratification based on the above signature, suggesting that high-risk patients have a worse prognosis, weaker immune response, and lower tumor mutational burden (TMB) status but may be more sensitive to routine chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, we characterized prognostic markers using cell lines, immunohistochemistry, and single-cell sequencing. In conclusion, these results suggest that the CAF-related signature may be a novel pretreatment guide for anti-CAFs, and prognostic markers in CAFs may be potential therapeutic targets to inhibit OC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songwei Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Shen,
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11
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Elhabashy H, Merino F, Alva V, Kohlbacher O, Lupas AN. Exploring protein-protein interactions at the proteome level. Structure 2022; 30:462-475. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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12
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Zhang C, Ding J, Li H, Wang T. Identification of key genes in pathogenesis of placental insufficiency intrauterine growth restriction. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:77. [PMID: 35090410 PMCID: PMC8796578 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as a fetus that fails to achieve its genetically determined growth potential. The exact molecular mechanisms of placental insufficiency IUGR pathogenesis are a little known. Our goal was to identify key genes and gene co-expression modules related to placental insufficiency IUGR. Methods We used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to examine the IUGR dataset GSE114691 from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus. Core modules and hub nodes of the protein-protein interaction network were identified. A gene network was constructed and genes were classified by WGCNA into different modules. The validation of potential key genes was carried out using additional datasets (GSE12216 and GSE24129). Results We identified in GSE114691 539 down regulated genes and 751 up regulated genes in placental tissues characteristic of placental insufficiency IUGR compared with non-IUGR, and defined 76 genes as hub nodes in the protein-protein interaction network. Genes in the key modules of the WGCNA network were most closely associated with placental insufficiency IUGR and significantly enriched in biological process such as cellular metabolic process and macromolecule metabolic process. We identified as key genes TGFB1, LEP, ENG, ITGA5, STAT5A, LYN, GATA3, FPR1, TGFB2, CEBPB, KLF4, FLT1, and PNPLA2. The RNA expression levels of ENG and LEP, as biomarkers, were validated. Conclusion A holistic gene expression profile of placental insufficiency IUGR has been generated and the key genes ENG and LEP has potential to serve as circulating diagnosis biomarkers and therapeutic targets for placental insufficiency IUGR. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04399-3.
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Liu J, Li J, Du H, Xu L, Yang Z, Yuan M, Zhang K, Li J, Xing W, Wang S, Hu T, Wang J, Wang J, Gong Q. Three Potential Tumor Markers Promote Metastasis and Recurrence of Colorectal Cancer by Regulating the Inflammatory Response: ADAM8, LYN, and S100A9. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3118046. [PMID: 35103068 PMCID: PMC8800630 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3118046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis and recurrence are major causes of colorectal cancer (CRC) death, but their molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, genes associated with CRC metastasis and recurrence were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis, selecting the top 25% most variant genes in the dataset GSE33113. By average linkage hierarchical clustering, a total of 21 modules were generated. One key module was identified as the most relevant to the prognosis of CRC. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that genes associated with tumor metastasis and recurrence in this module were significantly enriched in inflammatory biological functions. Functional analysis was performed on the key module, and candidate hub genes (ADAM8, LYN, and S100A9) were screened out by expression and survival analysis. In summary, the three core genes identified in this study could greatly improve our understanding of CRC metastasis and recurrence. The results also provide a theoretical basis for the use of three core genes (ADAM8, LYN, and S100A9) as a combined marker for early diagnosis, which could benefit CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Haolin Du
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianshui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianshui 741000, China
| | - Liming Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Zhenbang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Mengjiao Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Jialei Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Wenjun Xing
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Shoujie Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Tingting Hu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Qian Gong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
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Li W, Meng X, Yuan H, Xiao W, Zhang X. M2-Polarization-related CNTNAP1 gene might be a novel immunotherapeutic target and biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. IUBMB Life 2022; 74:391-407. [PMID: 35023290 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignancies, characterized by high mortality rate in urology. Unfortunately, reliable biomarkers for ccRCC diagnosis and prognosis remain lacking. Contactin Associated Protein 1 (CNTNAP1) has yet to be thoroughly investigated in cancer, especially its relationship with immune infiltration or clinical outcomes of ccRCC. Here, we explored the Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Clear Cell Carcinoma database (TCGA-KIRC) for prognostic significance, differential expression, and probable mechanism of CNTNAP1. The aberrant CNTNAP1 expression was also validated by international Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and ccRCC clinic samples. We used Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to performed the GO & KEGG enrichment. TIMER database was further utilized to assess its correlation with immune infiltration in ccRCC. The the CellMiner database was used to analyse the relationship between CNTNAP1 expression and drug sensitivity. Results showed CNTNAP1 was upregulated in TCGA-KIRC, ICGC and clinic samples. And CNTNAP1 expression was positively related to infiltration levels of cancer-associated fibroblast, regulatory T cells, and Myeloid-derived suppressor cells, while negatively related to eosinophils. Furthermore, we observed CNTNAP1 was appreciably positively associated with alternatively activated macrophage (M2) in ccRCC. Finally, high CNTNAP1 expression was negatively correlated with Nilotinib, Crizotinib, Eribulin mesylate, and Vinorelbine. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that CNTNAP1 might act as an immunotherapeutic target and a promising novel biomarker for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiquan Li
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangui Meng
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongwei Yuan
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Lv X, Sun Y, Tan W, Liu Y, Wen N, Fu S, Yu L, Liu T, Qi X, Shu N, Du Y, Zhang W, Meng Y. NONMMUT140591.1 may serve as a ceRNA to regulate Gata5 in UT-B knockout-induced cardiac conduction block. Open Life Sci 2021; 16:1240-1251. [PMID: 34901457 PMCID: PMC8627919 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We intended to explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiac conduction block inducted by urea transporter (UT)-B deletion at the transcriptome level. The heart tissues were harvested from UT-B null mice and age-matched wild-type mice for lncRNA sequencing analysis. Based on the sequencing data, the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and lncRNAs (DELs) between UT-B knockout and control groups were identified, followed by function analysis and mRNA-lncRNA co-expression analysis. The miRNAs were predicted, and then the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed. UT-B deletion results in the aberrant expression of 588 lncRNAs and 194 mRNAs. These DEMs were significantly enriched in the inflammation-related pathway. A lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network and a ceRNA network were constructed on the basis of the DEMs and DELs. The complement 7 (C7)-NONMMUT137216.1 co-expression pair had the highest correlation coefficient in the co-expression network. NONMMUT140591.1 had the highest degree in the ceRNA network and was involved in the ceRNA of NONMMUT140591.1-mmu-miR-298-5p-Gata5 (GATA binding protein 5). UT-B deletion may promote cardiac conduction block via inflammatory process. The ceRNA NONMMUT140591.1-mmu-miR-298-5p-Gata5 may be a potential molecular mechanism of UT-B knockout-induced cardiac conduction block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Lv
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Pathophysiology, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041 Jilin, China
| | - Yuxin Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Wenxi Tan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Pathophysiology, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041 Jilin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Pathophysiology, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041 Jilin, China
| | - Naiyan Wen
- Department of Nursing, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Shuang Fu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Lanying Yu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Xiaocui Qi
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Nanqi Shu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Yanwei Du
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Department of Prescriptions, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Pathophysiology, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Road, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041 Jilin, China
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Zheng H, Liu H, Li H, Dou W, Wang X. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis Identifies a Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses in Gastric Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:744677. [PMID: 34692770 PMCID: PMC8531434 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.744677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most prominent cellular components in gastric cancer (GC) stroma that contribute to GC progression, treatment resistance, and immunosuppression. This study aimed at exploring stromal CAF-related factors and developing a CAF-related classifier for predicting prognosis and therapeutic effects in GC. Methods: We downloaded mRNA expression and clinical information of 431 GC samples from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and 330 GC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. CAF infiltrations were quantified by the estimate the proportion of immune and cancer cells (EPIC) method, and stromal scores were calculated via the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumors using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm. Stromal CAF-related genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A CAF risk signature was then developed using the univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method (LASSO) Cox regression model. We applied the Spearman test to determine the correlation among CAF risk score, CAF markers, and CAF infiltrations (estimated via EPIC, xCell, microenvironment cell populations-counter (MCP-counter), and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithms). The TIDE algorithm was further used to assess immunotherapy response. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to clarify the molecular mechanisms. Results: The 4-gene (COL8A1, SPOCK1, AEBP1, and TIMP2) prognostic CAF model was constructed. GC patients were classified into high– and low–CAF-risk groups in accordance with their median CAF risk score, and patients in the high–CAF-risk group had significant worse prognosis. Spearman correlation analyses revealed the CAF risk score was strongly and positively correlated with stromal and CAF infiltrations, and the four model genes also exhibited positive correlations with CAF markers. Furthermore, TIDE analysis revealed high–CAF-risk patients were less likely to respond to immunotherapy. GSEA revealed that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), TGF-β signaling, hypoxia, and angiogenesis gene sets were significantly enriched in high–CAF-risk group patients. Conclusion: The present four-gene prognostic CAF signature was not only reliable for predicting prognosis but also competent to estimate clinical immunotherapy response for GC patients, which might provide significant clinical implications for guiding tailored anti-CAF therapy in combination with immunotherapy for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Heshu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huayu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weidong Dou
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Du Y, Jiang X, Wang B, Cao J, Wang Y, Yu J, Wang X, Liu H. The cancer-associated fibroblasts related gene CALD1 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltration in bladder cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:283. [PMID: 34051818 PMCID: PMC8164301 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01896-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stromal components of the tumor microenvironment contribute to bladder cancer progression, and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) were reported to play an important role. Accumulating pieces of evidence indicate that CAFs participate in the crosstalk with tumor cells and have a complex interaction network with immune components. Further studies on the role of CAFs in the bladder cancer microenvironment and searching for possible specific markers are important for a deeper understanding of CAFs in bladder cancer progression and immunomodulation. METHODS In the present study, we examined the abundance of CAFs in the TCGA and GEO datasets using the MCP-COUNTER algorithm. Additionally, the expression of genes related to CAFs was analyzed through the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). The CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to discuss the correlation of the key CAFs-related gene and the tumor microenvironment components. Immunohistochemistry analysis in clinical samples was used to validate the results of bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS The results showed that CAFs were closely associated with the progression and prognosis of bladder cancer. WGCNA also revealed that CALD1 was a key CAFs-related gene in bladder cancer. Moreover, further in-depth analysis showed that CALD1 significantly affected the progression and prognosis of bladder cancer. The CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms demonstrated significant correlations between CALD1 and the tumor microenvironment components, including CAFs, macrophages, T cells, and multiple immune checkpoint related genes. Finally, immunohistochemistry results validated the strong association of CALD1 with CAFs and macrophages. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, we confirmed the cancer-promoting roles of CAFs in bladder cancer. Being a key gene associated with CAFs, CALD1 may promote bladder cancer progression by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. The bioinformatics methods, including the CIBERSORT, MCP-COUNTER and ESTIMATE algorithms, may provide important value for studying the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiHeng Du
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 215028, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 215028, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 215028, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 215028, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 215028, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 215028, Suzhou, China
| | - XiZhi Wang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 215028, Suzhou, China
| | - HaiTao Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine (originally named "Shanghai First Hospital"), 200080, Shanghai, China.
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Liu B, Chen X, Zhan Y, Wu B, Pan S. Identification of a Gene Signature for Renal Cell Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts Mediating Cancer Progression and Affecting Prognosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:604627. [PMID: 33634098 PMCID: PMC7901886 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.604627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are mainly involved in cancer progression and treatment failure. However, the specific signature of CAFs and their related clinicopathological parameters in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain unclear. Here, methods to recognize gene signatures were employed to roughly assess the infiltration of CAFs in RCC, based on the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to cluster transcriptomes and correlate with CAFs to identify the gene signature. Single-cell and cell line sequencing data were used to verify the expression specificity of the gene signature in CAFs. The gene signature was used to evaluate the infiltration of CAFs in each sample, and the clinical significance of each key gene in the gene signature and CAFs was analyzed. We observed that the CAF infiltration was higher in kidney cancer and advanced tumor stage and grade than in normal tissues. The seven key genes of the CAF gene signature identified using WGCNA showed high expression of CAF-related characteristics in the cell clustering landscape and fibroblast cell lines; these genes were found to be associated with extracellular matrix function, collagen synthesis, cell surface interaction, and adhesion. The high CAF infiltration and the key genes were verified from the TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus data related to the advanced grade, advanced stage, and poor prognosis of RCC. In summary, our findings indicate that the clinically significant gene signature may serve as a potential biomarker of CAFs in RCC, and the infiltration of CAFs is associated with the pathological grade, stage, and prognosis of RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bitian Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaonan Chen
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yunhong Zhan
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shen Pan
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts and the related Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) promote bladder cancer progression. Gene 2021; 775:145451. [PMID: 33482279 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bladder urothelial cancer (BLCA) has a high incidence worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment are gradually recognized to play an important role in the occurrence and progression of cancer. However, the research on BLCA CAFs is still in its infancy, and the CAFs related genes are still unclear. We used the identified BLCA-specific CAFs gene signature in our previous work to calculate the CAFs infiltration score of the sample. Furthermore, we used data from multiple public databases to prove that CAFs high infiltration is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. In order to select the powerful genes in BLCA that are related to CAFs infiltration and affect prognosis, we chose transcription factors as the research object, and finally defined RUNX2 as the candidate gene for functional verification. In the immunohistochemical images, tissues with higher RUNX2 expression also had deeper staining of CAFs markers. We used public databases and collected specimens to prove that RUNX2 is overexpressed at the mRNA and protein levels in BLCA tissues. Through functional enrichment analysis, RUNX2 is mainly related to epithelialmesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix. Finally, we knocked down RUNX2 in vitro and observed a significant decrease in the metastasis and proliferation ability. In conclusion, high infiltration of CAFs is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in BLCA. RUNX2 is a transcription factor related to CAFs, which is overexpressed in bladder cancer and affects the prognosis. RUNX2 is a potential marker relating CAFs and therapy target in BLCA.
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