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Wang L, Li J, Mei N, Chen H, Niu L, He J, Wang R. Identifying subtypes and developing prognostic models based on N6-methyladenosine and immune microenvironment related genes in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16586. [PMID: 39020010 PMCID: PMC11255230 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in women globally. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising epithelial tumor cells and stromal elements, is vital for breast tumor development. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays a key role in RNA metabolism, influencing its various aspects such as stability and translation. There is a notable link between m6A methylation and immune cells in the TME, although this relationship is complex and not fully deciphered. In this research, BC expression and clinicopathological data from TCGA were scrutinized to assess expression profiles, mutations, and CNVs of 31 m6A genes and immune microenvironment-related genes, examining their correlations, functions, and prognostic impacts. Lasso and Cox regression identified prognostic genes for constructing a nomogram. Single-cell analyses mapped the distribution and patterns of these genes in BC cell development. We investigated associations between gene-derived risk scores and factors like immune infiltration, TME, checkpoints, TMB, CSC indices, and drug response. As a complement to computational analyses, in vitro experiments were conducted to confirm these expression patterns. We included 31 m6A regulatory genes and discovered a correlation between these genes and the extent of immune cell infiltration. Subsequently, a 7-gene risk score was generated, encompassing HSPA2, TAP1, ULBP2, CXCL1, RBP1, STC2, and FLT3. It was observed that the low-risk group exhibited better overall survival (OS) in BC, with higher immune scores but lower tumor mutational burden (TMB) and cancer stem cell (CSC) indices, as well as lower IC50 values for commonly used drugs. To enhance clinical applicability, age and stage were incorporated into the risk score, and a more comprehensive nomogram was constructed to predict OS. This nomogram was validated and demonstrated good predictive performance, with area under the curve (AUC) values for 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS being 0.848, 0.807, and 0.759, respectively. Our findings highlight the profound impact of prognostic-related genes on BC immune response and prognostic outcomes, suggesting that modulation of the m6A-immune pathway could offer new avenues for personalized BC treatment and potentially improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianpeng Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nan Mei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Heyan Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ligang Niu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianjun He
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ru Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Guha A, Goswami KK, Sultana J, Ganguly N, Choudhury PR, Chakravarti M, Bhuniya A, Sarkar A, Bera S, Dhar S, Das J, Das T, Baral R, Bose A, Banerjee S. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in breast tumor microenvironment: a determinant of therapeutic facet. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1245421. [PMID: 38090567 PMCID: PMC10711058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1245421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is globally one of the leading killers among women. Within a breast tumor, a minor population of transformed cells accountable for drug resistance, survival, and metastasis is known as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Several experimental lines of evidence have indicated that BCSCs influence the functionality of immune cells. They evade immune surveillance by altering the characteristics of immune cells and modulate the tumor landscape to an immune-suppressive type. They are proficient in switching from a quiescent phase (slowly cycling) to an actively proliferating phenotype with a high degree of plasticity. This review confers the relevance and impact of crosstalk between immune cells and BCSCs as a fate determinant for BC prognosis. It also focuses on current strategies for targeting these aberrant BCSCs that could open avenues for the treatment of breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Guha
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Jasmine Sultana
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Nilanjan Ganguly
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Pritha Roy Choudhury
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Mohona Chakravarti
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Avishek Bhuniya
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Anirban Sarkar
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Saurav Bera
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sukanya Dhar
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Juhina Das
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Tapasi Das
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Rathindranath Baral
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Anamika Bose
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology Biotechnology National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Sahibzada Ajit Singh (S.A.S.) Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Saptak Banerjee
- Department of Immunoregulation and Immunodiagnostics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
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3
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Wang Y, Jasinski-Bergner S, Wickenhauser C, Seliger B. Cancer Immunology: Immune Escape of Tumors-Expression and Regulation of HLA Class I Molecules and Its Role in Immunotherapies. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:148-159. [PMID: 36517481 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The addition of "avoiding immune destruction" to the hallmarks of cancer demonstrated the importance of cancer immunology and in particular the role of immune surveillance and escape from malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms contributing to immune impairment and immune responses are diverse. Loss or reduced expression of the HLA class I molecules are major characteristics of human cancers resulting in an impaired recognition of tumor cells by CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This is of clinical relevance and associated with worse patients outcome and limited efficacy of T-cell-based immunotherapies. Here, we summarize the role of HLA class I antigens in cancers by focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for HLA class I defects, which are caused by either structural alterations or deregulation at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels. In addition, the influence of HLA class I abnormalities to adaptive and acquired immunotherapy resistances will be described. The in-depth knowledge of the different strategies of malignancies leading to HLA class I defects can be applied to design more effective cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale)
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, GermanyLeipzig, Germany
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", Brandenburg, Germany
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4
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A R, Kunimura N, Tominaga S, Hirata E, Nishioka S, Uesugi M, Yamazaki R, Ueki H, Kitagawa K, Fujisawa M, Shirakawa T. A recombinant adenovirus vector containing the synNotch receptor gene for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1147668. [PMID: 37064130 PMCID: PMC10090503 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1147668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as the most difficult molecular subtype of breast cancer to treat. Recent studies revealed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a critical role in TNBC recurrence and metastasis. In this study, we developed a recombinant replication-deficient adenoviral vector (Ad-CD44-N-HIF-3α4), which contains a gene encoding a synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptor composed of the extracellular domain of CD44 (CD44-ECD) and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-3α4 connected by the Notch core regulatory region. CD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein and known as a CSC marker in breast cancer and other malignancies. HIF-3α4 is a dominant-negative regulator of HIF-1α and HIF-2α and inhibits hypoxia-inducing effect. Both CD44 and HIF signals contribute cancer stemness and maintaining CSCs in breast cancer. The CD44-ECD in the synNotch receptor acts as the CD44 decoy receptor, and after a ligand such as a hyaluronic acid binds to the CD44-ECD, HIF-3α4 is released from the Notch core domain. We performed an in vivo study using a mouse xenograft model of MDA-MB-231, a highly invasive TNBC cell, and confirmed the significant antitumor activity of the intratumoral injections of Ad-CD44-N-HIF3α4. Our findings in this study warrant the further development of Ad-CD44-N-HIF3α4 for the treatment of patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhan A
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Naoto Kunimura
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shoko Tominaga
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Erika Hirata
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shunya Nishioka
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Misato Uesugi
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Rion Yamazaki
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hideto Ueki
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koichi Kitagawa
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshiro Shirakawa
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- *Correspondence: Toshiro Shirakawa,
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5
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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6
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TRUONG NC, HUYNH NT, PHAM KD, PHAM PV. Roles of cancer stem cells in cancer immune surveillance. MINERVA BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMOLECULAR RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-542x.23.02944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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7
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Hintelmann K, Petersen C, Borgmann K. Radiotherapeutic Strategies to Overcome Resistance of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases by Considering Immunogenic Aspects of Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:211. [PMID: 36612206 PMCID: PMC9818478 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010211] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women, and symptomatic brain metastases (BCBMs) occur in 15-20% of metastatic breast cancer cases. Despite technological advances in radiation therapy (RT), the prognosis of patients is limited. This has been attributed to radioresistant breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), among other factors. The aim of this review article is to summarize the evidence of cancer-stem-cell-mediated radioresistance in brain metastases of breast cancer from radiobiologic and radiation oncologic perspectives to allow for the better interpretability of preclinical and clinical evidence and to facilitate its translation into new therapeutic strategies. To this end, the etiology of brain metastasis in breast cancer, its radiotherapeutic treatment options, resistance mechanisms in BCSCs, and effects of molecularly targeted therapies in combination with radiotherapy involving immune checkpoint inhibitors are described and classified. This is considered in the context of the central nervous system (CNS) as a particular metastatic niche involving the blood-brain barrier and the CNS immune system. The compilation of this existing knowledge serves to identify possible synergistic effects between systemic molecularly targeted therapies and ionizing radiation (IR) by considering both BCSCs' relevant resistance mechanisms and effects on normal tissue of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hintelmann
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiooncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Borgmann
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiooncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Wang ZD, Tian X, Wang Y, Wang JJ, Ye SQ, Huang YQ, Qu YY, Chang K, Shi GH, Ye DW, Gu CY. The expression and prognostic value of transporter 1, ATP binding cassette subfamily B member in clear cell renal cell cancer with experimental validation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1013790. [PMID: 36419887 PMCID: PMC9676953 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1013790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transporter associated with antigen processing 1(TAP1) serves as a protein to transport antigenic peptides from the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum when the antigens are presented by major histocompatibility complex type I (MHC-I), which has been identified to play a critical role in antigen presentation in innate immunity. In tumors, the role of TAP1 seems to remain controversial. On the one hand, given the role of TAP1 in antigen presentation, it is indicated that high TAP1 expression corresponds to the emergence of more neoantigens epitopes that facilitate the recognition for phagocytes, T cells and other cells. On the other hand, the genetic ablation of transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) results in the presentation of new class I-restricted epitopes encoded in house-keeping products. Opposite result has been revealed by studies in other tumors suggest, which implies a more complex function of TAP1. Therefore, it's significant to clarify the role of TAP1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this study, we found the elevated expression levels in mRNA and protein of TAP1 in ccRCC tissues, which indicated a relatively worse prognosis. Transwell assay and Scratch assay in vitro demonstrated the promotive role of TAP1 in ccRCC migration as well as a significant role in metastasis. And the increased expression of TAP1 resulted in more immune cells infiltrated in cancer tissues. TAP1 was also demonstrated to be related to immune regulator genes, as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated its significant role in immune regulation. The results of CancerSEA indicated the positive association of the high-level TAP1 expression with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the inverse association with Cell Cycle. The effective drugs were also predicted based on TAP1 expression, of which the high level was indeed associated with resistance to multiple drugs, but some effective drugs still identified based on high TAP1 expression. According to the analysis of various databases, the role of TAP1 in ccRCC was explored, especially in relationship of TAP1 with tumor microenvironment. These results indicate that TAP1 can serve as a potential target for treatment of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Da Wang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Tian
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Qi Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Huang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Qu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Chang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Hai Shi
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding-Wei Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Yuan Gu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Metastasis is responsible for a large majority of death from malignant solid tumors. Bone is one of the most frequently affected organs in cancer metastasis, especially in breast and prostate cancer. Development of bone metastasis requires cancer cells to successfully complete a number of challenging steps, including local invasion and intravasation, survival in circulation, extravasation and initial seeding, and finally, formation of metastatic colonies after a period of dormancy or indolent growth. During this process, cancer cells often undergo a series of cellular and molecular changes to gain cellular plasticity that helps them adapt to various environments they encounter along the journey of metastasis. Understanding the mechanisms behind cellular plasticity and adaptation during the formation of bone metastasis is crucial for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Fang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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10
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Sadagopan A, Michelakos T, Boyiadzis G, Ferrone C, Ferrone S. Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Antigen-Processing Machinery Upregulation by Anticancer Therapies in the Era of Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:462-473. [PMID: 34940799 PMCID: PMC8930447 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.5970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although typically impressive, objective responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) occur in only 12.5% of patients with advanced cancer. The majority of patients do not respond due to cell-intrinsic resistance mechanisms, including human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen-processing machinery (APM) defects. The APM defects, which have a negative effect on neoantigen presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), are present in the majority of malignant tumors. These defects are caused by gene variations in less than 25% of cases and by dysregulated signaling and/or epigenetic changes in most of the remaining cases, making them frequently correctable. This narrative review summarizes the growing clinical evidence that chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and, to a lesser extent, radiotherapy can correct HLA class I APM defects in cancer cells and improve responses to ICIs. OBSERVATIONS Most chemotherapeutics enhance HLA class I APM component expression and function in cancer cells, tumor CTL infiltration, and responses to ICIs in preclinical and clinical models. Despite preclinical evidence, radiotherapy does not appear to upregulate HLA class I expression in patients and does not enhance the efficacy of ICIs in clinical settings. The latter findings underscore the need to optimize the dose and schedule of radiation and timing of ICI administration to maximize their immunogenic synergy. By increasing DNA and chromatin accessibility, epigenetic agents (histone deacetylase inhibitors, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, and EZH2 inhibitors) enhance HLA class I APM component expression and function in many cancer types, a crucial contributor to their synergy with ICIs in patients. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and BRAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors are effective at upregulating HLA class I expression in EGFR- and BRAF-variant tumors, respectively; these changes may contribute to the clinical responses induced by these inhibitors in combination with ICIs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This narrative review summarizes evidence indicating that chemotherapy and targeted therapies are effective at enhancing HLA class I APM component expression and function in cancer cells. The resulting increased immunogenicity and recognition and elimination of cancer cells by cognate CTLs contributes to the antitumor activity of these therapies as well as to their synergy with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananthan Sadagopan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabriella Boyiadzis
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Pérez-Núñez I, Rozalén C, Palomeque JÁ, Sangrador I, Dalmau M, Comerma L, Hernández-Prat A, Casadevall D, Menendez S, Liu DD, Shen M, Berenguer J, Ruiz IR, Peña R, Montañés JC, Albà MM, Bonnin S, Ponomarenko J, Gomis RR, Cejalvo JM, Servitja S, Marzese DM, Morey L, Voorwerk L, Arribas J, Bermejo B, Kok M, Pusztai L, Kang Y, Albanell J, Celià-Terrassa T. LCOR mediates interferon-independent tumor immunogenicity and responsiveness to immune-checkpoint blockade in triple-negative breast cancer. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:355-370. [PMID: 35301507 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00339-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ligand-dependent corepressor (LCOR) mediates normal and malignant breast stem cell differentiation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) generate phenotypic heterogeneity and drive therapy resistance, yet their role in immunotherapy is poorly understood. Here we show that immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy selects for LCORlow CSCs with reduced antigen processing/presentation machinery (APM) driving immune escape and ICB resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We unveil an unexpected function of LCOR as a master transcriptional activator of APM genes binding to IFN-stimulated response elements (ISREs) in an IFN signaling-independent manner. Through genetic modification of LCOR expression, we demonstrate its central role in modulation of tumor immunogenicity and ICB responsiveness. In TNBC, LCOR associates with ICB clinical response. Importantly, extracellular vesicle (EV) Lcor-messenger RNA therapy in combination with anti-PD-L1 overcame resistance and eradicated breast cancer metastasis in preclinical models. Collectively, these data support LCOR as a promising target for enhancement of ICB efficacy in TNBC, by boosting of tumor APM independently of IFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Pérez-Núñez
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catalina Rozalén
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Ángel Palomeque
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Sangrador
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Dalmau
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Comerma
- Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Hernández-Prat
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Casadevall
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Menendez
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Dan Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Minhong Shen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jordi Berenguer
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Rius Ruiz
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raul Peña
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Carlos Montañés
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Mar Albà
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Bonnin
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Ponomarenko
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger R Gomis
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario; Medicine Department, Universidad de Valencia, Spain, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Servitja
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego M Marzese
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Lluis Morey
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Leonie Voorwerk
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario; Medicine Department, Universidad de Valencia, Spain, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marleen Kok
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lajos Pusztai
- Breast Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton Branch, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Joan Albanell
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Madrid, Spain.
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Toni Celià-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Meyer F, Engel AM, Krause AK, Wagner T, Poole L, Dubrovska A, Peitzsch C, Rothkamm K, Petersen C, Borgmann K. Efficient DNA Repair Mitigates Replication Stress Resulting in Less Immunogenic Cytosolic DNA in Radioresistant Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:765284. [PMID: 35280989 PMCID: PMC8913591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.765284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a major cause of tumor therapy failure. This is mainly attributed to increased DNA repair capacity and immune escape. Recent studies have shown that functional DNA repair via homologous recombination (HR) prevents radiation-induced accumulation of DNA in the cytoplasm, thereby inhibiting the intracellular immune response. However, it is unclear whether CSCs can suppress radiation-induced cytoplasmic dsDNA formation. Here, we show that the increased radioresistance of ALDH1-positive breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in S phase is mediated by both enhanced DNA double-strand break repair and improved replication fork protection due to HR. Both HR-mediated processes lead to suppression of radiation-induced replication stress and consequently reduction of cytoplasmic dsDNA. The amount of cytoplasmic dsDNA correlated significantly with BCSC content (p=0.0002). This clearly indicates that HR-dependent avoidance of radiation-induced replication stress mediates radioresistance and contributes to its immune evasion. Consistent with this, enhancement of replication stress by inhibition of ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3 related (ATR) resulted in significant radiosensitization (SER37 increase 1.7-2.8 Gy, p<0.0001). Therefore, disruption of HR-mediated processes, particularly in replication, opens a CSC-specific radiosensitization option by enhancing their intracellular immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Meyer
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Engel
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann Kristin Krause
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Wagner
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Poole
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Peitzsch
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Kai Rothkamm
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Borgmann
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kerstin Borgmann,
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13
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Li X, Zeng S, Ding Y, Nie Y, Yang M. Comprehensive Analysis of the Potential Immune-Related Biomarker Transporter Associated With Antigen Processing 1 That Inhibits Metastasis and Invasion of Ovarian Cancer Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:763958. [PMID: 34957213 PMCID: PMC8702961 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.763958] [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: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) is a protein related immune regulation and plays a role in several malignant tumors. However, the effect of TAP1 on immune infiltration, immunotherapy, and metastasis in different cancers has not been reported till date. The cancer genome atlas database, the tumor immune estimation resource database, and the estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumors using expression (ESTIMATE) algorithm were used to determine the correlation between TAP1 expression and the prognosis of a variety of cancers, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, DNA methylation, and neoantigens. Various enrichment analyses were used to study the correlation between TAP1 and key transcription factors using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway in ovarian cancer. Immunological methods were used to evaluate the expression of TAP1 protein in ovarian and cervical cancer, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the prognostic value of TAP1. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to verify the effect of TAP1 on ovarian cancer. Compared with normal tissues, cancer tissues showed a significant increase in the expression of TAP1, and TAP1 expression was related to the poor prognosis of cancers such as ovarian cancer. The expression level of TAP1 was correlated with immune checkpoint genes, DNA methylation, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and neoantigens in various cancers. Our results showed that TAP1 was upregulated in ovarian cancer cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis. Further, we verified the expression of TAP1-related transcription factors (MEF2A and LEF1) and found that TAP1 was closely related to ovarian cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo. These results indicated that TAP1 could be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and as a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shiyu Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiling Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanting Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengyuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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14
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Zhuang X, Shi G, Hu X, Wang H, Sun W, Wu Y. Interferon-gamma inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenasebright cancer stem cells in the 4T1 mouse model of breast cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 135:194-204. [PMID: 34890380 PMCID: PMC8769120 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvements in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, breast cancer is still a leading cause of cancer death for women. Compelling evidence suggests that targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) have a crucial impact on overcoming the current shortcomings of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to study the effects of T cells and a critical anti-tumor cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), on breast cancer stem cells. METHODS BALB/c mice and BALB/c nude mice were subcutaneously injected with 4T1 tumor cells. Tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis were assessed. ALDEFLOUR™ assays were performed to identify aldehyde dehydrogenasebright (ALDHbr) tumor cells. ALDHbr cells as well as T cells from tumor-bearing BALB/c mice were analyzed using flow cytometry. The effects of CD8+ T cells on ALDHbr tumor cells were assessed in vitro and in vivo. The expression profiles of ALDHbr and ALDHdim 4T1 tumor cells were determined. The levels of plasma IFN-γ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and their associations with the percentages of ALDHbr tumor cells were evaluated. The effects of IFN-γ on ALDH expression and the malignancy of 4T1 tumor cells were analyzed in vitro. RESULTS There were fewer metastatic nodules in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice than those in tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mice (25.40 vs. 54.67, P < 0.050). CD8+ T cells decreased the percentages of ALDHbr 4T1 tumor cells in vitro (control vs. effector to target ratio of 1:1, 10.15% vs. 5.76%, P < 0.050) and in vivo (control vs. CD8+ T cell depletion, 10.15% vs. 21.75%, P < 0.001). The functions of upregulated genes in ALDHbr 4T1 tumor cells were enriched in the pathway of response to IFN-γ. The levels of plasma IFN-γ decreased gradually in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice, while the percentages of ALDHbr tumor cells in primary tumors increased. IFN-γ at a concentration of 26.68 ng/mL decreased the percentages of ALDHbr 4T1 tumor cells (22.88% vs. 9.88%, P < 0.050) and the protein levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 in 4T1 tumor cells (0.86 vs. 0.49, P < 0.050) and inhibited the abilities of sphere formation (sphere diameter <200 μm, 159.50 vs. 72.0; ≥200 μm, 127.0 vs. 59.0; both P < 0.050) and invasion (89.67 vs. 67.67, P < 0.001) of 4T1 tumor cells. CONCLUSION CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ decreased CSC numbers in a 4T1 mouse model of breast cancer. The application of IFN-γ may be a potential strategy for reducing CSCs in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Guilan Shi
- Department of Immunology, Zibo Vocational Institute Health School, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
- Department of Medical Engineering, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Oncology, Suqian First Hospital, Suqian, Jiangsu 223800, China
| | - Huiru Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Yanhong Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241002, China
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15
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Liu C, Qiang J, Deng Q, Xia J, Deng L, Zhou L, Wang D, He X, Liu Y, Zhao B, Lv J, Yu Z, Lei QY, Shao ZM, Zhang XY, Zhang L, Liu S. ALDH1A1 activity in tumor-initiating cells remodels myeloid-derived suppressor cells to promote breast cancer progression. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5919-5934. [PMID: 34580061 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TIC) are associated with tumor initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) is a TIC marker in many cancers, including breast cancer. However the molecular mechanisms underlying ALDH1A1 functions in solid tumors remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that ALDH1A1 enzymatic activity facilitates breast tumor growth. Mechanistically, ALDH1A1 decreased the intracellular pH in breast cancer cells to promote phosphorylation of TAK1, activate NFκB signaling, and increase the secretion of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which led to myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) expansion and immunosuppression. Furthermore, the ALDH1A1 inhibitor disulfiram and chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine cooperatively inhibited breast tumor growth and tumorigenesis by purging ALDH+ TICs and activating T cell immunity. These findings elucidate how active ALDH1A1 modulates the immune system to promote tumor development, highlghting new therapeutic strategies for malignant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Liu
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | | | - Qiaodan Deng
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | - Jie Xia
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | - Lu Deng
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research
| | - Lei Zhou
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | | | - Xueyan He
- Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China
| | | | | | - Jinhui Lv
- Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
| | - Zuoren Yu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Life Sciences and Technology
| | - Qun-Ying Lei
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhang
- The Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University
| | | | - Suling Liu
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
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16
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GRIK2 is a target for bladder cancer stem-like cell-targeting immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:795-806. [PMID: 34405274 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that treatment-resistant cancer stem-like cells (CSCs)/cancer-initiating cells (CICs) can be targeted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). CTLs recognize antigenic peptides derived from tumor-associated antigens; thus, the identification of tumor-associated antigens expressed by CSCs/CICs is essential. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) ligandome analysis using mass spectrometry enables the analysis of naturally expressed antigenic peptides; however, HLA ligandome analysis requires a large number of cells and is challenging for CSCs/CICs. In this study, we established a novel bladder CSC/CIC model from a bladder cancer cell line (UM-UC-3 cells) using an ALDEFLUOR assay. CSCs/CICs were isolated as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-high cells and several ALDHhigh clone cells were established. ALDHhigh clone cells were enriched with CSCs/CICs by sphere formation and tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice. HLA ligandome analysis and cap analysis of gene expression using ALDHhigh clone cells revealed a distinctive antigenic peptide repertoire in bladder CSCs/CICs, and we found that a glutamate receptor, ionotropic, kainite 2 (GRIK2)-derived antigenic peptide (LMYDAVHVV) was specifically expressed by CSCs/CICs. A GRIK2 peptide-specific CTL clone recognized GRIK2-overexpressing UM-UC-3 cells and ALDHhigh clone cells, indicating that GRIK2 peptide can be a novel target for bladder CSC/CIC-targeting immunotherapy.
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17
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French R, Pauklin S. Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cell formation and maintenance. Int J Cancer 2021; 148:2884-2897. [PMID: 33197277 PMCID: PMC8246550 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancerous tumours contain a rare subset of cells with stem-like properties that are termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are defined by their ability to divide both symmetrically and asymmetrically, to initiate new tumour growth and to tolerate the foreign niches required for metastatic dissemination. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumours arise from cells with stem-like properties, the generation of CSCs is therefore likely to be an initiatory event in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, CSCs in established tumours exist in a dynamic and plastic state, with nonstem tumour cells thought to be capable of de-differentiation to CSCs. The regulation of the CSC state both during tumour initiation and within established tumours is a desirable therapeutic target and is mediated by epigenetic factors. In this review, we will explore the epigenetic parallels between induced pluripotency and the generation of CSCs, and discuss how the epigenetic regulation of CSCs opens up novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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18
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Tsuchiya H, Shiota G. Immune evasion by cancer stem cells. Regen Ther 2021; 17:20-33. [PMID: 33778133 PMCID: PMC7966825 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunity represents a new avenue for cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have successfully improved outcomes in several tumor types. In addition, currently, immune cell-based therapy is also attracting significant attention. However, the clinical efficacy of these treatments requires further improvement. The mechanisms through which cancer cells escape the immune response must be identified and clarified. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a central role in multiple aspects of malignant tumors. CSCs can initiate tumors in partially immunocompromised mice, whereas non-CSCs fail to form tumors, suggesting that tumor initiation is a definitive function of CSCs. However, the fact that non-CSCs also initiate tumors in more highly immunocompromised mice suggests that the immune evasion property may be a more fundamental feature of CSCs rather than a tumor-initiating property. In this review, we summarize studies that have elucidated how CSCs evade tumor immunity and create an immunosuppressive milieu with a focus on CSC-specific characteristics and functions. These profound mechanisms provide important clues for the development of novel tumor immunotherapies.
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Key Words
- ADCC, antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity
- ALDH, alcohol dehydrogenase
- AML, acute myeloid leukemia
- ARID3B, AT-rich interaction domain-containing protein 3B
- CCR7, C–C motif chemokine receptor 7
- CIK, cytokine-induced killer cell
- CMV, cytomegalovirus
- CSC, cancer stem cell
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocytes
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-cell-associated antigen-4
- Cancer stem cells
- DC, dendritic cell
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- EMT, epithelial–mesenchymal transition
- ETO, fat mass and obesity associated protein
- EV, extracellular vesicle
- HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Immune checkpoints
- Immune evasion
- KDM4, lysine-specific demethylase 4C
- KIR, killer immunoglobulin-like receptor
- LAG3, lymphocyte activation gene 3
- LILR, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor
- LMP, low molecular weight protein
- LOX, lysyl oxidase
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- MHC, major histocompatibility complex
- MIC, MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- NK cells
- NK, natural killer
- NOD, nonobese diabetic
- NSG, NOD/SCID IL-2 receptor gamma chain null
- OCT4, octamer-binding transcription factor 4
- PD-1, programmed death receptor-1
- PD-L1/2, ligands 1/2
- PI9, protease inhibitor 9
- PSME3, proteasome activator subunit 3
- SCID, severe combined immunodeficient
- SOX2, sex determining region Y-box 2
- T cells
- TAM, tumor-associated macrophage
- TAP, transporter associated with antigen processing
- TCR, T cell receptor
- Treg, regulatory T cell
- ULBP, UL16 binding protein
- uPAR, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
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19
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Lim JR, Mouawad J, Gorton OK, Bubb WA, Kwan AH. Cancer stem cell characteristics and their potential as therapeutic targets. Med Oncol 2021; 38:76. [PMID: 34050825 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a tumour subpopulation whose capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and proliferation generates unfavourable patient outcomes, including therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Much research has focused on the generation, biomarkers and therapeutic resistance of CSCs, as well as the development of CSC-targeted therapies. Reviews to date have either addressed general CSC characteristics or focused on CSCs from a well-studied cancer. Increasingly, specific treatment plans based on identification of molecular features and biomarkers of a patient's cancer, rather than classification according to tissue origin or bulk tumour properties, are leading to better patient outcomes. Here, we compare CSC characteristics, specifically their biomarkers and molecular features, and identify those that are common to a number of cancers. Identification of CSC markers that suggest therapeutic strategies has led to several successful in vitro and animal tests, recommending clinical trials of treatments with potentially enhanced therapeutic benefits, especially for recurring cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann H Kwan
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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20
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Cruickshank BM, Wasson MCD, Brown JM, Fernando W, Venkatesh J, Walker OL, Morales-Quintanilla F, Dahn ML, Vidovic D, Dean CA, VanIderstine C, Dellaire G, Marcato P. LncRNA PART1 Promotes Proliferation and Migration, Is Associated with Cancer Stem Cells, and Alters the miRNA Landscape in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112644. [PMID: 34072264 PMCID: PMC8198907 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are aggressive, lack targeted therapies and are enriched in cancer stem cells (CSCs). Novel therapies which target CSCs within these tumors would likely lead to improved outcomes for TNBC patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential therapeutic targets for TNBC and CSCs. We demonstrate that lncRNA prostate androgen regulated transcript 1 (PART1) is enriched in TNBCs and in Aldefluorhigh CSCs, and is associated with worse outcomes among basal-like breast cancer patients. Although PART1 is androgen inducible in breast cancer cells, analysis of patient tumors indicates its androgen regulation has minimal clinical impact. Knockdown of PART1 in TNBC cell lines and a patient-derived xenograft decreased cell proliferation, migration, tumor growth, and mammosphere formation potential. Transcriptome analyses revealed that the lncRNA affects expression of hundreds of genes (e.g., myosin-Va, MYO5A; zinc fingers and homeoboxes protein 2, ZHX2). MiRNA 4.0 GeneChip and TaqMan assays identified multiple miRNAs that are regulated by cytoplasmic PART1, including miR-190a-3p, miR-937-5p, miR-22-5p, miR-30b-3p, and miR-6870-5p. We confirmed the novel interaction between PART1 and miR-937-5p. In general, miRNAs altered by PART1 were less abundant than PART1, potentially leading to cell line-specific effects in terms miRNA-PART1 interactions and gene regulation. Together, the altered miRNA landscape induced by PART1 explains most of the protein-coding gene regulation changes (e.g., MYO5A) induced by PART1 in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne M. Cruickshank
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Marie-Claire D. Wasson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Justin M. Brown
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Jaganathan Venkatesh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | | | - Margaret L. Dahn
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Dejan Vidovic
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Cheryl A. Dean
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Carter VanIderstine
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Graham Dellaire
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (B.M.C.); (M.-C.D.W.); (J.M.B.); (W.F.); (J.V.); (O.L.W.); (M.L.D.); (D.V.); (C.A.D.); (C.V.); (G.D.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(902)-494-4239
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21
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Xiao H, Zheng Y, Ma L, Tian L, Sun Q. Clinically-Relevant ABC Transporter for Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:648407. [PMID: 33953682 PMCID: PMC8089384 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.648407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple drug resistance (MDR), referring to the resistance of cancer cells to a broad spectrum of structurally and mechanistically unrelated drugs across membranes, severely impairs the response to chemotherapy and leads to chemotherapy failure. Overexpression of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters is a major contributing factor resulting in MDR, which can recognize and mediate the efflux of diverse drugs from cancer cells, thereby decreasing intracellular drug concentration. Therefore, modulators of ABC transporter could be used in combination with standard chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs to augment the therapeutic efficacy. This review summarizes the recent advances of important cancer-related ABC transporters, focusing on their physiological functions, structures, and the development of new compounds as ABC transporter inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongcheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingling Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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22
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Zhang R, Tu J, Liu S. Novel molecular regulators of breast cancer stem cell plasticity and heterogeneity. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:11-25. [PMID: 33737107 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumors consist of heterogeneous cell populations, and tumor heterogeneity plays key roles in regulating tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. More and more studies suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) promote tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance as well as are the major source for heterogeneity of cancer cells. CD24-CD44+ and ALDH+ are the most common markers for breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Previous studies showed that different BCSC markers label different BCSC populations, indicating the heterogeneity of BCSCs. Therefore, defining the regulation mechanisms of heterogeneous BCSCs is essential for precisely targeting BCSCs and treating breast cancer. In this review, we summarized the novel regulators existed in BCSCs and their niches for BCSC heterogeneity which has been discovered in recent years, and discussed their regulation mechanisms and the latest corresponding cancer treatments, which will extend our understanding on BCSC heterogeneity and plasticity, and provide better prognosis prediction and more efficient novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juchuanli Tu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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23
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Wang H, Gao L, Qi M, Su P, Xiong X, Zhao J, Hu J, Han B. BTF3 promotes stemness and inhibits TypeⅠInterferon signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 537:22-28. [PMID: 33383560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a major challenge in clinical practice due to its aggressiveness and lack of targeted treatment. Cancer stem-like traits contribute to tumorigenesis and immune privilege of TNBC. However, the relationship of stemness and immunosurveillance remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that BTF3 expression is related with stem-like properties in TNBC cells. BTF3 modulates stemness, migration and proliferation of TNBC in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that interferon signaling pathways and IRF7, both of which participate in the immune escape of TNBC, are closely related to BTF3 in TNBC cells. Knockdown of BTF3 activates IRF7 expression through increased degradation of BMI1, a protein that can represses IRF7 transcription by directly binding to its promotor region. BTF3 links stem-like traits and the interferon signaling pathway, revealing the potential connection of stemness and immunomodulation in TNBC. Clinically, we suggest that BTF3 is predictive of poor prognosis in patients with TNBC. Together, our findings highlight an important role of BTF3 in regulating the progression of TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexiang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 250012, Jinan, China; Department of Pathology, Qingdao Hiser Hospital, 266034, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Mei Qi
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Su
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Xueting Xiong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Bo Han
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 250012, Jinan, China; Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, 250012, Jinan, China.
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24
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Nolta JA. The age of immunotherapy-Celebrating STEM CELLS' contribution to understanding mechanisms of immune system development and modulation. Stem Cells 2020; 38:4-5. [PMID: 31851396 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Nolta
- Stem Cell Program, Sacramento, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, 95820
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25
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Xing Q, Liu S, Jiang S, Li T, Wang Z, Wang Y. Prognostic model of 10 immune-related genes and identification of small molecule drugs in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:2054-2070. [PMID: 33209669 PMCID: PMC7658175 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to establish an immune-related gene (IRG) based signature that could provide guidance for clinical bladder cancer (BC) prognostic surveillance. Methods Differentially expressed IRGs and transcription factors (TFs) between BCs and normal tissues were extracted from transcriptome data downloaded from the TCGA database. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out to identify related pathways based on differently expressed IRGs. Then, univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate IRGs with prognostic values and LASSO penalized Cox regression analysis was utilized to develop the prognostic index (PI) model. Results A total of 411 BC tissue samples and 19 normal bladder tissues in the TCGA database were enrolled in this study and 259 differentially expressed IRGs were identified. Networks between TFs and IRGs were also provided to seek the upstream regulators of differentially expressed IRGs. By means of univariate Cox regression analysis, 57 IRGs were analyzed with prognostic values and 10 IRGs were finally identified by LASSO penalized Cox regression analysis to construct the PI model. This model could significantly classified BC patients into high-risk group and low-risk group in terms of OS (P=9.923e-07) and its AUC reached 0.711. By means of univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis, this PI was proven to be a valuable independent prognostic factor (HR =1.119, 95% CI =1.066-1.175, P<0.001). CMap database analysis was also utilized to screen out 10 small molecules drugs with the potential for the treatment of BC. Conclusions Our study successfully provided a novel PI based on IRGs with the potential to predict the prognosis of BC and screened out 10 small molecules drugs with the potential to treat BC. Besides, networks between TFs and IRGs were also displayed to seek its upstream regulators for future researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Xing
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shouyong Liu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Silin Jiang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology-Microbiology Division, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zengjun Wang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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26
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Mechanisms of immune escape in the cancer immune cycle. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 86:106700. [PMID: 32590316 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a critical issue globally with high incidence and mortality, imposing great burden on the society. Although great progress has been made in immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint, only a subset of patients responds to this treatment, suggesting that cancer immune evasion is still a major barrier in current immunotherapy. There are a series of factors contributing to immune evasion despite in an immunocompetent environment. Given that these factors are involved in different steps of the cancer immune cycle. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of immune escape in each step of the cancer immune cycle and then present therapeutic strategies for overcoming immune escape, with the potential to better understand the determinants of immune escape and make anti-tumor immunity more effective.
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27
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Kong D, Hughes CJ, Ford HL. Cellular Plasticity in Breast Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:72. [PMID: 32391382 PMCID: PMC7194153 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant disease among women, with the majority of mortality being attributable to metastatic disease. Thus, even with improved early screening and more targeted treatments which may enable better detection and control of early disease progression, metastatic disease remains a significant problem. While targeted therapies exist for breast cancer patients with particular subtypes of the disease (Her2+ and ER/PR+), even in these subtypes the therapies are often not efficacious once the patient's tumor metastasizes. Increases in stemness or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary breast cancer cells lead to enhanced plasticity, enabling tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and distant metastatic spread. Numerous signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K, STAT3, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch, amongst others, play a critical role in maintaining cell plasticity in breast cancer. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate breast cancer cell plasticity is essential for understanding the biology of breast cancer progression and for developing novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for targeting metastatic disease. In this review we summarize relevant literature on mechanisms associated with breast cancer plasticity, tumor progression, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deguang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Connor J. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Heide L. Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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28
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Engku Nasrullah Satiman EAF, Ahmad H, Ramzi AB, Abdul Wahab R, Kaderi MA, Wan Harun WHA, Dashper S, McCullough M, Arzmi MH. The role of Candida albicans candidalysin ECE1 gene in oral carcinogenesis. J Oral Pathol Med 2020; 49:835-841. [PMID: 32170981 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with many known risk factors including tobacco smoking, chronic alcoholism, poor oral hygiene, unhealthy dietary habits and microbial infection. Previous studies have highlighted Candida albicans host tissue infection as a risk factor in the initiation and progression of oral cancer. C albicans invasion induces several cancerous hallmarks, such as activation of proto-oncogenes, induction of DNA damage and overexpression of inflammatory signalling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these responses remain unclear. A recently discovered fungal toxin peptide, candidalysin, has been reported as an essential molecule in epithelial damage and host recognition of C albicans infection. Candidalysin has a clear role in inflammasome activation and induction of cell damage. Several inflammatory molecules such as IL-6, IL-17, NLRP3 and GM-CSF have been linked to carcinogenesis. Candidalysin is encoded by the ECE1 gene, which has been linked to virulence factors of C albicans such as adhesion, biofilm formation and filamentation properties. This review discusses the recent epidemiological burden of oral cancer and highlights the significance of the ECE1 gene and the ECE1 protein breakdown product, candidalysin in oral malignancy. The immunological and molecular mechanisms behind oral malignancy induced by inflammation and the role of the toxic fungal peptide candidalysin in oral carcinogenesis are explored. With increasing evidence associating C albicans with oral carcinoma, identifying the possible fungal pathogenicity factors including the role of candidalysin can assist in efforts to understand the link between C albicans infection and carcinogenesis, and pave the way for research into therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engku Anis Fariha Engku Nasrullah Satiman
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.,Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Hasna Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.,Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Bazli Ramzi
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Ridhwan Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Arifin Kaderi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Stuart Dashper
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael McCullough
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Arzmi
- Department of Fundamental Dental & Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
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29
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IL-17A secreted from lymphatic endothelial cells promotes tumorigenesis by upregulation of PD-L1 in hepatoma stem cells. J Hepatol 2019; 71:1206-1215. [PMID: 31499129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The microenvironment regulates hepatoma stem cell behavior. However, the contributions of lymphatic endothelial cells to the hepatoma stem cell niche remain largely unknown; we aimed to analyze this contribution and elucidate the mechanisms behind it. METHODS Associations between lymphatic endothelial cells and CD133+ hepatoma stem cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence and adhesion assays; with the effects of their association on IL-17A expression examined using western blot, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and luciferase reporter assay. The effects of IL-17A on the self-renewal and tumorigenesis of hepatoma stem cells were examined using sphere and tumor formation assays. The role of IL-17A in immune escape by hepatoma stem cells was examined using flow cytometry. The expression of IL-17A in hepatoma tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS CD133+ hepatoma stem cells preferentially interact with lymphatic endothelial cells. The interaction between the mannose receptor and high-mannose type N-glycans mediates the interaction between CD133+ hepatoma stem cells and lymphatic endothelial cells. This interaction activates cytokine IL-17A expression in lymphatic endothelial cells. IL-17A promotes the self-renewal of hepatoma stem cells. It also promotes their immune escape, partly through upregulation of PD-L1. CONCLUSION Interactions between lymphatic endothelial cells and hepatoma stem cells promote the self-renewal and immune escape of hepatoma stem cells, by activating IL-17A signaling. Thus, inhibiting IL-17A signaling may be a promising approach for hepatoma treatment. LAY SUMMARY The microenvironment is crucial for the self-renewal and development of hepatoma stem cells, which lead to the development of liver cancer. Lymphatic endothelial cells are an important component of this niche microenvironment, helping hepatoma stem cells to self-renew and escape immune attack, by upregulating IL-17A signaling. Thus, targeting IL-17A signaling is a potential strategy for the treatment of hepatoma.
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30
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Ravindran S, Rasool S, Maccalli C. The Cross Talk between Cancer Stem Cells/Cancer Initiating Cells and Tumor Microenvironment: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle for the Efficient Targeting of these Cells with Immunotherapy. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2019; 12:133-148. [PMID: 31758404 PMCID: PMC6937350 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-019-00233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells/Cancer Initiating Cells (CSCs/CICs) is a rare sub-population within a tumor that is responsible for tumor formation, progression and resistance to therapies. The interaction between CSCs/CICs and tumor microenvironment (TME) can sustain “stemness” properties and promote their survival and plasticity. This cross-talk is also pivotal in regulating and modulating CSC/CIC properties. This review will provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying the mutual interaction between CSCs/CICs and TME. Particular focus will be dedicated to the immunological profile of CSCs/CICs and its role in orchestrating cancer immunosurveillance. Moreover, the available immunotherapy strategies that can target CSCs/CICs and of their possible implementation will be discussed. Overall, the dissection of the mechanisms regulating the CSC/CIC-TME interaction is warranted to understand the plasticity and immunoregulatory properties of stem-like tumor cells and to achieve complete eradications of tumors through the optimization of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Ravindran
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Al Luqta Street, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad Rasool
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Al Luqta Street, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Al Luqta Street, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
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31
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Walsh HR, Cruickshank BM, Brown JM, Marcato P. The Flick of a Switch: Conferring Survival Advantage to Breast Cancer Stem Cells Through Metabolic Plasticity. Front Oncol 2019; 9:753. [PMID: 31552162 PMCID: PMC6736574 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Within heterogeneous tumors, cancer stem cell (CSC) populations exhibit the greatest tumor initiation potential, promote metastasis, and contribute to therapy resistance. For breast cancer specifically, CSCs are identified by CD44highCD24low cell surface marker expression and increased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. In general, bulk breast tumor cells possess altered energetics characterized by aerobic glycolysis. In contrast, breast CSCs appear to have adaptive metabolic plasticity that allows these tumor-initiating cells to switch between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, depending on factors present in the tumor microenvironment (e.g., hypoxia, reactive oxygen species, availability of glucose). In this article, we review the regulatory molecules that may facilitate the metabolic plasticity of breast CSCs. These regulatory factors include epigenetic chromatin modifiers, non-coding RNAs, transcriptional repressors, transcription factors, energy and stress sensors, and metabolic enzymes. Furthermore, breast cancer cells acquire CSC-like characteristics and altered energetics by undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This energy costly process is paired with reprogrammed glucose metabolism by epigenetic modifiers that regulate expression of both EMT and other metabolism-regulating genes. The survival advantage imparted to breast CSCs by metabolic plasticity suggests that targeting the factors that mediate the energetic switch should hinder tumorigenesis and lead to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley R Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Justin M Brown
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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32
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Scimeca M, Urbano N, Bonfiglio R, Duggento A, Toschi N, Schillaci O, Bonanno E. Novel insights into breast cancer progression and metastasis: A multidisciplinary opportunity to transition from biology to clinical oncology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1872:138-148. [PMID: 31348975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
According to the most recent epidemiological studies, breast cancer shows the highest incidence and the second leading cause of death in women. Cancer progression and metastasis are the main events related to poor survival of breast cancer patients. This can be explained by the presence of highly resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy stem cells in many breast tumor tissues. In this context, numerous studies highlighted the possible involvement of epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenomenon as biological program to generate cancer stem cells, and thus participate to both metastatic and drug resistance process. Therefore, the comprehension of mechanisms (both cellular and molecular) involved in breast cancer occurrence and progression can lay the foundation for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutical protocols. In this review, we reported the most important findings in the field of breast cancer highlighting the most recent data concerning breast tumor biology, diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano (Mi), Italy.
| | | | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Duggento
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; Neuromed Group, "Diagnostica Medica" and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy
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Vidovic D, Huynh TT, Konda P, Dean C, Cruickshank BM, Sultan M, Coyle KM, Gujar S, Marcato P. ALDH1A3-regulated long non-coding RNA NRAD1 is a potential novel target for triple-negative breast tumors and cancer stem cells. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:363-378. [PMID: 31197235 PMCID: PMC7206030 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0362-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To discover novel therapeutic targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), we screened long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) most enriched in TNBCs for high expression in CSCs defined by high Aldefluor activity and associated with worse patient outcomes. This led to the identification of non-coding RNA in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 A pathway (NRAD1), also known as LINC00284. Targeting NRAD1 in TNBC tumors using antisense oligonucleotides reduced cell survival, tumor growth, and the number of cells with CSC characteristics. Expression of NRAD1 is regulated by an enzyme that causes Aldefluor activity in CSCs, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) and its product retinoic acid. Cellular fractionation revealed that NRAD1 is primarily nuclear localized, which suggested a potential function in gene regulation. This was confirmed by transcriptome profiling and chromatin isolation by RNA purification, followed by sequencing (ChIRP-seq), which demonstrated that NRAD1 has enriched chromatin interactions among the genes it regulates. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that NRAD1 regulates expression of genes involved in differentiation and catabolic processes. NRAD1 also contributes to gene expression changes induced by ALDH1A3; thereby, the induction of NRAD1 is a novel mechanism through which ALDH1A3 regulates gene expression. Together, these data identify lncRNA NRAD1 as a downstream effector of ALDH1A3, and a target for TNBCs and CSCs, with functions in cell survival and regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Vidovic
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Thomas T Huynh
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Prathyusha Konda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Cheryl Dean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Mohammad Sultan
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Krysta M Coyle
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Shashi Gujar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Xu M, Almasi S, Yang Y, Yan C, Sterea AM, Rizvi Syeda AK, Shen B, Richard Derek C, Huang P, Gujar S, Wang J, Zong WX, Trebak M, El Hiani Y, Dong XP. The lysosomal TRPML1 channel regulates triple negative breast cancer development by promoting mTORC1 and purinergic signaling pathways. Cell Calcium 2019; 79:80-88. [PMID: 30889511 PMCID: PMC6698368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that comprises approximately 10%-20% of breast cancers is an aggressive subtype lacking effective therapeutics. Among various signaling pathways, mTORC1 and purinergic signals have emerged as potentially fruitful targets for clinical therapy of TNBC. Unfortunately, drugs targeting these signaling pathways do not successfully inhibit the progression of TNBC, partially due to the fact that these signaling pathways are essential for the function of all types of cells. In this study, we report that TRPML1 is specifically upregulated in TNBCs and that its genetic downregulation and pharmacological inhibition suppress the growth of TNBC. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TRPML1 regulates TNBC development, at least partially, through controlling mTORC1 activity and the release of lysosomal ATP. Because TRPML1 is specifically activated by cellular stresses found in tumor microenvironments, antagonists of TRPML1 could represent anticancer drugs with enhanced specificity and potency. Our findings are expected to have a major impact on drug targeting of TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Xu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Shekoufeh Almasi
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Yiming Yang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Chi Yan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Andra Mihaela Sterea
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Alia Kazim Rizvi Syeda
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Bing Shen
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Clements Richard Derek
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Peng Huang
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shashi Gujar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Wei-Xing Zong
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 164 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway NJ08854, USA
| | - Mohamed Trebak
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Yassine El Hiani
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Xian-Ping Dong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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Shidal C, Singh NP, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M. MicroRNA-92 Expression in CD133 + Melanoma Stem Cells Regulates Immunosuppression in the Tumor Microenvironment via Integrin-Dependent Activation of TGFβ. Cancer Res 2019; 79:3622-3635. [PMID: 31015227 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In addition to being refractory to treatment, melanoma cancer stem cells (CSC) are known to suppress host antitumor immunity, the underlying mechanisms of which need further elucidation. In this study, we established a novel role for miR-92 and its associated gene networks in immunosuppression. CSCs were isolated from the B16-F10 murine melanoma cell line based on expression of the putative CSC marker CD133 (Prominin-1). CD133+ cells were functionally distinct from CD133- cells and showed increased proliferation in vitro and enhanced tumorigenesis in vivo. CD133+ CSCs also exhibited a greater capacity to recruit immunosuppressive cell types during tumor formation, including FoxP3+ Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and M2 macrophages. Using microarray technology, we identified several miRs that were significantly downregulated in CD133+ cells compared with CD133- cells, including miR-92. Decreased expression of miR-92 in CSCs led to higher expression of target molecules integrin αV and α5 subunits, which, in turn, enhanced TGFβ activation, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of SMAD2. CD133+ cells transfected with miR-92a mimic and injected in vivo showed significantly decreased tumor burden, which was associated with reduced immunosuppressive phenotype intratumorally. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas database of patients with melanoma, we also noted a positive correlation between integrin α5 and TGFβ1 expression levels and an inverse association between miR-92 expression and integrin alpha subunit expression. Collectively, this study suggests that a miR-92-driven signaling axis involving integrin activation of TGFβ in CSCs promotes enhanced tumorigenesis through induction of intratumoral immunosuppression. SIGNIFICANCE: CD133+ cells play an active role in suppressing melanoma antitumor immunity by modulating miR-92, which increases influx of immunosuppressive cells and TGFβ1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Shidal
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Narendra P Singh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina.
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PD-L1 Expression in Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells Is Epigenetically Regulated through Posttranslational Histone Modifications. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:3958908. [PMID: 30915120 PMCID: PMC6409026 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3958908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor progression through immune evasion is a major challenge in cancer therapy. Recent studies revealed that enhanced PD-L1 expression in cancer stem cells is linked to immune evasion. Understanding the mechanisms behind this PD-L1 overexpression in cancer stem cells is critical for developing more effective strategies for preventing immune evasion and increasing the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Tumorsphere formation in breast cancer cells enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is evident by increased expression of mesenchymal markers. In this study, we analyzed CpG methylation of PD-L1 promoter in MCF-7 and BT-549 breast cancer cells and tumorspheres derived from them. PD-L1 promoter was significantly hypomethylated in MCF-7 tumorspheres, but not from BT-549 tumorspheres, compared with their cell line counterparts. The active demethylation of PD-L1 promoter was confirmed by the increase in the distribution of 5hmC and decrease in 5mC levels and the upregulation of TET3 and downregulation of DNMTs enzymes in MCF-7 tumorspheres, compared with the cell line. Additionally, we checked the distribution of repressive histones H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and active histone H3K4me3 in the PD-L1 promoter. We found that distribution of repressive histones to the PD-L1 promoter was lower in tumorspheres, compared with cell lines. Moreover, an overexpression of histone acetylation enzymes was observed in tumorspheres suggesting the active involvement of histone modifications in EMT-induced PD-L1 expression. In summary, EMT-associated overexpression of PD-L1 was partially independent of promoter CpG methylation and more likely to be dependent on posttranslational histone modifications.
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Bai X, Ni J, Beretov J, Graham P, Li Y. Cancer stem cell in breast cancer therapeutic resistance. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 69:152-163. [PMID: 30029203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of therapeutic resistance and metastasis is a major challenge with current breast cancer (BC) therapy. Mounting evidence suggests that a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to the cancer therapeutic resistance and metastasis, leading to the recurrence and death in patients. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are not only a consequence of mutations that overactivate the self-renewal ability of normal stem cells or committed progenitors but also a result of the de-differentiation of cancer cells induced by somatic mutations or microenvironmental components under treatment. Eradication of BCSCs may bring hope and relief to patients whose lives are threatened by recurrent BCs. Therefore, a better understanding of the generation, regulatory mechanisms, and identification of CSCs in BC therapeutic resistance and metastasis will be imperative for developing BCSC-targeted strategies. Here we summarize the latest studies about cell surface markers and signalling pathways that sustain the stemness of BCSC and discuss the associations of mechanisms behind these traits with phenotype and behavior changes in BCSCs. More importantly, their implications for future study are also evaluated and potential BCSC-targeted strategies are proposed to break through the limitation of current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Bai
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jie Ni
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Julia Beretov
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Peter Graham
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan 450001, China.
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Abstract
Abstract
Background
The current successful clinical use of agents promoting robust anti-tumor immunity in cancer patients warrants noting that radiation therapy (RT) induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells, which can generate anti-tumor immune responses. However, breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are resistant to RT and RT alone usually failed to mount an anti-tumor immune response.
Methods
High aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDH)bright and CD44+/CD24−/ESA+ cancer cells, previously shown to have BCSC properties, were isolated from human MDA-MB-231 and UACC-812 breast cancer cell lines by flow cytometer. Flow sorted BCSCs and non-BCSCs were further tested for their characteristic of stemness by mammosphere formation assay. Induction of ICD in BCSCs vs. non-BCSCs in response to different in vitro treatments was determined by assessing cell apoptosis and a panel of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) by flow and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results
We found that ionizing radiation (IR) triggered a lower level of ICD in BCSCs than non-BCSCs. We then investigated the ability of disulfiram/cooper (DSF/Cu) which is known to preferentially induce cancer stem cells (CSCs) apoptosis to enhance IR-induced ICD of BCSCs. The results indicate that DSF/Cu induced a similar extent of IDC in both BCSCs and non-BCSCs and rendered IR-resistant BCSCs as sensitive as non-BCSCs to IR-induced ICD. IR and DSF/Cu induced ICD of BCSCs could be partly reversed by pre-treatment of BCSCs with a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger and XBP1s inhibitors.
Conclusion
DSF/Cu rendered IR-resistant BCSCs as sensitive as non-BCSCs to IR-induced ICD. Our data demonstrate the potential of IR and DSF/Cu to induce ICD in BCSCs and non-BCSCs leading to robust immune responses against not only differentiated/differentiating breast cancer cells but also BCSCs, the root cause of cancer formation, progression and metastasis.
Graphical abstract
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