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Feng Z, Luan M, Zhu W, Xing Y, Ma X, Wang Y, Jia Y. Targeted ferritinophagy in gastrointestinal cancer: from molecular mechanisms to implications. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2007-2018. [PMID: 38602537 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03745-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is a significant global health burden, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence has highlighted the potential of targeting ferritinophagy as a promising approach for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. Ferritinophagy is a form of selective autophagy that is mediated by the nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4). This process plays a crucial role in regulating cellular iron homeostasis and has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying ferritinophagy and its relevance to gastrointestinal cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the potential therapeutic implications of targeting ferritinophagy in gastrointestinal cancer. Several approaches have been proposed to modulate ferritinophagy, including small molecule inhibitors and immunotherapeutic strategies. We discuss the advantages and challenges associated with these therapeutic interventions and provide insights into their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaotian Feng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhua Luan
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenshuai Zhu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanxin Xing
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfei Jia
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China.
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China.
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China.
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Yao L, Hou J, Wu X, Lu Y, Jin Z, Yu Z, Yu B, Li J, Yang Z, Li C, Yan M, Zhu Z, Liu B, Yan C, Su L. Cancer-associated fibroblasts impair the cytotoxic function of NK cells in gastric cancer by inducing ferroptosis via iron regulation. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102923. [PMID: 37832398 PMCID: PMC10582581 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As the predominant immunosuppressive component within the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) inhibit Natural Killer cell (NK cell) activity to promote tumor progression and immune escape; however, the mechanisms of cross-talk between CAFs and NK cells in gastric cancer (GC) remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that NK cell levels are inversely correlated with CAFs abundance in human GC. CAFs impair the anti-tumor capacity of NK cells by inducing ferroptosis, a cell death process characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides. CAFs induce ferroptosis in NK cells by promoting iron overload; conversely, decreased intracellular iron levels protect NK cells against CAF-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, CAFs increase the labile iron pool within NK cells via iron export into the TME, which is mediated by the upregulated expression of iron regulatory genes ferroportin1 and hephaestin in CAFs. Moreover, CAF-derived follistatin like protein 1(FSTL1) upregulates NCOA4 expression in NK cells via the DIP2A-P38 pathway, and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy is required for CAF-induced NK cell ferroptosis. In a human patient-derived organoid model, functional targeting of CAFs using a combination of deferoxamine and FSTL1-neutralizing antibody significantly alleviate CAF-induced NK cell ferroptosis and boost the cytotoxicity of NK cells against GC. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism of suppression of NK cell activity by CAFs in the TME and presents a potential therapeutic approach to augment the immune response against GC mediated by NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhong Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Junyi Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiongyan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yifan Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhijian Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhenjia Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Beiqin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jianfang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhongyin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Min Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhenggang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Bingya Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chao Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Liping Su
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Kobayashi H, Yoshimoto C, Matsubara S, Shigetomi H, Imanaka S. A comprehensive overview of recent developments on the mechanisms and pathways of ferroptosis in cancer: the potential implications for therapeutic strategies in ovarian cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:547-566. [PMID: 37842240 PMCID: PMC10571061 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells adapt to environmental changes and alter their metabolic pathways to promote survival and proliferation. Metabolic reprogramming not only allows tumor cells to maintain a reduction-oxidation balance by rewiring resources for survival, but also causes nutrient addiction or metabolic vulnerability. Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides. Excess iron in ovarian cancer amplifies free oxidative radicals and drives the Fenton reaction, thereby inducing ferroptosis. However, ovarian cancer is characterized by ferroptosis resistance. Therefore, the induction of ferroptosis is an exciting new targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. In this review, potential metabolic pathways targeting ferroptosis were summarized to promote anticancer effects, and current knowledge and future perspectives on ferroptosis for ovarian cancer therapy were discussed. Two therapeutic strategies were highlighted in this review: directly inducing the ferroptosis pathway and targeting metabolic vulnerabilities that affect ferroptosis. The overexpression of SLC7A11, a cystine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 (also known as xCT), is involved in the suppression of ferroptosis. xCT inhibition by ferroptosis inducers (e.g., erastin) can promote cell death when carbon as an energy source of glucose, glutamine, or fatty acids is abundant. On the contrary, xCT regulation has been reported to be highly dependent on the metabolic vulnerability. Drugs that target intrinsic metabolic vulnerabilities (e.g., GLUT1 inhibitors, PDK4 inhibitors, or glutaminase inhibitors) predispose cancer cells to death, which is triggered by decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate generation or increased reactive oxygen species accumulation. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that either directly inhibit the xCT pathway or target metabolic vulnerabilities may be effective in overcoming ferroptosis resistance. Real-time monitoring of changes in metabolic pathways may aid in selecting personalized treatment modalities. Despite the rapid development of ferroptosis-inducing agents, therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic vulnerability remain in their infancy. Thus, further studies must be conducted to comprehensively understand the precise mechanism linking metabolic rewiring with ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, Kashihara 634-0813, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Chiharu Yoshimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara 630-8581, Japan
| | - Sho Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Kei Oushin Clinic, Nishinomiya 663-8184, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shigetomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Aska Ladies Clinic, Nara 634-0001, Japan
| | - Shogo Imanaka
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, Kashihara 634-0813, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
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Crescenzi E, Leonardi A, Pacifico F. Iron Metabolism in Cancer and Senescence: A Cellular Perspective. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:989. [PMID: 37508419 PMCID: PMC10376531 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Iron participates in a number of biological processes and plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. Alterations in iron metabolism are considered hallmarks of cancer and drivers of aggressive behaviors, such as uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, enhanced metastatic ability, increased cell plasticity and stemness. Furthermore, a dysregulated iron metabolism has been associated with the development of an adverse tumor microenvironment. Alterations in iron metabolism have been described in cellular senescence and in aging. For instance, iron has been shown to accumulate in aged tissues and in age-related diseases. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrate increases in iron content in both replicative and stress-induced senescent cells. However, the role, the mechanisms of regulation and dysregulation and the effects of iron metabolism on senescence remain significantly less characterized. In this review, we first provide an overview of iron metabolism and iron regulatory proteins. Then, we summarize alterations in iron homeostasis in cancer and senescence from a cellular point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Crescenzi
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, CNR, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Pacifico
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, CNR, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Chang MR, Rusanov DA, Arakelyan J, Alshehri M, Asaturova AV, Kireeva GS, Babak MV, Ang WH. Targeting emerging cancer hallmarks by transition metal complexes: Cancer stem cells and tumor microbiome. Part I. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Metabolism-dependent ferroptosis promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in CD4 + T lymphocytes in HIV-infected immune non-responders. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104382. [PMID: 36462403 PMCID: PMC9718960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV immune non-responders (INRs) are described as a failure to reestablish a pool of CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) after antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is related to poor clinical results. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death characterised by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mechanism of unrecoverable CD4 cells in INRs and whether ferroptosis plays a role are not fully understood. METHODS Ninety-two people living with HIV (PLHIVs) who experienced four-year ART with sustained viral suppression, including 27 INRs, 34 partial responders (PRs), and 31 complete responders (CRs); and 26 uninfected control participants (UCs) were analysed for 16 immune parameters with flow cytometry. Then plasma lipid, iron and oxidation, and antioxidant indicators were detected by ELISA, and CD4 cells were sorted out and visualised under transmission electron microscopy. Finally, ferroptosis inhibitors were added, and alterations in CD4 cell phenotype and function were observed. FINDINGS We found decreased recent thymic emigrants (RTE), over-activation and over-proliferation phenotypes, diminished killing function, decreased IL-7R and more severe inflammation; increased lipid peroxidation in the mitochondria and disruptions of the mitochondrial structure, showing typical features of ferroptosis in CD4 cells in INRs. Additionally, ferroptosis inhibitors could reduce inflammation and repair mitochondrial damage. Meanwhile, ELISA results showed increased plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and an imbalance of oxidative and antioxidant systems in INRs. Flow cytometry results displayed alterations of both transferrin receptor (CD71) and lipid transporter (CD36) expressions on the surface of CD4 cells. Mechanistically, there was a stronger correlation between CD36 expression and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation production, ferroptosis makers, and inflammation indicators; while amino acid transporter (CD98) was more related to killing functions; and CD71 was more closely related to activation status in CD4 cells. INTERPRETATION Cellular metabolism was closely correlated with its diverse functions in INRs. Ferroptosis was observed in CD4 cells of INRs, and inhibiting ferroptosis through modulating mitochondrial disorders and inflammation may offer an alternative immunological strategy for reinvigorating CD4 cells in INRs. FUNDING This research was supported by the 13th Five-year Plan, Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2018ZX10302-102), Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals' Ascent Plan (DFL20191802), and Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals Clinical Medicine Development of Special Funding Support (ZYLX202126).
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Dou J, Liu X, Yang L, Huang D, Tan X. Ferroptosis interaction with inflammatory microenvironments: Mechanism, biology, and treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113711. [PMID: 36126457 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113711] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulated cell death. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation reaction of cell membrane lipids, and it is closely related to the occurrence and development of many inflammatory diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and tumors. Although the precise role of ferroptosis in these inflammatory diseases is still unclear, recent evidence indicates that the association between ferroptosis and inflammatory diseases is related to the interaction of ferroptosis and inflammatory microenvironments. In inflammatory microenvironments, ferroptosis can be regulated by metabolic changes or the secretion of related substances between microorganisms and host cells or between host cells. At the same time, ferroptotic cells can also recruit immune cells by releasing injury-related molecular patterns, which in turn induces the generation of inflammatory microenvironments. Molecular crosstalk between ferroptosis and other cell death types also exists in inflammatory microenvironments. In addition, the interaction of ferroptosis and the tumor microenvironment is also correlated with tumor growth. This article reviews the main metabolic processes of ferroptosis, describes the interaction mechanism between ferroptosis and inflammatory microenvironments, and summarizes the role of ferroptosis in the treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinge Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dingming Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuelian Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Cheng X, Wang Y, Li Y, Liu W. Quantification of ferroptosis pattern in bladder carcinoma and its significance on immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9066. [PMID: 35641509 PMCID: PMC9156752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12712-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of ferroptosis in tumor development and therapy has been previously proved. Nonetheless, its potential role in tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy for bladder carcinoma remains unclear. Based on 38 ferroptosis-related genes, the characteristic of ferroptosis patterns and interactions with immune cell-infiltrating features in 2043 bladder cancer samples were systematically investigated. We further proposed the FerrScore to quantify the ferroptosis patterns for each patient. As results, three diverse ferroptosis patterns with distinct tumor-infiltrating immune cell features were established. By determination of ferroptosis patterns of each patient, we found that high FerrScore was related to lower proportion of luminal-papillary molecular subtype, more frequent TP53 mutations, activation of immunity and stroma, and lower 5-year survival. High FerrScore also seemed to be associated with decreased neoantigen load, tumor mutational burden and poorer response to anti-PD-L1/1 therapy. External verification in two immunotherapy cohorts showed FerrScore was an independent and effective prognostic factor for therapeutic effect and survival outcome. Overall, the present study indicated the ferroptosis strongly is closely correlated with TME diversity. Evaluation of the ferroptosis patterns may strengthen the cognition of TME immune cell infiltrations and guide more individualized immunotherapeutic strategies in bladder carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cheng
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Renmin Middle Road 139, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yinhuai Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Renmin Middle Road 139, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yijian Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Renmin Middle Road 139, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Renmin Middle Road 139, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Genomic analysis uncovers prognostic and immunogenic characteristics of ferroptosis for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 25:186-197. [PMID: 34458004 PMCID: PMC8368772 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the characteristic patterns of ferroptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) were systematically investigated with the interactions between ferroptosis and the tumor microenvironment (TME). On the mRNA expression profiles of 57 ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs), three ferroptosis patterns were constructed, with distinct prognosis and immune cell infiltrations (especially T cells and dendritic cells). The high ferroptosis scores were characterized by poorer prognosis, increased T cell infiltration, higher immune and stromal scores, elevated tumor mutation burden, and enhanced response to anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy. Meanwhile, the low ferroptosis scores were distinctly associated with enhanced tumor purity and amino acid and fatty acid metabolism pathways. Following validation, the ferroptosis score was an independent and effective prognostic factor. Collectively, ferroptosis could be involved in the diverse and complex TME. Evaluation of the ferroptosis patterns may heighten the comprehension about immune infiltrations in the TME, assisting oncologists to generate individualized immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Zacchi P, Belmonte B, Mangogna A, Morello G, Scola L, Martorana A, Borelli V. The Ferroxidase Hephaestin in Lung Cancer: Pathological Significance and Prognostic Value. Front Oncol 2021; 11:638856. [PMID: 34094919 PMCID: PMC8170403 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.638856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hephaestin (HEPH) belongs to a group of exocytoplasmic ferroxidases which contribute to cellular iron homeostasis by favouring its export. Down-regulation of HEPH expression, possibly by stimulating cell proliferation due to an increase in iron availability, has shown to correlate with poor survival in breast cancer. The lung is particularly sensitive to iron-induced oxidative stress, given the high oxygen tension present, however, HEPH distribution in lung cancer and its influence on prognosis have not been investigated yet. In this study we explored the prognostic value of HEPH and its expression pattern in the most prevalent histotypes of lung cancers, namely lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In silico analyses, based on UALCAN, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier plotter bioinformatics, revealed a significant correlation between higher levels of HEPH expression and favorable prognosis, in both cancer histotypes. Moreover, TIMER web platform showed a statistically significant association between HEPH expression and cell elements belonging to the tumor microenvironment identified as endothelial cells and a subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, further confirmed by double immunohistochemical labeling with cell type specific markers. Taken together, these data shed a light on the complex mechanisms of local iron handling lung cancer can exploit to support tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Zacchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belmonte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gaia Morello
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Letizia Scola
- Clinical Pathology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Martorana
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Violetta Borelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Aksan A, Farrag K, Aksan S, Schroeder O, Stein J. Flipside of the Coin: Iron Deficiency and Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635899. [PMID: 33777027 PMCID: PMC7991591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is the most frequent hematological manifestation in individuals with cancer, and is especially common in patients with colorectal cancer. Iron is a vital micronutrient that plays an essential role in many biological functions, in the context of which it has been found to be intimately linked to cancer biology. To date, however, whereas a large number of studies have comprehensively investigated and reviewed the effects of excess iron on cancer initiation and progression, potential interrelations of iron deficiency with cancer have been largely neglected and are not well-defined. Emerging evidence indicates that reduced iron intake and low systemic iron levels are associated with the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, suggesting that optimal iron intake must be carefully balanced to avoid both iron deficiency and iron excess. Since iron is vital in the maintenance of immunological functions, insufficient iron availability may enhance oncogenicity by impairing immunosurveillance for neoplastic changes and potentially altering the tumor immune microenvironment. Data from clinical studies support these concepts, showing that iron deficiency is associated with inferior outcomes and reduced response to therapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Here, we elucidate cancer-related effects of iron deficiency, examine preclinical and clinical evidence of its role in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and treatment response. and highlight the importance of adequate iron supplementation to limit these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegül Aksan
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,Interdisziplinäres Crohn Colitis Centrum, Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Karima Farrag
- Interdisziplinäres Crohn Colitis Centrum, Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,DGD Kliniken Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sami Aksan
- Interdisziplinäres Crohn Colitis Centrum, Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,DGD Kliniken Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Oliver Schroeder
- Interdisziplinäres Crohn Colitis Centrum, Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,DGD Kliniken Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jürgen Stein
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,Interdisziplinäres Crohn Colitis Centrum, Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,DGD Kliniken Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany
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