1
|
Very N, Boulet C, Gheeraert C, Berthier A, Johanns M, Bou Saleh M, Guille L, Bray F, Strub JM, Bobowski-Gerard M, Zummo FP, Vallez E, Molendi-Coste O, Woitrain E, Cianférani S, Montaigne D, Ntandja-Wandji LC, Dubuquoy L, Dubois-Chevalier J, Staels B, Lefebvre P, Eeckhoute J. O-GlcNAcylation controls pro-fibrotic transcriptional regulatory signaling in myofibroblasts. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:391. [PMID: 38830870 PMCID: PMC11148087 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tissue injury causes activation of mesenchymal lineage cells into wound-repairing myofibroblasts (MFs), whose uncontrolled activity ultimately leads to fibrosis. Although this process is triggered by deep metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming, functional links between these two key events are not yet understood. Here, we report that the metabolic sensor post-translational modification O-linked β-D-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is increased and required for myofibroblastic activation. Inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impairs archetypal myofibloblast cellular activities including extracellular matrix gene expression and collagen secretion/deposition as defined in vitro and using ex vivo and in vivo murine liver injury models. Mechanistically, a multi-omics approach combining proteomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data mining revealed that O-GlcNAcylation controls the MF transcriptional program by targeting the transcription factors Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) and TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD4) together with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) co-activator. Indeed, inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impedes their stability leading to decreased functionality of the BNC2/TEAD4/YAP1 complex towards promoting activation of the MF transcriptional regulatory landscape. We found that this involves O-GlcNAcylation of BNC2 at Thr455 and Ser490 and of TEAD4 at Ser69 and Ser99. Altogether, this study unravels protein O-GlcNAcylation as a key determinant of myofibroblastic activation and identifies its inhibition as an avenue to intervene with fibrogenic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ninon Very
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Clémence Boulet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Céline Gheeraert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Berthier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Manuel Johanns
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Mohamed Bou Saleh
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Loïc Guille
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Bray
- Miniaturization for Synthesis, Analysis & Proteomics, UAR 3290, CNRS, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Marc Strub
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Bobowski-Gerard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Francesco P Zummo
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Vallez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Olivier Molendi-Coste
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Eloise Woitrain
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - David Montaigne
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Line Carolle Ntandja-Wandji
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | | | - Bart Staels
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Lefebvre
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Eeckhoute
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun L, Zheng M, Gao Y, Brigstock DR, Gao R. Retinoic acid signaling pathway in pancreatic stellate cells: Insight into the anti-fibrotic effect and mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176374. [PMID: 38309676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are activated following loss of cytoplasmic vitamin A (retinol)-containing lipid droplets, which is a key event in the process of fibrogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA). PSCs are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that produce stroma to induce PDAC cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. As an active metabolite of retinol, retinoic acid (RA) can regulate target gene expression in PSCs through its nuclear receptor complex (RAR/RXR or RXR/RXR) or transcriptional intermediary factor. Additionally, RA also has extranuclear and non-transcriptional effects. In vitro studies have shown that RA induces PSC deactivation which reduces extracellular matrix production through multiple modes of action, such as inhibiting TβRⅡ, PDGFRβ, β-catenin and Wnt production, downregulating ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation and suppressing active TGF-β1 release. RA alone or in combination with other reagents have been demonstrated to have an effective anti-fibrotic effect on cerulein-induced mouse CP models in vivo studies. Clinical trial data have shown that repurposing all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as a stromal-targeting agent for human pancreatic cancer is safe and tolerable, suggesting the possibility of using RA for the treatment of CP and PDCA in humans. This review focuses on RA signaling pathways in PSCs and the effects and mechanisms of RA in PSC-mediated fibrogenesis as well as the anti-fibrotic and anti-tumor effects of RA targeting PSCs or CAFs in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the potential therapies of RA against CP and PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Pathology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meifang Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - David R Brigstock
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Runping Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pateras IS, Igea A, Nikas IP, Leventakou D, Koufopoulos NI, Ieronimaki AI, Bergonzini A, Ryu HS, Chatzigeorgiou A, Frisan T, Kittas C, Panayiotides IG. Diagnostic Challenges during Inflammation and Cancer: Current Biomarkers and Future Perspectives in Navigating through the Minefield of Reactive versus Dysplastic and Cancerous Lesions in the Digestive System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1251. [PMID: 38279253 PMCID: PMC10816510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the setting of pronounced inflammation, changes in the epithelium may overlap with neoplasia, often rendering it impossible to establish a diagnosis with certainty in daily clinical practice. Here, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms driving tissue response during persistent inflammatory signaling along with the potential association with cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, extrahepatic bile ducts, and liver. We highlight the histopathological challenges encountered in the diagnosis of chronic inflammation in routine practice and pinpoint tissue-based biomarkers that could complement morphology to differentiate reactive from dysplastic or cancerous lesions. We refer to the advantages and limitations of existing biomarkers employing immunohistochemistry and point to promising new markers, including the generation of novel antibodies targeting mutant proteins, miRNAs, and array assays. Advancements in experimental models, including mouse and 3D models, have improved our understanding of tissue response. The integration of digital pathology along with artificial intelligence may also complement routine visual inspections. Navigating through tissue responses in various chronic inflammatory contexts will help us develop novel and reliable biomarkers that will improve diagnostic decisions and ultimately patient treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis S. Pateras
- 2nd Department of Pathology, “Attikon” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (N.I.K.); (A.I.I.); (I.G.P.)
| | - Ana Igea
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Mobile Genomes, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ilias P. Nikas
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 2029 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Danai Leventakou
- 2nd Department of Pathology, “Attikon” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (N.I.K.); (A.I.I.); (I.G.P.)
| | - Nektarios I. Koufopoulos
- 2nd Department of Pathology, “Attikon” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (N.I.K.); (A.I.I.); (I.G.P.)
| | - Argyro Ioanna Ieronimaki
- 2nd Department of Pathology, “Attikon” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (N.I.K.); (A.I.I.); (I.G.P.)
| | - Anna Bergonzini
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Han Suk Ryu
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea;
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Teresa Frisan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Christos Kittas
- Department of Histopathology, Biomedicine Group of Health Company, 156 26 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioannis G. Panayiotides
- 2nd Department of Pathology, “Attikon” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (D.L.); (N.I.K.); (A.I.I.); (I.G.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Targeting Periostin Expression Makes Pancreatic Cancer Spheroids More Vulnerable to Natural Killer Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020270. [PMID: 36830807 PMCID: PMC9952976 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) characteristically has a dense tumor microenvironment, which results in poor patient prognosis. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the most abundant cells in the PaCa microenvironment and the principal source of collagen. Periostin, a matricellular protein, is produced specifically by PSCs and promotes the aggressiveness of PaCa cells by facilitating extracellular collagen assembly. Here, we aimed to decrease extracellular collagen assembly by suppressing periostin, thereby increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Periostin expression was suppressed in PSCs (called PSC-P) using CRISPR-Cas9. PaCa cells (BxPC-3) were co-cultured with PSC and PSC-P cells in a 3D environment to form tumor spheroids mimicking the tumor microenvironment. The extracellular collagen production of spheroids was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining. The cytotoxic activity of NK-92 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy via CD107a staining. Cell death in BxPC-3 cells was evaluated by measuring Annexin-V and PI positivity using flow cytometry. As a result, periostin suppression decreased extracellular collagen and increased the infiltration of NK-92 cells into spheroids, and induced cell death in PaCa cells. In conclusion, we suggest that periostin might be a therapeutic target for PaCa and further analysis is warranted using in vivo models for proof-of-concept.
Collapse
|
5
|
Park J, Hsueh PC, Li Z, Ho PC. Microenvironment-driven metabolic adaptations guiding CD8 + T cell anti-tumor immunity. Immunity 2023; 56:32-42. [PMID: 36630916 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic stress occurring in the tumor microenvironment (TME) hampers T cell anti-tumor immunity by disturbing T cell metabolic and epigenetic programs. Recent studies are making headway toward identifying strategies to unleash T cell activities by targeting T cell metabolism. Furthermore, efforts have been made to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell transfer therapies. However, distinct treatment outcomes across different cancers raise the question of whether our understanding of the features of CD8+ T cells within the TME are universal, regardless of their tissue of origin. Here, we review the common and distinct environmental factors affecting CD8+ T cells across tumors. Moreover, we discuss how distinct tissue-specific niches are interpreted by CD8+ T cells based on studies on tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells and how these insights can pave the way for a better understanding of the metabolic regulation of CD8+ T cell differentiation and anti-tumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeoh Park
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Pei-Chun Hsueh
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland; Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Functional genomics uncovers the transcription factor BNC2 as required for myofibroblastic activation in fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5324. [PMID: 36088459 PMCID: PMC9464213 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue injury triggers activation of mesenchymal lineage cells into wound-repairing myofibroblasts, whose unrestrained activity leads to fibrosis. Although this process is largely controlled at the transcriptional level, whether the main transcription factors involved have all been identified has remained elusive. Here, we report multi-omics analyses unraveling Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) as a myofibroblast identity transcription factor. Using liver fibrosis as a model for in-depth investigations, we first show that BNC2 expression is induced in both mouse and human fibrotic livers from different etiologies and decreases upon human liver fibrosis regression. Importantly, we found that BNC2 transcriptional induction is a specific feature of myofibroblastic activation in fibrotic tissues. Mechanistically, BNC2 expression and activities allow to integrate pro-fibrotic stimuli, including TGFβ and Hippo/YAP1 signaling, towards induction of matrisome genes such as those encoding type I collagen. As a consequence, Bnc2 deficiency blunts collagen deposition in livers of mice fed a fibrogenic diet. Additionally, our work establishes BNC2 as potentially druggable since we identified the thalidomide derivative CC-885 as a BNC2 inhibitor. Altogether, we propose that BNC2 is a transcription factor involved in canonical pathways driving myofibroblastic activation in fibrosis. Myofibroblasts contribute to the development of liver fibrosis. Here, the authors report that the transcription factor Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) integrates fibrogenic signals and drives myofibroblastic transcriptional activation in liver fibrosis.
Collapse
|
7
|
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: tumor microenvironment and problems in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00886-1. [DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
8
|
Ariyachet C, Chuaypen N, Kaewsapsak P, Chantaravisoot N, Jindatip D, Potikanond S, Tangkijvanich P. MicroRNA-223 Suppresses Human Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Partly via Regulating the Actin Cytoskeleton and Alleviates Fibrosis in Organoid Models of Liver Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169380. [PMID: 36012644 PMCID: PMC9409493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate target mRNA expression, and altered expression of miRNAs is associated with liver pathological conditions. Recent studies in animal models have shown neutrophil/myeloid-specific microRNA-223 (miR-223) as a key regulator in the development of various liver diseases including fibrosis, where hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key player in pathogenesis. However, the precise roles of miR-223 in human HSCs and its therapeutic potential to control fibrosis remain largely unexplored. Using primary human HSCs, we demonstrated that miR-223 suppressed the fibrogenic program and cellular proliferation while promoting features of quiescent HSCs including lipid re-accumulation and retinol storage. Furthermore, induction of miR-223 in HSCs decreased cellular motility and contraction. Mechanistically, miR-223 negatively regulated expression of smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA) and thus reduced cytoskeletal activity, which is known to promote amplification of fibrogenic signals. Restoration of α-SMA in miR-223-overexpressing HSCs alleviated the antifibrotic effects of miR-223. Finally, to explore the therapeutic potential of miR-233 in liver fibrosis, we generated co-cultured organoids of HSCs with Huh7 hepatoma cells and challenged them with acetaminophen (APAP) or palmitic acid (PA) to induce hepatotoxicity. We showed that ectopic expression of miR-223 in HSCs attenuated fibrogenesis in the two human organoid models of liver injury, suggesting its potential application in antifibrotic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaiyaboot Ariyachet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: or (C.A.); (P.T.)
| | - Nattaya Chuaypen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Kaewsapsak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Naphat Chantaravisoot
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Depicha Jindatip
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Saranyapin Potikanond
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Research Center of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: or (C.A.); (P.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kong W, Liu Z, Sun M, Liu H, Kong C, Ma J, Wang R, Qian F. Synergistic autophagy blockade and VDR signaling activation enhance stellate cell reprogramming in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 539:215718. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
10
|
Ng B, Viswanathan S, Widjaja AA, Lim WW, Shekeran SG, Goh JWT, Tan J, Kuthubudeen F, Lim SY, Xie C, Schafer S, Adami E, Cook SA. IL11 Activates Pancreatic Stellate Cells and Causes Pancreatic Inflammation, Fibrosis and Atrophy in a Mouse Model of Pancreatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073549. [PMID: 35408908 PMCID: PMC8999048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-11 (IL11) is important for fibrosis and inflammation, but its role in the pancreas is unclear. In pancreatitis, fibrosis, inflammation and organ dysfunction are associated with pancreatic stellate cell (PSC)-to-myofibroblast transformation. Here, we show that IL11 stimulation of PSCs, which specifically express IL11RA in the pancreas, results in transient STAT3 phosphorylation, sustained ERK activation and PSC activation. In contrast, IL6 stimulation of PSCs caused sustained STAT3 phosphorylation but did not result in ERK activation or PSC transformation. Pancreatitis factors, including TGFβ, CTGF and PDGF, induced IL11 secretion from PSCs and a neutralising IL11RA antibody prevented PSC activation by these stimuli. This revealed an important ERK-dependent role for autocrine IL11 activity in PSCs. In mice, IL11 was increased in the pancreas after pancreatic duct ligation, and in humans, IL11 and IL11RA levels were elevated in chronic pancreatitis. Following pancreatic duct ligation, administration of anti-IL11RA to mice reduced pathologic (ERK, STAT, NF-κB) signalling, pancreatic atrophy, fibrosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNFα, IL6 and IL1β) levels. This is the first description of IL11-mediated activation of PSCs, and the data suggest IL11 as a stromal therapeutic target in pancreatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ng
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore; (W.-W.L.); (J.T.); (C.X.); (S.A.C.)
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: (B.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Sivakumar Viswanathan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Anissa A. Widjaja
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Wei-Wen Lim
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore; (W.-W.L.); (J.T.); (C.X.); (S.A.C.)
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Shamini G. Shekeran
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Joyce Wei Ting Goh
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Jessie Tan
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore; (W.-W.L.); (J.T.); (C.X.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Fathima Kuthubudeen
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Sze Yun Lim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Chen Xie
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore; (W.-W.L.); (J.T.); (C.X.); (S.A.C.)
| | - Sebastian Schafer
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Eleonora Adami
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Stuart A. Cook
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore; (W.-W.L.); (J.T.); (C.X.); (S.A.C.)
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.V.); (A.A.W.); (S.G.S.); (J.W.T.G.); (F.K.); (S.Y.L.); (S.S.)
- MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hirth M, Göltl P, Weiss C, Ebert MP, Schneider A. Association between Pancreatic Burnout and Liver Cirrhosis in Alcoholic Chronic Pancreatitis. Digestion 2021; 102:887-894. [PMID: 34461618 DOI: 10.1159/000516482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES In chronic pancreatitis (CP), progressive fibrosis of the pancreas leads to exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and, finally, to pancreatic burnout. Alcohol consumption is associated with fibrosis in the pancreas and the liver, and the activation of stellate cells plays a central role in the induction of fibrosis in both organs. However, the relationship between pancreatic burnout and liver cirrhosis (LC) is still poorly understood in patients with alcoholic CP (ACP). METHODS We performed a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study with 537 CP patients. We analyzed the clinical presence of early and advanced pancreatic burnout and stated LC in cases of typical alterations in histology, liver stiffness measurement, cross-sectional imaging, or ultrasound. We analyzed further clinical parameters. RESULTS The frequency of advanced pancreatic burnout was 6.5% for ACP (20/306) and 4% for non-ACP (8/206; p = 0.20; χ2 test). Advanced pancreatic burnout was not associated with the amount of alcohol consumption (p = 0.34) but with the disease duration (p = 0.0470) and rate of calcification (p = 0.0056). Furthermore, advanced pancreatic burnout was associated with LC (p < 0.0001) but cannot be explained by the amount of alcohol consumption. In ACP with alcohol consumption >80 g/day, an isolated LC was significantly more frequently detectable (14%, without pancreatic burnout) than an isolated advanced pancreatic burnout (1%, without LC). These results were confirmed by multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS We identified a close association between LC and pancreatic burnout. The disease duration positively correlates with the development of pancreatic burnout. The liver seems to be more vulnerable to alcohol than the pancreas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hirth
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Göltl
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christel Weiss
- Department of Medical Statistics, Mannheim Medical Faculty of the University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias P Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexander Schneider
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Center Bad Hersfeld, Bad Hersfeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Soliman H, Theret M, Scott W, Hill L, Underhill TM, Hinz B, Rossi FMV. Multipotent stromal cells: One name, multiple identities. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1690-1707. [PMID: 34624231 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are vital for development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of most tissues. They can differentiate along multiple connective lineages, but unlike most other stem/progenitor cells, they carry out various other functions while maintaining their developmental potential. MSCs function as damage sensors, respond to injury by fostering regeneration through secretion of trophic factors as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and contribute to fibrotic reparative processes when regeneration fails. Tissue-specific MSC identity, fate(s), and function(s) are being resolved through fate mapping coupled with single cell "omics," providing unparalleled insights into the secret lives of tissue-resident MSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Soliman
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Aspect Biosystems, Vancouver, BC V6P 6P2, Canada
| | - Marine Theret
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Wilder Scott
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lesley Hill
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Tully Michael Underhill
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang ZY, Keogh A, Waldt A, Cuttat R, Neri M, Zhu S, Schuierer S, Ruchti A, Crochemore C, Knehr J, Bastien J, Ksiazek I, Sánchez-Taltavull D, Ge H, Wu J, Roma G, Helliwell SB, Stroka D, Nigsch F. Single-cell and bulk transcriptomics of the liver reveals potential targets of NASH with fibrosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19396. [PMID: 34588551 PMCID: PMC8481490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive production of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components and represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Previous studies of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis were largely restricted to bulk transcriptome profiles. Thus, our understanding of this disease is limited by an incomplete characterization of liver cell types in general and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in particular, given that activated HSCs are the major hepatic fibrogenic cell population. To help fill this gap, we profiled 17,810 non-parenchymal cells derived from six healthy human livers. In conjunction with public single-cell data of fibrotic/cirrhotic human livers, these profiles enable the identification of potential intercellular signaling axes (e.g., ITGAV-LAMC1, TNFRSF11B-VWF and NOTCH2-DLL4) and master regulators (e.g., RUNX1 and CREB3L1) responsible for the activation of HSCs during fibrogenesis. Bulk RNA-seq data of NASH patient livers and rodent models for liver fibrosis of diverse etiologies allowed us to evaluate the translatability of candidate therapeutic targets for NASH-related fibrosis. We identified 61 liver fibrosis-associated genes (e.g., AEBP1, PRRX1 and LARP6) that may serve as a repertoire of translatable drug target candidates. Consistent with the above regulon results, gene regulatory network analysis allowed the identification of CREB3L1 as a master regulator of many of the 61 genes. Together, this study highlights potential cell-cell interactions and master regulators that underlie HSC activation and reveals genes that may represent prospective hallmark signatures for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yi Wang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Adrian Keogh
- Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annick Waldt
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Cuttat
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marilisa Neri
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shanshan Zhu
- China Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Sven Schuierer
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Ruchti
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Judith Knehr
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julie Bastien
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iwona Ksiazek
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Sánchez-Taltavull
- Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hui Ge
- China Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jing Wu
- China Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Guglielmo Roma
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephen B Helliwell
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Rejuveron Life Sciences AG, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Stroka
- Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Florian Nigsch
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu H, Shi Y, Qian F. Opportunities and delusions regarding drug delivery targeting pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 172:37-51. [PMID: 33705881 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A dense desmoplastic stroma formed by abundant extracellular matrix and stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and immune cells, is a feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most lethal cancer types. As the dominant cellular component of the PDAC stroma, CAFs orchestrate intensive and biologically diverse crosstalk with pancreatic cancer cells and immune cells and contribute to a unique PDAC tumor microenvironment promoting cancer proliferation, metastasis, and resistance against both chemo- and immunotherapies. Therefore, CAFs and CAF-related mechanisms have emerged as promising targets for PDAC therapy. However, several clinical setbacks and accumulating knowledge of the PDAC stroma have revealed the heterogeneity and multifaceted biological roles of CAFs, and concerns regarding "what to deliver" and "how to deliver" have arisen when designing CAF-targeted drug delivery systems to specifically inhibit tumor-supporting CAFs without impairing tumor-restricting CAFs. In this review, we will discuss the complexity of CAFs in the PDAC stroma as well as the potential opportunities and common misconceptions regarding drug delivery efforts targeting PDAC CAFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Robinson CM, Talty A, Logue SE, Mnich K, Gorman AM, Samali A. An Emerging Role for the Unfolded Protein Response in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020261. [PMID: 33445669 PMCID: PMC7828145 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-associated deaths in the world. It is characterised by dismal response rates to conventional therapies. A major challenge in treatment strategies for PDAC is the presence of a dense stroma that surrounds the tumour cells, shielding them from treatment. This unique tumour microenvironment is fuelled by paracrine signalling between pancreatic cancer cells and supporting stromal cell types including the pancreatic stellate cells (PSC). While our molecular understanding of PDAC is improving, there remains a vital need to develop effective, targeted treatments. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an elaborate signalling network that governs the cellular response to perturbed protein homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen. There is growing evidence that the UPR is constitutively active in PDAC and may contribute to the disease progression and the acquisition of resistance to therapy. Given the importance of the tumour microenvironment and cytokine signalling in PDAC, and an emerging role for the UPR in shaping the tumour microenvironment and in the regulation of cytokines in other cancer types, this review explores the importance of the UPR in PDAC biology and its potential as a therapeutic target in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire M. Robinson
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; (C.M.R.); (A.T.); (K.M.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Aaron Talty
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; (C.M.R.); (A.T.); (K.M.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Susan E. Logue
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Katarzyna Mnich
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; (C.M.R.); (A.T.); (K.M.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Adrienne M. Gorman
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; (C.M.R.); (A.T.); (K.M.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Afshin Samali
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; (C.M.R.); (A.T.); (K.M.); (A.M.G.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li Y, Zhao Z, Lin CY, Liu Y, Staveley-OCarroll KF, Li G, Cheng K. Silencing PCBP2 normalizes desmoplastic stroma and improves the antitumor activity of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2182-2200. [PMID: 33500719 PMCID: PMC7797682 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Dense desmoplastic stroma is a fundamental characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and comprises up to 80% of the tumor mass. Type I collagen is the major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which acts as a barrier to impede the delivery of drugs into the tumor microenvironment. While the strategy to deplete PDAC stroma has failed in clinical trials, normalization of the stroma to allow chemotherapy to kill the tumor cells in the “nest” could be a promising strategy for PDAC therapy. We hypothesize that silencing the poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (αCP2, encoded by the PCBP2 gene) leads to the destabilization and normalization of type I collagen in the PDAC stroma. Methods: We develop a micro-flow mixing method to fabricate a peptide-based core-stabilized PCBP2 siRNA nanocomplex to reverse the accumulation of type I collagen in PDAC tumor stroma. Various in vitro studies were performed to evaluate the silencing activity, cellular uptake, serum stability, and tumor penetration of the PCBP2 siRNA nanocomplex. We also investigated the penetration of small molecules in stroma-rich pancreatic cancer spheroids after the treatment with the PCBP2 siRNA nanocomplex. The anti-tumor activity of the PCBP2 siRNA nanocomplex and its combination with gemcitabine was evaluated in an orthotopic stroma-rich pancreatic cancer mouse model. Results: Silencing the PCBP2 gene using siRNA reverses the accumulation of type I collagen in human pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells. The siRNA nanocomplex significantly reduces ECM production and enhances drug penetration through desmoplastic tumor stroma. The combination of gemcitabine with the PCBP2 siRNA nanocomplex markedly suppresses the tumor progression in a desmoplastic PDAC orthotopic mouse model. Conclusion: This approach provides a new therapeutic avenue to improve the antitumor efficacy of PDAC therapies by normalizing tumor stroma using the PCBP2 siRNA nanocomplex.
Collapse
|
17
|
Hessmann E, Buchholz SM, Demir IE, Singh SK, Gress TM, Ellenrieder V, Neesse A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Pancreatic Cancer. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1707-1751. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the most lethal solid tumors in humans. A histological hallmark feature of PDAC is the pronounced tumor microenvironment (TME) that dynamically evolves during tumor progression. The TME consists of different non-neoplastic cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, and neurons. Furthermore, abundant extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid as well as matricellular proteins create a highly dynamic and hypovascular TME with multiple biochemical and physical interactions among the various cellular and acellular components that promote tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. In recent years, intensive research efforts have resulted in a significantly improved understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of the TME in PDAC, and novel stroma-targeted approaches are emerging that may help to improve the devastating prognosis of PDAC patients. However, none of anti-stromal therapies has been approved in patients so far, and there is still a large discrepancy between multiple successful preclinical results and subsequent failure in clinical trials. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that parts of the TME may also possess tumor-restraining properties rendering tailored therapies even more challenging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Soeren M. Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Thomas M. Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ko J, Stuart CE, Modesto AE, Cho J, Bharmal SH, Petrov MS. Chronic Pancreatitis Is Characterized by Elevated Circulating Periostin Levels Related to Intra-Pancreatic Fat Deposition. J Clin Med Res 2020; 12:568-578. [PMID: 32849945 PMCID: PMC7430919 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr4279] [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] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Periostin is a matricellular protein that induces fibrillogenesis and activates cell migration. It is overexpressed in common fibrotic diseases and is also associated with abdominal adiposity/ectopic fat phenotypes. The study aimed to investigate circulating levels of periostin in health and after an attack of pancreatitis, as well as their associations with abdominal adiposity/ectopic fat phenotypes. Methods Blood samples were obtained from healthy controls, as well as definite chronic pancreatitis (CP) and acute pancreatitis (AP) individuals during follow-up visits. Fat depositions in the pancreas, liver, skeletal muscle, as well as visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes, were quantified with the use of magnetic resonance imaging. A series of multivariable analyses were conducted, accounting for possible confounders. Results A total of 121 individuals were included. Periostin levels were significantly higher in the CP group compared with the other groups in both unadjusted (F = 3.211, P = 0.044) and all adjusted models (F = 4.165, P = 0.019 in the most adjusted model). Intra-pancreatic fat deposition (but not the other fat phenotypes) was significantly associated with periostin concentration in the CP group (β = 49.63, P = 0.034) and explained most of its variance (32.0%). Conclusions Individuals with CP, but not healthy individuals or those after clinical resolution of AP, are characterized by elevated circulating levels of periostin that are positively associated with intra-pancreatic fat deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juyeon Ko
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Andre E Modesto
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jaelim Cho
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sakina H Bharmal
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maxim S Petrov
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Roife D, Sarcar B, Fleming JB. Stellate Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1263:67-84. [PMID: 32588324 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44518-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As tumor microenvironments share many of the same qualities as chronic wounds, attention is turning to the wound-repair cells that support the growth of cancerous cells. Stellate cells are star-shaped cells that were first discovered in the perisinusoidal spaces in the liver and have been found to support wound healing by the secretion of growth factors and extracellular matrix. They have since been also found to serve a similar function in the pancreas. In both organs, the wound-healing process may become dysregulated and lead to pathological fibrosis (also known as cirrhosis in the liver). In recent years there has been increasing attention paid to the role of these cells in tumor formation and progression. They may be a factor in initiating the first steps of carcinogenesis such as with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and also contribute to continued tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, evasion of the immune system, and resistance to chemotherapy, in cancers of both the liver and pancreas. In this chapter we aim to review the structure and function of hepatic and pancreatic stellate cells and their contributions to the tumor microenvironment in their respective cancers and also discuss potential new targets for cancer therapy based on our new understanding of these vital components of the tumor stroma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Roife
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bhaswati Sarcar
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Che M, Kweon SM, Teo JL, Yuan YC, Melstrom LG, Waldron RT, Lugea A, Urrutia RA, Pandol SJ, Lai KKY. Targeting the CBP/β-Catenin Interaction to Suppress Activation of Cancer-Promoting Pancreatic Stellate Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061476. [PMID: 32516943 PMCID: PMC7352534 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although cyclic AMP-response element binding protein-binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin signaling is known to promote proliferation and fibrosis in various organ systems, its role in the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the key effector cells of desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer and fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis, is largely unknown. Methods: To investigate the role of the CBP/β-catenin signaling pathway in the activation of PSCs, we have treated mouse and human PSCs with the small molecule specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist ICG-001 and examined the effects of treatment on parameters of activation. Results: We report for the first time that CBP/β-catenin antagonism suppresses activation of PSCs as evidenced by their decreased proliferation, down-regulation of “activation” markers, e.g., α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA/Acta2), collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1), Prolyl 4-hydroxylase, and Survivin, up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (Ppar-γ) which is associated with quiescence, and reduced migration; additionally, CBP/β-catenin antagonism also suppresses PSC-induced migration of cancer cells. Conclusion: CBP/β-catenin antagonism represents a novel therapeutic strategy for suppressing PSC activation and may be effective at countering PSC promotion of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingtian Che
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Soo-Mi Kweon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Jia-Ling Teo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Laleh G. Melstrom
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Richard T. Waldron
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aurelia Lugea
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Raul A. Urrutia
- Department of Surgery and the Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Keane K. Y. Lai
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, and Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Origin and role of hepatic myofibroblasts in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2020; 11:1186-1201. [PMID: 32284794 PMCID: PMC7138168 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Fibrosis and cirrhosis are important risk factors for the development of HCC. Hepatic myofibroblasts are the cells responsible for extracellular matrix deposition, which is the hallmark of liver fibrosis. It is believed that myofibroblasts are predominantly derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), also known as Ito cells. Nevertheless, depending on the nature of insult to the liver, it is thought that myofibroblasts may also originate from a variety of other cell types such as the portal fibroblasts (PFs), fibrocytes, hepatocytes, hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), and mesothelial cells. Liver myofibroblasts are believed to transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) while HCC is developing. There is substantial evidence suggesting that activated HSCs (aHSCs)/cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) may play an important role in HCC initiation and progression. In this paper, we aim to review current literature on cellular origins of myofibroblasts with a focus on hepatitis B virus (HBV)- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatic fibrosis. We also address the role of aHSCs/CAFs in HCC progression through the regulation of immune cells as well as mechanisms of evolvement of drug resistance.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Fibrosis and cirrhosis are important risk factors for the development of HCC. Hepatic myofibroblasts are the cells responsible for extracellular matrix deposition, which is the hallmark of liver fibrosis. It is believed that myofibroblasts are predominantly derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), also known as Ito cells. Nevertheless, depending on the nature of insult to the liver, it is thought that myofibroblasts may also originate from a variety of other cell types such as the portal fibroblasts (PFs), fibrocytes, hepatocytes, hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), and mesothelial cells. Liver myofibroblasts are believed to transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) while HCC is developing. There is substantial evidence suggesting that activated HSCs (aHSCs)/cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) may play an important role in HCC initiation and progression. In this paper, we aim to review current literature on cellular origins of myofibroblasts with a focus on hepatitis B virus (HBV)- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatic fibrosis. We also address the role of aHSCs/CAFs in HCC progression through the regulation of immune cells as well as mechanisms of evolvement of drug resistance.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this manuscript is to review the current literature related to fibrogenesis in the pancreatobiliary system and how this process contributes to pancreatic and biliary diseases. In particular, we seek to define the current state of knowledge regarding the epigenetic mechanisms that govern and regulate tissue fibrosis in these organs. A better understanding of these underlying molecular events will set the stage for future epigenetic therapeutics. RECENT FINDINGS We highlight the significant advances that have been made in defining the pathogenesis of pancreatobiliary fibrosis as it relates to chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and the fibro-obliterative cholangiopathies. We also review the cell types involved as well as concepts related to epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk. Furthermore, we outline important signaling pathways (e.g., TGFβ) and diverse epigenetic processes (i.e., DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications, and 3D chromatin remodeling) that regulate fibrogenic gene networks in these conditions. We review a growing body of scientific evidence linking epigenetic regulatory events to fibrotic disease states in the pancreas and biliary system. Advances in this understudied area will be critical toward developing epigenetic pharmacological approaches that may lead to more effective treatments for these devastating and difficult to treat disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Obaidullah Aseem
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rochester, FL, USA
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Robert C Huebert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rochester, FL, USA.
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Retinoids in Stellate Cells: Development, Repair, and Regeneration. J Dev Biol 2019; 7:jdb7020010. [PMID: 31137700 PMCID: PMC6630434 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stellate cells, either hepatic (HSCs) or pancreatic (PSCs), are a type of interstitial cells characterized by their ability to store retinoids in lipid vesicles. In pathological conditions both HSCs and PSCs lose their retinoid content and transform into fibroblast-like cells, contributing to the fibrogenic response. HSCs also participate in other functions including vasoregulation, drug detoxification, immunotolerance, and maintenance of the hepatocyte population. PSCs maintain pancreatic tissue architecture and regulate pancreatic exocrine function. Recently, PSCs have attracted the attention of researchers due to their interactions with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. PSCs promote tumour growth and angiogenesis, and their fibrotic activity increases the resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. We are reviewing the current literature concerning the role played by retinoids in the physiology and pathophysiology of the stellate cells, paying attention to their developmental aspects as well as the function of stellate cells in tissue repair and organ regeneration.
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Although common evolutionary principles drive the growth of cancer cells regardless of the tissue of origin, the microenvironment in which tumours arise substantially differs across various organ sites. Recent studies have established that, in addition to cell-intrinsic effects, tumour growth regulation also depends on local cues driven by tissue environmental factors. In this Review, we discuss how tissue-specific determinants might influence tumour development and argue that unravelling the tissue-specific contribution to tumour immunity should help the development of precise immunotherapeutic strategies for patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Salmon
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Precision Immunology Institute and Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- INSERM U932, Institut Curie, Paris, France.
| | | | - Sacha Gnjatic
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Precision Immunology Institute and Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miriam Merad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Precision Immunology Institute and Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Stellate cells are resident lipid-storing cells of the pancreas and liver that transdifferentiate to a myofibroblastic state in the context of tissue injury. Beyond having roles in tissue homeostasis, stellate cells are increasingly implicated in pathological fibrogenic and inflammatory programs that contribute to tissue fibrosis and that constitute a growth-permissive tumor microenvironment. Although the capacity of stellate cells for extracellular matrix production and remodeling has long been appreciated, recent research efforts have demonstrated diverse roles for stellate cells in regulation of epithelial cell fate, immune modulation, and tissue health. Our present understanding of stellate cell biology in health and disease is discussed here, as are emerging means to target these multifaceted cells for therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara H Sherman
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Stromal heterogeneity in pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatology 2018; 18:536-549. [PMID: 29778400 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES An abundant stromal reaction is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). The cells mainly responsible for the stromal reaction are activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Despite their crucial role, PSCs are not well characterized. PSCs share characteristics with the better-known hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The aim of this study was a detailed analysis of PSCs in PDAC and CP. METHODS Whole-slide specimens of CP (n = 12) and PDAC (n = 10) were studied by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The stroma was evaluated using Movat's pentachrome stain. PSCs were tested by immunohistochemistry for PSC markers (α-SMA, CD34, desmin, NGFR, SPARC and tenascin C) and HSC markers (α-crystallin B, CD56, NGF, NT-3, synaptophysin and TrkC). Alpha-SMA, tenascin C, SPARC and NT-3 staining were verified on tissue micro arrays (TMAs) from a well-characterized cohort of 223 PDAC patients. PSCs isolated from human PDAC and CP tissue samples as well as HSCs were evaluated by immunofluorescence. RESULTS While the stroma of CP cases was characterized by a collagen-rich fibrosis, PDAC stroma displayed higher mucin content (p = 0.0002). PSCs showed variable expression of tested markers. In PDAC samples, staining of most markers was found around tumor complexes, while CP samples showed a greater variety of localizations. Alpha-SMA staining correlated with collagen-rich fibrosis (p = 0.012), while NT-3 staining correlated with mucin-rich stroma (p = 0.008). A peritumoral staining was confirmed for α-SMA, tenascin C, SPARC and NT-3 in the PDAC TMA cohort (n = 223). In a subgroup of patients with pancreatic head tumors and UICC 2009 IIB (n = 144), α-SMA staining intensity was a prognostic factor for overall survival at uni- and multivariate analysis (p = 0.036 and p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The close similarities between PSCs and HSCs were confirmed. Heterogeneous expression patterns of the tested markers might reflect different levels of activation or differentiation, or even multiple subpopulations of PSCs. Survival analysis suggests an impact of stromal composition on survival.
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to assess the effect and possible mechanism of luteolin on chronic pancreatitis (CP). METHODS Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced CP was used as CP models in vivo. After the intervention of luteolin for 28 days, chronic pancreatic injury was assessed by serum hydroxyproline and pancreatic histology. α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was performed to detect the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Pancreatic stellate cells were also isolated and cultured in vitro, and the effect of luteolin on PSCs was evaluated. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β1) signaling and its regulated mRNA expression was tested by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS The protective role of luteolin on CP was confirmed by increased pancreas/body weight ratio, decreased pancreas hydroxyproline level, and reduced fibrosis. α-SMA expressions in PSCs were significantly decreased both in vitro and in vivo after the management of luteolin. Pancreas TGF-β1 expression was significantly decreased by luteolin. Luteolin inhibited the proliferation and activation of PSCs in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Luteolin played a protective role in CP in many aspects, partly by regulating release of inflammatory cytokines through TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
29
|
Experimental models of pancreatic cancer desmoplasia. J Transl Med 2018; 98:27-40. [PMID: 29155423 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoplasia is a fibro-inflammatory process and a well-established feature of pancreatic cancer. A key contributor to pancreatic cancer desmoplasia is the pancreatic stellate cell. Various in vitro and in vivo methods have emerged for the isolation, characterization, and use of pancreatic stellate cells in models of cancer-associated fibrosis. In addition to cell culture models, genetically engineered animal models have been established that spontaneously develop pancreatic cancer with desmoplasia. These animal models are currently being used for the study of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and for evaluating therapeutics against pancreatic cancer. Here, we review various in vitro and in vivo models that are being used or have the potential to be used to study desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
|
30
|
Sakellariou-Thompson D, Forget MA, Creasy C, Bernard V, Zhao L, Kim YU, Hurd MW, Uraoka N, Parra ER, Kang Y, Bristow CA, Rodriguez-Canales J, Fleming JB, Varadhachary G, Javle M, Overman MJ, Alvarez HA, Heffernan TP, Zhang J, Hwu P, Maitra A, Haymaker C, Bernatchez C. 4-1BB Agonist Focuses CD8 + Tumor-Infiltrating T-Cell Growth into a Distinct Repertoire Capable of Tumor Recognition in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:7263-7275. [PMID: 28947567 PMCID: PMC6097625 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients is extremely poor and improved therapies are urgently needed. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has shown great promise in other tumor types, such as metastatic melanoma where overall response rates of 50% have been seen. Given this success and the evidence showing that T-cell presence positively correlates with overall survival in PDAC, we sought to enrich for CD8+ TILs capable of autologous tumor recognition. In addition, we explored the phenotype and T-cell receptor repertoire of the CD8+ TILs in the tumor microenvironment.Experimental Design: We used an agonistic 4-1BB mAb during the initial tumor fragment culture to provide 4-1BB costimulation and assessed changes in TIL growth, phenotype, repertoire, and antitumor function.Results: Increased CD8+ TIL growth from PDAC tumors was achieved with the aid of an agonistic 4-1BB mAb. Expanded TILs were characterized by an activated but not terminally differentiated phenotype. Moreover, 4-1BB stimulation expanded a more clonal and distinct CD8+ TIL repertoire than IL2 alone. TILs from both culture conditions displayed MHC class I-restricted recognition of autologous tumor targets.Conclusions: Costimulation with an anti-4-1BB mAb increases the feasibility of TIL therapy by producing greater numbers of these tumor-reactive T cells. These results suggest that TIL ACT for PDAC is a potential treatment avenue worth further investigation for a patient population in dire need of improved therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(23); 7263-75. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Andrée Forget
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Caitlin Creasy
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vincent Bernard
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Young Uk Kim
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mark W Hurd
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Naohiro Uraoka
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Edwin Roger Parra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ya'an Kang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Christopher A Bristow
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jaime Rodriguez-Canales
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gauri Varadhachary
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Milind Javle
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael J Overman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hector A Alvarez
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy P Heffernan
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Cara Haymaker
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Chantale Bernatchez
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pancreatic Stellate Cells Have Distinct Characteristics From Hepatic Stellate Cells and Are Not the Unique Origin of Collagen-Producing Cells in the Pancreas. Pancreas 2017; 46:1141-1151. [PMID: 28902784 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The origin of collagen-producing myofibroblasts in pancreatic fibrosis is still controversial. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which have been recognized as the pancreatic counterparts of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), are thought to play an important role in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. However, sources of myofibroblasts other than PSCs may exist because extensive studies of liver fibrosis have uncovered myofibroblasts that did not originate from HSCs. This study aimed to characterize myofibroblasts in an experimental pancreatic fibrosis model in mice. METHODS We used transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein via the collagen type I α1 promoter and induced pancreatic fibrosis with repetitive injections of cerulein. RESULTS Collagen-producing cells that are negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (ie, not derived from PSCs) exist in the pancreas. Pancreatic stellate cells had different characteristics from those of HSCs in a very small possession of vitamin A using mass spectrometry and a low expression of lecithin retinol acyltransferase. The microstructure of PSCs was entirely different from that of HSCs using flow cytometry and electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that characteristics of PSCs are different from those of HSCs, and myofibroblasts in the pancreas might be derived not only from PSCs but also from other fibrogenic cells.
Collapse
|
32
|
Allam A, Thomsen AR, Gothwal M, Saha D, Maurer J, Brunner TB. Pancreatic stellate cells in pancreatic cancer: In focus. Pancreatology 2017; 17:514-522. [PMID: 28601475 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2017.05.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells are stromal cells that have multiple physiological functions such as the production of extracellular matrix, stimulation of amylase secretion, phagocytosis and immunity. In pancreatic cancer, stellate cells exhibit a different myofibroblastic-like morphology with the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, the activated form is engaged in several mechanisms that support tumorigenesis and cancer invasion and progression. In contrast to the aforementioned observations, eliminating the stromal cells that are positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin resulted in immune-evasion of the cancer cells and resulted in worse prognosis in animal models. Understanding the cancer-stromal signaling in pancreatic adenocarcinoma will provide novel strategies for therapy. Here we provide an updated review of studies that handle the topic "pancreatic stellate cells in cancer" and recent experimental approaches that can be the base for future directions in therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Allam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department, Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt
| | - A R Thomsen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Gothwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D Saha
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - J Maurer
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - T B Brunner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Endo S, Nakata K, Ohuchida K, Takesue S, Nakayama H, Abe T, Koikawa K, Okumura T, Sada M, Horioka K, Zheng B, Mizuuchi Y, Iwamoto C, Murata M, Moriyama T, Miyasaka Y, Ohtsuka T, Mizumoto K, Oda Y, Hashizume M, Nakamura M. Autophagy Is Required for Activation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells, Associated With Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Promotes Growth of Pancreatic Tumors in Mice. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:1492-1506.e24. [PMID: 28126348 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) change from a quiescent to activated state in the tumor environment and secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and cytokines to increase the aggressiveness of tumors. However, it is not clear how PSCs are activated to produce these factors, or whether this process can be inhibited. PSCs have morphologic and functional similarities to hepatic stellate cells, which undergo autophagy to promote fibrosis and tumor growth. We investigated whether autophagy activates PSCs, which promotes development of the tumor stroma and growth of pancreatic tumors in mice. METHODS We used immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry to analyze pancreatic tumor specimens from 133 patients who underwent pancreatectomy in Japan from 2000 to 2009. PSCs were cultured from pancreatic tumor tissues or tissues of patients with chronic pancreatitis; these were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoblots, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and in assays for invasiveness, proliferation, and lipid droplets. Autophagy was inhibited in PSCs by administration of chloroquine or transfection with small interfering RNAs. Proteins were knocked down in immortalized PSCs by expression of small hairpin RNAs. Cells were transplanted into pancreatic tails of nude mice, and tumor growth and metastasis were quantified. RESULTS Based on immunohistochemical analyses, autophagy was significantly associated with tumor T category (P = .018), histologic grade (P = .001), lymph node metastases (P < .001), stage (P = .009), perilymphatic invasion (P = .001), and perivascular invasion (P = .003). Autophagy of PSCs was associated with shorter survival times of patients with pancreatic cancer. PSC expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, a marker of autophagosomes, was associated with poor outcomes (shorter survival time, disease recurrence) for patients with pancreatic cancer (relative risk of shorter survival time, 1.56). Immunoblots showed that PSCs from pancreatic tumor samples expressed higher levels of markers of autophagy than PSCs from chronic pancreatitis samples. Inhibitors of autophagy increased the number of lipid droplets of PSCs, indicating a quiescent state of PSCs, and reduced their production of ECM molecules and interleukin 6, as well as their proliferation and invasiveness in culture. PSCs exposed to autophagy inhibitors formed smaller tumors in nude mice (P = .001) and fewer liver metastases (P = .018) with less peritoneal dissemination (P = .018) compared to PSCs not exposed to autophagy inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Autophagic PSCs produce ECM molecules and interleukin 6 and are associated with shorter survival times and disease recurrence in patients with pancreatic cancer. Inhibitors of PSC autophagy might reduce pancreatic tumor invasiveness by altering the tumor stroma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Endo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Shin Takesue
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Nakayama
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiya Abe
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Koikawa
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Okumura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Sada
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Horioka
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Biao Zheng
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mizuuchi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Anatomical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Chika Iwamoto
- Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaharu Murata
- Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taiki Moriyama
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyasaka
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takao Ohtsuka
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Mizumoto
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Makoto Hashizume
- Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ferdek PE, Jakubowska MA. Biology of pancreatic stellate cells-more than just pancreatic cancer. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:1039-1050. [PMID: 28382480 PMCID: PMC5554282 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-1968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells, normally quiescent, are capable of remarkable transition into their activated myofibroblast-like phenotype. It is now commonly accepted that these cells play a pivotal role in the desmoplastic reaction present in severe pancreatic disorders. In recent years, enormous scientific effort has been devoted to understanding their roles in pancreatic cancer, which continues to remain one of the most deadly diseases. Therefore, it is not surprising that considerably less attention has been given to studying physiological functions of pancreatic stellate cells. Here, we review recent advances not only in the field of pancreatic stellate cell pathophysiology but also emphasise their roles in physiological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E Ferdek
- Medical Research Council Group, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Monika A Jakubowska
- Medical Research Council Group, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Plasma Kallikrein-Dependent Transforming Growth Factor-β Activation in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreas 2017; 46:e20-e22. [PMID: 28187111 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
|
36
|
Zhang Y, Zhou X, Xu L, Wang L, Liu J, Ye J, Qiu P, Liu Q. Apoptosis of rat hepatic stellate cells induced by diallyl trisulfide and proteomics profiling in vitro. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:463-473. [PMID: 28177695 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2015-0527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a major garlic derivative, inhibits cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines. However, the effects of DATS on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of DATS on cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as the protein expression profile in rat HSCs. Rat HSCs were treated with or without 12 and 24 μg/mL DATS for various time intervals. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using tetrazolium dye (MTT) colorimetric assay, bromodeoxyuridine (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine; BrdU) assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, electroscopy, and flow cytometry. Protein expression patterns in HSCs were systematically studied using 2-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. DATS inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of HSCs in a time-dependent manner. We observed clear morphological changes in apoptotic HSCs and dramatically increased annexin V-positive - propidium iodide negative apoptosis compared with the untreated control group. Twenty-one significant differentially expressed proteins, including 9 downregulated proteins and 12 upregulated proteins, were identified after DATS administration, and most of them were involved in apoptosis. Our results suggest that DATS is an inducer of apoptosis in HSCs, and several key proteins may be involved in the molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by DATS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Zhang
- a Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- a Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lipeng Xu
- b Institute of New Drug Research and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- c Center of Community Health Services, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- d Department of Digestive System Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
| | - Jing Ye
- d Department of Digestive System Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
| | - Pengxin Qiu
- e Department of Pharmacology, Zhong-Shan Medical College, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- f Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang H, Jiang Y, Lu M, Sun B, Qiao X, Xue D, Zhang W. STX12 lncRNA/miR-148a/SMAD5 participate in the regulation of pancreatic stellate cell activation through a mechanism involving competing endogenous RNA. Pancreatology 2017; 17:237-246. [PMID: 28202235 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the deepening of research, the roles of LncRNAs play in the fibrotic process have attracted great attention. At the early stage of pancreatic fibrogenesis, to effectively regulate pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) activation is crucial for the treatment of chronic pancreatic fibrosis. METHODS Microarray data on chronic pancreatitis were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository and analyzed using bioinformatic methods. A diagram of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed. In addition, activated rat PSCs were transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the syntaxin-12 (STX12) lncRNA. Then, the expression of STX12, miR-148a and miR-130b were examined by RT-PCR. The expression of the interleukin 6 signal transducer (IL6ST), SMAD family member 5 (SMAD5) and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) proteins were examined by western blot. The expression of α-SMA were examined by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Based on the results of bioinformatic analysis, a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established. A number of putative ceRNA pairs regulating the activation of PSCs were identified, including STX12 lncRNA/(miR-148a or miR-130b)/(SMAD5 or IL6ST). The expression of STX12 was downregulated (relative expression level: 0.23 ± 0.01, P < 0.01), while the expression of miR-148a was significantly elevated (relative expression level: 1.54 ± 0.02, p < 0.01), and the expression of miR-130b was markedly reduced (relative expression level: 0.69 ± 0.02, p < 0.01). The expression of SMAD5 was decreased (relative expression level: 0.70 ± 0.04, p < 0.05), whereas the expression of IL6ST displayed no significant change (p = 0.24). Additionally, the expression of α-SMA was dramatically reduced (relative expression level: 0.32 ± 0.04, p < 0.01), and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that α-SMA expression was decreased in cells. CONCLUSION During the PSCs activation in chronic pancreatitis, the existence of ceRNA interactions in pancreatic fibrosis has been demonstrated. Regulation of the STX12/miR-148a/SMAD5 axis may serve as a new gene therapy strategy for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and reversal of pancreatic fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 YouZheng Street, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yanfeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 YouZheng Street, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 YouZheng Street, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xin Qiao
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dongbo Xue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 YouZheng Street, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Weihui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 YouZheng Street, Harbin 150001, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Stanescu DE, Yu R, Won KJ, Stoffers DA. Single cell transcriptomic profiling of mouse pancreatic progenitors. Physiol Genomics 2016; 49:105-114. [PMID: 28011883 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00114.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of the developing pancreatic epithelium and low abundance of endocrine progenitors limit the information derived from traditional expression studies. To identify genes that characterize early developmental tissues composed of multiple progenitor lineages, we applied single-cell RNA-Seq to embryonic day (e)13.5 mouse pancreata and performed integrative analysis with single cell data from mature pancreas. We identified subpopulations expressing macrophage or endothelial markers and new pancreatic progenitor markers. We also identified potential α-cell precursors expressing glucagon (Gcg) among the e13.5 pancreatic cells. Despite their high Gcg expression levels, these cells shared greater transcriptomic similarity with other e13.5 cells than with adult α-cells, indicating their immaturity. Comparative analysis identified the sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter, Slc38a5, as a characteristic gene expressed in α-cell precursors but not mature cells. By immunofluorescence analysis, we observed SLC38A5 expression in pancreatic progenitors, including in a subset of NEUROG3+ endocrine progenitors and MAFB+ cells and in all GCG+ cells. Expression declined in α-cells during late gestation and was absent in the adult islet. Our results suggest SLC38A5 as an early marker of α-cell lineage commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana E Stanescu
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Reynold Yu
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Kyoung-Jae Won
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Doris A Stoffers
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; .,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fels B, Nielsen N, Schwab A. Role of TRPC1 channels in pressure-mediated activation of murine pancreatic stellate cells. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2016; 45:657-670. [PMID: 27670661 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-016-1176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The tumor environment contributes importantly to tumor cell behavior and cancer progression. Aside from biochemical constituents, physical factors of the environment also influence the tumor. Growing evidence suggests that mechanics [e.g., tumor (stroma) elasticity, tissue pressure] are critical players of cancer progression. Underlying mechanobiological mechanisms involve among others the regulation of focal adhesion molecules, cytoskeletal modifications, and mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels of cancer- and tumor-associated cells. After reviewing the current concepts of cancer mechanobiology, we will focus on the canonical transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) channel and its role in mechano-signaling in tumor-associated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). PSCs are key players of pancreatic fibrosis, especially in cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is characterized by the formation of a dense fibrotic stroma (desmoplasia), primarily formed by activated PSCs. Desmoplasia contributes to high pancreatic tissue pressure, which in turn activates PSCs, thereby perpetuating matrix deposition. Here, we investigated the role of the putatively mechanosensitive TRPC1 channels in murine PSCs exposed to elevated ambient pressure. Pressurization leads to inhibition of mRNA expression of MS ion channels. Migration of PSCs representing a readout of their activation is enhanced in pressurized PSCs. Knockout of TRPC1 leads to an attenuated phenotype. While TRPC1-mediated calcium influx is increased in wild-type PSCs after pressure incubation, loss of TRPC1 abolishes this effect. Our findings provide mechanistic insight how pressure, an important factor of the PDAC environment, contributes to PSC activation. TRPC1-mediated activation could be a potential target to disrupt the positive feedback of PSC activation and PDAC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fels
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Nikolaj Nielsen
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149, Munster, Germany. .,Novo Nordisk A/S, Smørmosevej 10-12, 2880, Bagsværd, Denmark.
| | - Albrecht Schwab
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149, Munster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Baron M, Veres A, Wolock SL, Faust AL, Gaujoux R, Vetere A, Ryu JH, Wagner BK, Shen-Orr SS, Klein AM, Melton DA, Yanai I. A Single-Cell Transcriptomic Map of the Human and Mouse Pancreas Reveals Inter- and Intra-cell Population Structure. Cell Syst 2016; 3:346-360.e4. [PMID: 27667365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 822] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although the function of the mammalian pancreas hinges on complex interactions of distinct cell types, gene expression profiles have primarily been described with bulk mixtures. Here we implemented a droplet-based, single-cell RNA-seq method to determine the transcriptomes of over 12,000 individual pancreatic cells from four human donors and two mouse strains. Cells could be divided into 15 clusters that matched previously characterized cell types: all endocrine cell types, including rare epsilon-cells; exocrine cell types; vascular cells; Schwann cells; quiescent and activated stellate cells; and four types of immune cells. We detected subpopulations of ductal cells with distinct expression profiles and validated their existence with immuno-histochemistry stains. Moreover, among human beta- cells, we detected heterogeneity in the regulation of genes relating to functional maturation and levels of ER stress. Finally, we deconvolved bulk gene expression samples using the single-cell data to detect disease-associated differential expression. Our dataset provides a resource for the discovery of novel cell type-specific transcription factors, signaling receptors, and medically relevant genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Baron
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Adrian Veres
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samuel L Wolock
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aubrey L Faust
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Renaud Gaujoux
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Amedeo Vetere
- Center for the Science of Therapeutics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jennifer Hyoje Ryu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bridget K Wagner
- Center for the Science of Therapeutics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shai S Shen-Orr
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Allon M Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Douglas A Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Itai Yanai
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hah N, Sherman MH, Yu RT, Downes M, Evans RM. Targeting Transcriptional and Epigenetic Reprogramming in Stromal Cells in Fibrosis and Cancer. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2016; 80:249-55. [PMID: 26801159 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2015.80.027185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The basis of many human diseases arises from both genetic and epigenetic regulation. Recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying transcriptional and epigenetic regulation and their prevalence as contributors to a diverse range of human diseases have led us to focus on transcription and epigenetic changes in a variety of human disease conditions. Specifically, our recent studies in liver fibrosis and pancreatic cancer have demonstrated that the epigenetic regulation in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) significantly contributes to the progress in such diseases and presents great therapeutic potential. We show that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) acts as a master genomic suppressor in both HSC and PSC activation. The studies also have demonstrated that the VDR ligand reduces fibrosis and inflammation in a murine liver fibrosis and pancreatitis model. Although our current studies focus on characterizing the roles of VDR and regulatory regions within gene promoters and regulatory enhancers, we have expanded our effort to epigenetic mechanisms as major determinants of gene activation and repression in order to develop potential therapeutics to modulate stroma-associated pathologies including inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasun Hah
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Ruth T Yu
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Michael Downes
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Ronald M Evans
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037 Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Birtolo C, Go VLW, Ptasznik A, Eibl G, Pandol SJ. Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase: A Link Between Inflammation and Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreas 2016; 45:21-31. [PMID: 26658038 PMCID: PMC4859755 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Even though a strong association between inflammation and cancer has been widely accepted, the underlying precise molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. A complex signaling network between tumor and stromal cells is responsible for the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the cancer microenvironment. Tumor stromal cells such as pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and immune cells create a microenvironment that protects cancer cells through a complex interaction, ultimately facilitating their local proliferation and their migration to different sites. Furthermore, PSCs have multiple functions related to local immunity, angiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Recently, many studies have shown that members of the phosphoinositol-3-phosphate kinase (PI3K) family are activated in tumor cells, PSCs, and tumor-infiltrating inflammatory cells to promote cancer growth. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines secreted by immune cells and fibroblasts within the tumor environment can activate the PI3K pathway both in cancer and inflammatory cells. In this review, we focus on the central role of the PI3K pathway in regulating the cross talk between immune/stromal cells and cancer cells. Understanding the role of the PI3K pathway in the development of chronic pancreatitis and cancer is crucial for the discovery of novel and efficacious treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Birtolo
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA,Department of Internal Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Vay Liang W. Go
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Andrzej Ptasznik
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA,VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
El Taghdouini A, Sørensen AL, Reiner AH, Coll M, Verhulst S, Mannaerts I, Øie CI, Smedsrød B, Najimi M, Sokal E, Luttun A, Sancho-Bru P, Collas P, van Grunsven LA. Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in purified, uncultured human liver cells and activated hepatic stellate cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:26729-45. [PMID: 26353929 PMCID: PMC4694948 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrogenesis - scarring of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer - is characterized by hepatocyte impairment, capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. To date, the molecular determinants of a healthy human liver cell phenotype remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we assess the transcriptome and the genome-wide promoter methylome specific for purified, non-cultured human hepatocytes, LSECs and HSCs, and investigate the nature of epigenetic changes accompanying transcriptional changes associated with activation of HSCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gene expression profile and promoter methylome of purified, uncultured human liver cells and culture-activated HSCs were respectively determined using Affymetrix HG-U219 genechips and by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation coupled to promoter array hybridization. Histone modification patterns were assessed at the single-gene level by chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR. RESULTS We unveil a DNA-methylation-based epigenetic relationship between hepatocytes, LSECs and HSCs despite their distinct ontogeny. We show that liver cell type-specific DNA methylation targets early developmental and differentiation-associated functions. Integrative analysis of promoter methylome and transcriptome reveals partial concordance between DNA methylation and transcriptional changes associated with human HSC activation. Further, we identify concordant histone methylation and acetylation changes in the promoter and putative novel enhancer elements of genes involved in liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first epigenetic blueprint of three distinct freshly isolated, human hepatic cell types and of epigenetic changes elicited upon HSC activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adil El Taghdouini
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anita L. Sørensen
- Department of Molecular medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrew H. Reiner
- Department of Molecular medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mar Coll
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cristina I. Øie
- Department of Medical Biology, Vascular Biology Research Group, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bård Smedsrød
- Department of Medical Biology, Vascular Biology Research Group, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Sokal
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pau Sancho-Bru
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Collas
- Department of Molecular medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sendler M, Beyer G, Mahajan UM, Kauschke V, Maertin S, Schurmann C, Homuth G, Völker U, Völzke H, Halangk W, Wartmann T, Weiss FU, Hegyi P, Lerch MM, Mayerle J. Complement Component 5 Mediates Development of Fibrosis, via Activation of Stellate Cells, in 2 Mouse Models of Chronic Pancreatitis. Gastroenterology 2015; 149:765-76.e10. [PMID: 26001927 PMCID: PMC4560830 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis. We investigated the roles of complement component 5 (C5) in pancreatic fibrogenesis in mice and patients. METHODS Chronic pancreatitis was induced by ligation of the midpancreatic duct, followed by a single supramaximal intraperitoneal injection of cerulein, in C57Bl6 (control) and C5-deficient mice. Some mice were given injections of 2 different antagonists of the receptor for C5a over 21 days. In a separate model, mice were given injections of cerulein for 10 weeks to induce chronic pancreatitis. Direct effects of C5 were studied in cultured primary cells. We performed genotype analysis for the single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs 17611 and rs 2300929 in C5 in patients with pancreatitis and healthy individuals (controls). Blood cells from 976 subjects were analyzed by transcriptional profiling. RESULTS During the initial phase of pancreatitis, levels of pancreatic damage were similar between C5-deficient and control mice. During later stages of pancreatitis, C5-deficient mice and mice given injections of C5a-receptor antagonists developed significantly less pancreatic fibrosis than control mice. Primary pancreatic stellate cells were activated in vitro by C5a. There were no differences in the rs 2300929 SNP between subjects with or without pancreatitis, but the minor allele rs17611 was associated with a significant increase in levels of C5 in whole blood. CONCLUSIONS In mice, loss of C5 or injection of a C5a-receptor antagonist significantly reduced the level of fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis, but this was not a consequence of milder disease in early stages of pancreatitis. C5 might be a therapeutic target for chronic pancreatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Sendler
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georg Beyer
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ujjwal M. Mahajan
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Vivien Kauschke
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandrina Maertin
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Claudia Schurmann
- Interfaculty Institutes for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georg Homuth
- Interfaculty Institutes for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institutes for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Walter Halangk
- Department of Surgery, Division of Experimental Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Wartmann
- Department of Surgery, Division of Experimental Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank-Ulrich Weiss
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Peter Hegyi
- First Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,MTA-SZTE Lendulet Translational Gastroenterology Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Markus M. Lerch
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Julia Mayerle
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ever since the first descriptions of methods to isolate pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) from rodent and human pancreas 17 years ago, rapid advances have been made in our understanding of the biology of these cells and their functions in health and disease. This review updates recent literature in the field, which indicates an increasingly complex role for the cells in normal pancreas, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Work reported over the past 12 months includes improved methods of PSC immortalization, a role for PSCs in islet fibrosis, novel factors causing PSC activation as well as those inducing quiescence, and translational research aimed at inhibiting the facilitatory effects of PSCs on disease progression in chronic pancreatitis as well as pancreatic cancer. SUMMARY Improved understanding of the role of PSCs in pancreatic pathophysiology has prompted a focus on translational studies aimed at developing novel approaches to modulate PSC function in a bid to improve clinical outcomes of two major fibrotic diseases of the pancreas: chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
|
46
|
Neural Regulation of Pancreatic Cancer: A Novel Target for Intervention. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1292-312. [PMID: 26193320 PMCID: PMC4586771 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is known to play a pivotal role in driving cancer progression and governing response to therapy. This is of significance in pancreatic cancer where the unique pancreatic tumor microenvironment, characterized by its pronounced desmoplasia and fibrosis, drives early stages of tumor progression and dissemination, and contributes to its associated low survival rates. Several molecular factors that regulate interactions between pancreatic tumors and their surrounding stroma are beginning to be identified. Yet broader physiological factors that influence these interactions remain unclear. Here, we discuss a series of preclinical and mechanistic studies that highlight the important role chronic stress plays as a physiological regulator of neural-tumor interactions in driving the progression of pancreatic cancer. These studies propose several approaches to target stress signaling via the β-adrenergic signaling pathway in order to slow pancreatic tumor growth and metastasis. They also provide evidence to support the use of β-blockers as a novel therapeutic intervention to complement current clinical strategies to improve cancer outcome in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a critical role in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. In this study we used a novel method to isolate and culture rat PSCs and then investigated the inhibitory effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on activation and proliferation of PSCs. METHODS Pancreatic tissue was obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats for PSCs isolation. Transwell cell cultures were adopted for co-culture of ADSCs and PSCs. PSCs proliferation and apoptosis were determined using CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. alpha-SMA expressions were analyzed using Western blotting. The levels of cytokines [nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)] in conditioned medium were detected by ELISA. Gene expression (MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1) was analyzed using qRT-PCR. RESULTS This method produced 17.6+/-6.5X10(3) cells per gram of the body weight with a purity of 90%-95% and a viability of 92%-97%. Co-culture of PSCs with ADSCs significantly inhibited PSCs proliferation and induced PSCs apoptosis. Moreover, alpha-SMA expression was significantly reduced in PSCs+ADSCs compared with that in PSC-only cultures, while expression of fibrinolytic proteins (e.g., MMP-2 and MMP-9) was up-regulated and anti-fibrinolytic protein (TIMP-1) was down-regulated. In addition, NGF expression was up-regulated, but IL-10 and TGF-beta1 expressions were down-regulated in the co-culture conditioned medium compared with those in the PSC-only culture medium. CONCLUSIONS This study provided an easy and reliable technique to isolate PSCs. The data demonstrated the inhibitory effects of ADSCs on the activation and proliferation of PSCs in vitro.
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
We found that the secreted protein periostin (Postn) is highly induced after partial pancreatectomy in regenerating areas containing mesenchymal stroma and tubular complexes. Importantly, after partial pancreatectomy, Postn-deficient mice exhibit impaired mesenchymal formation and reduced regeneration specifically within the pancreatic β-cell compartment. Furthermore, Postn-deficient mice demonstrate an increased sensitivity to streptozotocin. Notably, injection of Postn directly into the pancreas stimulated proliferation of vimentin-expressing cells within 24 hours, and by 3 days, a mesenchymal stroma was present containing proliferating duct-like cells expressing the progenitor markers Ngn3 and Pdx1. Intraperitoneal injection of Postn resulted in increased numbers of islets and long-term glucoregulatory benefits with no adverse effects found in other tissues. Delivery of Postn throughout the pancreas via the common bile duct resulted in increased numbers of small insulin-expressing clusters and a significant improvement in glucose tolerance. Therefore, Postn is novel molecule capable of potentiating pancreatic β-cell regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan K Smid
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research (J.K.S., S.F., M.A.R.), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Regenerative Medicine Program, and University of Ottawa (J.K.S., M.A.R.), Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Coleman SJ, Grose RP, Kocher HM. Fibroblast growth factor family as a potential target in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2014; 1:43-54. [PMID: 27508175 PMCID: PMC4918266 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s48958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is currently the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The prognosis of patients diagnosed with late-stage disease is dismal due to high resistance to conventional systemic therapies. The introduction of sorafenib, despite its limited efficacy, as the standard systemic therapy for advanced HCC has paved a way for targeted molecular therapies for HCC. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays an important role in the developing embryo and the adult. The FGF signaling pathway is often hijacked by cancer cells, including HCC. Several alterations in FGF signaling correlate with poor outcome in HCC patients, suggesting that this family of signaling molecules plays an important role in the development of HCC. Multikinase inhibitors targeting FGF signaling are currently under investigation in clinical trials. This review discusses the current understanding of the biological and clinical implications of aberrant FGF signaling in the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey J Coleman
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Richard P Grose
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hu Y, Wan R, Yu G, Shen J, Ni J, Yin G, Xing M, Chen C, Fan Y, Xiao W, Xu G, Wang X, Hu G. Imbalance of Wnt/Dkk negative feedback promotes persistent activation of pancreatic stellate cells in chronic pancreatitis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95145. [PMID: 24747916 PMCID: PMC3991593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of persistent activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in the fibrosis associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is increasingly being recognized. Recent studies have shown that Wnt signaling is involved in the development of fibrosis in multiple organs, however, the role of specific Wnts in pancreatic fibrosis remains unknown. We investigated the role of Wnt signaling during PSC activation in CP and the effect of β-catenin inhibition and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk1) restoration on the phenotype of PSCs. CP was induced in mice by repetitive caerulein injection and mouse PSCs were isolated and activated in vitro. The expression of Wnts, β-catenin, secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs) and Dkks was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway was examined by immunofluorescence and western blot detection of nuclear β-catenin expression. The effect of recombinant mouse Dkk-1 (rmDkk-1) on cell proliferation and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) analysis. The expression of β-catenin, collagen1α1, TGFβRII, PDGFRβ and α-SMA in PSCs treated with different concentrations of rmDkk-1 or siRNA against β-catenin was determined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. Wnt2 was the only Wnt whose expression was significantly upregulated in response to PSC activation, and Wnt2 and β-catenin protein levels were significantly increased in the pancreas of CP mice, whereas Dkk-1 expression was evidently decreased. Nuclear β-catenin levels were markedly increased in activated PSCs, and rmDkk-1 suppressed the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of PSCs through the downregulation of PDGFRβ and TGFβRII. Upregulation of Dkk-1 expression increased apoptosis in cultured PSCs. These results indicate that Wnt signaling may mediate the profibrotic effect of PSC activation, and Wnt2/Dkk-1 could be potential therapeutic targets for CP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ge Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbo Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guojian Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Xing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Congying Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqin Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingpeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (GH); (XW)
| | - Guoyong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (GH); (XW)
| |
Collapse
|