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Qin T, Hu S, Kong D, Lakey JR, de Vos P. Pancreatic stellate cells support human pancreatic β-cell viability in vitro and enhance survival of immunoisolated human islets exposed to cytokines. Mater Today Bio 2024; 27:101129. [PMID: 39022526 PMCID: PMC11253154 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic islet transplantation is proposed as a cure for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Despite its success in optimal regulation of glucose levels, limitations in longevity of islet grafts still require innovative solutions. Inflammatory stress post-transplantation and loss of extracellular matrix attribute to the limited β-cell survival. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), identified as pancreatic-specific stromal cells, have the potential to play a crucial role in preserving islet survival. Our study aimed to determine the effects of PSCs co-cultured with human CM β-cells and human islets under inflammatory stress induced by a cytokine cocktail of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-1β. Transwell culture inserts were utilized to assess the paracrine impact of PSCs on β-cells, alongside co-cultures enabling direct interaction between PSCs and human islets. We found that co-culturing PSCs with human CM β-cells and human cadaveric islets had rescuing effects on cytokine-induced stress. Effects were different under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. PSCs were associated with upregulation of β-cell mitochondrial activity and suppression of inflammatory gene expression. The rescuing effects exist both in indirect and direct co-culture methods. Furthermore, we tested whether PSCs have rescuing effects on human islets in conventional alginate-based microcapsules and in composite microcapsules composed of alginate-pectin collagen type IV, laminin sequence RGD, Nec-1, and amino acid. PSCs partially prevented cytokine-induced stress in both systems, but beneficial effects were stronger in composite capsules. Our findings show novel effects of PSCs on islet health. Islets and PSCs coculturing or co-transplantation might mitigate the inflammation stress and improve islet transplantation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Qin
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, EA 11, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Shuxian Hu
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, EA 11, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Defu Kong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jonathan R.T. Lakey
- Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92868, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Paul de Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, EA 11, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
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2
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Wang Y, Li HT, Liu G, Jiang CS, Ni YH, Zeng JH, Lin X, Wang QY, Li DZ, Wang W, Zeng XP. COMP promotes pancreatic fibrosis by activating pancreatic stellate cells through CD36-ERK/AKT signaling pathways. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111135. [PMID: 38479555 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111135] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic fibrosis is one of the most important pathological features of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the key cells of fibrosis. As an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is critical for collagen assembly and ECM stability and recent studies showed that COMP exert promoting fibrosis effect in the skin, lungs and liver. However, the role of COMP in activation of PSCs and pancreatic fibrosis remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the role and specific mechanisms of COMP in regulating the profibrotic phenotype of PSCs and pancreatic fibrosis. METHODS ELISA method was used to determine serum COMP in patients with CP. Mice model of CP was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of cerulein and pancreatic fibrosis was evaluated by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (H&E) and Sirius red staining. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression changes of COMP and fibrosis marker such as α-SMA and Fibronectin in pancreatic tissue of mice. Cell Counting Kit-8, Wound Healing and Transwell assessed the proliferation and migration of human pancreatic stellate cells (HPSCs). Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of fibrosis marker, AKT and MAPK family proteins in HPSCs. RNA-seq omics analysis as well as small interfering RNA of COMP, recombinant human COMP (rCOMP), MEK inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors were used to study the effect and mechanism of COMP on activation of HPSCs. RESULTS ELISA showed that the expression of COMP significantly increased in the serum of CP patients. H&E and Sirius red staining analysis showed that there was a large amount of collagen deposition in the mice in the CP model group and high expression of COMP, α-SMA, Fibronectin and Vimentin were observed in fibrotic tissues. TGF-β1 stimulates the activation of HPSCs and increases the expression of COMP. Knockdown of COMP inhibited proliferation and migration of HPSCs. Further, RNA-seq omics analysis and validation experiments in vitro showed that rCOMP could significantly promote the proliferation and activation of HPSCs, which may be due to promoting the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT through membrane protein receptor CD36. rCOMP simultaneously increased the expression of α-SMA, Fibronectin and Collagen I in HPSCs. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study showed that COMP was up-regulated in CP fibrotic tissues and COMP induced the activation, proliferation and migration of PSCs through the CD36-ERK/AKT signaling pathway. COMP may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of CP. Interfering with the expression of COMP or the communication between COMP and CD36 on PSCs may be the next direction for therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hai-Tao Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Shen Jiang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Hong Ni
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing-Hui Zeng
- Department of Presbyatrics, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing-Yun Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Zhou Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xiang-Peng Zeng
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
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3
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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.
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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.
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4
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Ando R, Shiraki Y, Miyai Y, Shimizu H, Furuhashi K, Minatoguchi S, Kato K, Kato A, Iida T, Mizutani Y, Ito K, Asai N, Mii S, Esaki N, Takahashi M, Enomoto A. Meflin is a marker of pancreatic stellate cells involved in fibrosis and epithelial regeneration in the pancreas. J Pathol 2024; 262:61-75. [PMID: 37796386 DOI: 10.1002/path.6211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are stromal cells in the pancreas that play an important role in pancreatic pathology. In chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), PSCs are known to get activated to form myofibroblasts or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that promote stromal fibroinflammatory reactions. However, previous studies on PSCs were mainly based on the findings obtained using ex vivo expanded PSCs, with few studies that addressed the significance of in situ tissue-resident PSCs using animal models. Their contributions to fibrotic reactions in CP and PDAC are also lesser-known. These limitations in our understanding of PSC biology have been attributed to the lack of specific molecular markers of PSCs. Herein, we established Meflin (Islr), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein, as a PSC-specific marker in both mouse and human by using human pancreatic tissue samples and Meflin reporter mice. Meflin-positive (Meflin+ ) cells contain lipid droplets and express the conventional PSC marker Desmin in normal mouse pancreas, with some cells also positive for Gli1, the marker of pancreatic tissue-resident fibroblasts. Three-dimensional analysis of the cleared pancreas of Meflin reporter mice showed that Meflin+ PSCs have long and thin cytoplasmic protrusions, and are localised on the abluminal side of vessels in the normal pancreas. Lineage tracing experiments revealed that Meflin+ PSCs constitute one of the origins of fibroblasts and CAFs in CP and PDAC, respectively. In these diseases, Meflin+ PSC-derived fibroblasts showed a distinctive morphology and distribution from Meflin+ PSCs in the normal pancreas. Furthermore, we showed that the genetic depletion of Meflin+ PSCs accelerated fibrosis and attenuated epithelial regeneration and stromal R-spondin 3 expression, thereby implying that Meflin+ PSCs and their lineage cells may support tissue recovery and Wnt/R-spondin signalling after pancreatic injury and PDAC development. Together, these data indicate that Meflin may be a marker specific to tissue-resident PSCs and useful for studying their biology in both health and disease. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Ando
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shiraki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Miyai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shimizu
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Department of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shun Minatoguchi
- Department of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Kato
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Kato
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tadashi Iida
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Mizutani
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kisuke Ito
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoya Asai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Shinji Mii
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobutoshi Esaki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahide Takahashi
- Division of International Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research, Gifu University Institute for Advanced Study, Gifu, Japan
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5
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Park MN. Therapeutic Strategies for Pancreatic-Cancer-Related Type 2 Diabetes Centered around Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15906. [PMID: 37958889 PMCID: PMC10648679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly malignant neoplasm, is classified as one of the most severe and devastating types of cancer. PDAC is a notable malignancy that exhibits a discouraging prognosis and a rising occurrence. The interplay between diabetes and pancreatic cancer exhibits a reciprocal causation. The identified metabolic disorder has been observed to possess noteworthy consequences on health outcomes, resulting in elevated rates of morbidity. The principal mechanisms involve the suppression of the immune system, the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and the onset of systemic metabolic disease caused by dysfunction of the islets. From this point forward, it is important to recognize that pancreatic-cancer-related diabetes (PCRD) has the ability to increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. This highlights the complex relationship that exists between these two physiological states. Therefore, we investigated into the complex domain of PSCs, elucidating their intricate signaling pathways and the profound influence of chemokines on their behavior and final outcome. In order to surmount the obstacle of drug resistance and eliminate PDAC, researchers have undertaken extensive efforts to explore and cultivate novel natural compounds of the next generation. Additional investigation is necessary in order to comprehensively comprehend the effect of PCRD-mediated apoptosis on the progression and onset of PDAC through the utilization of natural compounds. This study aims to examine the potential anticancer properties of natural compounds in individuals with diabetes who are undergoing chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. It is anticipated that these compounds will exhibit increased potency and possess enhanced pharmacological benefits. According to our research findings, it is indicated that naturally derived chemical compounds hold potential in the development of PDAC therapies that are both safe and efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Nyeo Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
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6
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Sakata N, Yoshimatsu G, Kawakami R, Aoyagi C, Kodama S. Optimal temperature for the long-term culture of adult porcine islets for xenotransplantation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1280668. [PMID: 37901206 PMCID: PMC10611499 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1280668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine islet xenotransplantation represents a promising therapy for severe diabetes mellitus. Long-term culture of porcine islets is a crucial challenge to permit the on-demand provision of islets. We aimed to identify the optimal temperature for the long-term culture of adult porcine islets for xenotransplantation. We evaluated the factors potentially influencing successful 28-day culture of islets at 24°C and 37°C, and found that culture at 37°C contributed to the stability of the morphology of the islets, the proliferation of islet cells, and the recovery of endocrine function, indicated by the expression of genes involved in pancreatic development, hormone production, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These advantages may be provided by islet-derived CD146-positive stellate cells. The efficacy of xenotransplantation using islets cultured for a long time at 37°C was similar to that of overnight-cultured islets. In conclusion, 37°C might be a suitable temperature for the long-term culture of porcine islets, but further modifications will be required for successful xenotransplantation in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoaki Sakata
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Gumpei Yoshimatsu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryo Kawakami
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Chikao Aoyagi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shohta Kodama
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
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7
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Chang M, Chen W, Xia R, Peng Y, Niu P, Fan H. Pancreatic Stellate Cells and the Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in Chronic Pancreatitis. Molecules 2023; 28:5586. [PMID: 37513458 PMCID: PMC10383437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a disease characterized by inflammatory recurrence that accompanies the development of pancreatic fibrosis. As the mystery of CP pathogenesis is gradually revealed, accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and the appearance of a myofibroblast-like phenotype are the key gatekeepers in the development of CP. Targeting PSCs to prevent their activation and conversion to a myofibroblast-like phenotype, as well as increasing antioxidant capacity to counteract ongoing oxidative stress, are effective strategies for preventing or treating CP. Therefore, we reviewed the crosstalk between CP and pancreatic fibrosis, summarized the activation mechanisms of PSCs, and investigated potential CP therapeutic strategies targeting PSCs, including, but not limited to, anti-fibrosis therapy, antioxidant therapy, and gene therapy. Meanwhile, the above therapeutic strategies are selected in order to update the available phytopharmaceuticals as novel complementary or alternative approaches for the prevention and treatment of CP to clarify their potential mechanisms of action and their relevant molecular targets, aiming to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic treatment direction for CP and to bring new hope to CP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Chang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenjuan Chen
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruting Xia
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yangyue Peng
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Pandi Niu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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8
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Jolly G, Duka T, Shivapurkar N, Chen W, Bansal S, Cheema A, Smith JP. Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist Induces Pancreatic Stellate Cell Plasticity Rendering the Tumor Microenvironment Less Oncogenic. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2811. [PMID: 37345148 PMCID: PMC10216345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CCK receptors are expressed on pancreatic cancer epithelial cells, and blockade with receptor antagonists decreases tumor growth. Activated pancreatic stellate cells or myofibroblasts have also been described to express CCK receptors, but the contribution of this novel pathway in fibrosis of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment has not been studied. We examined the effects of the nonselective CCK receptor antagonist proglumide on the activation, proliferation, collagen deposition, differential expression of genes, and migration in both murine and human PSCs. CCK receptor expression was examined using western blot analysis. Collagen production using activated PSCs was analyzed by mass spectroscopy and western blot. Migration of activated PSCs was prevented in vitro by proglumide and the CCK-B receptor antagonist, L365,260, but not by the CCK-A receptor antagonist L365,718. Proglumide effectively decreased the expression of extracellular matrix-associated genes and collagen-associated proteins in both mouse and human PSCs. Components of fibrosis, including hydroxyproline and proline levels, were significantly reduced in PSC treated with proglumide compared to controls. CCK peptide stimulated mouse and human PSC proliferation, and this effect was blocked by proglumide. These investigations demonstrate that targeting the CCK-B receptor signaling pathway with proglumide may alter the plasticity of PSC, rendering them more quiescent and leading to a decrease in fibrosis in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurbani Jolly
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Tetyana Duka
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Sunil Bansal
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Amrita Cheema
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Kometani T, Kamo K, Kido T, Hiraoka N, Chibazakura T, Unno K, Sekine K. Development of a novel co-culture system using human pancreatic cancer cells and human iPSC-derived stellate cells to mimic the characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 658:1-9. [PMID: 37004297 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a serious disease with poor prognosis and prone to chemotherapy resistance. It is speculated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC contributes to these characteristics. However, the detailed mechanisms of interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and stroma in the TME are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish a co-culture system that mimics the TME, using cancer cells derived from PDAC patient specimens and stellate cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells as stromal cells. We succeeded in observing the interaction between cancer cells and stellate cells and reproduced some features of PDAC in vitro using our co-culture systems. In addition, we demonstrated the applicability of our co-culture system for drug treatment in vitro. To conclude, we propose our co-culture system as a novel method to analyze cell-cell interactions, especially in the TME of PDAC.
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10
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Singh M, Pal P, Dutta RS, Marbaniang D, Ray S, Mazumder B. Nanodiamond Mediated Molecular Targeting in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Disrupting the Tumor-stromal Cross-talk, Next Hope on the Horizon? Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2023; 23:620-633. [PMID: 36843367 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230227120837] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the foremost causes of cancer-related morbidities worldwide. Novel nanotechnology-backed drug delivery stratagems, including molecular targeting of the chemotherapeutic payload, have been considered. However, no quantum leap in the gross survival rate of patients with PDAC has been realized. One of the predominant causes behind this is tumor desmoplasia, a dense and heterogenous stromal extracellular matrix of the tumor, aptly termed tumor microenvironment (TME). It plays a pivotal role in the tumor pathogenesis of PDAC as it occupies most of the tumor mass, making PDAC one of the most stromal-rich cancers. The complex crosstalk between the tumor and dynamic components of the TME impacts tumor progression and poses a potential barrier to drug delivery. Understanding and deciphering the complex cascade of tumorstromal interactions are the need of the hour so that we can develop neoteric nano-carriers to disrupt the stroma and target the tumor. Nanodiamonds (NDs), due to their unique surface characteristics, have emerged as a promising nano delivery system in various pre-clinical cancer models and have the potential to deliver the chemotherapeutic payload by moving beyond the dynamic tumor-stromal barrier. It can be the next revolution in nanoparticle-mediated pancreatic cancer targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India
| | - Paulami Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India
| | - Rajat Subhra Dutta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India
| | - Daphisha Marbaniang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India
| | - Subhabrata Ray
- Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy & AHS, Durgapur, WB, India
| | - Bhaskar Mazumder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India
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11
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Wu Y, Zhang C, Guo M, Hu W, Qiu Y, Li M, Xu D, Wu P, Sun J, Shi R, Zhang Z, Jiang K. Targeting pancreatic stellate cells in chronic pancreatitis: Focus on therapeutic drugs and natural compounds. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1042651. [PMID: 36339568 PMCID: PMC9627273 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1042651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a precancerous illness linked to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), although the evolutionary mechanism is uncertain. CP is distinguished by severe fibrosis caused by the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). The current clinical therapeutic protocol for CP lacks specific therapeutic medicines for the prevention and suppression of inflammation and fibrosis aggravating in CP. More research on specifically targeting PSCs would help facilitate the development of novel therapies for pancreatic fibrosis. Notably, using natural compounds from medicinal plants as new antifibrotic agents has become a focus of recent research and is widely employed as an alternative and complementary approach. Our goal was to shed light on the role of PSCs in the development of CP and provide a focused update on the new potential therapeutic strategies against PSCs in CP models. Future studies can refer to these possible strategies for drug design, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and other issues to obtain better clinical outcomes for treating CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Gastroenterology Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weikang Hu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yangling Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengran Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Run Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zili Zhang, ; Kuirong Jiang,
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zili Zhang, ; Kuirong Jiang,
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12
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Paul PK, Das R, Drow TJ, de Souza AH, Balamurugan AN, Belt Davis D, Galipeau J. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:630-643. [PMID: 35438788 PMCID: PMC9216495 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pradyut K Paul
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rahul Das
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Travis J Drow
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Arnaldo H de Souza
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Appakalai N Balamurugan
- Clinical Islet Cell Laboratory, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dawn Belt Davis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacques Galipeau
- Corresponding author: Jacques Galipeau, Don and Marilyn Anderson Professor in Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, USA. Tel: +1 608-263-0078;
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13
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Sengul E, Elitas M. Long-term migratory velocity measurements of single glioma cells using microfluidics. Analyst 2021; 146:5143-5149. [PMID: 34282810 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00817j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic platforms enabling single-cell measurements notably contribute to the identification and observation of rare cancer cells that are involved in tumor invasion. Most aggressive, invasive, and heterogeneous glioblastoma cells cause incurable primary brain tumors. Infiltrating gliomas of a brain tumor microenvironment have been intensively studied using conventional assays. Still, quantitative, simple, and precise tools are required for long-term, steady-state migratory-velocity measurements of single glioma cells. To measure long-term velocity changes and investigate the heterogeneity of glioma cells under different growth conditions, we developed a microfluidic platform. We cultured U87 glioma cells in the microfluidic device using either regular growth medium or conditional medium composed of 50% basal medium and 50% macrophage-depleted medium. We microscopically monitored the behavior of 40 glioma cells for 5 days. Using acquired images, we calculated cellular circularity and determined the migratory velocities of glioma cells from 60 h to 120 h. The mean migratory velocity values of the glioma cells were 1.513 μm h-1 in the basal medium and 3.246 μm h-1 in the conditional medium. The circularity values of the glioma cells decreased from 0.20-0.25 to 0.15-0.20 when cultured in the conditional medium. Here, we clearly showed that the glioma cells lost their circularity and increased their steady-state velocities; in other words, they adopted an invasive glioma phenotype in the presence of macrophage-depleted medium. Besides, the heterogeneity of the circularity and the velocity of glioma cells were enhanced in the conditional medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Sengul
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey.
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14
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Tissue Engineering Strategies for Improving Beta Cell Transplantation Outcome. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-021-00333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Beta cell replacement therapy as a form of islet transplantation is a promising alternative therapy with the possibility to make selected patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) insulin independent. However, this technique faces challenges such as extensive activation of the host immune system post-transplantation, lifelong need for immunosuppression, and the scarcity of islet donor pancreas. Advancement in tissue engineering strategies can improve these challenges and allow for a more widespread application of this therapy. This review will discuss the recent development and clinical translation of tissue engineering strategies in beta cell replacement therapy.
Recent Findings
Tissue engineering offers innovative solutions for producing unlimited glucose responsive cells and fabrication of appropriate devices/scaffolds for transplantation applications. Generation of pancreatic organoids with supporting cells in biocompatible biomaterials is a powerful technique to improve the function of insulin-producing cell clusters. Fabrication of physical barriers such as encapsulation strategies can protect the cells from the host immune system and allow for graft retrieval, although this strategy still faces major challenges to fully restore physiological glucose regulation.
Summary
The three main components of tissue engineering strategies including the generation of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells and organoids and the possibilities for therapeutic delivery of cell-seeded devices to extra-hepatic sites need to come together in order to provide safe and functional insulin-producing devices for clinical beta cell replacement therapy.
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15
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Inhibition of discoidin domain receptors by imatinib prevented pancreatic fibrosis demonstrated in experimental chronic pancreatitis model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12894. [PMID: 34145346 PMCID: PMC8213731 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Discoidin domain receptors (DDR1 and DDR2) are the collagen receptors of the family tyrosine kinases, which play significant role in the diseases like inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a fibro-inflammatory disease in which recurrent pancreatic inflammation leads to pancreatic fibrosis. In the present study, we have investigated the role of DDR1 and DDR2 in CP. The induced expression of DDR1 and DDR2 was observed in primary pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and cerulein-induced CP. Subsequently, the protective effects of DDR1/DDR2 inhibitor, imatinib (IMT) were investigated. Pharmacological intervention with IMT effectively downregulated DDR1 and DDR2 expression. Further, IMT treatment reduced pancreatic injury, inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition and PSCs activation along with inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that inhibition of DDR1 and DDR2 controls pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis, which could represent an attractive and promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CP.
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16
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Lin H, Dong B, Qi L, Wei Y, Zhang Y, Cai X, Zhang Q, Li J, Li L. Inhibitory Smads suppress pancreatic stellate cell activation through negative feedback in chronic pancreatitis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:384. [PMID: 33842605 PMCID: PMC8033383 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) is a key cause of chronic pancreatitis (CP), while inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling renders PSCs inactive. Inhibitory Smads (I-Smads) impede TGF-β intracellular signaling and may provide a way to alleviate CP. Thus, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of I-Smads in CP animals and freshly-isolated PSCs. Methods Sixteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups; a control group (treated with saline) and a CP group (treated with caerulein) for 6 weeks. Masson’s staining was performed to identify fibrosis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to measure the levels of Smad6 between the two groups. An improved method derived from internal digestion was used to isolate PSCs from male Sprague Dawley rats. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Plasmids of I-Smads or SB431542 were transfected into freshly-isolated PSCs, and relative mRNA levels of marker genes were quantified by qRT-PCR. The two-tailed Student’s t-test was performed to assess significance. Results The Smad6 protein level was significantly higher in the pancreas tissue of CP mice compared to the control group. A large number of PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas using an improved isolating method and were confirmed by quiescent and active PSC markers including cluster differentiation antigen 133 (CD133), perilipin 2 (Plin2), α-SMA, Desmin, and collagen 1 (Col1). The mRNA levels of both Smad6 and Smad7 were down-regulated during freshly-isolated PSC activation. Over-expression of both Smad6 and Smad7 in freshly-isolated PSC reduced the mRNA level of α-SMA, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Desmin, Col1, Col3, and fibronectin 1 (Fn1) significantly. SB431542 reduced the mRNA level of α-SMA, Col1, Col3, and Fn1 significantly in freshly-isolated PSCs. Conclusions This study demonstrated that CP promoted the expression of I-Smads, which suppressed the activation of freshly-isolated PSCs via a negative feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Clinical Science and Research, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Pancreas, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Beibei Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Qi
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingxiang Wei
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yusha Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaotian Cai
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Li
- Institute of Pancreas, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Wu Y, Zhang C, Jiang K, Werner J, Bazhin AV, D'Haese JG. The Role of Stellate Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Targeting Perspectives. Front Oncol 2021; 10:621937. [PMID: 33520728 PMCID: PMC7841014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.621937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a gastrointestinal malignancy with a dismal clinical outcome. Accumulating evidence suggests that activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the major producers of extracellular matrix (ECM), drive the severe stromal/desmoplastic reaction in PDAC. Furthermore, the crosstalk among PSCs, pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) as well as other stroma cells can establish a growth-supportive tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC, thereby enhancing tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance via various pathways. Recently, targeting stroma has emerged as a promising strategy for PDAC therapy, and several novel strategies have been proposed. The aim of our study is to give a profound review of the role of PSCs in PDAC progression and recent advances in stroma-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Pancreas Center and Pancreas Institute, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan G D'Haese
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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18
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Garcia PE, Scales MK, Allen BL, Pasca di Magliano M. Pancreatic Fibroblast Heterogeneity: From Development to Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:E2464. [PMID: 33198201 PMCID: PMC7698149 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by an extensive fibroinflammatory microenvironment that accumulates from the onset of disease progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent cellular component of the stroma, but their role during carcinogenesis remains controversial, with both tumor-supporting and tumor-restraining functions reported in different studies. One explanation for these contradictory findings is the heterogeneous nature of the fibroblast populations, and the different roles each subset might play in carcinogenesis. Here, we review the current literature on the origin and function of pancreatic fibroblasts, from the developing organ to the healthy adult pancreas, and throughout the initiation and progression of PDA. We also discuss clinical approaches to targeting fibroblasts in PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma E. Garcia
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA;
| | - Michael K. Scales
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (M.K.S.); (B.L.A.)
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (M.K.S.); (B.L.A.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (M.K.S.); (B.L.A.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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19
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Turaga RC, Sharma M, Mishra F, Krasinskas A, Yuan Y, Yang JJ, Wang S, Liu C, Li S, Liu ZR. Modulation of Cancer-Associated Fibrotic Stroma by An Integrin α vβ 3 Targeting Protein for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 11:161-179. [PMID: 32810598 PMCID: PMC7674520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is resistant to most therapeutics owing to dense fibrotic stroma orchestrated by cancer-associated pancreatic stellate cells (CAPaSC). CAPaSC also support cancer cell growth, metastasis, and resistance to apoptosis. Currently, there is no effective therapy for PDAC that specifically targets CAPaSC. We previously reported a rationally designed protein, ProAgio, that targets integrin αvβ3 at a novel site and induces apoptosis in integrin αvβ3-expressing cells. Because both CAPaSC and angiogenic endothelial cells express high levels of integrin αvβ3, we aimed to analyze the effects of ProAgio in PDAC tumor. METHODS Expression of integrin αvβ3 was examined in both patient tissue and cultured cells. The effects of ProAgio on CAPaSC were analyzed using an apoptosis assay kit. The effects of ProAgio in PDAC tumor were studied in 3 murine tumor models: subcutaneous xenograft, genetic engineered (KrasG12D; p53R172H; Pdx1-Cre, GEM-KPC) mice, and an orthotopic KrasG12D; p53R172H; Pdx1-Cre (KPC) model. RESULTS ProAgio induces apoptosis in CAPaSC. ProAgio treatment significantly prolonged survival of a genetically engineered mouse-KPC and orthotopic KPC mice alone or in combination with gemcitabine (Gem). ProAgio specifically induced apoptosis in CAPaSC, resorbed collagen, and opened collapsed tumor vessels without an increase in angiogenesis in PDAC tumor, enabling drug delivery into the tumor. ProAgio decreased intratumoral insulin-like growth factor 1 levels as a result of depletion of CAPaSC and consequently decreased cytidine deaminase, a Gem metabolism enzyme in cancer cells, and thereby reduced resistance to Gem-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that ProAgio is an effective PDAC treatment agent because it specifically depletes CAPaSC and eliminates tumor angiogenesis, thereby enhancing drug delivery and Gem efficacy in PDAC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malvika Sharma
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Falguni Mishra
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jenny J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- Research and Development Division, Amoytop Biotech, Inc, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Liu
- Research and Development Division, Amoytop Biotech, Inc, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Sun Li
- Research and Development Division, Amoytop Biotech, Inc, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Ren Liu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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20
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Cardot-Ruffino V, Chauvet V, Caligaris C, Bertrand-Chapel A, Chuvin N, Pommier RM, Valcourt U, Vincent D, Martel S, Aires S, Kaniewski B, Dubus P, Cassier P, Sentis S, Bartholin L. Generation of an Fsp1 (fibroblast-specific protein 1)-Flpo transgenic mouse strain. Genesis 2020; 58:e23359. [PMID: 32191380 PMCID: PMC7317532 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recombination systems represent a major breakthrough in the field of genetic model engineering. The Flp recombinases (Flp, Flpe, and Flpo) bind and cleave DNA Frt sites. We created a transgenic mouse strain ([Fsp1‐Flpo]) expressing the Flpo recombinase in fibroblasts. This strain was obtained by random insertion inside mouse zygotes after pronuclear injection. Flpo expression was placed under the control of the promoter of Fsp1 (fibroblast‐specific protein 1) gene, whose expression starts after gastrulation at Day 8.5 in cells of mesenchymal origin. We verified the correct expression and function of the Flpo enzyme by several ex vivo and in vivo approaches. The [Fsp1‐Flpo] strain represents a genuine tool to further target the recombination of transgenes with Frt sites specifically in cells of mesenchymal origin or with a fibroblastic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoire Cardot-Ruffino
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Véronique Chauvet
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Cassandre Caligaris
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Adrien Bertrand-Chapel
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Chuvin
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Roxane M Pommier
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Ulrich Valcourt
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - David Vincent
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sylvie Martel
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Aires
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Bastien Kaniewski
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Dubus
- INSERM, Univ Bordeaux UMR1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Cassier
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Departement d'Oncologie Médicale, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphanie Sentis
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
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Nielsen MFB, Mortensen MB, Sørensen MD, Wirenfeldt M, Kristensen BW, Schrøder HD, Pfeiffer P, Detlefsen S. Spatial and phenotypic characterization of pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts after neoadjuvant treatment. Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:811-825. [PMID: 31960942 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PC) is characterized by a highly fibrotic desmoplastic stroma. Subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been identified in chemotherapy-naïve PC (CTN-PC), but their precise functions are still unclear. Our knowledge regarding the properties of CAFs in the regressive stroma after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) of PC (NAT-PC) is particularly limited. We aimed to examine the marker phenotypic properties of CAFs in the regressive stroma of PC. Surgical specimens from patients with CTN-PC (n=10) and NAT-PC (n=10) were included. Juxtatumoural, peripheral, lobular, septal, peripancreatic, and regressive stromal compartments were manually outlined using digital imaging analysis (DIA) for area quantification. The compartment-specific expression of CD271, cytoglobin, DOG-1, miR-21, osteonectin, PDGF-Rβ, and tenascin C was evaluated by immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization, using manual scoring and automated DIA. The area fraction of the regressive stroma was significantly higher in NAT-PC than in CTN-PC (P=0.0002). CD271 (P<0.01), cytoglobin (P<0.05), DOG1 (P<0.05), miR-21 (P<0.05), and tenascin C (P<0.05) exhibited significant differences in their expression profiles between the juxtatumoural compared to the peripheral and regressive stroma. PDGF-Rβ expression was significantly higher in juxtatumoural than in peripheral CAFs (P<0.05). Our data provide further support of the concept of stromal heterogeneity and phenotypic different CAF subtypes in PC. CAFs in the regressive stroma of NAT-PC show a marker phenotype similar to some (namely, peripheral) and different from other (namely, juxtatumoural) previously defined CAF subtypes. It may be hypothesized that phenotypic CAF subtypes, at least in part, also may share functional properties. Studies examining the precise functional characteristics of CAF subtypes in PC are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friberg Bruun Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael Bau Mortensen
- Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Surgery, HPB Section, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mia Dahl Sørensen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Winther Kristensen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Daa Schrøder
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Per Pfeiffer
- Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sönke Detlefsen
- Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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22
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Fan J, Duan L, Wu N, Xu X, Xin J, Jiang S, Zhang C, Zhang H. Baicalin Ameliorates Pancreatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Activation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Mice with Chronic Pancreatitis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:607133. [PMID: 33536916 PMCID: PMC7848203 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.607133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis are typical pathological features in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been regarded as the core event in the development of pancreatic fibrosis and are considered to be the key target for treatment of CP. Baicalin (C21H18O11), the main chemical composition of Baikal skullcap in the traditional Chinese medicines Dachaihu decoction (DCHD) and Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD), has shown significant effects in the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis in CP mice; however, whether baicalin can inhibit the activation of PSCs and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, the influence of baicalin on activated PSCs in vitro and in vivo was investigated, and the results showed that Baicalin could significantly ameliorate the degree of pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis, while decreasing the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), F4/80 (surface markers of mouse macrophages), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)in the pancreas. Moreover, NF-κB and α-SMA were co-expressed in the pancreas of CP mice. Baicalin treatment markedly reduced the expression of co-location of α-SMA and NF-κB. In vitro, the protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGF-βR1), phosphorylated TGF-β activated kinase 1 p-TAK 1, and NF-κBp65 in PSCs were all remarkably reduced after treatment with baicalin. In addition, baicalin could inhibit MCP-1 mRNA expression in supernatant of activated PSCs, as well as the excessive migration of macrophages. Taken together, our findings indicated that baicalin could inhibit the TGF-β1/TGF-βR1/TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway of activated PSCs, reduce the secretion of MCP-1, and further decrease the infiltration of macrophages and inflammation cells of the local microenvironment of the pancreas. Thus, this study provides a reliable experimental basis for baicalin in the prevention and treatment of CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Fan
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Lifang Duan
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Xiaofan Xu
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Jiaqi Xin
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Shengnan Jiang
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Zhang, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Hong Zhang
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Zhang, ; Hong Zhang,
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23
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24
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We clarified clinicopathological characteristics of acute pancreatitis in terminal patients. METHODS Pathological changes in the entire pancreas from serial autopsies (N = 183) classified lesions into the following 3 categories: focal neutrophil infiltration, focal necrotizing pancreatitis, and diffuse necrotizing pancreatitis. The former two are possible precursors of diffuse necrotizing pancreatitis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to analyze pancreatic stellate cells and inflammatory cells. RESULTS There were pathologically acute pancreatitis in 45 patients (24.6%), and no patients were diagnosed with it before autopsy. Focal neutrophil infiltration was present in 22 cases, focal necrotizing pancreatitis in 18 cases, and diffuse necrotizing pancreatitis in 5 cases. Severe inflammatory disease and surgery were associated with acute pancreatitis. Sepsis due to viral or bacterial infection was the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Patients with diffuse necrotizing pancreatitis showed low white blood cell counts, while amylase levels were not increased. Increase in α-smooth muscle actin and nestin-positive stellate cell numbers in acute pancreatitis was correlated to increase in numbers of CD34-positive vascular endothelium, CD68- or CD163-positive macrophages, CD138-positive plasmacytes, CD3-positive T lymphocytes, and myeloperoxidase-positive leucocytes. CONCLUSIONS Necrotizing pancreatitis without typical clinical signs was frequently detected in autopsy samples. Clinicians must be mindful of necrotizing pancreatitis in terminal patients.
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25
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Hu Y, Chen X, Xu Y, Han X, Wang M, Gong T, Zhang ZR, John Kao W, Fu Y. Hierarchical assembly of hyaluronan coated albumin nanoparticles for pancreatic cancer chemoimmunotherapy. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:16476-16487. [PMID: 31453622 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr03684a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant carcinoma with limited effective treatment options, resulting in a poor patient survival rate of less than 5%. In this study, cationic albumin nanoparticles were assembled with negatively charged hyaluronic acid (HA) to achieve a hierarchical nanostructure and efficient delivery of small molecule drugs to the tumor site in the pancreas. A combination of chemotherapy with indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibition was explored to enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy in vivo. Hydrophobic celastrol (CLT) and hydrophilic 1-methyltryptophan (MT) were concurrently loaded in HA coated cationic albumin nanoparticles (HNPs) with an average size of ∼300 nm. The size of HNPs was reduced in the presence of hyaluronidase to facilitate penetration into deep tumor tissues. Also, the biodistribution study in the C57BL/6 mice xenograft model showed enhanced tumor accumulation and prolonged circulation of HNPs. Compared with CLT solution, the combination of CLT with MT showed significantly enhanced tumor inhibition in both xenograft and orthotopic pancreatic cancer mice models via downregulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Taken together, the combination of CLT with MT administered via HNPs represents a highly promising strategy for targeted pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Xue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yingying Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Xianru Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Mou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Tao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Zhi-Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - W John Kao
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemical Biology Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, HKSAR, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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26
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Li W, Zhou Y, Wang X, Cai M, Gao F, Carlsson PO, Sun Z. A modified in vitro tool for isolation and characterization of rat quiescent islet stellate cells. Exp Cell Res 2019; 384:111617. [PMID: 31505166 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Islet stellate cells (ISCs) play a critical role in islet fibrosis, contributing to the progression of pancreatic diseases. Previous studies have focused on fibrosis-associated activated ISCs obtained by standard islet explant techniques. However, in vitro models of quiescent ISCs (qISCs) are lacking. This study aims to develop a method to isolate qISCs and analyze their phenotype during activation. METHODS Immunofluorescence staining was applied to localize ISCs in normal human, rat, and mouse islets. qISCs were isolated from rat islets using density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method. qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, proliferation, and migration assays were employed for their characterization. RESULTS Desmin-positive ISCs were detected in normal human, rat, and mouse islets. Freshly isolated qISCs, obtained by density gradient centrifugation, displayed a polygonal appearance with refringent cytoplasmic lipid droplets and expressed transcriptional markers indicating a low activation/quiescent state. With increasing culture time, the marker expression pattern changed, reflecting ISC activation. qISCs contained more lipid droplets and exhibited lower proliferation and migration abilities compared to spindle-shaped ISCs obtained by traditional explant techniques. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a new method for efficient isolation of qISCs from rat islets, representing a useful in vitro tool to study the biology of ISCs in more physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunting Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Graduate Innovation Platform of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Per-Ola Carlsson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zilin Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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27
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Farran B, Nagaraju GP. The dynamic interactions between the stroma, pancreatic stellate cells and pancreatic tumor development: Novel therapeutic targets. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 48:11-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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28
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Whittle MC, Hingorani SR. Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Biological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:2085-2096. [PMID: 30721663 PMCID: PMC6486863 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The desmoplastic reaction of pancreas cancer may begin as a wound healing response to the nascent neoplasm, but it soon creates an insidious shelter that can sustain the growing tumor and rebuff therapy. Among the many cell types subverted by transformed epithelial cells, fibroblasts are recruited and activated to lay a foundation of extracellular matrix proteins and glycosaminoglycans that alter tumor biophysics and signaling. Their near-universal presence in pancreas cancer and ostensible support of disease progression make fibroblasts attractive therapeutic targets. More recently, however, it has also become apparent that diverse subpopulations of fibroblasts with distinct phenotypes and secretomes inhabit the stroma, and that targeted depletion of particular fibroblast subsets could either provide substantial therapeutic benefit or accelerate disease progression. An improved characterization of these fibroblast subtypes, along with their potential relationships to tumor subtypes and mutational repertoires, is needed in order to make anti-fibroblast therapies clinically viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C. Whittle
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109,Correspondence: Martin C. Whittle, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, M5-C800, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, , Sunil R. Hingorani, MD, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, M5-C800, Seattle, WA 98109-1024,
| | - Sunil R. Hingorani
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109,Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109,Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195,Correspondence: Martin C. Whittle, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, M5-C800, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, , Sunil R. Hingorani, MD, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, M5-C800, Seattle, WA 98109-1024,
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29
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Zhou Y, Sun B, Li W, Zhou J, Gao F, Wang X, Cai M, Sun Z. Pancreatic Stellate Cells: A Rising Translational Physiology Star as a Potential Stem Cell Type for Beta Cell Neogenesis. Front Physiol 2019; 10:218. [PMID: 30930789 PMCID: PMC6424017 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The progressive decline and eventual loss of islet β-cell function underlies the pathophysiological mechanism of the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The recovery of functional β-cells is an important strategy for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Based on similarities in developmental biology and anatomy, in vivo induction of differentiation of other types of pancreatic cells into β-cells is a promising avenue for future diabetes treatment. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which have attracted intense research interest due to their effects on tissue fibrosis over the last decade, express multiple stem cell markers and can differentiate into various cell types. In particular, PSCs can successfully differentiate into insulin- secreting cells in vitro and can contribute to tissue regeneration. In this article, we will brings together the main concepts of the translational physiology potential of PSCs that have emerged from work in the field and discuss possible ways to develop the future renewable source for clinical treatment of pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunting Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junming Zhou
- Department of Outpatient, Army Engineering University, Jingling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Graduate Innovation Platform of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zilin Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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30
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Nielsen MFB, Mortensen MB, Detlefsen S. Typing of pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts identifies different subpopulations. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4663-4678. [PMID: 30416314 PMCID: PMC6224473 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i41.4663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine whether it is possible to identify different immune phenotypic subpopulations of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pancreatic cancer (PC).
METHODS We defined four different stromal compartments in surgical specimens with PC: The juxtatumoural, peripheral, lobular and septal stroma. Tissue microarrays were produced containing all pre-defined PC compartments, and the expression of 37 fibroblast (FB) and 8 extracellular matrix (ECM) markers was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence (IF), double-IF, and/or in situ hybridization. The compartment-specific mean labelling score was determined for each marker using a four-tiered scoring system. DOG1 gene expression was examined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR).
RESULTS CD10, CD271, cytoglobin, DOG1, miR-21, nestin, and tenascin C exhibited significant differences in expression profiles between the juxtatumoural and peripheral compartments. The expression of CD10, cytoglobin, DOG1, nestin, and miR-21 was moderate/strong in juxtatumoural CAFs (j-CAFs) and barely perceptible/weak in peripheral CAFs (p-CAFs). The upregulation of DOG1 gene expression in PC compared to normal pancreas was verified by qPCR. Tenascin C expression was strong in the juxtatumoural ECM and barely perceptible/weak in the peripheral ECM. CD271 expression was barely perceptible in j-CAFs but moderate in the other compartments. Galectin-1 was stronger expressed in j-CAFs vs septal fibroblasts, PDGF-Rβ, tissue transglutaminase 2, and hyaluronic acid were stronger expressed in lobular fibroblasts vs p-CAFs, and plectin-1 was stronger expressed in j-CAFs vs l-FBs. The expression of the remaining 33 markers did not differ significantly when related to the quantity of CAFs/FBs or the amount of ECM in the respective compartments.
CONCLUSION Different immune phenotypic CAF subpopulations can be identified in PC, using markers such as cytoglobin, CD271, and miR-21. Future studies should determine whether CAF subpopulations have different functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friberg Bruun Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense C 5000, Denmark
| | - Michael Bau Mortensen
- Department of Surgery, HPB Section, Odense University Hospital, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense C 5000, Denmark
| | - Sönke Detlefsen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense C 5000, Denmark
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31
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Xue R, Jia K, Wang J, Yang L, Wang Y, Gao L, Hao J. A Rising Star in Pancreatic Diseases: Pancreatic Stellate Cells. Front Physiol 2018; 9:754. [PMID: 29967585 PMCID: PMC6015921 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) is a type of pluripotent cell located between pancreatic lobules and the surrounding area of acinars. When activated, PSC can be transformed into myofibroblast-like cell. A number of evidences suggest that activated PSC is the main source of the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein under the pathological conditions, which lead to pancreatic fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have found that PSC also plays an important role in the endocrine cell function, islet fibrosis and diabetes. In order to provide new strategies for the treatment of pancreatic diseases, this paper systematically summarizes the recent researches about the biological behaviors of PSC, including its stem/progenitor cell characteristics, secreted exosomes, cellular senescence, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), energy metabolism and direct mechanical reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyu Hao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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32
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Fels B, Bulk E, Pethő Z, Schwab A. The Role of TRP Channels in the Metastatic Cascade. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:E48. [PMID: 29772843 PMCID: PMC6027473 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A dysregulated cellular Ca2+ homeostasis is involved in multiple pathologies including cancer. Changes in Ca2+ signaling caused by altered fluxes through ion channels and transporters (the transportome) are involved in all steps of the metastatic cascade. Cancer cells thereby "re-program" and "misuse" the cellular transportome to regulate proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, growth factor signaling, migration and invasion. Cancer cells use their transportome to cope with diverse environmental challenges during the metastatic cascade, like hypoxic, acidic and mechanical cues. Hence, ion channels and transporters are key modulators of cancer progression. This review focuses on the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the metastatic cascade. After briefly introducing the role of the transportome in cancer, we discuss TRP channel functions in cancer cell migration. We highlight the role of TRP channels in sensing and transmitting cues from the tumor microenvironment and discuss their role in cancer cell invasion. We identify open questions concerning the role of TRP channels in circulating tumor cells and in the processes of intra- and extravasation of tumor cells. We emphasize the importance of TRP channels in different steps of cancer metastasis and propose cancer-specific TRP channel blockade as a therapeutic option in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fels
- Institut für Physiologie II, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Etmar Bulk
- Institut für Physiologie II, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Zoltán Pethő
- Institut für Physiologie II, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Albrecht Schwab
- Institut für Physiologie II, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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Taatjes DJ, Roth J. In focus in HCB. Histochem Cell Biol 2017; 148:343-344. [PMID: 28815335 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-017-1603-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Taatjes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Jürgen Roth
- University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
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