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Fasano M, Pirozzi M, Miceli CC, Cocule M, Caraglia M, Boccellino M, Vitale P, De Falco V, Farese S, Zotta A, Ciardiello F, Addeo R. TGF-β Modulated Pathways in Colorectal Cancer: New Potential Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7400. [PMID: 39000507 PMCID: PMC11242595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137400] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with 20% of patients presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis. TGF-β signaling plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), regulation of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and immune responses. TGF-β signals through SMAD proteins, which are intracellular molecules that transmit TGF-β signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Alterations in the TGF-β pathway and mutations in SMAD proteins are common in metastatic CRC (mCRC), making them critical factors in CRC tumorigenesis. This review first analyzes normal TGF-β signaling and then investigates its role in CRC pathogenesis, highlighting the mechanisms through which TGF-β influences metastasis development. TGF-β promotes neoangiogenesis via VEGF overexpression, pericyte differentiation, and other mechanisms. Additionally, TGF-β affects various elements of the tumor microenvironment, including T cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, promoting immunosuppression and metastasis. Given its strategic role in multiple processes, we explored different strategies to target TGF-β in mCRC patients, aiming to identify new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morena Fasano
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Mario Pirozzi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Chiara Carmen Miceli
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Mariateresa Cocule
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Contrada Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Vitale
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, ASLNA2NORD, Frattamaggiore, 80027 Naples, Italy; (P.V.); (V.D.F.); (R.A.)
| | - Vincenzo De Falco
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, ASLNA2NORD, Frattamaggiore, 80027 Naples, Italy; (P.V.); (V.D.F.); (R.A.)
| | - Stefano Farese
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessia Zotta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Raffaele Addeo
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, ASLNA2NORD, Frattamaggiore, 80027 Naples, Italy; (P.V.); (V.D.F.); (R.A.)
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Song Y, Chen M, Wei Y, Ma X, Shi H. Signaling pathways in colorectal cancer implications for the target therapies. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:21. [PMID: 38844562 PMCID: PMC11156834 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00178-y] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) stands as a pressing global health issue, marked by the unbridled proliferation of immature cells influenced by multifaceted internal and external factors. Numerous studies have explored the intricate mechanisms of tumorigenesis in CRC, with a primary emphasis on signaling pathways, particularly those associated with growth factors and chemokines. However, the sheer diversity of molecular targets introduces complexity into the selection of targeted therapies, posing a significant challenge in achieving treatment precision. The quest for an effective CRC treatment is further complicated by the absence of pathological insights into the mutations or alterations occurring in tumor cells. This study reveals the transfer of signaling from the cell membrane to the nucleus, unveiling recent advancements in this crucial cellular process. By shedding light on this novel dimension, the research enhances our understanding of the molecular intricacies underlying CRC, providing a potential avenue for breakthroughs in targeted therapeutic strategies. In addition, the study comprehensively outlines the potential immune responses incited by the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, with a specific focus on immune cells, cytokines, and their collective impact on the dynamic landscape of drug development. This research not only contributes significantly to advancing CRC treatment and molecular medicine but also lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs and clinical trials, fostering optimism for improved outcomes and refined approaches in combating colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Song
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Chen
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Wei
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Li J, Jiang Z, He J, Yang K, Chen J, Deng Q, Li X, Wu F, Xu S, Jiang Z. Effect of CHRDL1 on angiogenesis and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via TGF-β/VEGF pathway. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1092-1105. [PMID: 38415870 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23711] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common digestive tract tumor with the third incidence and death in the world. There is still an urgent need for effective therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for CRC. Herein, we report a novel potential target and marker, Chordin like-1 (CHRDL1). The function of CHRDL1 has been reported in gastric cancer, breast cancer, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the biological effect of CHRDL1 in CRC remains unrevealed. Transwell and tube formation experiments were used to determine the biological function of CHRDL1. Western blot and rescue experiments were used to determine the specific mechanisms of CHRDL1. Results showed CHRDL1 is significantly downregulated in CRC cell lines and tissues. In vitro, experiments confirmed that CHRDL1 can inhibit cell growth, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. In vivo, experiments proved that it can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, we newly find that CHRDL1 exerts biological functions through the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling axis in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we concluded that CHRDL1 reduces the growth, migration, and angiogenesis of CRC cells by downregulating TGF-β signaling. Our new findings on CHRDL1 may provide a basis for clinical antiangiogenesis therapy and the prognosis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongxiang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianxi Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuman Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zhu C, Teng L, Lai Y, Yao X, Fang Y, Wang Z, Lin S, Zhang H, Li Q, Li Y, Cai J, Zhang Y, Wu C, Huang B, Li A, Liu S, Lai Q. Adipose-derived stem cells promote glycolysis and peritoneal metastasis via TGF-β1/SMAD3/ANGPTL4 axis in colorectal cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:189. [PMID: 38643448 PMCID: PMC11033247 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05215-1] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Peritoneal metastasis, the third most common metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC), has a poor prognosis for the rapid progression and limited therapeutic strategy. However, the molecular characteristics and pathogenesis of CRC peritoneal metastasis are poorly understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate the action and mechanism of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), a prominent component of the peritoneal microenvironment, in CRC peritoneal metastasis formation. Database analysis indicated that ADSCs infiltration was increased in CRC peritoneal metastases, and high expression levels of ADSCs marker genes predicted a poor prognosis. Then we investigated the effect of ADSCs on CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that CRC cells co-cultured with ADSCs exhibited stronger metastatic property and anoikis resistance, and ADSCs boosted the intraperitoneal seeding of CRC cells. Furthermore, RNA sequencing was carried out to identify the key target gene, angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4), which was upregulated in CRC specimens, especially in peritoneal metastases. Mechanistically, TGF-β1 secreted by ADSCs activated SMAD3 in CRC cells, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that SMAD3 facilitated ANGPTL4 transcription by directly binding to ANGPTL4 promoter. The ANGPTL4 upregulation was essential for ADSCs to promote glycolysis and anoikis resistance in CRC. Importantly, simultaneously targeting TGF-β signaling and ANGPTL4 efficiently reduced intraperitoneal seeding in vivo. In conclusion, this study indicates that tumor-infiltrating ADSCs promote glycolysis and anoikis resistance in CRC cells and ultimately facilitate peritoneal metastasis via the TGF-β1/SMAD3/ANGPTL4 axis. The dual-targeting of TGF-β signaling and ANGPTL4 may be a feasible therapeutic strategy for CRC peritoneal metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojun Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Teng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihong Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingxing Yao
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Simin Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haonan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianqun Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Changjie Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Side Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qiuhua Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Wang M, Chen S, He X, Yuan Y, Wei X. Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38520006 PMCID: PMC10960486 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01528-7] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Z, Lin W, Shi M, Hou Y, Liu J, Huang Z, Zhang X, Yang Y, Liu B, Yang Z, Ma W. Involucrasin B Inhibits the Proliferation of Caco-2 Cells by Regulating the TGFβ/SMAD2-3-4 Pathway. Molecules 2024; 29:686. [PMID: 38338430 PMCID: PMC10856266 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030686] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death. However, effective anti-CRC drugs are still lacking in clinical settings. This article investigated the anti-proliferative effect of involucrasin B on CRC Caco-2 cells. (2) Methods: This study employed a sulforhodamine B (SRB) method, colony formation experiments, flow cytometry, FastFUCCI assay, dual luciferase assay, and Western blot analysis for the investigation. (3) Results: The SRB method and colony formation experiments showed that involucrasin B exhibited an inhibitory effect on the Caco-2 cells cultured in vitro. Subsequently, the flow cytometry, FastFUCCI assay, and Western blotting results showed that involucrasin B induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase dose-dependently. Involucrasin B significantly enhanced the TGFβ RII protein level and SMAD3 phosphorylation, thus inhibiting the expression of CDK4 and cyclin D1 and causing G1 cell cycle arrest. (4) Conclusion: This study shows that involucrasin B exerts its anti-proliferative effect by regulating the TGFβ/SMAD2-3-4 pathway to cause G1 cycle arrest in Caco-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Wanjun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Meina Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Yu Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Jiachen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Zifeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Xuening Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Yanchao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Beijia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
| | - Zhuya Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wenzhe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (Z.W.); (W.L.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (J.L.); (Z.H.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (B.L.)
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7
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Omran MM, Fouda MS, Mekkawy SA, Tabll AA, Abdelaziz AG, Omran AM, Emran TM. Molecular Biomarkers and Signaling Pathways of Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241254061. [PMID: 38794896 PMCID: PMC11128179 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241254061] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently found cancer in the world, and it is frequently discovered when it is already far along in its development. About 20% of cases of CRC are metastatic and incurable. There is more and more evidence that colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs), which are in charge of tumor growth, recurrence, and resistance to treatment, are what make CRC so different. Because we know more about stem cell biology, we quickly learned about the molecular processes and possible cross-talk between signaling pathways that affect the balance of cells in the gut and cancer. Wnt, Notch, TGF-β, and Hedgehog are examples of signaling pathway members whose genes may change to produce CCSCs. These genes control self-renewal and pluripotency in SCs and then decide the function and phenotype of CCSCs. However, in terms of their ability to create tumors and susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs, CSCs differ from normal stem cells and the bulk of tumor cells. This may be the reason for the higher rate of cancer recurrence in patients who underwent both surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Scientists have found that a group of uncontrolled miRNAs related to CCSCs affect stemness properties. These miRNAs control CCSC functions like changing the expression of cell cycle genes, metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms. CCSC-related miRNAs mostly control signal pathways that are known to be important for CCSC biology. The biomarkers (CD markers and miRNA) for CCSCs and their diagnostic roles are the main topics of this review study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M. Omran
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manar S. Fouda
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara A. Mekkawy
- Molecular Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed G. Abdelaziz
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza M. Omran
- Clinical Pharma Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Tarek M. Emran
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, New Damietta, Egypt
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Xu H, Jia Z, Liu F, Li J, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Pu P, Shang T, Tang P, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Su J, Liu J. Biomarkers and experimental models for cancer immunology investigation. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e437. [PMID: 38045830 PMCID: PMC10693314 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of tumor immunotherapies poses challenges for the tools used in cancer immunology research, highlighting the need for highly effective biomarkers and reproducible experimental models. Current immunotherapy biomarkers encompass surface protein markers such as PD-L1, genetic features such as microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers in liquid biopsy such as circulating tumor DNAs. Experimental models, ranging from 3D in vitro cultures (spheroids, submerged models, air-liquid interface models, organ-on-a-chips) to advanced 3D bioprinting techniques, have emerged as valuable platforms for cancer immunology investigations and immunotherapy biomarker research. By preserving native immune components or coculturing with exogenous immune cells, these models replicate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. Animal models like syngeneic models, genetically engineered models, and patient-derived xenografts provide opportunities to study in vivo tumor-immune interactions. Humanized animal models further enable the simulation of the human-specific tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages, limitations, and prospects of different biomarkers and experimental models, specifically focusing on the role of biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy outcomes and the ability of experimental models to replicate the tumor microenvironment. By integrating cutting-edge biomarkers and experimental models, this review serves as a valuable resource for accessing the forefront of cancer immunology investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Fengshuo Liu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jiayi Li
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yansong Huang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengming Pu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Tongxuan Shang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengrui Tang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Zhou
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yufan Yang
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Oujiang LaboratoryZhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain HealthWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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9
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Singh S, Gouri V, Samant M. TGF-β in correlation with tumor progression, immunosuppression and targeted therapy in colorectal cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:335. [PMID: 37855975 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex malignancy responsible for the second-highest cancer deaths worldwide. TGF-β maintains normal cellular homeostasis by inhibiting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, but its elevated level is correlated with colorectal cancer progression, as TGF-β is a master regulator of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a critical step of metastasis. Tumors, including CRC, use elevated TGF-β levels to avoid immune surveillance by modulating immune cell differentiation, proliferation, and effector function. Presently, the treatment of advanced CRC is mainly based on chemotherapy, with multiple adverse effects. Thus, there is a need to develop alternate tactics because CRC continue to be mostly resistant to the present therapeutic regimen. TGF-β blockade has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Blocking TGF-β with phytochemicals and other molecules, such as antisense oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies, and bifunctional traps, alone or in combination, may be a safer and more effective way to treat CRC. Furthermore, combination immunotherapy comprising TGF-β blockers and immune checkpoint inhibitors is gaining popularity because both molecules work synergistically to suppress the immune system. Here, we summarize the current understanding of TGF-β as a therapeutic target for managing CRC and its context-dependent tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet Singh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vinita Gouri
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Zoology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mukesh Samant
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India.
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10
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Kabil SL, Rashed HE, Mohamed NM, Elwany NE. Parthenolide repressed endometriosis induced surgically in rats: Role of PTEN/PI3Kinase/AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling in inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition. Life Sci 2023; 331:122037. [PMID: 37633416 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122037] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway is a triggering factor for epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone extract that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticancer properties. Hence, we investigated the effect of parthenolide against EMT in the endometrial tissue implants and immortalized epithelial endometriotic cell lines 12Z. MAIN METHODS Twenty- four female Rats with surgically induced endometriosis were treated with parthenolide (2, 4 mg/kg), for 4 weeks. Endometriotic cell line 12Z was used to identify the effect of parthenolide on the wound healing, cellular migration and invasion properties of endometriotic cells. KEY FINDINGS Parthenolide decreased the endometriotic implant tissue expression of total PI3K, PI3K-p85, p-AKT, p/total AKT, p-GSK-3β, P/total GSK-3β, and nβ-catenin, as well as increased E-cadherin and decreased vimentin mRNA expression. Parthenolide upregulated PTEN immunoreactivity as well as the endometriotic tissue caspase-3, caspase-9, BAX levels while reducing Bcl2 level. Additionally, parthenolide decreased endometriotic tissue implants surface area and histopathological score of the epithelial growth. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings showed that parthenolide in a dose dependent manner inhibited PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/nβ-catenin cascade via enhancement of PTEN with subsequent inhibition of EMT evidenced by elevation of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin and reduction of mesenchymal marker, vimentin, of the endometriotic implants in addition to reversal of invasion and migration properties of epithelial endometriotic cell lines. These findings provide a valuable therapeutic approach for treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soad L Kabil
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | - Hayam E Rashed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | | | - Nisreen E Elwany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
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11
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Morris MT, Jain A, Sun B, Kurbatov V, Muca E, Zeng Z, Jin Y, Roper J, Lu J, Paty PB, Johnson CH, Khan SA. Multi-omic analysis reveals metabolic pathways that characterize right-sided colon cancer liver metastasis. Cancer Lett 2023; 574:216384. [PMID: 37716465 PMCID: PMC10620771 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
There are well demonstrated differences in tumor cell metabolism between right sided (RCC) and left sided (LCC) colon cancer, which could underlie the robust differences observed in their clinical behavior, particularly in metastatic disease. As such, we utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to perform an untargeted metabolomics analysis comparing frozen liver metastasis (LM) biobank samples derived from patients with RCC (N = 32) and LCC (N = 58) to further elucidate the unique biology of each. We also performed an untargeted RNA-seq and subsequent network analysis on samples derived from an overlapping subset of patients (RCC: N = 10; LCC: N = 18). Our biobank redemonstrates the inferior survival of patients with RCC-derived LM (P = 0.04), a well-established finding. Our metabolomic results demonstrate increased reactive oxygen species associated metabolites and bile acids in RCC. Conversely, carnitines, indicators of fatty acid oxidation, are relatively increased in LCC. The transcriptomic analysis implicates increased MEK-ERK, PI3K-AKT and Transcription Growth Factor Beta signaling in RCC LM. Our multi-omic analysis reveals several key differences in cellular physiology which taken together may be relevant to clinical differences in tumor behavior between RCC and LCC liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montana T Morris
- Department of Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Boshi Sun
- Department of Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Vadim Kurbatov
- Department of Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Engjel Muca
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Zhaoshi Zeng
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Department of Medicine/Gastroenterology, Duke University School of Medicine, 124 Davison Building, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06378, USA
| | - Philip B Paty
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Sajid A Khan
- Department of Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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12
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Molaei P, Savari M, Mahdavinezhad A, Najafi R, Afshar S, Esfandiari N, Khorrami R, Hashemi M. Highlighting functions of apoptosis and circular RNAs in colorectal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154592. [PMID: 37295258 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known as one of the global problems that endangers the lives of thousands of people every year. Various treatments have been used to deal with this disease, but in some cases, they are not effective. Circular RNAs, as a novel class of noncoding RNAs, have different expression levels and various functions in cancer cells, such as gene regulation through microRNA sponging. They play an important role in various cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Changes in the process of apoptosis are closely related to the progression or inhibition of various malignancies. Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells is a promising target for tumor therapy. In this study, circRNAs were investigated as being central to the induction or inhibition of apoptosis in CRC. It is hoped that through targeted changes in the function of these biomolecules, better outcomes will be achieved in cancer treatment. Perhaps better outcomes for cancer treatment can be achieved by using new methods and modifying the expression of these nucleic acids. However, using this method may come with challenges and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Molaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Savari
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Mahdavinezhad
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rezvan Najafi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Saeid Afshar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Negin Esfandiari
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Khorrami
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Feng ML, Sun MJ, Xu BY, Liu MY, Zhang HJ, Wu C. Mechanism of ELL-associated factor 2 and vasohibin 1 regulating invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3770-3792. [PMID: 37426316 PMCID: PMC10324531 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i24.3770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a novel endogenous anti-angiogenic molecule, vasohibin 1 (VASH1) is not only expressed in tumor stroma, but also in tumor tissue. Moreover, studies have shown that VASH1 may be a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer (CRC). Knockdown of VASH1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 pathway activity and type I/III collagen production. Our previous findings suggest that ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2) may play a tumor suppressor and protective role in the development and progression of CRC by regulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/TGF-β1 signaling pathway. However, the functional role and mechanism of VASH1-mediated TGF-β1 related pathway in CRC has not been elucidated.
AIM To investigate the expression of VASH1 in CRC and its correlation with the expression of EAF2. Furthermore, we studied the functional role and mechanism of VASH1 involved in the regulation and protection of EAF2 in CRC cells in vitro.
METHODS We collected colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding adjacent tissues to investigate the clinical expression of EAF2 protein and VASH1 protein in patients with advanced CRC. Following, we investigated the effect and mechanism of EAF2 and VASH1 on the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro using plasmid transfection.
RESULTS Our findings indicated that EAF2 was down-regulated and VASH1 was up-regulated in advanced CRC tissue compared to normal colorectal tissue. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the higher EAF2 Level group and the lower VASH1 Level group had a higher survival rate. Overexpression of EAF2 might inhibit the activity of STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway by up-regulating the expression of VASH1, and then weaken the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells.
CONCLUSION This study suggests that EAF2 and VASH1 may serve as new diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRC, and provide a clinical basis for exploring new biomarkers for CRC. This study complements the mechanism of EAF2 in CRC cells, enriches the role and mechanism of CRC cell-derived VASH1, and provides a new possible subtype of CRC as a therapeutic target of STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Liang Feng
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ming-Jun Sun
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Bo-Yang Xu
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Liu
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hui-Jing Zhang
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Can Wu
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
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14
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Novoa Díaz MB, Carriere P, Gentili C. How the interplay among the tumor microenvironment and the gut microbiota influences the stemness of colorectal cancer cells. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:281-301. [PMID: 37342226 PMCID: PMC10277969 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most prevalent cancer disease and involves a multi-step process in which intestinal cells acquire malignant characteristics. It is well established that the appearance of distal metastasis in CRC patients is the cause of a poor prognosis and treatment failure. Nevertheless, in the last decades, CRC aggressiveness and progression have been attributed to a specific cell population called CRC stem cells (CCSC) with features like tumor initiation capacity, self-renewal capacity, and acquired multidrug resistance. Emerging data highlight the concept of this cell subtype as a plastic entity that has a dynamic status and can be originated from different types of cells through genetic and epigenetic changes. These alterations are modulated by complex and dynamic crosstalk with environmental factors by paracrine signaling. It is known that in the tumor niche, different cell types, structures, and biomolecules coexist and interact with cancer cells favoring cancer growth and development. Together, these components constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). Most recently, researchers have also deepened the influence of the complex variety of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal mucosa, collectively known as gut microbiota, on CRC. Both TME and microorganisms participate in inflammatory processes that can drive the initiation and evolution of CRC. Since in the last decade, crucial advances have been made concerning to the synergistic interaction among the TME and gut microorganisms that condition the identity of CCSC, the data exposed in this review could provide valuable insights into the biology of CRC and the development of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa Díaz
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Carriere
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Gentili
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)- Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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15
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Ben Hamouda S, Essafi-Benkhadir K. Interplay between Signaling Pathways and Tumor Microenvironment Components: A Paradoxical Role in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065600. [PMID: 36982677 PMCID: PMC10057671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become an important part of colorectal cancer (CRC) research. Indeed, it is now accepted that the invasive character of a primary CRC is determined not only by the genotype of the tumor cells, but also by their interactions with the extracellular environment, which thereby orchestrates the development of the tumor. In fact, the TME cells are a double-edged sword as they play both pro- and anti-tumor roles. The interaction of the tumor-infiltrating cells (TIC) with the cancer cells induces the polarization of the TIC, exhibiting an antagonist phenotype. This polarization is controlled by a plethora of interconnected pro- and anti-oncogenic signaling pathways. The complexity of this interaction and the dual function of these different actors contribute to the failure of CRC control. Thus, a better understanding of such mechanisms is of great interest and provides new opportunities for the development of personalized and efficient therapies for CRC. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways linked to CRC and their implication in the development or inhibition of the tumor initiation and progression. In the second part, we enlist the major components of the TME and discuss the complexity of their cells functions.
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16
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Al Bitar S, El-Sabban M, Doughan S, Abou-Kheir W. Molecular mechanisms targeting drug-resistance and metastasis in colorectal cancer: Updates and beyond. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1395-1426. [PMID: 36998426 PMCID: PMC10044855 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i9.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and a major leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic regimens, the number of patients presenting with metastatic CRC (mCRC) is increasing due to resistance to therapy, conferred by a small population of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells. Targeted therapies have been highly successful in prolonging the overall survival of patients with mCRC. Agents are being developed to target key molecules involved in drug-resistance and metastasis of CRC, and these include vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, in addition to immune checkpoints. Currently, there are several ongoing clinical trials of newly developed targeted agents, which have shown considerable clinical efficacy and have improved the prognosis of patients who do not benefit from conventional chemotherapy. In this review, we highlight recent developments in the use of existing and novel targeted agents against drug-resistant CRC and mCRC. Furthermore, we discuss limitations and challenges associated with targeted therapy and strategies to combat intrinsic and acquired resistance to these therapies, in addition to the importance of implementing better preclinical models and the application of personalized therapy based on predictive biomarkers for treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Al Bitar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Samer Doughan
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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17
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Ali S, Rehman MU, Yatoo AM, Arafah A, Khan A, Rashid S, Majid S, Ali A, Ali MN. TGF-β signaling pathway: Therapeutic targeting and potential for anti-cancer immunity. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 947:175678. [PMID: 36990262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic secretory cytokine exhibiting both cancer-inhibitory and promoting properties. It transmits its signals via Suppressor of Mother against Decapentaplegic (SMAD) and non-SMAD pathways and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. In non-cancer and early-stage cancer cells, TGFβ signaling suppresses cancer progression via inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or anti-proliferation, and promoting cell differentiation. On the other hand, TGFβ may also act as an oncogene in advanced stages of tumors, wherein it develops immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments and induces the proliferation of cancer cells, invasion, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Higher TGFβ expression leads to the instigation and development of cancer. Therefore, suppressing TGFβ signals may present a potential treatment option for inhibiting tumorigenesis and metastasis. Different inhibitory molecules, including ligand traps, anti-sense oligo-nucleotides, small molecule receptor-kinase inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors, and vaccines, have been developed and clinically trialed for blocking the TGFβ signaling pathway. These molecules are not pro-oncogenic response-specific but block all signaling effects induced by TGFβ. Nonetheless, targeting the activation of TGFβ signaling with maximized specificity and minimized toxicity can enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches against this signaling pathway. The molecules that are used to target TGFβ are non-cytotoxic to cancer cells but designed to curtail the over-activation of invasion and metastasis driving TGFβ signaling in stromal and cancer cells. Here, we discussed the critical role of TGFβ in tumorigenesis, and metastasis, as well as the outcome and the promising achievement of TGFβ inhibitory molecules in the treatment of cancer.
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18
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Clark AG, Bertrand FE, Sigounas G. A potential requirement for Smad3 phosphorylation in Notch-mediated EMT in colon cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 88:100957. [PMID: 36739740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a challenging disease to treat due to several factors including stemness and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dysfunctional signaling pathways such as Notch and TGF-β contribute to these phenomena. We previously found that cells expressing constitutively active Notch1 also had increased expression of Smad3, an important member of the TGF-β signaling pathway. We hypothesized that Smad3, mediates the Notch-induced stemness and EMT observed in CRC cells. The human colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT-116, stably transduced with constitutively active Notch-1 (ICN) or a GFP-vector control was treated with different combinations of TGF-β1, DAPT (a Notch inhibitor), or SIS3 (a Smad3 inhibitor). Western blot analysis was performed to determine the effects of Smad3 stimulation and inhibition on Notch and potential downstream EMT-related targets, CD44, Slug and Snail. Smad3 inhibition induced a decrease in Notch1 and Notch3 receptor expression and effectively inhibited CD44, Slug, and Snail expression. Colosphere forming ability was also reduced in cells with inhibited Smad3. These results indicate a key role of TGF-β signaling in Notch1-induced tumorigenesis, and suggest a potential use for Smad3 inhibitors in combination with Notch1 inhibitors that are already in use for CRC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Clark
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Fred E Bertrand
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - George Sigounas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
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19
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Heck KA, Lindholm HT, Niederdorfer B, Tsirvouli E, Kuiper M, Flobak Å, Lægreid A, Thommesen L. Characterisation of Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines through Proteomic Profiling of Their Extracellular Vesicles. Proteomes 2023; 11:proteomes11010003. [PMID: 36648961 PMCID: PMC9844407 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes11010003] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers, driven by several factors including deregulations in intracellular signalling pathways. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are nanosized protein-packaged particles released from cells, which are present in liquid biopsies. Here, we characterised the proteome landscape of sEVs and their cells of origin in three CRC cell lines HCT116, HT29 and SW620 to explore molecular traits that could be exploited as cancer biomarker candidates and how intracellular signalling can be assessed by sEV analysis instead of directly obtaining the cell of origin itself. Our findings revealed that sEV cargo clearly reflects its cell of origin with proteins of the PI3K-AKT pathway highly represented in sEVs. Proteins known to be involved in CRC were detected in both cells and sEVs including KRAS, ARAF, mTOR, PDPK1 and MAPK1, while TGFB1 and TGFBR2, known to be key players in epithelial cancer carcinogenesis, were found to be enriched in sEVs. Furthermore, the phosphopeptide-enriched profiling of cell lysates demonstrated a distinct pattern between cell lines and highlighted potential phosphoproteomic targets to be investigated in sEVs. The total proteomic and phosphoproteomics profiles described in the current work can serve as a source to identify candidates for cancer biomarkers that can potentially be assessed from liquid biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A. Heck
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Håvard T. Lindholm
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Barbara Niederdorfer
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eirini Tsirvouli
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Kuiper
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Åsmund Flobak
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- The Cancer Clinic, St. Olav’s University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Astrid Lægreid
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Liv Thommesen
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Correspondence:
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Fang C, Zhang Z, Han Y, Xu H, Zhu Z, Du Y, Hou P, Yuan L, Shao A, Zhang A, Lou M. URB2 as an important marker for glioma prognosis and immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1113182. [PMID: 37033651 PMCID: PMC10080038 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1113182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor and primary malignant tumor of the brain in clinical practice. Conventional treatment has not significantly altered the prognosis of patients with glioma. As research into immunotherapy continues, glioma immunotherapy has shown great potential. Methods: The clinical data were acquired from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database and validated by the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAP) database, and Western blot (WB) analysis. By Cox regression analyses, we examined the association between different variables and overall survival (OS) and its potential as an independent prognostic factor. By constructing a nomogram that incorporates both clinicopathological variables and the expression of URB2, we provide a model for the prediction of prognosis. Moreover, we explored the relationship between immunity and URB2 and elucidated its underlying mechanism of action. Results: Our study shows that URB2 likely plays an oncogenic role in glioma and confirms that URB2 is a prognostic independent risk factor for glioma. Furthermore, we revealed a close relationship between immunity and URB2, which suggests a new approach for the immunotherapy of glioma. Conclusion: URB2 can be used for prognosis prediction and immunotherapy of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyou Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongquan Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Houshi Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengyang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinpin Hou
- Central Laboratory, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Meiqing Lou, ; Anke Zhang, ; Anwen Shao,
| | - Anke Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Meiqing Lou, ; Anke Zhang, ; Anwen Shao,
| | - Meiqing Lou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Meiqing Lou, ; Anke Zhang, ; Anwen Shao,
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21
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Relationship between Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Colorectal Liver Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416197. [PMID: 36555840 PMCID: PMC9783529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common metastatic site in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Indeed, 25-30% of the cases develop colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), showing an extremely poor 5-year survival rate and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) provide a nurturing microenvironment for CRC metastasis, promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the TGF-β signaling pathway, thus driving tumor cells to acquire mesenchymal properties that allow them to migrate from the primary tumor and invade the new metastatic site. EMT is known to contribute to the disruption of blood vessel integrity and the generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), thus being closely related to high metastatic potential in numerous solid cancers. Despite the fact that it is well-recognized that the crosstalk between tumor cells and the inflammatory microenvironment is crucial in the EMT process, the association between the EMT and the role of TAMs is still poorly understood. In this review, we elaborated on the role that TAMs exert in the induction of EMT during CLM development. Since TAMs are the major source of TGF-β in the liver, we also focused on novel insights into their role in TGF-β-induced EMT.
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22
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Feng ML, Wu C, Zhang HJ, Zhou H, Jiao TW, Liu MY, Sun MJ. Overexpression of ELL-associated factor 2 suppresses invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:1949-1967. [PMID: 36310706 PMCID: PMC9611430 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i10.1949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The androgen responsive gene, ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2), expressed in benign prostate tissues, has been shown to play an important role in tumor suppression in a variety of malignant tumors. In addition, some scholars found that EAF2 frameshift mutations are associated with intratumor heterogeneity in colorectal cancer (CRC) and inactivation of EAF2 in microsatellite instability-high CRC. However, the molecular mechanism by which EAF2 is involved in CRC invasion and metastasis remains unclear.
AIM To determine the clinical value of expression of EAF2 protein in CRC, and to study the effects of EAF2 on the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro.
METHODS In this study, we collected colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding adjacent tissues to investigate the clinical expression of EAF2 protein in patients with advanced CRC. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of EAF2 on the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro using plasmid transfection.
RESULTS EAF2 protein was lowly expressed in cancer tissues of patients with advanced CRC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival rate of the high EAF2 level group was higher than that of the low EAF2 level group.
CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that EAF2, as a tumor suppressor, may inhibit the invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of CRC cells by regulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/transforming growth factor-β1 crosstalk pathway, and play a cancer suppressive and protective role in the occurrence and development of CRC. Our findings are of great significance to provide a new idea and theoretical basis for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Liang Feng
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Can Wu
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hui-Jing Zhang
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Tai-Wei Jiao
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Liu
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ming-Jun Sun
- Department of Endoscopy, The First Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
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23
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Zafari N, Khosravi F, Rezaee Z, Esfandyari S, Bahiraei M, Bahramy A, Ferns GA, Avan A. The role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic approaches. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24585. [PMID: 35808903 PMCID: PMC9396196 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a high prevalence is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the network of tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts that comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify new therapeutic interventions. METHODS Databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched to provide an overview of the recent research progress related to targeting the TME as a novel therapeutic approach. RESULTS Tumor microenvironment as a result of the cross talk between these cells may result in either advantages or disadvantages in tumor development and metastasis, affecting the signals and responses from the surrounding cells. Whilst chemotherapy has led to an improvement in CRC patients' survival, the metastatic aspect of the disease remains difficult to avoid. CONCLUSIONS The present review emphasizes the structure and function of the TME, alterations in the TME, its role in the incidence and progression of CRC, the effects on tumor development and metastasis, and also the potential of its alterations as therapeutic targets. It should be noted that providing novel studies in this field of research might help us to achieve practical therapeutic strategies based on their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Zafari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Khosravi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health InstituteHormozgan University of Medical SciencesBandar AbbasIran
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Anatomy, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mohamad Bahiraei
- Department of Radiology, Besat HospitalHamedan University of Medical SciencesHamedanIran
| | - Afshin Bahramy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical SchoolDivision of Medical EducationSussexUK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Basic Medical Sciences InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Medical Genetics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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EGFR, HER2, and HER3 protein expression in paired primary tumor and lymph node metastasis of colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12894. [PMID: 35902718 PMCID: PMC9334602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17210-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the difficulty in sampling of metastatic tumors, patient selection is commonly based on results of primary tumor samples when metastatic samples are not available. However, due to tumor heterogeneity, metastatic tumors may be different from primary tumors in their phenotypes. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 between primary and lymph node metastatic lesions of colorectal cancer. Paired primary tumors and lymph node metastases from 79 patients with colorectal cancer were retrospectively collected and analyzed for EGFR, HER2, and HER3 expression. High EGFR, HER2, and HER3 expression (2+ and 3+) was found in 64.2%, 66.0%, and 85.0% of primary tumors, and 56.8%, 46.0%, and 76.0% of lymph node metastases, respectively. Correlation rates between primary and metastatic lesions were 67.1%, 63.3%, and 74.7% for EGFR, HER2, and HER3, respectively. Stage IV tumors (with distant metastasis) had higher correlation rates of HER2 expression compared to stage III tumors (without distant metastasis) (P = 0.050). Moderate correlation rates in EGFR, HER2, and HER3 expression were observed between primary and metastatic lesions of colorectal cancer. Tumor stage or existence of distant metastasis could serve as potential predictive markers for the correlation of HER2 expression between primary tumors and lymph node metastases of colorectal cancer.
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25
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Novoa Díaz MB, Martín MJ, Gentili C. Tumor microenvironment involvement in colorectal cancer progression via Wnt/β-catenin pathway: Providing understanding of the complex mechanisms of chemoresistance. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3027-3046. [PMID: 36051330 PMCID: PMC9331520 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i26.3027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be one of the main causes of death from cancer because patients progress unfavorably due to resistance to current therapies. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a fundamental role in the genesis and progression of several types of cancer, including CRC. In many subtypes of CRC, hyperactivation of the β-catenin pathway is associated with mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. However, it can also be associated with other causes. In recent years, studies of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have demonstrated its importance in the development and progression of CRC. In this tumor nest, several cell types, structures, and biomolecules interact with neoplastic cells to pave the way for the spread of the disease. Cross-communications between tumor cells and the TME are then established primarily through paracrine factors, which trigger the activation of numerous signaling pathways. Crucial advances in the field of oncology have been made in the last decade. This Minireview aims to actualize what is known about the central role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CRC chemoresistance and aggressiveness, focusing on cross-communication between CRC cells and the TME. Through this analysis, our main objective was to increase the understanding of this complex disease considering a more global context. Since many treatments for advanced CRC fail due to mechanisms involving chemoresistance, the data here exposed and analyzed are of great interest for the development of novel and effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa Díaz
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
| | - María Julia Martín
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INQUISUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
| | - Claudia Gentili
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
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2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine Targets Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Abrogating Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Expression and TGFβ-Driven Signaling Cascades in Colon Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070891. [PMID: 35883447 PMCID: PMC9312507 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process in which the polarized epithelial cells acquire the properties of mesenchymal cells and gain invasive properties. We have previously demonstrated that manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) can regulate the EMT phenotype by modulating the intracellular reactive oxygen species. In this report, we have demonstrated the EMT-suppressive effects of 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP, an alkaloid isolated from Chuanxiong) in colon cancer cells. TMP suppressed the expression of MnSOD, fibronectin, vimentin, MMP-9, and N-cadherin with a parallel elevation of occludin and E-cadherin in unstimulated and TGFβ-stimulated cells. Functionally, TMP treatment reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. TMP treatment also modulated constitutive activated as well as TGFβ-stimulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Wnt/GSK3/β-catenin, and MAPK signaling pathways. TMP also inhibited the EMT program in the colon cancer cells-transfected with pcDNA3-MnSOD through modulation of MnSOD, EMT-related proteins, and oncogenic pathways. Overall, these data indicated that TMP may inhibit the EMT program through MnSOD-mediated abrogation of multiple signaling events in colon cancer cells.
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27
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Abrishami-Kia Z, Sadati-Bizaki T, Ghare-Tapeh EA, Harijani SM. Managing MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGFR-2, TGFβ-1, and TIMP-1 in NNK-induced lung carcinoma by nonchemical interventions in female rats. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:1261-1267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Peng D, Fu M, Wang M, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting TGF-β signal transduction for fibrosis and cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:104. [PMID: 35461253 PMCID: PMC9033932 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 143.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has long been identified with its intensive involvement in early embryonic development and organogenesis, immune supervision, tissue repair, and adult homeostasis. The role of TGF-β in fibrosis and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, overexpressed TGF-β causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) formation, which leads to fibrotic disease, and cancer. Given the critical role of TGF-β and its downstream molecules in the progression of fibrosis and cancers, therapeutics targeting TGF-β signaling appears to be a promising strategy. However, due to potential systemic cytotoxicity, the development of TGF-β therapeutics has lagged. In this review, we summarized the biological process of TGF-β, with its dual role in fibrosis and tumorigenesis, and the clinical application of TGF-β-targeting therapies.
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29
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Park JW, Seo MJ, Cho KS, Kook MC, Jeong JM, Roh SG, Cho SY, Cheon JH, Kim HK. Smad4 and p53 synergize in suppressing autochthonous intestinal cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 11:1925-1936. [PMID: 35274815 PMCID: PMC9089223 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Smad4 and p53 mutations are the most common mutations in human colorectal cancers (CRCs). We evaluated whether and how they are synergistic in intestinal carcinogenesis using novel autochthonous mouse models. Method To recapitulate human CRCs, we generated Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice. We then compared the intestinal phenotype of Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice (n = 40) with Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F (n = 30) and Villin‐Cre;Trp53F/F mice (n = 45). Results Twenty‐week‐old Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice displayed spontaneous highly proliferative intestinal tumors, and 85% of mice developed adenocarcinomas. p21 was downregulated in the intestinal mucosa in Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice than in Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F and Villin‐Cre;Trp53F/F mice. Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice displayed multistep intestinal tumorigenesis and Wnt activation. Long‐term CWP232291 (small‐molecule Wnt inhibitor) treatment of Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice suppressed intestinal tumorigenesis and progression. CWP232291 treatment downregulated cancer stem cell (CSC) tumor markers including CD133, Lgr‐5, and Sca‐1. CWP232291 treatment reduced the CSC frequency. Small‐molecule Wnt inhibitors reduced intestinal CSC populations and inhibited their growth, along with Bcl‐XL downregulation. Furthermore, BH3I‐1, a Bcl‐XL antagonist, increasingly inhibited intestinal CSCs than bulk tumor cells. Conclusion Smad4 loss and p53 loss are synergistic in autochthonous intestinal carcinogenesis, by downregulating p21 and activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Won Park
- National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Convergence, Kangwon National University, Kangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jung Seo
- National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Kye Soo Cho
- National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Infectious Disease & Immunobiology, Yonsei University College of Medical Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Seul-Gi Roh
- National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jae Hee Cheon
- Department of Infectious Disease & Immunobiology, Yonsei University College of Medical Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Plundrich D, Chikhladze S, Fichtner-Feigl S, Feuerstein R, Briquez PS. Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Immunomodulation in the Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2782. [PMID: 35269922 PMCID: PMC8910988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most important health challenges in our society. The development of cancer immunotherapies has fostered the need to better understand the anti-tumor immune mechanisms at play in the tumor microenvironment and the strategies by which the tumor escapes them. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular interactions that regulate tumor inflammation. We particularly discuss immunomodulatory cell-cell interactions, cell-soluble factor interactions, cell-extracellular matrix interactions and cell-microbiome interactions. While doing so, we highlight relevant examples of tumor immunomodulation in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Plundrich
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Chikhladze
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 900048, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 900048, USA
| | - Stefan Fichtner-Feigl
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhild Feuerstein
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Priscilla S Briquez
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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The future of ctDNA-defined minimal residual disease: Personalizing adjuvant therapy in CRC. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2022; 21:89-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Baba AB, Rah B, Bhat GR, Mushtaq I, Parveen S, Hassan R, Hameed Zargar M, Afroze D. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling in Cancer-A Betrayal Within. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:791272. [PMID: 35295334 PMCID: PMC8918694 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.791272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A ubiquitously expressed cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a significant role in various ongoing cellular mechanisms. The gain or loss-of-function of TGF-β and its downstream mediators could lead to a plethora of diseases includes tumorigenesis. Specifically, at the early onset of malignancy TGF-β act as tumour suppressor and plays a key role in clearing malignant cells by reducing the cellular proliferation and differentiation thus triggers the process of apoptosis. Subsequently, TGF-β at an advanced stage of malignancy promotes tumorigenesis by augmenting cellular transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition invasion, and metastasis. Besides playing the dual roles, depending upon the stage of malignancy, TGF-β also regulates cell fate through immune and stroma components. This oscillatory role of TGF-β to fight against cancer or act as a traitor to collaborate and crosstalk with other tumorigenic signaling pathways and its betrayal within the cell depends upon the cellular context. Therefore, the current review highlights and understands the dual role of TGF-β under different cellular conditions and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways in modulating cell fate.
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33
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Li J, Xu Z. NR3C2 suppresses the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of colon cancer cells by inhibiting the AKT/ERK signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:133. [PMID: 35191517 PMCID: PMC8908346 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12649] [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: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 2 (NR3C2) serves an antitumorigenic role in several types of cancer; however, its role and mechanisms of action in colon cancer remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of NR3C2 on the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of colon cancer cells. The expression levels of NR3C2 in human colon epithelial NCM460 cells (spontaneously immortalized cell line) and colon cancer cell lines was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to assess cell viability and wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect cell invasion and migration. ELISA was used to detect the expression levels of VEGF and tube formation assays were used to assess angiogenesis. The expression levels of angiogenesis-related proteins and AKT/ERK signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by western blotting. NR3C2 expression was downregulated in colon cancer cells and overexpression of NR3C2 inhibited proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. Overexpression of NR3C2 inhibited angiogenesis and activity of the AKT/ERK signaling pathway in colon cancer cells. Thus, it was demonstrated that NR3C2 inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of colon cancer cells through the AKT/ERK signaling pathway. These results may highlight novel targets for the treatment of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, P.R. China
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Ranasinghe R, Mathai M, Zulli A. A synopsis of modern - day colorectal cancer: Where we stand. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188699. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Sun X, Xue Z, Yasin A, He Y, Chai Y, Li J, Zhang K. Colorectal Cancer and Adjacent Normal Mucosa Differ in Apoptotic and Inflammatory Protein Expression. ENGINEERED REGENERATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Xie J, Wang S. Small Interfering RNA in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis Therapy. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221103318. [PMID: 35899305 PMCID: PMC9340422 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221103318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with numerous genetic disorders and cellular abnormalities, and liver metastasis is a common health concern in patients with CRC. Exploring newer and more efficient therapies to block liver metastasis is pivotal for prolonging patient survival. Therefore, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are expected to be remarkable tools capable of regulating gene expression by participating in a process called RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is a biological process among eukaryotes wherein specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules are destroyed and gene expression is inhibited. This technology is a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Nevertheless, crucial problems in siRNA therapeutics, including inherent poor serum stability and nonspecific uptake into biological systems, must be recognized. For this reason, delivery systems are being developed in an attempt to solve these problems. Here, we discuss the utility of siRNA therapy for the treatment of CRCLM by targeting the major metastasis-related signaling pathways. siRNA therapy has the potential to be one of the most effective methods for CRLM treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlin Xie
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal
Cancer Translational Research, Cancer Institute, Peking University Shenzhen
Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shubin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal
Cancer Translational Research, Cancer Institute, Peking University Shenzhen
Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Shubin Wang, Department of Oncology,
Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research,
Cancer Institute, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking
University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center,
Shenzhen, 518036, China.
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He R, Lao Y, Yu W, Zhang X, Jiang M, Zhu C. Progress in the Application of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Immunotherapy for Targeting Different Types of Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:764618. [PMID: 34888243 PMCID: PMC8648667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.764618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a common malignant disease, has the second highest mortality rate among all cancer types. Due to the diversity and heterogeneity of CRC, few effective treatment strategies have been developed in recent years, except for surgical resection. As immunotherapy has become a revolutionary treatment after surgery, along with chemoradiotherapy and targeted therapy, numerous basic research studies and clinical trials have been conducted on CRC. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has become the main anti-CRC immunotherapy method used at present. With the rapid development of biotechnology and cell research, an increasing number of monotherapy or combination therapy strategies using ICIs for CRC have been designed in recent years. Methods to classify and review ICI strategies for different types of CRC to better guide treatment are continuously investigated. However, the identification of why the ICIs would be more effective in targeting particular subtypes of CRC such as high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) is more important because of the different immune backgrounds in patients. This review intends to classify different subtypes of CRC and summarizes the basic and clinical studies on ICIs for each subtype of CRC currently available. In addition, we also attempt to briefly discuss the progress in immunotherapy methods other than ICI therapy, such as chemoimmunotherapy strategy, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells, or immunotherapy based on oncolytic viruses. Finally, we provide a perspective on the development of immunotherapy in the treatment of CRC and attempt to propose a new systematic classification of CRC based on immunological strategies, which may improve guidance for the selection of immunotherapy strategies for different subtypes of CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yefang Lao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai International Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunrong Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Gutierrez A, Demond H, Brebi P, Ili CG. Novel Methylation Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Prognosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1722. [PMID: 34827720 PMCID: PMC8615818 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) comprises the third most common cancer worldwide and the second regarding number of deaths. In order to make a correct and early diagnosis to predict metastasis formation, biomarkers are an important tool. Although there are multiple signaling pathways associated with cancer progression, the most recognized are the MAPK pathway, p53 pathway, and TGF-β pathway. These pathways regulate many important functions in the cell, such as cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis formation, among others. Changes in expression in genes belonging to these pathways are drivers of carcinogenesis. Often these expression changes are caused by mutations; however, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are increasingly acknowledged to play a role in the deregulation of oncogenic genes. This makes DNA methylation changes an interesting biomarkers in cancer. Among the newly identified biomarkers for CRC metastasis INHBB, SMOC2, BDNF, and TBRG4 are included, all of which are highly deregulated by methylation and closely associated with metastasis. The identification of such biomarkers in metastasis of CRC may allow a better treatment and early identification of cancer formation in order to perform better diagnostics and improve the life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Priscilla Brebi
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile; (A.G.); (H.D.)
| | - Carmen Gloria Ili
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile; (A.G.); (H.D.)
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Lv X, Xu G. Regulatory role of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway in the drug resistance of gastrointestinal cancers. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1648-1667. [PMID: 34853641 PMCID: PMC8603464 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, is one of the most prevalent types of malignant carcinoma and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies for GI cancers in recent decades, drug resistance with various mechanisms remains the prevailing cause of therapy failure in GI cancers. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway has crucial, complex roles in many cellular functions related to drug resistance. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in the resistance of GI cancers to conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and traditional medicine. Various processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell development, tumor microenvironment alteration, and microRNA biogenesis, are proposed as the main mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated drug resistance in GI cancers. Several studies have already indicated the benefit of combining antitumor drugs with agents that suppress the TGF-β signaling pathway, but this approach needs to be verified in additional clinical studies. Moreover, the identification of potential biological markers that can be used to predict the response to TGF-β signaling pathway inhibitors during anticancer treatments will have important clinical implications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqun Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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40
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Novoa Díaz MB, Carriere PM, Martín MJ, Calvo N, Gentili C. Involvement of parathyroid hormone-related peptide in the aggressive phenotype of colorectal cancer cells. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7025-7040. [PMID: 34887626 PMCID: PMC8613645 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i41.7025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of mortality from malignant diseases worldwide. In general terms, CRC presents high heterogeneity due to the influence of different genetic and environmental factors; also, the neoplastic cells are strongly influenced by the extracellular matrix and several surrounding cells, known together as the tumor microenvironment (TME). Bidirectional communication takes place between the tumor and the TME through the release of autocrine and paracrine factors. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is a cytokine secreted by a wide variety of tissues and is able to regulate several cellular functions both in physiological as well as in pathological processes. It exerts its effects as a paracrine/autocrine factor, although its mode of action is mainly paracrine. It has been shown that this peptide is expressed by several tumors and that the tumor secretion of PTHrP is responsible for the malignant humoral hypercalcemia. Eight years ago, when our research group started studying PTHrP effects in the experimental models derived from intestinal tumors, the literature available at the time addressing the effects of PTHrP on colorectal tumors was limited, and no articles had been published regarding to the paracrine action of PTHrP in CRC cells. Based on this and on our previous findings regarding the role of PTH in CRC cells, our purpose in recent years has been to explore the role of PTHrP in CRC. We analyzed the behavior of CRC cells treated with exogenous PTHrP, focalizing in the study of the following events: Survival, cell cycle progression and proliferation, migration, chemoresistance, tumor-associated angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition program and other events also associated with invasion, such us the induction of cancer stem cells features. This work summarizes the major findings obtained by our investigation group using in vitro and in vivo CRC models that evidence the participation of PTHrP in the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype of CRC cells and the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Recently, we found that this cytokine induces this malignant behavior not only by its direct action on these intestinal cells but also through its influence on cells derived from TME, promoting a communication between CRC cells and surrounding cells that contributes to the molecular and morphological changes observed in CRC cells. These investigations establish the basis for our next studies in order to address the clinical applicability of our findings. Recognizing the factors and mechanisms that promote invasion in CRC cells, evasion to the cytotoxic effects of current CRC therapies and thus metastasis is decisive for the identification of new markers with the potential to improve early diagnosis and/or to predict prognosis, to predetermine drug resistance and to provide treatment guidelines that include targeted therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa Díaz
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Matías Carriere
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Julia Martín
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- INQUISUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Calvo
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Gentili
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)- INBIOSUR (CONICET-UNS), Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Subtil B, Cambi A, Tauriello DVF, de Vries IJM. The Therapeutic Potential of Tackling Tumor-Induced Dendritic Cell Dysfunction in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:724883. [PMID: 34691029 PMCID: PMC8527179 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.724883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Locally advanced and metastatic disease exhibit resistance to therapy and are prone to recurrence. Despite significant advances in standard of care and targeted (immuno)therapies, the treatment effects in metastatic CRC patients have been modest. Untreatable cancer metastasis accounts for poor prognosis and most CRC deaths. The generation of a strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by CRC constitutes a major hurdle for tumor clearance by the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs), often impaired in the TME, play a critical role in the initiation and amplification of anti-tumor immune responses. Evidence suggests that tumor-mediated DC dysfunction is decisive for tumor growth and metastasis initiation, as well as for the success of immunotherapies. Unravelling and understanding the complex crosstalk between CRC and DCs holds promise for identifying key mechanisms involved in tumor progression and spread that can be exploited for therapy. The main goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the impact of CRC-driven immunosuppression on DCs phenotype and functionality, and its significance for disease progression, patient prognosis, and treatment response. Moreover, present knowledge gaps will be highlighted as promising opportunities to further understand and therapeutically target DC dysfunction in CRC. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of CRC, future research will benefit from the use of patient-derived material and the development of in vitro organoid-based co-culture systems to model and study DCs within the CRC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Subtil
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Cambi
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - I. Jolanda M. de Vries
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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42
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Liu L, Jia S, Jin X, Zhu S, Zhang S. HOXC11 Expression Is Associated with the Progression of Colon Adenocarcinoma and Is a Prognostic Biomarker. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:1158-1166. [PMID: 34415792 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the role of HOXC11 in progression and prognosis in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) patients. The COAD patient data were downloaded from "The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)" database. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the correlation between HOXC11 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics. The significance of difference in overall survival between different groups was determined by log-rank test. The HOXC11 expression was verified from mRNA and protein level by conducting real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry analysis. Significantly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were screened after gene set enrichment analysis. As a result, high HOXC11 expression was closely related to the occurrence of COAD based on the data in TCGA, which was then successfully validated in cell lines and clinical tissues. Enhanced HOXC11 expression was significantly associated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) and M stage. Prognosis of highly expressed HOXC11 COAD patients was significantly worse than those with low HOXC11 expression. GRAFT_VERSUS_HOST_DISEASE and other signaling pathways were significantly activated in high HOXC11 expression COAD patients. In conclusion, high expression of HOXC11 was closely associated with the progression of COAD, and HOXC11 was a promising prognostic biomarker in COAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shujuan Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shengtao Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shutian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, P.R. China
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Tian F, Wang P, Lin D, Dai J, Liu Q, Guan Y, Zhan Y, Yang Y, Wang W, Wang J, Liu J, Zheng L, Zhuang Y, Hu J, Wang J, Kong D, Zhu K. Exosome-delivered miR-221/222 exacerbates tumor liver metastasis by targeting SPINT1 in colorectal cancer. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3744-3755. [PMID: 34125460 PMCID: PMC8409403 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the progression of many cancers through largely unelucidated mechanisms. The results of our present study identified a gene cluster, miR-221/222, that is constitutively upregulated in serum exosome samples of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) with liver metastasis (LM); this upregulation predicts a poor overall survival rate. Using an in vitro cell coculture model, we demonstrated that CRC exosomes harboring miR-221/222 activate liver hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by suppressing SPINT1 expression. Importantly, miR-221/222 plays a key role in forming a favorable premetastatic niche (PMN) that leads to the aggressive nature of CRC, which was further shown through in vivo studies. Overall, our results show that exosomal miR-221/222 promotes CRC progression and may serve as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC with LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tian
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peiyun Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Lin
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiajia Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qibing Liu
- Hainan Provincial Research Center for Innovative Drugs Clinical Evaluation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yu Guan
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yichen Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenpeng Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiefu Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dalu Kong
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kegan Zhu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Horn LA, Fousek K, Hamilton DH, Hodge JW, Zebala JA, Maeda DY, Schlom J, Palena C. Vaccine Increases the Diversity and Activation of Intratumoral T Cells in the Context of Combination Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050968. [PMID: 33669155 PMCID: PMC7956439 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy has spurred the development of novel combinations of drugs tailored to specific cancer types, including non-inflamed tumors with low T-cell infiltration. Cancer vaccines can potentially be utilized as part of these combination immunotherapies to enhance antitumor efficacy through the expansion of tumor-reactive T cells. Utilizing murine models of colon and mammary carcinoma, here we investigated the effect of adding a recombinant adenovirus-based vaccine targeting tumor-associated antigens with an IL-15 super agonist adjuvant to a multimodal regimen consisting of a bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGF-βRII agent along with a CXCR1/2 inhibitor. We demonstrate that the addition of vaccine induced a greater tumor infiltration with T cells highly positive for markers of proliferation and cytotoxicity. In addition to this enhancement of cytotoxic T cells, combination therapy showed a restructured tumor microenvironment with reduced Tregs and CD11b+Ly6G+ myeloid cells. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells exhibited an upregulation of gene signatures characteristic of a Th1 response and presented with a more diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. These results provide the rationale for the addition of vaccine-to-immune checkpoint blockade-based therapies being tested in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A. Horn
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (L.A.H.); (K.F.); (D.H.H.); (J.W.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Kristen Fousek
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (L.A.H.); (K.F.); (D.H.H.); (J.W.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Duane H. Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (L.A.H.); (K.F.); (D.H.H.); (J.W.H.); (J.S.)
| | - James W. Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (L.A.H.); (K.F.); (D.H.H.); (J.W.H.); (J.S.)
| | - John A. Zebala
- Syntrix Pharmaceuticals, Auburn, WA 98001, USA; (J.A.Z.); (D.Y.M.)
| | - Dean Y. Maeda
- Syntrix Pharmaceuticals, Auburn, WA 98001, USA; (J.A.Z.); (D.Y.M.)
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (L.A.H.); (K.F.); (D.H.H.); (J.W.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (L.A.H.); (K.F.); (D.H.H.); (J.W.H.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-240-858-3475; Fax: +1-240-541-4558
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Fibroblast Subsets in Intestinal Homeostasis, Carcinogenesis, Tumor Progression, and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020183. [PMID: 33430285 PMCID: PMC7825703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer often develops via the adenoma–carcinoma sequence, a process which is accompanied by (epi) genetic alterations in epithelial cells and gradual phenotypic changes in fibroblast populations. Recent studies have made it clear that these fibroblast populations which, in the context of invasive cancers are termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play an important role in intestinal tumor progression. This review provides an overview on the emerging role of fibroblasts in various stages of colorectal cancer development, ranging from adenoma initiation to metastatic spread of tumor cells. As fibroblasts show considerable heterogeneity in subsets and phenotypes during cancer development, a better functional understanding of stage-specific (alterations in) fibroblast/CAF populations is key to increase the effectiveness of fibroblast-based prognosticators and therapies. Abstract In intestinal homeostasis, continuous renewal of the epithelium is crucial to withstand the plethora of stimuli which can damage the structural integrity of the intestines. Fibroblasts contribute to this renewal by facilitating epithelial cell differentiation as well as providing the structural framework in which epithelial cells can regenerate. Upon dysregulation of intestinal homeostasis, (pre-) malignant neoplasms develop, a process which is accompanied by (epi) genetic alterations in epithelial cells as well as phenotypic changes in fibroblast populations. In the context of invasive carcinomas, these fibroblast populations are termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are the most abundant cell type in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and consist of various functionally heterogeneous subsets which can promote or restrain cancer progression. Although most previous research has focused on the biology of epithelial cells, accumulating evidence shows that certain fibroblast subsets can also importantly contribute to tumor initiation and progression, thereby possibly providing avenues for improvement of clinical care for CRC patients. In this review, we summarized the current literature on the emerging role of fibroblasts in various stages of CRC development, ranging from adenoma initiation to the metastatic spread of cancer cells. In addition, we highlighted translational and therapeutic perspectives of fibroblasts in the different stages of intestinal tumor progression.
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Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer existing across the globe. It begins with the formation of polyps leading to the development of metastasis, especially in advanced stage patients, who necessitate intensive chemotherapy that usually results in a poor response and high morbidity owing to multidrug resistance and severe untoward effects to the non-cancerous cells. Advancements in the targeted drug delivery permit the targeting of tumor cells without affecting the non-tumor cells. Various nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, micelles, and nanogels, etc. are being developed and explored for effective delivery of cytotoxic drugs to the target site thereby enhancing the drug distribution and bioavailability, simultaneously subduing the side effects. Moreover, immunotherapy for CRC is being explored for last few decades. Few clinical trials have even potentially benefited patients suffering from CRC, still immunotherapy persists merely an experimental alternative. Assessment of the ongoing and completed trials is to be warranted for effective treatment of CRC. Scientists are paying efforts to develop novel carrier systems that may enhance the targeting potential of low therapeutic index chemo- and immune-therapeutics. Several preclinical studies have revealed the superior efficacy of nanotherapy in CRC as compared to conventional approaches. Clinical trials are being recruited to ascertain the safety and efficacy of CRC therapies. The present review discourses in a nutshell the molecular interventions including the genetics, signaling pathways involved in CRC, and advances in various strategies explored for the treatment of CRC with a special emphasis on nanocarriers based drug targeting.
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Quigley NG, Steiger K, Richter F, Weichert W, Hoberück S, Kotzerke J, Notni J. Tracking a TGF-β activator in vivo: sensitive PET imaging of αvβ8-integrin with the Ga-68-labeled cyclic RGD octapeptide trimer Ga-68-Triveoctin. EJNMMI Res 2020; 10:133. [PMID: 33128636 PMCID: PMC7603442 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-020-00706-1] [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: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose As a major activator of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), the RGD receptor αvβ8-integrin is involved in pathogenic processes related to TGF-β dysregulation, such as tumor growth, invasion, and radiochemoresistance, metastasis and tumor cell stemness, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical Ga-68-Triveoctin for in vivo mapping of αvβ8-integrin expression might enhance the prognosis of certain tumor entities, as well as support and augment TGF-β-targeted therapeutic approaches. Methods Monomeric and trimeric conjugates of cyclo(GLRGDLp(NMe)K(pent-4-ynoic amide)) were synthesized by click chemistry (CuAAC), labeled with Ga-68, and evaluated in MeWo (human melanoma) xenografted SCID mice by means of PET and ex-vivo biodistribution. αvβ8-integrin expression in murine tissues was determined by β8-IHC. A human subject received a single injection of 173 MBq of Ga-68-Triveoctin and underwent 3 subsequent PET/CT scans at 25, 45, and 90 min p.i.. Results The trimer Ga-68-Triveoctin exhibits a 6.7-fold higher αvβ8-integrin affinity than the monomer (IC50 of 5.7 vs. 38 nM, respectively). Accordingly, biodistribution showed a higher tumor uptake (1.9 vs. 1.0%IA/g, respectively) but a similar baseline upon blockade (0.25%IA/g for both). IHC showed an intermediate β8-expression in the tumor while most organs and tissues were found β8-negative. Low non-target tissue uptakes (< 0.4%IA/g) confirmed a low degree of unspecific binding. Due to its hydrophilicity (log D = − 3.1), Ga-68-Triveoctin is excreted renally and shows favorable tumor/tissue ratios in mice (t/blood: 6.7; t/liver: 6.8; t/muscle: 29). A high kidney uptake in mice (kidney-to-blood and -to-muscle ratios of 126 and 505, respectively) is not reflected by human PET (corresponding values are 15 and 30, respectively), which furthermore showed notable uptakes in coeliac and choroid plexus (SUVmean 6.1 and 9.7, respectively, 90 min p.i.). Conclusion Ga-68-Triveoctin enables sensitive in-vivo imaging αvβ8-integrin expression in murine tumor xenografts. PET in a human subject confirmed a favorable biodistribution, underscoring the potential of Ga-68-Triveoctin for mapping of αvβ8-integrin expression in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Gerard Quigley
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Frauke Richter
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hoberück
- Klinik Und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg Kotzerke
- Klinik Und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Notni
- Institut für Pathologie Und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstraße 18, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Moloudizargari M, Govahi A, Fallah M, Rezvanfar MA, Asghari MH, Abdollahi M. The mechanisms of cellular crosstalk between mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells: Therapeutic implications. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2413-2429. [PMID: 32892356 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mesenchymal precursors of various origins, with well-known immunomodulatory effects. Natural killer (NK) cells, the major cells of the innate immune system, are critical for the antitumor and antiviral defenses; however, in certain cases, they may be the main culprits in the pathogenesis of some NK-related conditions such as autoimmunities and hematological malignancies. On the other hand, these cells seem to be the major responders in beneficial phenomena like graft versus leukemia. Substantial data suggest that MSCs can variably affect NK cells and can be affected by these cells. Accordingly, acquiring a profound understanding of the crosstalk between MSCs and NK cells and the involved mechanisms seems to be a necessity to develop therapeutic approaches based on such interactions. Therefore, in this study, we made a thorough review of the existing literature on the interactions between MSCs and NK cells with a focus on the underlying mechanisms. The current knowledge herein suggests that MSCs possess a great potential to be used as tools for therapeutic targeting of NK cells in disease context and that preconditioning of MSCs, as well as their genetic manipulation before administration, may provide a wider variety of options in terms of eliciting more specific and desirable therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, our knowledge regarding the effects of MSCs on NK cells is still in its infancy, and further studies with well-defined conditions are warranted herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Moloudizargari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Govahi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Fallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Mohammad A Rezvanfar
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), and Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), and Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Yang Y, Dai E, Wang S, Bai Y. Whole Transcriptome RNA Sequencing Identified circ_022743, circ_052666, and circ_004452 Were Associated with Colon Cancer Development. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:1825-1837. [PMID: 32799546 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.5320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the key circular RNAs (circRNAs) related to the development of colon cancer. High-throughput RNA sequencing on eight early-stage (ES) and eight later stage (LS) colon tumor tissues, and eight normal tissues, was performed. Differentially expressed circRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis and the miRNA-circRNA-mRNA network were performed. In addition, the differential expression levels of key circRNAs were verified using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). In total, 408, 472, and 278 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in ES versus normal control (N), LS versus N, and LS versus ES groups, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis showed that circ_052666 was significantly enriched in "extracellular matrix/receptor interaction"; circ_022743 was remarkably enriched in "neurotrophin signaling pathway"; and circ_004452 was observably enriched in "TGF-β signaling pathway." Moreover, key miRNA-circRNA-mRNA relationships, such as hsa-miR-29b/c-3p-circ_052666-COL1A1 and hsa-miR-1294-circ_004452-left-right determination factor 1 (LEFTY1), were identified. Furthermore, qPCR showed consistent results with RNA sequencing. Our findings indicate that key circRNAs, such as circ_022743, circ_052666, and circ_004452, may be involved in colon cancer development, and could be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Enyong Dai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shibao Wang
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuansong Bai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Ungaro F, D’Alessio S, Danese S. The Role of Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators in Colorectal Cancer-Associated Inflammation: Implications for Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082060. [PMID: 32722560 PMCID: PMC7463689 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a recognized hallmark of cancer that contributes to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Anti-inflammatory drugs currently used for the treatment of CRC show many adverse side effects that prompted researchers to propose the polyunsaturated fatty acids-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) as promoters of resolution of cancer-associated inflammation. SPMs were found to inhibit the CRC-associated pro-inflammatory milieu via specific G-coupled protein receptors, although clinical data are still lacking. This review aims to summarize the state-of-the-art in this field, ultimately providing insights for the development of innovative anti-CRC therapies that promote the endogenous lipid-mediated resolution of CRC-associated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ungaro
- IBD Center, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Immunopathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia D’Alessio
- IBD Center, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Immunopathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- IBD Center, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Immunopathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
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