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Meng S, Hara T, Miura Y, Ishii H. Fibroblast activation protein constitutes a novel target of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in solid tumors. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 39169645 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
With recent advances in tumor immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has achieved unprecedented success in several hematologic tumors, significantly improving patient prognosis. However, in solid tumors, the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy is limited because of high antigen uncertainty and the extremely restrictive tumor microenvironment (TME). This challenge has led to the exploration of new targets, among which fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has gained attention for its relatively stable and specific expression in the TME of various solid tumors, making it a potential new target for CAR-T cell therapy. This study comprehensively analyzed the biological characteristics of FAP and discussed its potential application in CAR-T cell therapy, including the theoretical basis, and preclinical and clinical research progress of targeting FAP with CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumor treatment. The challenges and future optimization directions of this treatment strategy were also explored, providing new perspectives and strategies for CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors.
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Grants
- 2024 Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund
- JP23ym0126809 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP24ym0126809 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- A20H0054100 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- T23KK01530 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- T22K195590 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- A22H031460 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- T23K183130 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- T23K195050 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- T24K199920 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- IFO Research Communications (2024)
- Oceanic Wellness Foundation (2024)
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikun Meng
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Hara
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Miura
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hideshi Ishii
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Liu M, Wang Y, Wang C, Li P, Qiu J, Yang N, Sun M, Han L. A Microfluidic 3D-Tumor-Spheroid Model for the Evaluation of Targeted Therapies from Angiogenesis-Related Cytokines at the Single Spheroid Level. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2402321. [PMID: 39126126 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202402321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a key player in drug resistance to targeted therapies for breast cancer. The average expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines is widely associated with the treatments of target therapies for a population of cells or spheroids, overlooking the distinct responses for individuals. In this work, a highly integrated microfluidic platform is developed for the generation of monodisperse multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs), drug treatments, and the measurement of cytokines for individual MTSs in a single chip. The platform allows the correlation evaluation between cytokine secretion and drug treatment at the level of individual spheroids. For validation, quantities of six representative proangiogenic cytokines are tested against treatments with four model drugs at varying times and concentrations. By applying a linear regression model, significant correlations are established between cytokine secretion and the treated drug concentration for individual spheroids. The proposed platform provides a high-throughput method for the investigation of the molecular mechanism of the cytokine response to targeted therapies and paves the way for future drug screening using predictive regression models at the single-spheroid level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Yihe Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jiaoyan Qiu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ningkai Yang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Mingyuan Sun
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Biomarker and Artificial Intelligence Application, Jinan, 250100, P. R. China
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Buonvino S, Di Giuseppe D, Filippi J, Martinelli E, Seliktar D, Melino S. 3D Cell Migration Chip (3DCM-Chip): A New Tool toward the Modeling of 3D Cellular Complex Systems. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2400040. [PMID: 38739022 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
3D hydrogel-based cell cultures provide models for studying cell behavior and can efficiently replicate the physiologic environment. Hydrogels can be tailored to mimic mechanical and biochemical properties of specific tissues and allow to produce gel-in-gel models. In this system, microspheres encapsulating cells are embedded in an outer hydrogel matrix, where cells are able to migrate. To enhance the efficiency of such studies, a lab-on-a-chip named 3D cell migration-chip (3DCM-chip) is designed, which offers substantial advantages over traditional methods. 3DCM-chip facilitates the analysis of biochemical and physical stimuli effects on cell migration/invasion in different cell types, including stem, normal, and tumor cells. 3DCM-chip provides a smart platform for developing more complex cell co-cultures systems. Herein the impact of human fibroblasts on MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells' invasiveness is investigated. Moreover, how the presence of different cellular lines, including mesenchymal stem cells, normal human dermal fibroblasts, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, affects the invasive behavior of cancer cells is investigated using 3DCM-chip. Therefore, predictive tumoroid models with a more complex network of interactions between cells and microenvironment are here produced. 3DCM-chip moves closer to the creation of in vitro systems that can potentially replicate key aspects of the physiological tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Buonvino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Davide Di Giuseppe
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Joanna Filippi
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Eugenio Martinelli
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Dror Seliktar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Sonia Melino
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome, 00133, Italy
- NAST Center- University of Rome Tor Vergata, via della ricerca scientifica, Rome, 00133, Italy
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Mu W, Gu P, Li H, Zhou J, Jian Y, Jia W, Ge Y. Exposure of benzo[a]pyrene induces HCC exosome-circular RNA to activate lung fibroblasts and trigger organotropic metastasis. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:718-738. [PMID: 38840551 PMCID: PMC11260768 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12574] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogen pollutant produced by combustion processes, is present in the western diet with grilled meats. Chronic exposure of B[a]P in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells promotes metastasis rather than primary proliferation, implying an unknown mechanism of B[a]P-induced malignancy. Given that exosomes carry bioactive molecules to distant sites, we investigated whether and how exosomes mediate cancer-stroma communications for a toxicologically associated microenvironment. METHOD Exosomes were isolated from B[a]P stimulated BEL7404 HCC cells (7404-100Bap Exo) at an environmental relevant dose (100 nmol/L). Lung pre-education animal model was prepared via injection of exosomes and cytokines. The inflammatory genes of educated lungs were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR array. HCC LM3 cells transfected with firefly luciferase were next injected to monitor tumor burdens and organotropic metastasis. Profile of B[a]P-exposed exosomes were determined by ceRNA microarray. Interactions between circular RNA (circRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were detected using RNA pull-down in target lung fibroblasts. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to evaluate the "on-off" interaction of circRNA-miRNA pairs. We further developed an adeno-associated virus inhalation model to examine mRNA expression specific in lung, thereby exploring the mRNA targets of B[a]P induced circRNA-miRNA cascade. RESULTS Lung fibroblasts exert activation phenotypes, including focal adhesion and motility were altered by 7404-100Bap Exo. In the exosome-educated in vivo model, fibrosis factors and pro-inflammatory molecules of are up-regulated when injected with exosomes. Compared to non-exposed 7404 cells, circ_0011496 was up-regulated following B[a]P treatment and was mainly packaged into 7404-100Bap Exo. Exosomal circ_0011496 were delivered and competitively bound to miR-486-5p in recipient fibroblasts. The down-regulation of miR-486-5p converted fibroblast to cancer-associated fibroblast via regulating the downstream of Twinfilin-1 (TWF1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) cascade. Additionally, increased TWF1, specifically in exosomal circ_0011496 educated lungs, could promote cancer-stroma crosstalk via activating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These modulated fibroblasts promoted endothelial cells angiogenesis and recruited primary HCC cells invasion, as a consequence of a pre-metastatic niche formation. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that B[a]P-induced tumor exosomes can deliver circ_0011496 to activate miR-486-5p/TWF1/MMP9 cascade in the lung fibroblasts, generating a feedback loop that promoted HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mu
- School of Public HealthCenter for Single‐cell OmicsShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Pengfei Gu
- School of Public HealthCenter for Single‐cell OmicsShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Huating Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes MellitusDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismShanghai Diabetes InstituteShanghai Clinical Center for DiabetesShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jinjin Zhou
- School of Public HealthCenter for Single‐cell OmicsShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yulun Jian
- School of Public HealthCenter for Single‐cell OmicsShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Weiping Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes MellitusDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismShanghai Diabetes InstituteShanghai Clinical Center for DiabetesShanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yang Ge
- School of Public HealthCenter for Single‐cell OmicsShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
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Rodríguez-Bejarano OH, Parra-López C, Patarroyo MA. A review concerning the breast cancer-related tumour microenvironment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 199:104389. [PMID: 38734280 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most common malignant tumour in women and one of the leading causes of their death around the world. New and increasingly personalised diagnostic and therapeutic tools have been introduced over the last few decades, along with significant advances regarding the study and knowledge related to BC. The tumour microenvironment (TME) refers to the tumour cell-associated cellular and molecular environment which can influence conditions affecting tumour development and progression. The TME is composed of immune cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and signalling molecules secreted by these different cell types. Ever deeper understanding of TME composition changes during tumour development and progression will enable new and more innovative therapeutic strategies to become developed for targeting tumours during specific stages of its evolution. This review summarises the role of BC-related TME components and their influence on tumour progression and the development of resistance to therapy. In addition, an account on the modifications in BC-related TME components associated with therapy is given, and the completed or ongoing clinical trials related to this topic are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Hernán Rodríguez-Bejarano
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222#55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia; Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Carlos Parra-López
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
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Talia M, Cesario E, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, Mondino AA, Occhiuzzi MA, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Miglietta AM, Di Dio M, Capalbo C, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) gene signatures predict outcomes in breast and prostate tumor patients. J Transl Med 2024; 22:597. [PMID: 38937754 PMCID: PMC11210052 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05413-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, tumor-derived RNA expression signatures have been developed for the two most commonly diagnosed tumors worldwide, namely prostate and breast tumors, in order to improve both outcome prediction and treatment decision-making. In this context, molecular signatures gained by main components of the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), have been explored as prognostic and therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of the significance of CAFs-related gene signatures in breast and prostate cancers still remains to be disclosed. METHODS RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) was employed to profile and compare the transcriptome of CAFs isolated from patients affected by breast and prostate tumors. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) characterizing breast and prostate CAFs were intersected with data from public datasets derived from bulk RNA-seq profiles of breast and prostate tumor patients. Pathway enrichment analyses allowed us to appreciate the biological significance of the DEGs. K-means clustering was applied to construct CAFs-related gene signatures specific for breast and prostate cancer and to stratify independent cohorts of patients into high and low gene expression clusters. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were employed to predict differences in the outcome parameters of the clusters of patients. Decision-tree analysis was used to validate the clustering results and boosting calculations were then employed to improve the results obtained by the decision-tree algorithm. RESULTS Data obtained in breast CAFs allowed us to assess a signature that includes 8 genes (ITGA11, THBS1, FN1, EMP1, ITGA2, FYN, SPP1, and EMP2) belonging to pro-metastatic signaling routes, such as the focal adhesion pathway. Survival analyses indicated that the cluster of breast cancer patients showing a high expression of the aforementioned genes displays worse clinical outcomes. Next, we identified a prostate CAFs-related signature that includes 11 genes (IL13RA2, GDF7, IL33, CXCL1, TNFRSF19, CXCL6, LIFR, CXCL5, IL7, TSLP, and TNFSF15) associated with immune responses. A low expression of these genes was predictive of poor survival rates in prostate cancer patients. The results obtained were significantly validated through a two-step approach, based on unsupervised (clustering) and supervised (classification) learning techniques, showing a high prediction accuracy (≥ 90%) in independent RNA-seq cohorts. CONCLUSION We identified a huge heterogeneity in the transcriptional profile of CAFs derived from breast and prostate tumors. Of note, the two novel CAFs-related gene signatures might be considered as reliable prognostic indicators and valuable biomarkers for a better management of breast and prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Eugenio Cesario
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Adelina Assunta Mondino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Annunziata Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Michele Di Dio
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Annunziata Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Abel J, Jain S, Rajan D, Padigela H, Leidal K, Prakash A, Conway J, Nercessian M, Kirkup C, Javed SA, Biju R, Harguindeguy N, Shenker D, Indorf N, Sanghavi D, Egger R, Trotter B, Gerardin Y, Brosnan-Cashman JA, Dhoot A, Montalto MC, Parmar C, Wapinski I, Khosla A, Drage MG, Yu L, Taylor-Weiner A. AI powered quantification of nuclear morphology in cancers enables prediction of genome instability and prognosis. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:134. [PMID: 38898127 PMCID: PMC11187064 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00623-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
While alterations in nucleus size, shape, and color are ubiquitous in cancer, comprehensive quantification of nuclear morphology across a whole-slide histologic image remains a challenge. Here, we describe the development of a pan-tissue, deep learning-based digital pathology pipeline for exhaustive nucleus detection, segmentation, and classification and the utility of this pipeline for nuclear morphologic biomarker discovery. Manually-collected nucleus annotations were used to train an object detection and segmentation model for identifying nuclei, which was deployed to segment nuclei in H&E-stained slides from the BRCA, LUAD, and PRAD TCGA cohorts. Interpretable features describing the shape, size, color, and texture of each nucleus were extracted from segmented nuclei and compared to measurements of genomic instability, gene expression, and prognosis. The nuclear segmentation and classification model trained herein performed comparably to previously reported models. Features extracted from the model revealed differences sufficient to distinguish between BRCA, LUAD, and PRAD. Furthermore, cancer cell nuclear area was associated with increased aneuploidy score and homologous recombination deficiency. In BRCA, increased fibroblast nuclear area was indicative of poor progression-free and overall survival and was associated with gene expression signatures related to extracellular matrix remodeling and anti-tumor immunity. Thus, we developed a powerful pan-tissue approach for nucleus segmentation and featurization, enabling the construction of predictive models and the identification of features linking nuclear morphology with clinically-relevant prognostic biomarkers across multiple cancer types.
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Talia M, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, De Rosis S, Miglietta AM, Capalbo C, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Grande F, Rizzuti B, Occhiuzzi MA, Fortino G, Guzzo A, Greco G, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The G Protein Estrogen Receptor (GPER) is involved in the resistance to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:171. [PMID: 38886784 PMCID: PMC11184778 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03096-7] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cyclin D1-cyclin dependent kinases (CDK)4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy shows remarkable efficacy in the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, resistance to palbociclib frequently arises, highlighting the need to identify new targets toward more comprehensive therapeutic strategies in BC patients. METHODS BC cell lines resistant to palbociclib were generated and used as a model system. Gene silencing techniques and overexpression experiments, real-time PCR, immunoblotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies as well as cell viability, colony and 3D spheroid formation assays served to evaluate the involvement of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the resistance to palbociclib in BC cells. Molecular docking simulations were also performed to investigate the potential interaction of palbociclib with GPER. Furthermore, BC cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from mammary carcinoma, were used to investigate whether GPER signaling may contribute to functional cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment toward palbociclib resistance. Finally, by bioinformatics analyses and k-means clustering on clinical and expression data of large cohorts of BC patients, the clinical significance of novel mediators of palbociclib resistance was explored. RESULTS Dissecting the molecular events that characterize ER-positive BC cells resistant to palbociclib, the down-regulation of ERα along with the up-regulation of GPER were found. To evaluate the molecular events involved in the up-regulation of GPER, we determined that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) interacts with the promoter region of GPER and stimulates its expression toward BC cells resistance to palbociclib treatment. Adding further cues to these data, we ascertained that palbociclib does induce pro-inflammatory transcriptional events via GPER signaling in CAFs. Of note, by performing co-culture assays we demonstrated that GPER contributes to the reduced sensitivity to palbociclib also facilitating the functional interaction between BC cells and main components of the tumor microenvironment named CAFs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide novel insights on the molecular events through which GPER may contribute to palbociclib resistance in BC cells. Additional investigations are warranted in order to assess whether targeting the GPER-mediated interactions between BC cells and CAFs may be useful in more comprehensive therapeutic approaches of BC resistant to palbociclib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | | | - Giancarlo Fortino
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Antonella Guzzo
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Greco
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Linde C, Chien YT, Chen Z, Mu Q. Nanoparticle-enhanced PD-1/PD-L1 targeted combination therapy for triple negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1393492. [PMID: 38756653 PMCID: PMC11096478 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1393492] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer with triple-negative subtype (TNBC) presents significant challenges with limited treatment options and a poorer prognosis than others. While PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise, their efficacy in TNBC remains constrained. In recent years, nanoparticle (NP) technologies offer a novel approach to enhance cancer therapy by optimizing the tumor microenvironment and augmenting chemo- and immunotherapy effects in various preclinical and clinical settings. This review discusses recent investigations in NP strategies for improving PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-based combination therapy for TNBC. Those include single or multi-therapeutic NPs designed to enhance immunogenicity of the tumor, induce immunogenic cell death, and target immunosuppressive elements within the tumor microenvironment. The investigations also include NPs co-loaded with PD-L1 inhibitors and other therapeutic agents, leveraging targeted delivery and synergistic effects to maximize efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Overall, NP approaches represent a promising avenue for enhancing PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade-based combination therapy in TNBC and encourage further developmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qingxin Mu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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10
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Trnkova L, Buocikova V, Mego M, Cumova A, Burikova M, Bohac M, Miklikova S, Cihova M, Smolkova B. Epigenetic deregulation in breast cancer microenvironment: Implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116559. [PMID: 38603889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a substantial proportion of cancer diagnoses in women and is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality. While hormone-responsive cases generally have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer presents challenges, with intrinsic resistance to established treatments being a persistent issue. The complexity intensifies with the emergence of acquired resistance, further complicating the management of breast cancer. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone and RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are acknowledged as crucial contributors to the heterogeneity of breast cancer. The unique epigenetic landscape harbored by each cellular component within the tumor microenvironment (TME) adds great diversity to the intricate regulations which influence therapeutic responses. The TME, a sophisticated ecosystem of cellular and non-cellular elements interacting with tumor cells, establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and fuels processes such as tumor growth, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These factors contribute to challenging conditions in cancer treatment by fostering a hypoxic environment, inducing metabolic stress, and creating physical barriers to drug delivery. This article delves into the complex connections between breast cancer treatment response, underlying epigenetic changes, and vital interactions within the TME. To restore sensitivity to treatment, it emphasizes the need for combination therapies considering epigenetic changes specific to individual members of the TME. Recognizing the pivotal role of epigenetics in drug resistance and comprehending the specificities of breast TME is essential for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. The development of reliable biomarkers for patient stratification will facilitate tailored and precise treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Trnkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia; 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Cumova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia; Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia; Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia.
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11
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Gu Q, Ma Z, Wang Q, Dai Y, Shi W, Jiao Z. Knockout of Shcbp1 sensitizes immunotherapy by regulating α-SMA positive cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:601-616. [PMID: 38169303 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23675] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The crucial role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in promoting T-cell exclusion has a significant impact on tumor immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. Therefore, enhancing T-cell infiltration into solid tumors has emerged as a pivotal area of research. We achieved a conventional knockout of Shcbp1 (Shcbp1-/- ) through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and crossed these mice with spontaneous breast cancer MMTV-PyMT mice, resulting in PyMT Shcbp1-/- mice. The different CAF subtypes were detected by flow cytometry analysis (FCA). We evaluated collagen and CAFs levels using Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Primary tumor cells and CAFs were isolated from both PyMT Shcbp1+/+ and PyMT Shcbp1-/- mice. We analyzed CAFs' proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Transwell coculture experiments were performed with primary tumor cells and CAFs to evaluate the role of CAFs in increasing the sensitivity of tumor cells to Erdafitinib. Tumors from PyMT Shcbp1+/+ and PyMT Shcbp1-/- mice were orthotopically transplanted to assess the therapeutic effect of the Erdafitinib and PD-1 combination. CAFs and T-cell infiltration in these tumors were assessed using FCA and IF. Knockout of Shcbp1 leads to a significant reduction in tumor burden, promotes longer survival, and decreases CAFs in MMTV-PyMT. Moreover, knockout of Shcbp1 enhances the sensitivity of Erdafitinib, leading to effective inhibition of CAFs' proliferation and invasion, as well as the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, it results in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in vitro. Meanwhile, Shcbp1-/- CAFs change the sensitivity of Shcbp1-/- tumor cells to Erdafitinib compared to Shcbp1+/+ CAFs. Importantly, knockout of Shcbp1 boosts the effectiveness of Erdafitinib in combination with immune checkpoint blockade therapy by augmenting T-cell infiltration through CAFs regulation in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that knockout of Shcbp1 holds significant potential in enhancing the therapeutic response of Erdafitinib combined with PD-1 antibody treatment, offering promising prospects for future breast cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianlin Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Zhijian Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Qiaoyan Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yiwei Dai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Wengui Shi
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- Biobank of Tumors from Plateau of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
| | - Zuoyi Jiao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- Biobank of Tumors from Plateau of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
- The Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, China
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12
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Affinito A, Quintavalle C, Chianese RV, Roscigno G, Fiore D, D'Argenio V, Thomas G, Savarese A, Ingenito F, Cocca L, Nuzzo S, Berezovski MV, Stoppelli MP, Condorelli G. MCT4-driven CAF-mediated metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer microenvironment is a vulnerability targetable by miR-425-5p. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:140. [PMID: 38485929 PMCID: PMC10940713 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01910-x] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple oncogenic alterations contribute to breast cancer development. Metabolic reprogramming, deeply contributing to tumor microenvironment (TME) education, is now widely recognized as a hallmark of cancer. The reverse Warburg effect induces cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to produce and secrete L-lactate, enhancing malignant characteristics such as neoangiogenesis, metastatic dissemination, and treatment resistance. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 4 is involved in lactate efflux from CAFs into stromal and epithelial cells. Here, we first assess the expression of miR-425-5p and its target MCT4 in breast cancer CAFs and normal fibroblasts. We analyzed the metabolic changes induced by miR-425-5p in CAFs and its role in the education of breast cancer epithelial cells. We show that miR-425-5p-induced MCT4 knockdown decreased lactate extrusion from CAFs and its availability in the TME. miR-425-5p overexpression induced profound metabolic transformation in CAFs, ultimately influencing breast cancer metabolism. Furthermore, miR-425-5p impaired the capacity of CAFs to sustain vessel formation and breast cancer cell migration, viability, and proliferation. These findings emphasize the key role of miR-425-5p in breast cancer metabolism and aggressiveness, and its possible importance for breast cancer therapy and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Affinito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- AKA Biotech, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Quintavalle
- Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Vincenzo Chianese
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Roscigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Fiore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria D'Argenio
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Open University, Roma, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Savarese
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ingenito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenza Cocca
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maxim V Berezovski
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences and John L. Holmes Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
- Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), CNR, Naples, Italy.
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Li Y, Lin K, Ren X, Xu J, Yuan H, Bian L, He Y. Activated fibroblasts induce immune escape of TSCC through CCL25/AKT pathway. Oral Dis 2024; 30:448-461. [PMID: 36437627 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accumulating evidence suggests that activated fibroblasts are the key cells in the T-cell response to tumor immunosuppression. We attempted to investigate the effect of activated fibroblasts on PD-L1 expression and the related immune escape mechanism in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS Western blotting, qPCR, and other techniques were used to study the expression of PD-L1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells and the nude mouse model of transplanted tumors in vivo; clinical tissue samples were verified. In addition, we established a direct coculture model of T cells and tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells explore the mechanisms of immune escape. RESULTS We found that PDGF-BB induces fibroblast activation by facilitating the oversecretion of chemokine CCL25. Further analysis showed that CCL25 derived from activated fibroblasts activated the Akt signaling pathway to promote PD-L1 expression. The activated fibroblasts inhibited T-cell IFN-γ secretion through the CCL25/Akt/PD-L1 pathway, which indirectly inhibited T-cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Activated fibroblasts can induce the high expression of PD-L1 in the oral and tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Cal-27 via the CCL25/CCR9/p-Akt axis, to significantly inhibit the proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells and promote the immune escape of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Li
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ken Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaobin Ren
- Department of Periodontology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Haiming Yuan
- Department of Oral Prevention, Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Bian
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yongwen He
- Department of Dental Research, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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14
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Dou T, Li J, Zhang Y, Pei W, Zhang B, Wang B, Wang Y, Jia H. The cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is an important marker for predicting therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368687. [PMID: 38487526 PMCID: PMC10937353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368687] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, the incidence rate of breast cancer ranks first among new-onset malignant tumors in women. The tumor microenvironment is a hot topic in tumor research. There are abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment that play a protumor or antitumor role in breast cancer. During the treatment of breast cancer, different cells have different influences on the therapeutic response. And after treatment, the cellular composition in the tumor microenvironment will change too. In this review, we summarize the interactions between different cell compositions (such as immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes) in the tumor microenvironment and the treatment mechanism of breast cancer. We believe that detecting the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is able to predict the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for breast cancer and benefit to combination administration of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyao Dou
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yaochen Zhang
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wanru Pei
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Binyue Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongyan Jia
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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15
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Rasti Boroojeni F, Naeimipour S, Lifwergren P, Abrahamsson A, Dabrosin C, Selegård R, Aili D. Proteolytic remodeling of 3D bioprinted tumor microenvironments. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025002. [PMID: 38128125 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad17d1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In native tissue, remodeling of the pericellular space is essential for cellular activities and is mediated by tightly regulated proteases. Protease activity is dysregulated in many diseases, including many forms of cancer. Increased proteolytic activity is directly linked to tumor invasion into stroma, metastasis, and angiogenesis as well as all other hallmarks of cancer. Here we show a strategy for 3D bioprinting of breast cancer models using well-defined protease degradable hydrogels that can facilitate exploration of the multifaceted roles of proteolytic extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression. We designed a set of bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne functionalized hyaluronan (HA)-based bioinks cross-linked by azide-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) degradable azide-functionalized peptides. Bioprinted structures combining PEG and peptide-based hydrogels were proteolytically degraded with spatial selectivity, leaving non-degradable features intact. Bioprinting of tumor-mimicking microenvironments using bioinks comprising human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and fibroblast in hydrogels with different susceptibilities to proteolytic degradation shows that MCF-7 proliferation and spheroid size were significantly increased in protease degradable hydrogel compartments, but only in the presence of fibroblasts. In the absence of fibroblasts in the stromal compartment, cancer cell proliferation was reduced and did not differ between degradable and nondegradable hydrogels. The interactions between spatially separated fibroblasts and MCF-7 cells consequently resulted in protease-mediated remodeling of the bioprinted structures and a significant increase in cancer cell spheroid size, highlighting the close interplay between cancer cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment and the influence of proteases in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rasti Boroojeni
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sajjad Naeimipour
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Philip Lifwergren
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Selegård
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Aili
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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16
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Goggins E, Mironchik Y, Kakkad S, Jacob D, Wildes F, Bhujwalla ZM, Krishnamachary B. Reprogramming of VEGF-mediated extracellular matrix changes through autocrine signaling. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2184145. [PMID: 37389973 PMCID: PMC10012930 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2184145] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays key roles in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and wound healing. In cancers, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), VEGF has been associated with increased invasion and metastasis, processes that require cancer cells to traverse through the extracellular matrix (ECM) and establish angiogenesis at distant sites. To further understand the role of VEGF in modifying the ECM, we characterized VEGF-mediated changes in the ECM of tumors derived from TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells engineered to overexpress VEGF. We established that increased VEGF expression by these cells resulted in tumors with reduced collagen 1 (Col1) fibers, fibronectin, and hyaluronan. Molecular characterization of tumors identified an increase of MMP1, uPAR, and LOX, and a decrease of MMP2, and ADAMTS1. α-SMA, a marker of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), increased, and FAP-α, a marker of a subset of CAFs associated with immune suppression, decreased with VEGF overexpression. Analysis of human data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program confirmed mRNA differences for several molecules when comparing TNBC with high and low VEGF expression. We additionally characterized enzymatic changes induced by VEGF overexpression in three different cancer cell lines that clearly identified autocrine-mediated changes, specifically uPAR, in these enzymes. Unlike the increase of Col1 fibers and fibronectin mediated by VEGF during wound healing, in the TNBC model, VEGF significantly reduced key protein components of the ECM. These results further expand our understanding of the role of VEGF in cancer progression and identify potential ECM-related targets to disrupt this progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eibhlin Goggins
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yelena Mironchik
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Samata Kakkad
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Desmond Jacob
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Flonne Wildes
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zaver M. Bhujwalla
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Balaji Krishnamachary
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Garnique ADMB, Machado-Santelli GM. Characterization of 3D NSCLC Cell Cultures with Fibroblasts or Macrophages for Tumor Microenvironment Studies and Chemotherapy Screening. Cells 2023; 12:2790. [PMID: 38132110 PMCID: PMC10742261 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242790] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of 3D cell culture has increased in recent years as a model that mimics the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is characterized by exhibiting cellular heterogeneity, allowing the modulation of different signaling pathways that enrich this microenvironment. The TME exhibits two main cell populations: cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). The aim of this study was to investigate 3D cell cultures of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) alone and in combination with short-term cultured dermal fibroblasts (FDH) and with differentiated macrophages of the THP-1 cell line. Homotypic and heterotypic spheroids were morphologically characterized using light microscopy, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Cell viability, cycle profiling and migration assay were performed, followed by the evaluation of the effects of some chemotherapeutic and potential compounds on homotypic and heterotypic spheroids. Both homotypic and heterotypic spheroids of NSCLC were generated with fibroblasts or macrophages. Heterotypic spheroids with fibroblast formed faster, while homotypic ones reached larger sizes. Different cell populations were identified based on spheroid zoning, and drug effects varied between spheroid types. Interestingly, heterotypic spheroids with fibroblasts showed similar responses to the treatment with different compounds, despite being smaller. Cellular viability analysis required multiple methods, since the responses varied depending on the spheroid type. Because of this, the complexity of the spheroid should be considered when analyzing compound effects. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the behavior and response of NSCLC cells in 3D microenvironments, providing valuable insights for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glaucia Maria Machado-Santelli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ave., Prof, Lineu Prestes, 1524, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
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19
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Huang X, Li L, Ou C, Shen M, Li X, Zhang M, Wu R, Kou X, Gao L, Liu F, Luo R, Wu Q, Gong C. Tumor Environment Regression Therapy Implemented by Switchable Prune-to-Essence Nanoplatform Unleashed Systemic Immune Responses. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303715. [PMID: 37875395 PMCID: PMC10724435 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Coevolution of tumor cells and surrounding stroma results in protective protumoral environment, in which abundant vessel, stiff structure and immunosuppression promote each other, cooperatively incurring deterioration and treatment compromise. Reversing suchenvironment may transform tumors from treatment-resistant to treatment-vulnerable. However, effective reversion requires synergistic comprehensive regression of such environment under precise control. Here, the first attempt to collaboratively retrograde coevolutionary tumor environment to pre-oncogenesis status, defined as tumor environment regression therapy, is made for vigorous immune response eruption by a switchable prune-to-essence nanoplatform (Pres) with simplified composition and fabrication process. Through magnetic targeting and multimodal imaging of Pres, tumor environment regression therapy is guided, optimized and accomplished in a trinity way: Antiangiogenesis is executed to rarefy vessels to impede tumor progression. By seizing the time, cancer associated fibroblasts are eliminated to diminish collagen and loosen the stiff structure for deep penetration of Pres, which alternately functioned in deeper tumors, forming a positive feedback loop. Through this loop, immune cell infiltration, immunosuppression mitigation and immunogenic cells death induction are all fulfilled and further escalated in the regressed environment. These transformations consequently unleashed systemic immune responses and generated immune memory against carcinoma. This study provides new insights intotreatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhou Huang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Chunqing Ou
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Meiling Shen
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xinchao Li
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xiaorong Kou
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Medical OncologyCancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Furong Liu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Rui Luo
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Qinjie Wu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Changyang Gong
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
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20
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Ma B, Li F, Ma B. Down-regulation of COL1A1 inhibits tumor-associated fibroblast activation and mediates matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220776. [PMID: 38045487 PMCID: PMC10693014 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0776] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) on tumor-associated fibroblast activation and matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Cells were divided into the blank control, negative control, and siRNA-COL1A1 groups, or HKF control, HKF + exosomes (EXO), HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO, and HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture groups. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR detected gene expressions. COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, and TGF-β1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that compared with blank and negative control groups, COL1A1 expression and the secretion of exosomes by breast cancer cells were inhibited in the siRNA-COL1A1 group. Compared with the HKF control group, the COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were increased, while the E-cadherin and CAV-1 were decreased in the HKF + EXO, HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO, and HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture groups. Compared with HKF + EXO and HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO co-culture groups, the COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and FAP were decreased, and the E-cadherin and CAV-1 were increased in the HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture group. Collectively, COL1A1 down-regulation may inhibit exosome secretion possibly via inhibiting COL Ⅰ and upregulating CAV-1, thereby inhibiting tumor-associated fibroblast activation and matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi830011, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Thyriod and Breast Surgery, West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Binlin Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 789 Suzhou East Street, Urumqi830011, Xinjiang, China
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21
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Zhu QM, Li HX, Ma PQ, Wu LX, Wang TH, Li WB, Zhang L, Yang X, Kong X, Sun YL, Yan T. A potential immunotherapy target for breast cancer: parenchymal and immune-stromal expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1163. [PMID: 38031068 PMCID: PMC10685553 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11609-4] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain‑containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a critical component of the innate immune system. It has been known to play an important role in the carcinogenesis and prognosis of breast cancer patients. While the clinical evidence of the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and long-term survival is still limited, the possible roles of parenchymal or immune-stromal cells of breast cancer tissues in contributing to such carcinogenesis and progression still need to be clarified. This study is an analysis of patients receiving breast cancer surgery in a previous clinical trial. METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway-related proteins, including NLRP3, caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), IL-1β, and IL-18, in parenchymal and immune-stromal cells of breast cancer tissues compared to those of adjacent normal tissues, respectively. The relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome expression and clinicopathological characteristics, as well as 5-year survivals were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS In the parenchymal cells, ASC and IL-18 protein levels were significantly up-regulated in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). In the immune-stromal cells, all the five NLRP3 inflammasome pathway-related proteins were significantly elevated in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.05). Carcinoma cell embolus was found to significantly correlate with high NLRP3 expression in parenchymal cells of the tumor (x2=4.592, P=0.032), while the expression of caspase-1 was negatively correlated with tumor progression. Histological grades were found to have a positive correlation with IL-18 expression in immune-stromal cells of the tumor (x2=14.808, P=0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that high IL-18 expression in the immune-stromal cells and the positive carcinoma cell embolus were both associated with poor survival (P < 0.05). The multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model implied that the high IL-18 expression and positive carcinoma cell embolus were both independent risk factors for unfavorable prognosis. CONCLUSIONS The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathways in immune-stromal and tumor parenchymal cells in the innate immune system was not isotropic and the main functions are somewhat different in breast cancer patients. Caspase-1 in parenchymal cells of the tumor was negatively correlated with tumor progression, and upregulation of IL-18 in immune-stromal cells of breast cancer tissues is a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential immunotherapy target. TRIAL REGISTRATION This clinical trial has been registered at the Chictr.org.cn registry system on 21/08/2018 (ChiCTR1800017910).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Mei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hui-Xian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Pei-Qing Ma
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin-Xin Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tai-Hang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wen-Bin Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Suzhou Industrial Park Monash Research Institute of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China
- The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yu-Lin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/ National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Tao Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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22
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Chen JG, Chávez-Fuentes JC, O'Brien M, Xu J, Ruiz E, Wang W, Amin I, Sarfraz I, Guckhool P, Sistig A, Yuan GC, Dries R. Giotto Suite: a multi-scale and technology-agnostic spatial multi-omics analysis ecosystem. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.26.568752. [PMID: 38077085 PMCID: PMC10705291 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.26.568752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Emerging spatial omics technologies continue to advance the molecular mapping of tissue architecture and the investigation of gene regulation and cellular crosstalk, which in turn provide new mechanistic insights into a wide range of biological processes and diseases. Such technologies provide an increasingly large amount of information content at multiple spatial scales. However, representing and harmonizing diverse spatial datasets efficiently, including combining multiple modalities or spatial scales in a scalable and flexible manner, remains a substantial challenge. Here, we present Giotto Suite, a suite of open-source software packages that underlies a fully modular and integrated spatial data analysis toolbox. At its core, Giotto Suite is centered around an innovative and technology-agnostic data framework embedded in the R software environment, which allows the representation and integration of virtually any type of spatial omics data at any spatial resolution. In addition, Giotto Suite provides both scalable and extensible end-to-end solutions for data analysis, integration, and visualization. Giotto Suite integrates molecular, morphology, spatial, and annotated feature information to create a responsive and flexible workflow for multi-scale, multi-omic data analyses, as demonstrated here by applications to several state-of-the-art spatial technologies. Furthermore, Giotto Suite builds upon interoperable interfaces and data structures that bridge the established fields of genomics and spatial data science, thereby enabling independent developers to create custom-engineered pipelines. As such, Giotto Suite creates an immersive ecosystem for spatial multi-omic data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaji George Chen
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | | | - Matthew O'Brien
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Junxiang Xu
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Edward Ruiz
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Iqra Amin
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Irzam Sarfraz
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pratishtha Guckhool
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adriana Sistig
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Guo-Cheng Yuan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ruben Dries
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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23
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Domingues M, Leite Pereira C, Sarmento B, Castro F. Mimicking 3D breast tumor-stromal interactions to screen novel cancer therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 190:106560. [PMID: 37557927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Most of the 3D breast tumor models used in drug screening studies only comprise tumor cells, keeping out other essential cell players of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts are frequently correlated with tumor progression and therapy resistance, and targeting these cells at the tumor site has been appointed as a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the translation of new therapies to the clinic has been hampered by the absence of cellular models that more closely mimic the features of in vivo breast tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the development of innovative 3D models able to provide consistent and predictive responses about the in vivo efficacy of novel therapeutics is still an unmet preclinical need. Herein, we have established an in vitro 3D heterotypic spheroid model including MCF-7 breast tumor cells, human mammary fibroblasts and human macrophages. To establish this model, different cell densities have been combined and characterized through the evaluation of the spheroid size and metabolic activity, as well as histological and immunohistochemistry analysis of the 3D multicellular structures. The final optimized 3D model consisted in a multicellular spheroid seeded at the initial density of 5000 cells and cell ratio of 1:2:1 (MCF-7:monocytes:fibroblasts). Our model recapitulates several features of the breast tumor microenvironment, including the formation of a necrotic core, spatial organization, and extracellular matrix production. Further, it was validated as a platform for drug screening studies, using paclitaxel, a currently approved drug for breast cancer treatment, and Gefitinib, a chemotherapeutic approved for lung cancer and in preclinical evaluation for breast cancer. Generally, the impact on the cell viability of the 3D model was less evident than in 2D model, reinforcing the relevance of such complex 3D models in addressing novel treatment approaches. Overall, the use of a 3D heterotypic spheroid of breast cancer could be a valuable tool to predict the therapeutic effect of new treatments for breast cancer patients, by recapitulating key features of the breast cancer microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Domingues
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; CESPU - Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal.
| | - Flávia Castro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
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24
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Fu X, Deng Y, Xu H, Shu Y, Chen HN. Selenium metabolism heterogeneity in pan-cancer: insights from bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15535-15551. [PMID: 37648807 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05333-6] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selenium, a natural microelement with both nutritional and toxicological properties, is intertwined with tumorigenesis and progression. However, it is not fully understood how selenium metabolism affects immune response and cancer biology. METHODS We estimated selenium metabolism by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to delineate the selenium metabolism landscape using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and a integrated pan-cancer single-cell dataset. We systematically explored the prognostic implications of selenium metabolism and selenium-related regulatory patterns. The therapeutic value of selenium metabolism was explored through machine learning and examined in several immunotherapy cohorts. The heterogeneity and underlying mechanism of selenium metabolism were investigated by cell‒cell communication analysis at the single-cell level. RESULTS A GSEA analysis based on 86 genes was used to evaluate the selenium metabolism landscape. The selenium metabolism score exhibited prognostic value in predicting the lower risk of mortality, possibly due to its correlation with multiple cancer hallmarks, including a positive correlation with complement (R = 0.761, P < 0.001), inflammatory response (R = 0.663, P < 0.001), apoptosis (R = 0.626, P < 0.001), hypoxia (R = 0.587, P < 0.001), reactive oxygen species (ROS) (R = 0.558, P < 0.001), and interferon gamma response (R = 0.539, P < 0.001). We also observed heterogeneity in the relationship between selenium metabolism and immunity across different cancers. Based on selenium-related genes, we constructed a machine learning model with area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.82 in predicting immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy response. Single-cell selenium metabolism quantification revealed that adjacent and tumor tissues had higher selenium metabolism compared with normal tissues, especially in epithelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. The communication between high-selenium epithelium and high-selenium fibroblast was significantly higher than other cells, especially in cytokines, chemokines, collagen, Wnt, VEGF, IGF and FGF pathways. CONCLUSION Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of selenium metabolism levels and diverse regulatory patterns in different cancers, deepening the understanding of selenium's roles in tumorigenesis and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiqi Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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25
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Zhang Y, Lv N, Li M, Liu M, Wu C. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: tumor defenders in radiation therapy. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:541. [PMID: 37607935 PMCID: PMC10444767 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment that are involved in multiple aspects of cancer progression and considered contributors to tumor immune escape. CAFs exhibit a unique radiation resistance phenotype, and can survive clinical radiation doses; however, ionizing radiation can induce changes in their secretions and influence tumor progression by acting on tumor and immune cells. In this review, we describe current knowledge of the effects of radiation therapies on CAFs, as well as summarizing understanding of crosstalk among CAFs, tumor cells, and immune cells. We highlight the important role of CAFs in radiotherapy resistance, and discuss current and future radiotherapy strategies for targeting CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Na Lv
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Manshi Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.
| | - Chunli Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China.
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26
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Ding J, Ji X, Liu L, Chen DZ, Luo N, Yu XT, Guo F. A prognostic and immunological analysis of 7B-containing Kelch structural domain (KLHDC7B) in pan-cancer: a potential target for immunotherapy and survival. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7857-7876. [PMID: 37039902 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04738-7] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE KLHDC7B is a member of Kelch family, with a Kelch domain in the C-terminal half, which plays a role in various cellular events, such as cytoskeletal arrangement, protein degradation, gene expression. Although there is increasing evidence supporting KLHDC7B's vital role in tumorigenesis, a systematic analysis of KLHDC7B in cancers remains lacking. Therefore, we intended to investigate the prognostic value for KLHDC7B across 33 cancer types and explore its potential immunological function. METHODS GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus database) and TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atla) database were used to explore the role of KLHDC7B in 33 cancers. TIMER2, GEPIA2 and Kaplan-Meier plotter were utilized to explore the KLHDC7B expression level and prognostic value in different cancers. The pan cancer genetic variation and DNA methylation of KLHDC7B were analyzed by cBioPortal and MEXPRESS. TIMER2 was employed to investigate the correlation between KLHDC7B expression and immune infiltration. The relationship of KLHDC7B expression with TMB (tumor mutational burden) and MSI (microsatellite instability) were evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. Finally, by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, the underlying mechanisms of KLHDC7B in tumor pathophysiology were further investigated. RESULTS KLHDC7B expression level was related to pathological stages, MSI, TMB, immune checkpoint and immune cell infiltration in most cancers. Especially, we found that the KLHDC7B expression was negatively correlated with the immune infiltration of Myeloid derived suppressor cells into TGCT and GBM. Additionally, survival analysis showed that the expression of KLHDC7B was connected with overall survival (OS) in 3 cancers and disease-free survival (DFS) in 5 cancers. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis revealed that the KLHDC7B collecting genes and binding proteins are related to the function of proteins and immune response. CONCLUSION KLHDC7B demonstrates strong clinical utility as markers of prognostic and immune response in pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatong Ding
- Ningbo Institute for Medicine & Biomedical Engineering Combined Innovation, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Xunhui Ji
- Ningbo Institute for Medicine & Biomedical Engineering Combined Innovation, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Lanqi Liu
- Ningbo Institute for Medicine & Biomedical Engineering Combined Innovation, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - De-Zhi Chen
- Ningbo Institute for Medicine & Biomedical Engineering Combined Innovation, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Nan Luo
- Ningbo Institute for Medicine & Biomedical Engineering Combined Innovation, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Ningbo Institute for Medicine & Biomedical Engineering Combined Innovation, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China.
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27
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Hogstrom JM, Cruz KA, Selfors LM, Ward MN, Mehta TS, Kanarek N, Philips J, Dialani V, Wulf G, Collins LC, Patel JM, Muranen T. Simultaneous isolation of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer organoids and fibroblasts reveals stroma-mediated resistance mechanisms. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105021. [PMID: 37423299 PMCID: PMC10415704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer kills more than 600,000 women annually. Although HR+ breast cancers typically respond well to therapies, approximately 30% of patients relapse. At this stage, the tumors are usually metastatic and incurable. Resistance to therapy, particularly endocrine therapy is typically thought to be tumor intrinsic (e.g., estrogen receptor mutations). However, tumor-extrinsic factors also contribute to resistance. For example, stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), residing in the tumor microenvironment, are known to stimulate resistance and disease recurrence. Recurrence in HR+ disease has been difficult to study due to the prolonged clinical course, complex nature of resistance, and lack of appropriate model systems. Existing HR+ models are limited to HR+ cell lines, a few HR+ organoid models, and xenograft models that all lack components of the human stroma. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more clinically relevant models to study the complex nature of recurrent HR+ breast cancer, and the factors contributing to treatment relapse. Here, we present an optimized protocol that allows a high take-rate, and simultaneous propagation of patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and matching CAFs, from primary and metastatic HR+ breast cancers. Our protocol allows for long-term culturing of HR+ PDOs that retain estrogen receptor expression and show responsiveness to hormone therapy. We further show the functional utility of this system by identifying CAF-secreted cytokines, such as growth-regulated oncogene α , as stroma-derived resistance drivers to endocrine therapy in HR+ PDOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny M Hogstrom
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kayla A Cruz
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura M Selfors
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Madelyn N Ward
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tejas S Mehta
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naama Kanarek
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jordana Philips
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vandana Dialani
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gerburg Wulf
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura C Collins
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jaymin M Patel
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taru Muranen
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Lu G, Du R, Dong J, Sun Y, Zhou F, Feng F, Feng B, Han Y, Shang Y. Cancer associated fibroblast derived SLIT2 drives gastric cancer cell metastasis by activating NEK9. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:421. [PMID: 37443302 PMCID: PMC10344862 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The secretory properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play predominant roles in shaping a pro-metastatic tumor microenvironment. The present study demonstrated that SLIT2, an axon guidance protein, produced by CAFs and promoted gastric cancer (GC) metastasis in two gastric cancer cell lines (AGS and MKN45) by binding to roundabout guidance receptor 1 (ROBO1). Mass-spectrometry analysis revealed that ROBO1 could interact with NEK9, a serine/threonine kinase. And their mutual binding activities were further enhanced by SLIT2. Domain analysis revealed the kinase domain of NEK9 was critical in its interaction with the intracellular domain (ICD) of ROBO1, and it also directly phosphorylated tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28) and cortactin (CTTN) in AGS and MKN45 cells. TRIM28 function as a transcriptional elongation factor, which directly facilitate CTTN activation. In addition, Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation identified transcriptional regulation of STAT3 and NF-κB p100 by TRIM28, and a synergetic transcription of CTTN by STAT3 and NF-κB p100 was also observed in AGS and MKN45. Therefore, CAF-derived SLIT2 increased the expression and phosphorylation levels of CTTN, which induced cytoskeletal reorganization and GC cells metastasis. A simultaneous increase in the expression levels of NEK9, TRIM28 and CTTN was found in metastatic GC lesions compared with paired non-cancerous tissues and primary cancer lesions via IHC and Multiplex IHC. The analysis of the data from a cohort of patients with GC revealed that increased levels of NEK9, TRIM28 and CTTN were associated with a decreased overall survival rate. On the whole, these findings revealed the connections of CAFs and cancer cells through SLIT2/ROBO1 and inflammatory signaling, and the key molecules involved in this process may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, National Key Discipline of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rui Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jiaqiang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Fenli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Li Y, Wang C, Huang T, Yu X, Tian B. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer metastasis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1194835. [PMID: 37496657 PMCID: PMC10367093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1194835] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer deaths are primarily caused by metastasis. There are several treatment options that can be used to treat breast cancer. There are, however, a limited number of treatments that can either prevent or inhibit the spread of breast tumor metastases. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies are needed. Studies have increasingly focused on the importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in metastasis of breast cancer. As the most abundant cells in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer pathogenesis. They can remodel the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and engage in crosstalk with cancer cells or other stroma cells by secreting growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, as well as components of the ECM, which assist the tumor cells to invade through the TME and cause distant metastasis. Clinically, CAFs not only foster the initiation, growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer but also serve as biomarkers for diagnosis, therapy, and prediction of prognosis. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics and subtypes of CAFs and their functions in breast cancer metastasis, focusing on their important roles in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Recent studies suggest that CAFs are vital partners of breast cancer cells that assist metastasis and may represent ideal targets for prevention and treatment of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department II, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xijie Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bole Tian
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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30
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Gu X, Zhang R, Sun Y, Ai X, Wang Y, Lyu Y, Wang X, Wu Y, Wang Z, Feng N, Liu Y. Oral membrane-biomimetic nanoparticles for enhanced endocytosis and regulation of tumor-associated macrophage. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:206. [PMID: 37403048 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterocyte uptake with high binding efficiency and minor endogenous interference remains a challenge in oral nanocarrier delivery. Enterocyte membrane-biomimetic lipids may universally cooperate with endogenous phosphatidyl choline via a biorthogonal group. In this study, we developed a sophorolipid-associated membrane-biomimetic choline phosphate-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid hybrid nanoparticle (SDPN). Aided by physical stability in the gastrointestinal tract and rapid mucus diffusion provided by association with sophorolipid, these nanoparticles show improved endocytosis, driven by dipalmitoyl choline phosphate-phosphatidyl choline interaction as well as its optimized membrane fluidity and rigidity. Luteolin- and silibinin-co-loaded with SDPN alleviated breast cancer metastasis in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice by regulating the conversion of tumor-associated M2 macrophages into the M1 phenotype and reducing the proportion of the M2-phenotype through co-action on STAT3 and HIF-1α. In addition, SDPN reduces angiogenesis and regulates the matrix barrier in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, this membrane-biomimetic strategy is promising for improving the enterocyte uptake of oral SDPN and shows potential to alleviate breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Rongguang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Yingwei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Xinyi Ai
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Yaqi Lyu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yihan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Zhi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China
| | - Nianping Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China.
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, P R China.
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Xiong J, Fu F, Yu F, He X. Advances of exosomal miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:65. [PMID: 37160813 PMCID: PMC10169985 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00674-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a tumor with the highest fatalities among female malignant tumors. This disease has no typical symptoms in its early stage, and most of the patients are in an advanced stage when being treated. The treatment effect is poor and it is easy to develop chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to clarify the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, explore its early diagnosis of biomarkers, and discover new treatment methods. As a carrier of intercellular information and genetic material transfer, exosomes are widely distributed in body fluids (e.g. blood and urine), which are regarded as latent tumor markers and take effects on tumor occurrence and invasion. Several articles have recently signified that exosomal miRNAs are widely implicated in the formation of the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment, disease initiation and progression, and the generation of chemotherapy resistance. This article reviews the research on exosomal miRNAs in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China
| | - Fen Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China
| | - Feng Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China
| | - Xiaoju He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China.
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32
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Zahari S, Syafruddin SE, Mohtar MA. Impact of the Cancer Cell Secretome in Driving Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092653. [PMID: 37174117 PMCID: PMC10177134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease resulting from the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in breast epithelial cells. Despite remarkable progress in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer continues to be the most prevalent cancer affecting women worldwide. Recent research has uncovered a compelling link between breast cancer onset and the extracellular environment enveloping tumor cells. The complex network of proteins secreted by cancer cells and other cellular components within the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a critical player in driving the disease's metastatic properties. Specifically, the proteins released by the tumor cells termed the secretome, can significantly influence the progression and metastasis of breast cancer. The breast cancer cell secretome promotes tumorigenesis through its ability to modulate growth-associated signaling pathways, reshaping the tumor microenvironment, supporting pre-metastatic niche formation, and facilitating immunosurveillance evasion. Additionally, the secretome has been shown to play a crucial role in drug resistance development, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Understanding the intricate role of the cancer cell secretome in breast cancer progression will provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of this disease and aid in the development of more innovative therapeutic interventions. Hence, this review provides a nuanced analysis of the impact of the cancer cell secretome on breast cancer progression, elucidates the complex reciprocal interaction with the components of the tumor microenvironment and highlights emerging therapeutic opportunities for targeting the constituents of the secretome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syazalina Zahari
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Effendi Syafruddin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - M Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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33
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Liao H, Li H, Dong J, Song J, Chen H, Si H, Wang J, Bai X. Melatonin blunts the tumor-promoting effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts by reducing IL-8 expression and reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110194. [PMID: 37080066 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies on melatonin have focused on tumor cells but have ignored the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially one of its important components, the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Therefore, we attempted to explore the role of melatonin in TME. METHODS We investigated the regulatory role of melatonin in the tumor-promoting effect of CAFs and its underlying mechanism by using cell and animal models. RESULTS CAFs promoted tumor progression, but melatonin weakened the tumor-promoting effect of CAFs. Compared with tumor cells, IL-8 was mainly expressed in CAFs. CAFs-overexpressing IL-8 induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells, and a positive crosstalk was observed between CAFs and tumor cells undergoing EMT, thereby further promoting the IL-8 expression. Melatonin suppressed this crosstalk by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, thereby impeding the IL-8 expression from CAFs. Importantly, melatonin reversed CAFs-derived IL-8-mediated EMT by inhibiting the AKT pathway. Melatonin was found to directly and indirectly inhibit tumor progression. CONCLUSION Our research reveals the potential action mechanism of melatonin in regulating the CAF-tumor cell interaction and suggests the potential of melatonin as an adjuvant of tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Liao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huayan Li
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Junhua Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jin Song
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongye Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Huiyan Si
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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34
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Azari M, Bahreini F, Uversky VN, Rezaei N. Current therapeutic approaches and promising perspectives of using bioengineered peptides in fighting chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115459. [PMID: 36813121 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a collation of malignancies that manifest in the mammary glands at the early stages. Among breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) shows the most aggressive behavior, with apparent stemness features. Owing to the lack of response to hormone therapy and specific targeted therapies, chemotherapy remains the first line of the TNBC treatment. However, the acquisition of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents increase therapy failure, and promotes cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. Invasive primary tumors are the birthplace of cancer burden, though metastasis is a key attribute of TNBC-associated morbidity and mortality. Targeting the chemoresistant metastases-initiating cells via specific therapeutic agents with affinity to the upregulated molecular targets is a promising step in the TNBC clinical management. Exploring the capacity of peptides as biocompatible entities with the specificity of action, low immunogenicity, and robust efficacy provides a principle for designing peptide-based drugs capable of increasing the efficacy of current chemotherapy agents for selective targeting of the drug-tolerant TNBC cells. Here, we first focus on the resistance mechanisms that TNBC cells acquire to evade the effect of chemotherapeutic agents. Next, the novel therapeutic approaches employing tumor-targeting peptides to exploit the mechanisms of drug resistance in chemorefractory TNBC are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Azari
- School of Chemical Engineering-Biotechnology, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Bahreini
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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35
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Gibson SV, Roozitalab RM, Allen MD, Jones JL, Carter EP, Grose RP. Everybody needs good neighbours: the progressive DCIS microenvironment. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:326-338. [PMID: 36739265 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a pre-invasive form of breast cancer where neoplastic luminal cells are confined to the ductal tree. While as many as 70% of DCIS cases will remain indolent, most women are treated with surgery, often combined with endocrine and radiotherapies. Overtreatment is therefore a major issue, demanding new methods to stratify patients. Somewhat paradoxically, the neoplastic cells in DCIS are genetically comparable to those in invasive disease, suggesting the tumour microenvironment is the driving force for progression. Clinical and mechanistic studies highlight the complex DCIS microenvironment, with multiple cell types competing to regulate progression. Here, we examine recent studies detailing distinct aspects of the DCIS microenvironment and discuss how these may inform more effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayin V Gibson
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Reza M Roozitalab
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Michael D Allen
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - J Louise Jones
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Edward P Carter
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Richard P Grose
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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36
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Zhang H, Chen G, Feng X, Song H, Meng L, Fu Y, Yang J, Fan Z, Ding Y, Du Z, Wang J, Yang L, Zhang J, Sun L, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Li Q, Fan X. Targeting WDxR motif reprograms immune microenvironment and inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e15924. [PMID: 36947051 PMCID: PMC10165360 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The WD-repeat (WDR) family affects carcinogenesis, but its role in the immune microenvironment is poorly characterized. Although functional loss or gain of WDR6 does not markedly change in vitro proliferative and invasive capacity of HCC cells, its deficiency in hepa1-6 cells drastically inhibits the growth and lung metastasis of orthotopically implanted tumors in immune-competent C57BL/6J mice. Mechanistically, WDR6 targets tumor suppressor UVRAG to the CUL4A-DDB1-ROC1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex through a unique WDxR motif and promotes its degradation. This upregulates chromatin accessibility at the TNFα locus by blocking autophagic degradation of p65, elevates intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) number, and reduces CD8+ T cell infiltration, thereby promoting HCC progression. These immunosuppressive effects are reversed by TNFα blockade. TNFα recruits NF-κB to activate the transcription of WDR6, establishing a WDR6-TNFα loop. Clinically, the WDR6/UVRAG/NF-κB pathway is hyperactivated in HCC, predicting a poor prognosis. Importantly, a WDxR-like peptide disrupts the WDR6/UVRAG complex and enhances the efficiency of anti-PD-L1 against HCC with WDR6 dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiang Ya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Feng
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Huiwen Song
- Department of Cardiology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingbing Meng
- Departments of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Youxiang Ding
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijie Du
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianchao Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixia Sun
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The Affiliated Wuhu hospital of ECNU, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The Affiliated Wuhu hospital of ECNU, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Robert-Wood-Johnson Medical School University Hospital, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- National Center for International Research of Biological Targeting Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Quanhai Li
- Cell Therapy Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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37
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Mao X, Zhou D, Lin K, Zhang B, Gao J, Ling F, Zhu L, Yu S, Chen P, Zhang C, Zhang C, Ye G, Fong S, Chen G, Luo W. Single-cell and spatial transcriptome analyses revealed cell heterogeneity and immune environment alternations in metastatic axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:679-695. [PMID: 36040519 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03278-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor heterogeneity plays essential roles in developing cancer therapies, including therapies for breast cancer (BC). In addition, it is also very important to understand the relationships between tumor microenvironments and the systematic immune environment. METHODS Here, we performed single-cell, VDJ sequencing and spatial transcriptome analyses on tumor and adjacent normal tissue as well as axillar lymph nodes (LNs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 8 BC patients. RESULTS We found that myeloid cells exhibited environment-dependent plasticity, where a group of macrophages with both M1 and M2 signatures possessed high tumor specificity spatially and was associated with worse patient survival. Cytotoxic T cells in tumor sites evolved in a separate path from those in the circulatory system. T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires in metastatic LNs showed significant higher consistency with TCRs in tumor than those in nonmetastatic LNs and PBMCs, suggesting the existence of common neo-antigens across metastatic LNs and primary tumor cites. In addition, the immune environment in metastatic LNs had transformed into a tumor-like status, where pro-inflammatory macrophages and exhausted T cells were upregulated, accompanied by a decrease in B cells and neutrophils. Finally, cell interactions showed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contributed most to shaping the immune-suppressive microenvironment, while CD8+ cells were the most signal-responsive cells. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the cell structures of both micro- and macroenvironments, revealed how different cells diverged in related contexts as well as their prognostic capacities, and displayed a landscape of cell interactions with spatial information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Mao
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.,Medical Engineering Technology Research and development center of Immune Repertoire in Foshan, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Kairong Lin
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.,Medical Engineering Technology Research and development center of Immune Repertoire in Foshan, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Beiying Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.,Medical Engineering Technology Research and development center of Immune Repertoire in Foshan, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Juntao Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, BNRist; Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Ling
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lewei Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Sifei Yu
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.,Medical Engineering Technology Research and development center of Immune Repertoire in Foshan, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Peixian Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Chuling Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.,Medical Engineering Technology Research and development center of Immune Repertoire in Foshan, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Chunguo Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.,Medical Engineering Technology Research and development center of Immune Repertoire in Foshan, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Guolin Ye
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Simon Fong
- Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Guoqiang Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.
| | - Wei Luo
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China. .,Medical Engineering Technology Research and development center of Immune Repertoire in Foshan, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.
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Sarkar M, Nguyen T, Gundre E, Ogunlusi O, El-Sobky M, Giri B, Sarkar TR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: The chief architect in the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1089068. [PMID: 36793444 PMCID: PMC9923123 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1089068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major players in tumor stroma. The heterogeneous sources of origin and subsequent impacts of crosstalk with breast cancer cells flaunt serious challenges before current therapies to cure triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and other cancers. The positive and reciprocal feedback of CAFs to induce cancer cells dictates their mutual synergy in establishing malignancy. Their substantial role in creating a tumor-promoting niche has reduced the efficacy of several anti-cancer treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Over the years, there has been an emphasis on understanding CAF-induced therapeutic resistance in order to enhance cancer therapy results. CAFs, in the majority of cases, employ crosstalk, stromal management, and other strategies to generate resilience in surrounding tumor cells. This emphasizes the significance of developing novel strategies that target particular tumor-promoting CAF subpopulations, which will improve treatment sensitivity and impede tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the origin and heterogeneity of CAFs, their role in tumor progression, and altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents in breast cancer. In addition, we also discuss the potential and possible approaches for CAF-mediated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Tristan Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Esheksha Gundre
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Olajumoke Ogunlusi
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohanad El-Sobky
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Biplab Giri
- Department of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, English Bazar, India,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
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Yan J, Chen Y, Luo M, Hu X, Li H, Liu Q, Zou Z. Chronic stress in solid tumor development: from mechanisms to interventions. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:8. [PMID: 36707854 PMCID: PMC9883141 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress results in disturbances of body hormones through the neuroendocrine system. Cancer patients often experience recurrent anxiety and restlessness during disease progression and treatment, which aggravates disease progression and hinders treatment effects. Recent studies have shown that chronic stress-regulated neuroendocrine systems secret hormones to activate many signaling pathways related to tumor development in tumor cells. The activated neuroendocrine system acts not only on tumor cells but also modulates the survival and metabolic changes of surrounding non-cancerous cells. Current clinical evidences also suggest that chronic stress affects the outcome of cancer treatment. However, in clinic, there is lack of effective treatment for chronic stress in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms by which chronic stress regulates the tumor microenvironment, including functional regulation of tumor cells by stress hormones (stem cell-like properties, metastasis, angiogenesis, DNA damage accumulation, and apoptotic resistance), metabolic reprogramming and immune escape, and peritumor neuromodulation. Based on the current clinical treatment framework for cancer and chronic stress, we also summarize pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to provide some directions for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Yan
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Yibing Chen
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Minhua Luo
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Hongsheng Li
- grid.410737.60000 0000 8653 1072Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510095 China
| | - Quentin Liu
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510631 China ,grid.411971.b0000 0000 9558 1426Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044 Liaoning China
| | - Zhengzhi Zou
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China ,grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Spectral Analysis and Functional Probes, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts induce growth and radioresistance of breast cancer cells through paracrine IL-6. Cell Death Dis 2023; 9:6. [PMID: 36635302 PMCID: PMC9837084 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01306-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In breast cancer, the most numerous stromal cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are associated with disease progression and chemoresistance. However, few studies have explored the function of CAFs in breast cancer cell radiosensitivity. Here, CAF-derived conditioned media was observed to induce breast cancer cell growth and radioresistance. CAFs secrete interleukin 6 (IL-6) which activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, thus promoting the growth and radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Treatment with an inhibitor of STAT3 or an IL-6 neutralizing antibody blocked the growth and radioresistance induced by CAFs. In in vivo mouse models, tocilizumab (an IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody) abrogated CAF-induced growth and radioresistance. Moreover, in breast cancer, a poor response to radiotherapy was associated with IL-6 and p-STAT3 expression. These results indicated that IL-6 mediates cross-talk between breast cancer cells and CAFs in the tumor microenvironment. Our results identified the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway as an important therapeutic target in breast cancer radiotherapy.
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Wang B, Liu W, Liu C, Du K, Guo Z, Zhang G, Huang Z, Lin S, Cen B, Tian Y, Yuan Y, Bu J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Radioresistance of Breast Cancer Cells via the HGF/c-Met Signaling Pathway. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022:S0360-3016(22)03679-3. [PMID: 36586496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an integral part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is involved in therapy resistance. This study aimed to investigate the role of CAFs in radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS The CAFs were isolated from the breast cancer tissues, and the conditioned medium was collected to culture breast cancer cells. Radiation-induced DNA damage was evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Cytokine array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to analyze the secretion of cytokines and growth factors. An in vitro clonogenic survival assay and in vivo xenograft mouse model were performed to determine the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. Finally, the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-Met in the breast cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The CAFs were found to secrete HGF to activate the c-Met signaling pathway, which induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, growth, and radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, radiation was observed to enhance HGF secretion by CAFs and increase c-Met expression in breast cancer cells, which led to HGF/c-Met signaling pathway activation. Moreover, radiation-induced tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) secretion by breast cancer cells promoted CAF proliferation and HGF secretion. Additionally, HGF and c-Met high expression were associated with worse recurrence-free survival in patients with breast cancer who had received radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed that HGF and TNFα are critical for the crosstalk between breast cancer cells and CAFs in the TME and that the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway is a promising therapeutic target for radiosensitizing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chunshan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kunpeng Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhaoze Guo
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guoqian Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhong Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shuhui Lin
- Department of Oncology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bohong Cen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunhong Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yawei Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Oncology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Junguo Bu
- Department of Oncology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Breast Cancer Exosome-Derived miR-425-5p Induces Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Like Properties in Human Mammary Fibroblasts by TGF β1/ROS Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5266627. [PMID: 36506936 PMCID: PMC9729028 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5266627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The connection between the cellular microenvironment and tumor cells is crucial for tumor progression. However, the process by which normal fibroblasts (NFs) become cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is unknown, and mounting evidence suggests that some microRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in converting NFs into CAFs. Breast cancer (BC) has been proven to have enhanced miR-425-5p expression in order to support progression. We discovered that human mammary fibroblasts (HMFs) could uptake BC cell line-derived exosomes to change their properties, promoting the switch to the CAF phenotype and increasing cell motility, as evidenced by an increase in CAF activation-related marker protein expression and cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Transfection of exosomes is obtained from BC cells, and miR-425-5p inhibitors suppressed the aforementioned effects as well as lowered chemokine levels and gene expression related with proliferation and metastasis. By suppressing the expression of its target gene TGFβRII (TGFβ1 receptor), miR-425-5p enhanced the transition of HMFs to the CAF phenotype. MDA-MB-231 cells and CAFs stimulated by HMF absorption of MDA-MB-23-derived exosomes showed similar proliferation, invasion, migration, and expression of -SMA, FAP, CXCL1, IL-6, TGFβ1, P21, P27, Ki67, vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, α-catenin, fibronectin, and MMP-2. TGFβ1 overexpression enhanced ROS production. Finally, we found that HMFs transiently transfected with miR-425-5p can promote tumor growth in vivo. Finally, these findings provide fresh insight on miR-425-5p as an important mediator of the interaction between BC cells and stroma.
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Emerging Potentials of Nanotherapeutics in Breast Cancer Microenvironment Targeting. OPENNANO 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Sharma G, Pothuraju R, Kanchan RK, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. Chemokines network in bone metastasis: Vital regulators of seeding and soiling. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:457-472. [PMID: 35124194 PMCID: PMC9744380 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines are well equipped with chemo-attractive signals that can regulate cancer cell trafficking to specific organ sites. Currently, updated concepts have revealed the diverse role of chemokines in the biology of cancer initiation and progression. Genomic instabilities and alterations drive tumor heterogeneity, providing more options for the selection and metastatic progression to cancer cells. Tumor heterogeneity and acquired drug resistance are the main obstacles in managing cancer therapy and the primary root cause of metastasis. Studies emphasize that multiple chemokine/receptor axis are involved in cancer cell-mediated organ-specific distant metastasis. One of the persuasive mechanisms for heterogeneity and subsequent events is sturdily interlinked with the crosstalk between chemokines and their receptors on cancer cells and tissue-specific microenvironment. Among different metastatic niches, skeletal metastasis is frequently observed in the late stages of prostate, breast, and lung cancer and significantly reduces the survival of cancer patients. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the role of chemokines and their receptors in metastasis and bone remodeling. Here, we review the potential chemokine/receptor axis in tumorigenesis, tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and vicious cycle in bone microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ranjana Kumari Kanchan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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Ingthorsson S, Traustadottir GA, Gudjonsson T. Cellular Plasticity and Heterotypic Interactions during Breast Morphogenesis and Cancer Initiation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215209. [PMID: 36358627 PMCID: PMC9654604 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review aims to discuss the structure, function and dynamics of the breast gland and how changes to the function of the breast’s cells can lead to different types of cancer. Abstract The human breast gland is a unique organ as most of its development occurs postnatally between menarche and menopause, a period ranging from 30 to 40 years. During this period, the monthly menstruation cycle drives the mammary gland through phases of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, facilitated via a closely choreographed interaction between the epithelial cells and the surrounding stroma preparing the gland for pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, maximal differentiation is reached to prepare for lactation. After lactation, the mammary gland involutes to a pre-pregnant state. These cycles of proliferation, differentiation, and involution necessitate the presence of epithelial stem cells that give rise to progenitor cells which differentiate further into the luminal and myoepithelial lineages that constitute the epithelial compartment and are responsible for the branching structure of the gland. Maintaining homeostasis and the stem cell niche depends strongly on signaling between the stem and progenitor cells and the surrounding stroma. Breast cancer is a slowly progressing disease whose initiation can take decades to progress into an invasive form. Accumulating evidence indicates that stem cells and/or progenitor cells at different stages, rather than terminally differentiated cells are the main cells of origin for most breast cancer subgroups. Stem cells and cancer cells share several similarities such as increased survival and cellular plasticity which is reflected in their ability to switch fate by receiving intrinsic and extrinsic signals. In this review, we discuss the concept of cellular plasticity in normal breast morphogenesis and cancer, and how the stromal environment plays a vital role in cancer initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saevar Ingthorsson
- Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of nursing and midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gunnhildur Asta Traustadottir
- Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Pathology, Landspitali University Hospital, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorarinn Gudjonsson
- Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Laboratory Hematology, Landspitali University Hospital, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Correspondence:
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Qiu X, Cai J, Yang Z, Song F. Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Lung Cancer Cells Induce Transformation of Normal Fibroblasts into Lung Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Promote Metastasis of Lung Cancer by Delivering lncRNA HOTAIR. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:3805013. [PMID: 36267242 PMCID: PMC9578906 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3805013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human lung cancer (LC) cells A549/H358, normal lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B, and lung normal fibroblasts (NFs) were cultured, followed by transfection of H358 cells with HOTAIR shRNA. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from H358 cells were identified. The internalization of Dil-labeled-EVs by NFs was tested, and protein levels of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) surface markers, inflammatory cytokines, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and lncRNA HOTAIR levels were determined. A549 cells were cultured in an H358-EVs-treated conditioned medium of NFs (NFCM), followed by intravenous injection of A549 cells into nude mice. The lesions and Ki-67-positive cells in lung tissues were measured. The results showed that tumor cell-derived EVs (T-EVs) motivated the transformation of NFs into CAFs. Specifically, EVs can be internalized by NFs, and the protein levels of CAF surface markers and inflammation levels were elevated in H358-EVs-treated NFs. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of A549 cells cultured in T-EVs-treated NFCM were increased. H358-EVs carried HOTAIR into NFs and promoted the transformation of NFs into CAFs. Inhibition of HOTAIR partially reversed the promoting effect of H358-EVs on the transformation of NFs into CAFs and invasion and migration of LC cells. T-EVs promoted metastasis of LC in vivo by transforming NFs into CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhang
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xin Qiu
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhenzhou Yang
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Fangzhou Song
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Xia J, Zhang S, Zhang R, Wang A, Zhu Y, Dong M, Ma S, Hong C, Liu S, Wang D, Wang J. Targeting therapy and tumor microenvironment remodeling of triple-negative breast cancer by ginsenoside Rg3 based liposomes. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:414. [PMID: 36109762 PMCID: PMC9479350 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01623-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemotherapy effect of docetaxel (DTX) against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains mediocre and limited when encapsulated in conventional cholesterol liposomes, mainly ascribed to poor penetration and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) caused by tumor stroma cells, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Many studies have attempted to address these problems but trapped into the common dilemma of excessively complicated formulation strategies at the expense of druggability as well as clinical translational feasibility. To better address the discrepancy, ginsenoside Rg3 was utilized to substitute cholesterol to develop a multifunctional DTX-loaded Rg3 liposome (Rg3-Lp/DTX). The obtained Rg3-Lp/DTX was proved to be preferentially uptake by 4T1 cells and accumulate more at tumor site via the interaction between the glycosyl moiety of Rg3 exposed on liposome surface and glucose transporter1 (Glut1) overexpressed on tumor cells. After reaching tumor site, Rg3 was shown to reverse the activated CAFs to the resting stage and attenuate the dense stroma barrier by suppressing secretion of TGF-β from tumor cells and regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling. Therefore, reduced levels of CAFs and collagens were found in TME after incorporation of Rg3, inducing enhanced penetration of Rg3-Lp/DTX in the tumor and reversed immune system which can detect and neutralize tumor cells. Compared with wooden cholesterol liposomes, the smart and versatile Rg3-Lp/DTX could significantly improve the anti-tumor effect of DTX, providing a promising approach for TNBC therapy with excellent therapeutic efficacy and simple preparation process.
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Holter JC, Chang CW, Avendano A, Garg AA, Verma AK, Charan M, Ahirwar DK, Ganju RK, Song JW. Fibroblast-derived CXCL12 increases vascular permeability in a 3-D microfluidic model independent of extracellular matrix contractility. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:888431. [PMID: 36118583 PMCID: PMC9478647 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.888431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an active role in remodeling the local tumor stroma to support tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The CAF-secreted chemokine, CXCL12, has been directly implicated in the tumorigenic progression of carcinomas, including breast cancer. Using a 3-D in vitro microfluidic-based microtissue model, we demonstrate that stromal CXCL12 secreted by CAFs has a potent effect on increasing the vascular permeability of local blood microvessel analogues through paracrine signaling. Moreover, genetic deletion of fibroblast-specific CXCL12 significantly reduced vessel permeability compared to CXCL12 secreting CAFs within the recapitulated tumor microenvironment (TME). We suspected that fibroblast-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and contraction indirectly accounted for this change in vessel permeability. To this end, we investigated the autocrine effects of CXCL12 on fibroblast contractility and determined that antagonistic blocking of CXCL12 did not have a substantial effect on ECM contraction. Our findings indicate that fibroblast-secreted CXCL12 has a significant role in promoting a leakier endothelium hospitable to angiogenesis and tumor cell intravasation; however, autocrine CXCL12 is not the primary upstream trigger of CAF contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Holter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Chia-Wen Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Alex Avendano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ayush A. Garg
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ajeet K. Verma
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Manish Charan
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Dinesh K. Ahirwar
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, RJ, India
| | - Ramesh K. Ganju
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan W. Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Del'haye GG, Nulmans I, Bouteille SP, Sermon K, Wellekens B, Rombaut M, Vanhaecke T, Vander Heyden Y, De Kock J. Development of an adverse outcome pathway network for breast cancer: a comprehensive representation of the pathogenesis, complexity and diversity of the disease. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2881-2897. [PMID: 35927586 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs), introduced in modern toxicology, intend to provide an evidence-based representation of toxicological effects and facilitate safety assessment of chemicals not solely based on laboratory animal in vivo experiments. However, some toxicological processes are too complicated to represent in one AOP. Therefore, AOP networks are developed that help understanding and predicting toxicological processes where complex exposure scenarios interact and lead to the emergence of the adverse outcome. In this study, we present an AOP network for breast cancer, developed after an in-depth survey of relevant scientific literature. Several molecular initiating events (MIE) were identified and various key events that link the MIEs with breast cancer were described. The AOP was developed according to Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) guidance, weight of evidence was assessed through the Bradford Hill criteria and confidence was tested by the OECD key questions. The AOP network provides a straightforward understanding of the disease onset and progression at different biological levels. It can be used to pinpoint knowledge gaps, identify novel therapeutic targets and act as a stepping stone for the development of novel in vitro test methods for hazard identification and risk assessment of newly developed chemicals and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gigly G Del'haye
- Research Group of Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemometrics and Molecular Modeling, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium. .,Research Group of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ine Nulmans
- Liver Therapy & Evolution Team, Research Group of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sandrine P Bouteille
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien Sermon
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Brecht Wellekens
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias Rombaut
- Liver Therapy & Evolution Team, Research Group of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Liver Therapy & Evolution Team, Research Group of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yvan Vander Heyden
- Research Group of Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemometrics and Molecular Modeling, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joery De Kock
- Liver Therapy & Evolution Team, Research Group of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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50
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Zheng Z, Duan A, Dai R, Li Y, Chen X, Qin Y, Ren S, Li R, Cheng Z, Zhang R. A "Dual-Source, Dual-Activation" Strategy for an NIR-II Window Theranostic Nanosystem Enabling Optimal Photothermal-Ion Combination Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201179. [PMID: 35665998 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The activatable imaging technique in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) utilizes the stimulation of cancer-associated biomarkers for specific imaging to guide precise NIR-II photothermal therapy. However, most activatable nanoprobes with single-source stimulation are insufficient in providing comprehensive information regarding the tumor, severely restricting the therapeutic optimization, especially in NIR-II photothermal therapy (PTT)-based combination therapy. Herein, a "dual-source, dual-activation" strategy-based multifunctional nanosystem, PPAC, is reported as a promising tool for activatable NIR-II fluorescence (FL)/ratiometric photoacoustic (PA) imaging-guided "localization-timing" photothermal-ion therapy (PTIT). A fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-responsive peptide to modify the surface of Pd nanosheets with excellent NIR-II absorption ability can efficiently cross-link BSA-CQ4T to realize NIR-II FL quenching, followed by the loading of Ag to construct the PPAC. Triggered by the specific cleavage with FAP on the perivascular cancer-associated fibroblasts (first source), the PPAC can correspondingly release BSA-CQ4T for rapid fluorescence recovery. The nanosystems are subsequently taken up by tumor cells, where the overexpressed H2 O2 (second source) promotes the oxidation of Ag shell to Ag+ , and further leads the real-time ratiometric PA signals (Ag-PA660/Pd-PA1050) that can monitor the Ag+ ions-related production efficiency and therapeutic performance. Intelligent integration of dual-modality imaging information can comprehensively provide the right time-point and site-specificity for selective NIR-II PTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziliang Zheng
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
- Department of Radiology, Third hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Ailin Duan
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Rong Dai
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Radiology, Third hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Xuejiao Chen
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - YuFei Qin
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Shilei Ren
- Information and Communication Engineering, School of Information and Communication Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Bio-X Program, and Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ruiping Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Third hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
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